Cambridge sits at the confluence of the Grand and Speed rivers in Ontario's Region of Waterloo, about an hour west of Toronto. It was formed in 1973 by merging three older communities — Galt, Preston, and Hespeler — and that layered history is still visible on the ground. Walk through Galt's downtown and you'll find a compact Victorian streetscape built mostly of local limestone, unusually intact for a city of this size.
The Grand River is the spine of the city. It winds through downtown Galt past stone mills and old factory buildings, several of which have been converted into shops and restaurants. The riverwalk paths are pleasant and largely flat — good for a morning run or a slow afternoon wander.
Cambridge is a working industrial city rather than a tourist destination, but it rewards a visit for anyone passing through the Waterloo Region. The antique scene is genuine: several dealers operate here, drawing buyers from Kitchener, Guelph, and beyond. Day trips to Waterloo (for the university town atmosphere) and Elora (for the gorge) are easy from here.