Discover Waterloo’s Wild Side!
The University of Waterloo’s Environmental Reserve is reached via Frank Tompa Dr. or Bearinger Road.
Cover Photo Credits: © 2016 Roger Suffling
Introduction
EcoPost 10.1 No Money? No Car? No time to visit the northern wilderness? Try University of Waterloo’s Environmental Reserve for a peaceful day trip. Here you can find a lake, wildlife and flowers in plenty along a great walking trail. There’s room for a picnic or a ball game and the campus museums are close by.
Things To Do
We’ve lined up two iconic species for you to look for at UW’s Environmental Reserve and North Campus: The Canada Geese and Monarch Butterflies. However, look out for other wildlife and plants. Water birds are always here, and sometimes some rarities also show up (such as the Prothonotary Warbler seen singing in Spring 2016).
Don’t forget the mundane either! Take a look at the old apple trees around the Brubacher farmhouse and the common but colourful flowers on the lakeside.
Where Next?
Check out the museums on campus, Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Laurel Creek Nature Centre or the Westmount Road Sports Fields EcoPost 6.
Getting Here
Coordinates:
43.475223, -80.553981
By Car: Easy parking is at the West end of Frank Trompa Drive, adjacent to the old Brubacher Farmhouse.
By Bike: Many users will enjoy using the Laurel Trail and a spur that goes west across UW’s North Campus to reach the Environmental Reserve.
By Bus:13, 31 and iExpress201 travel Columbia St. Alternatively the i200 will take you to Frank Trompa Drive and you can walk from there.
Maps and Trails
There is a network of bike and walking trails
Accessibility
 |
On-site ramps |
 |
Boating Not Applicable |
 |
Pet Friendly |
 |
Suitable for Cycling on Trails |