Getting to the Festival

This year’s films are playing at the newly-christened Chrysalids Theatre (which used to be called The Gig), 137 Ontario Street North, Kitchener, Ontario, located in the Kitchener downtown core 100km from downtown Toronto.

The official hotel of the WFAC 2010 is the elegant Walper Terrace Hotel. Located conveniently just steps away from the Festival venue, this landmark heritage building and boutique hotel has hosted artists from Duke Ellington to David Copperfield, and personages from all of Canada’s prime ministers to the Queen Mother. The hotel features two restaurants on-site, conference rooms, and 79 guest rooms and suites.

Special rates are available for Festival attendees - ask for the Waterloo Festival block when reserving by phone.

The Festival hotel and theatre are located conveniently near rail, Greyhound and local public transportation.

Getting to the Theatre by GRT

The Festival is an easy walk from the main bus terminal on Charles Street in downtown Kitchener. UW and WLU are less than 15 minutes away via iXpress.

From Toronto by Car

1. Head west on Hwy. 401 towards Kitchener-Waterloo. Go 64.0km (from Hwy. 400/401).
2. Take the Hwy. 8 exit (exit 278) to Cambridge/Kitchener. Go 1.0km.
3. Merge into Hwy. 8 west. Go 7.4km.
4. Continue on King St. East. Go 2.9km.
5. Turn right at Ontario St. North. Go 0.2km.

The Gig Theatre will be on your left. Parking is available nearby (as marked).

From Toronto by Greyhound

There is frequent bus service between Toronto and Kitchener. On the Greyhound website, be sure to select the destination Kitchener St Charles St. W, ON. The Festival theatre is an easy few minutes walk from the bus terminal.

Per currently-available schedules as of October 15th, the last buses that will get you to the first screenings of the day in time are:
- Thursday: GLC 5201, departing Toronto 5:00pm
- Friday: GLC 5201, departing Toronto 5:00pm
- Saturday: GLC 2131, departing Toronto 7:15am
- Sunday: GLC 2137, departing Toronto 11:30am

Earliest busses leaving Kitchener for Toronto, after the last screenings of the day are:
- Thursday: GLC 5881, arriving Toronto 11:10pm
- Friday: you really want to miss Midnight Madness?
- Saturday: you really want to miss Midnight Madness part 2?
- Sunday: GLC 5279, arriving Toronto 8:35pm

Staying in Town

In support of the Festival, the Walper Terrace Hotel is offering an excellent discount to all Festival attendees! Rooms are available starting at only $89 per night from Thursday through Sunday, with suites starting at only $99 per night. Rates are based on single/double occupancy. The hotel is located literally steps away from the Festival theatre, the bus terminal, and restaurants and other amenities.

Walper Terrace Hotel
1 King Street West, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada N2G 1A1
Phone: +1 (519) 745-4321
Toll Free: +1 (800) 265-8749
Fax: +1 (519) 745-3625

Where to park

There is a lot of parking immediately near the theatre, as marked on this map. Generally, street parking is free, but may be limited length Monday through Saturday. Hours are usually clearly-posted. The city lot at Centre Block covers nearly an entire city block, formed by King, Duke, Young and Ontario streets. Parking is free after hours and on Sunday; see posted signs for details. The parking garage on Duke St. has no free parking period, but keeps the car out of any inclement weather (fingers crossed!)