Cambridge is made up of four distinct areas (Galt, Preston, Hespeler, and Blair), each with its own unique character. Together, they make up one of the most charming cities in Ontario. Here you’ll find stunning historic buildings, beautiful waterfront trails, and increasingly buzz-worthy amenities. Explore this beautiful city with our Guide To Cambridge.
If you’re thinking of moving to Cambridge, here’s what you should know…
General Feel
Cambridge is incredibly family-friendly. It’s also a good place for anyone who enjoys a slower pace of life than you’ll find in Canada’s busiest cities. As you might expect, locals tend to appreciate a healthy dose of neighbourliness. That said, many residents have come from larger urban centres, which is probably part of the reason everyone seems to understand the value of privacy.
Lifestyle Guide To Cambridge
It doesn’t get much better than living in Cambridge, in large part because of the amenities available here. Let’s begin with local shops.
If you’re looking to shop ’till you drop (or just pick up a new set of sheets or pack of socks), you’ll find no shortage of options. In Downtown Cambridge, you’ll find a selection of specialty boutiques that sell everything from stationary to jewellery to home furnishings to tech gadgets.
For unique finds, head to Preston Towne Centre. Here you’ll find a variety of small retailers, including Cedar Chest Thrift Store. This local favourite sells carefully curated secondhand clothing, shoes, furniture, and more. Hespeler Village is equally charming, and it’s a great place to find the perfect gift—whether that’s flowers, a bicycle, or a pretty piece of pottery. Lastly, Cambridge Centre and Smart Centres Cambridge provides an abundance of big box stores.
Feeling peckish? There’s no shortage of local eateries serving up must-try cuisine. If you’re looking to impress someone, Cambridge Mill is your best bet. On the site of a charming old mill, you’ll find fine-dining staples in an elegant space. From flavourful tuna ceviche to perfectly-seared scallops to tenderloin with asparagus and blue cheese, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Other Cambridge favourites include Grain of Salt for authentic Indian food and Q BBQ Public House for smokehouse fare bursting with flavour.
Arts, Culture, & Things To Do
Looking to enjoy the finer things in life? They include the arts, culturally-enriching activities, and activities that are just plain fun! Fortunately, you’ll find all three in Cambridge.
If you’re an art lover, take some time to explore the scene. The popular Queen Square and Preston galleries both feature contemporary art, with a focus on local artists. Meanwhile, the cutting-edge Riverside Gallery is dedicated to architecture and design.
Another way to take in some art—and enjoy fresh air at the same time—is by taking a stroll in the Cambridge Sculpture Garden. It features four permanent work and a series of rotating pieces. Another great place to walk around is the Former Galt Post Office, a national historic site and example of Gothic Revival.
Whether you have a passion for style or you’re interested in learning about the past, you’ll want to check out the Fashion History Museum. Here you’ll find over 10,000 garments, both from hundreds of years ago and today.
Lastly, if you’re an amateur chef (or just someone who appreciates fresh food), the Cambridge Farmers Market is a must-visit. From produce to deli meats to pastries, you’ll find everything you need to prepare an incredible meal. It runs every Saturday, all year long.
Getting Outdoors
If you’re a outdoor enthusiast, you’ll be happy to learn that there’s plenty of green space to enjoy in Cambridge.
One of the top spots is Riverside Park. Here you’ll find nature trails, multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and a splash pad where your little ones can cool down in the summer. At 252 acres, it’s the biggest green space in Cambridge.
Another local favourite is Churchill Park, which offers baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and a children’s playground (among other features). It’s a fantastic place to bring the family on weekends.
You can also enjoy the great outdoors by hitting the links. There’s no better place to do that than in the many golf and country clubs across Cambridge. Options include Galt Country Club and Deer Ridge Golf Club, to name a few.
Real Estate Guide To Cambridge
Cambridge is one of the most in-demand places to live in Ontario, and there’s good reason for that. From East Galt to Preston to Hespeler Village, there’s no shortage of incredible, character-filled neighbourhoods here. They offer a mix of pristine new-builds and charming heritage homes—so buyers have plenty of options.
Whether you’re part of a growing family or you’re a single professional who commutes for work, Cambridge has a home and community just for you. If you’d like to learn more about this charming city, check out the spotlight section of Cambridge Today—we’re major contributors!
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