Top University Towns in Ontario

Ontario’s university-town communities provide some spectacular places for students to live and enjoy their school experience. Let’s look at some top university towns in Ontario that are renowned for their premier schools. 

Waterloo, a major Ontario city with a substantial population, features expansive public parks, excellent museums, and a thriving food scene. Waterloo hosts two distinguished universities: Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo. Both institutions offer a top-notch education across a diverse range of programs. The University of Waterloo is recognized for contributing to the city’s burgeoning technology scene, while Laurier has earned a reputation for its excellence in business education. Given the sizable student populations of both schools, many eateries and bars surround their campuses.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, Hamilton stands as one of the largest and most prominent cities in Ontario. Hamilton has a renowned arts scene, a bustling downtown area, and scenic settings in the Niagara Escarpment. The city is home to McMaster University near the well-known Royal Botanical Gardens. McMaster, an acclaimed research school, has a substantial student population exceeding 30,000. Its picturesque campus includes a large hospital, trails, student housing, and plenty of restaurants.

Not to be confused with a different city across the pond, Canada’s London along the Thames River is a growing metropolis with a vibrant downtown, several captivating museums, and a significant economy. London is home to the University of Western Ontario, one of the province’s biggest and most acclaimed universities. This major institution has over 40,000 students, and the city embraces its substantial student body. Numerous bars and restaurants exude a collegiate ambiance and offer special perks to student patrons. 

Kingston is a sizable community along Lake Ontario featuring preserved historical architecture. With charming museums, a busy downtown, numerous restaurants, and a lively nightlife, Kingston provides a perfect home for its substantial student population. Ranking among Canada’s foremost higher education institutions, Queen’s University serves nearly 30,000 students. Its sprawling campus is just minutes from scenic parks and the waterfront.