Les meilleurs hôtels à Kitchener

The Germans of these twin cities outside Toronto have long had a strong influence, so much so that Kitchener was actually called Berlin until the First World War prompted a changed name. These days that influence is by far most evident in the annual Oktoberfest celebrations, a riot of polkas, beer, oom-pah-pahs, beer, sausage, and more beer. Did we mention beer? The Oktoberfest is the biggest in the country and attracts fun-loving pilgrims from around the region. But there's also a much tamer German influence here. Traditionally conservative Mennonites are decidedly high-tech in "K-W" - with a boost from the University of Waterloo, Canada's school of choice for soon-to-be computer geeks. The university's server is home to the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, where visitors will find an encyclopedia of the faith. And Wilfrid Laurier University, one of the area's other institutions of higher education, has Lutheran roots. Those universities' grads have helped fuel an emerging high technology sector in K-W. The area also has much to offer - from a wealth of college and amateur sports to theatre to the rolling hills, lakes and beaches of this corner of Southern Ontario.