Parking at Waterloo Park
Parking inside Waterloo Park is limited, and the City asks drivers to save those spots for people who need them most. Around the edge are four City lots that are free on evenings and weekends, plus free parking at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex. The park has its own ION station.
Facts checked October 6, 2026
Official parking
| Lot or garage | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lots inside the park[1] | Westmount (West Entrance off Westmount Rd N), Central (off Central St) and Young Street (East Entrance off Albert St) | Limited spaces; no fee or time limit postedThe park, lots included, is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Erb Lot (formerly Museum Lot)[2] | South-east edge of the park, near Erb St and Father David Bauer Dr | First 2 hours free weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m., then $3.50 an hour (HonkMobile); free evenings and weekends |
| Perimeter Lot[3] | Beside Silver Lake and the Perimeter Institute | Permit parking weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with 2 hours free; free evenings and weekends |
| Dupont Lot[3] | Near Dupont St and Caroline St N | Pay and display weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; free evenings and weekends |
| Bauer Lot[3] | Father David Bauer Dr, south side of the park | Permit holders only weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; free evenings and weekends |
| Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex[5] | 101 Father David Bauer Dr, across from the park | FreeThe City doesn’t say whether it’s only for rec centre users. |
| University of Waterloo Lot C[6] | University Ave W at Seagram Dr (enter from Seagram Dr), north-west of the park | $10 a day, paid with the AMP app |
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Street parking and rules
- Inside the park, park in the lots, not on the park roads.[1]
- City parks, including their parking lots, are closed from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.[7]
- The City lists street parking on Father David Bauer Drive as nearby parking.[1]
- City streets allow up to 3 hours free unless signs say otherwise; staying longer is a $42 ticket.[8]
- No street parking from 2:30 to 6 a.m. without registering, and the lots around the park aren’t overnight lots.[15]
- No vehicle may be in a University of Waterloo lot from 3 to 6 a.m.[14]
- On July 1 there’s no parking at the Community Picnic, and the Westmount Road entrance is closed to cars.[13]
- Accessible parking is available in all Waterloo Park lots.[1]
Free parking
- Erb Lot: the first 2 hours are free on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it’s free on evenings and weekends.[2]
- The Bauer, Perimeter and Dupont lots are free on evenings and weekends.[3]
- Parking at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex is free.[5]
- Accessible permit holders don’t pay in City lots, except at the Uptown Parkade.[9]
Getting there without a car
- ION’s Laurier-Waterloo Park Station is in the park, on Seagram Dr at the Laurel Trail.[10]
- GRT’s walking times to the Bandshell: 7 minutes from Laurier-Waterloo Park Station, 7 minutes from route 202 at Westmount / Father David Bauer, 5 minutes from routes 12 and 29 at University Ave / Ring Rd.[11]
- The City also lists Waterloo Public Square and Willis Way ION stations, and bus routes 5, 12, 29 and 202.[1]
- Bike parking is at the splash pad, the west side play area and the rec complex. The Laurel Trail through the park is open 24 hours.[1]
Monthly parking
Monthly permits in the City lots around the park, 2026, HST included: Bauer $107.80, Erb $141.25, Perimeter and Dupont $148.67. Email parking@waterloo.ca or call 519-886-1550. Or rent a private driveway nearby; Parkeas hosts in Waterloo can list theirs.[4]
All parking in WaterlooCommon questions
Is parking free at Waterloo Park?
The City’s page lists no fee for the three lots inside the park, but spaces are limited. Around the park, the Erb, Perimeter, Dupont and Bauer lots are free on evenings and weekends, the Erb Lot gives 2 free hours on weekdays, and the rec complex lot is free.
Where do I park for the Waterloo Park Bandshell?
The closest lot is at the West Entrance off Westmount Road North. By transit, the Bandshell is a 7-minute walk from Laurier-Waterloo Park ION station.
Where do I park for Wonders of Winter?
Cars aren’t allowed in the festival area. The organizers list the Seagram lot beside the ION station, the Central lot, the Museum (Erb) lot and the rec complex on Father David Bauer Drive, or take ION to Laurier-Waterloo Park.
Can I park at Waterloo Park on July 1?
There’s no parking at the Community Picnic, and the Westmount Road entrance is closed to cars that day. Walk, cycle, take transit or use a nearby lot.
What time does Waterloo Park close?
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and park lots close with it. The Laurel Trail stays open 24 hours.
Have a driveway near Waterloo Park?
Listing is free. Set your own price and hours, and Parkeas pays you out every week.
Sources
- City of Waterloo: Waterloo Park hours, map and parking
- City of Waterloo: Find parking in Waterloo
- City of Waterloo: Uptown parking map
- City of Waterloo: Get a monthly parking permit
- City of Waterloo: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex
- University of Waterloo: Lots and rates
- City of Waterloo: City Parks Bylaw
- City of Waterloo: Parking rules and bylaws
- City of Waterloo: Accessible parking
- GRT: Laurier-Waterloo Park station map (PDF)
- GRT: Getting to the Waterloo Park Bandshell
- Wonders of Winter: Directions and parking
- City of Waterloo: July 1 Community Picnic
- University of Waterloo: Parking regulations
- City of Waterloo: Register for overnight parking
Rates and rules change. Check the official page before you park; these were last checked October 6, 2026.
Researched by the Parkeas team from the official pages above. How we check these guides