Each of the three cities has a unique history, beginning in the early 1800s. Galt, which is still the largest city in Cambridge, gained an early reputation as an industrial hub with quality goods that reached the far ends of the globe. Preston, on the other hand, became famous for its mining industry, as well as the thermal springs that attracted visitors from the northern United States and Ontario. The smallest town of Hespeler was founded as a colony for Mennonites. It became a bustling industrial community; a title it still enjoys today. Cambridge didn't become a municipality until 1973, although considerable resistance met this merge. Each resident of Cambridge still refers to himself or herself as a person from one of the three cities within Cambridge's borders, and today, each town still has a rivalry against the other.
At present, the city still has its roots in industry, but it's known far more for its cultural events, including rock concerts, parades, and the famous Mill Race Festival. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, you'll love the hotel options available throughout Cambridge.
When to Visit Cambridge, ON
By far, the best time to visit Cambridge is in the summer. From June to August, the temperatures hover around 77 degrees during the day and drop to around 60 degrees in the evening. Not only does this make for an enjoyable outdoor experience, but it also makes the weather great for the festival season. In July, Cambridge hosts the annual Mill Race Festival, which honors the city's European roots through music, dance, food, drink, and art. The city also has the Rock the Mill Music Festival, which takes place in July and brings folk music artists from around North America. All proceeds from the event go to the preservation of the historic mill in town. Make sure to book a hotel well ahead of time, as rooms tend to get expensive and fill quickly.
For the winter sports enthusiast, winter offers a phenomenal time to do some cross-country and downhill skiing. There are several ski resorts within an hour or two of Cambridge that offer skiing for everyone, from beginners to experts. From December to March, ski season is at its peak, so don't hesitate to book or you may miss out on the hotel of your choice. If you don't plan to ski, don't forget that Cambridge averages temperatures below freezing, as well as up to a foot of snow a month throughout the season. Therefore, pack accordingly.
Spring is nonpeak season in Cambridge, as the city thaws from its harsh winter. If you're looking for a bargain on a hotel room, this is the ideal time to visit, as there's still plenty to do but without the heavy demand for accommodation. One of the best attractions during this time is the Cambridge Farmers' Market, which opened in 1830 and is Canada's third oldest market. Farmers come from up to 60 miles around to sell some of the freshest meat and produce in the area. Best Health Magazine also ranked this market as one of the top 10 in the country.
Fall is perhaps the most beautiful season in Cambridge, as the foliage changes to vibrant orange, yellow, and brown hues. Temperatures can drop quickly and without warning, so remember to wear layers, especially if you plan to attend the Cambridge Fall Festival. This festival, which has run annually for over 170 years, celebrates fall weather with four days of food, drink, games, rides, and fun for all ages. If you're a bargain hunter, this is another time to pull the trigger on a room to get a steep discount.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Cambridge, ON:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Cambridge, ON. Analyze these illustrations to determine the best seasons to book a room in Cambridge for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Cambridge, ON
If you're looking for something a bit more upscale, head over to the Best Western Plus. Located about 7 miles outside Cambridge, this hotel has everything you need for an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Some of the on-site amenities include an exercise facility, Wi-Fi connection in public areas, complimentary breakfast, hot tub, business center, foreign currency exchange, and free computer terminal. In addition, the Best Western Plus furnishes each room with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, high-speed internet access, and television with satellite programming. With this location, you'll be only a short drive from The Aud, the Waterloo Region Museum, Fairview Park Mall, and the Chicopee Tube Park and ski area.
Just 30 miles outside the city, you'll find even more luxury at the Hampton Inn Mississauga. Although it's not as close as other choices, it gives you the opportunity to explore Mississauga as well as Cambridge. When you stay here, you're within close proximity to attractions such as the Mississauga Heritage Foundation, Erindale Park, the Benares Historic House, the Mississauga Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, and Lake Ontario. After you've explored, you'll love to retire to your opulent room that features conveniences such as high-speed internet access, free newspapers, an in-room safe, comfortable bed, and television with cable programming. On-site attributes include an indoor pool and fitness room.
Affordable Hotel Options in Cambridge, Ontario
3 Star Average Prices: $104.80
Budget accommodation in Cambridge is plentiful if you know where to find it. At the Comfort Inn Cambridge, you'll be located right in the midst of downtown with a short distance to attractions such as the Bear Whistle Golf Club, Conestoga College, the Cambridge Ice Centre, Riverside Park, and the Shade's Mills Conservation Area. Make sure to take advantage of the numerous on-site amenities, including a picnic area with grills, a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Each room features a refrigerator, microwave, 32-inch flat-screen television with cable programming, and a hair dryer.
Another solid budget choice in the area is the Super 8, which offers some great amenities not often seen in a low-cost hotel. This includes a choice of one king bed, one queen bed, or two double beds. In each room, you'll find a coffee maker and tea, refrigerator, microwave, work desk, and television with cable programming. On-site features include a fitness center, outdoor pool, business center, and complimentary breakfast. Plus, the Super 8 is within a short distance to the Wedges 'N Woods Golf Academy, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, the African Lion Safari, and downtown Cambridge.
2 Star Average Prices: $65.05
Top Discounts in Cambridge, Ontario
If you know where to stay, you can save even more money on generous discounts. One of those choices is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Toronto Mississauga, which offers discounts for seniors 62 years of age or older, as well as AARP discounts. Situated just 9 miles from downtown Cambridge, the Fairfield Inn & Suites provides guests with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. In each room, you'll find an LCD television with satellite programming, as well as free toiletries and a hair dryer.
Best Value Options in Cambridge, ON
If you have a little extra money to spend, but don't want to spend it all on accommodation, Cambridge has several midrange hotel options to suit your needs. The Crowne Plaza, located just 9 miles from downtown Cambridge, is the ideal choice for this price range. With just a short walk to Victoria Park, The Museum, and Yuk-Yuk's Comedy Club, there's something entertaining for everyone in your group. Perhaps the best amenity of this hotel is its extensive recreational facilities, which include a fitness center, mini golf course, an indoor swimming pool, two bowling lanes, and a squash court. Each room comes with a work desk, cable television, laptop desk, fridge, microwave, and a spacious layout.
Things to Do in Cambridge, Ontario
No matter what time of year you decide to visit Cambridge, you'll love the entertainment and cultural hotspots located throughout the city. Voted as one of Ontario's top attractions, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory invites guests to peruse the grounds of the building while viewing some of the local butterflies and some of the rarest tropical butterflies on Earth. In addition, the conservatory is home to exotic birds and bizarre bugs for your viewing pleasure.
A visit to Cambridge just isn't a true trip without experiencing one of their festivals or parades. During July, the entire city springs to life with the Rock the Mill Festival, as well as the Mill Race Festival. With dozens of local food vendors, live music, and delicious beer and wine, it's something you can't afford to miss. If you're visiting in winter, make sure to check out Unsilent Night. This Christmas parade through downtown is fun for people of all ages, and it occurs simultaneously with an art walk that showcases some of the brightest talent in the area.
Whether you're looking for a low-cost place to hunker down for an evening or a relaxing, luxurious hotel, you can find the perfect place to fit your tastes and needs in Cambridge.
FAQs about hotels in Cambridge