Mennonite families from Pennsylvania settled the Waterloo region of Ontario during the early nineteenth century, establishing the basis for the rich history and culture of this part of Central Canada. More recently, the cultural diversity of the Waterloo area has been enhanced by immigrants from all over the planet. These immigrants are drawn to the prosperous and diverse economy of the region, and to the two highly respected Universities in the area.

From 1800 to 1803, Swiss Mennonite pioneers came from Pennsylvania to the Waterloo area where they found lush, fertile land to settle on and to farm along the banks of the Grand River. The Waterloo Pioneer Memorial Tower monument was built in 1923 to commemorate these first pioneers. Located near the little town of Doon just east of the Grand, the tower spire has the distinctive Swiss architecture representative of the original settlers' cultural background..

Doon Heritage Crossroads gives you a glimpse into what Waterloo County was like in the early twentieth century. Visit Doon Heritage Crossroads to see how people lived their lives in their homes and farms and how they conducted business nearly a century ago.

The Joseph Schneider Haus Museum and Gallery displays the life of the region in the mid 1800s. It was the home built by Joseph Schneider and his wife Barbara, two of the original Mennonite pioneers who came from Pennsylvania's Lancaster County at the turn of the 19th Century.

Homer Watson was a noted local artist of the Waterloo Region. He was known as the "Man of Doon" since Doon was the site of his home and studio. Homer Watson House & Gallery preserves his studio and also host art classes and workshops and includes an exhibition of contemporary art.

The 10th Prime Minister of Canada was William Lyon Mackenzie King. He was also the longest ever serving Prime Minister. He was born in what was then called Berlin, now known as Kitchener as the name was changed during WWI. The home he grew up in has been restored to its 1890's state and is located at Woodside National Historic Site.

Castle Kilbride was built in Baden in 1877 by James Livingston and named after his birthplace in Scotland. Seen from the road it dominates its surroundings with its clean Italianate design capped by a towering belvedere.