The Walper Terrace Hotel
The SPARKS Symposium's host venue is the historic Walper Terrace Hotel. Located in the heart of Kitchener, Ontario, the Walper has a rich history, unique rooms, sunlit terraces and all the amenities our guests will need during their stay for the Symposium.
Kitchener's Walper Terrace Hotel had humble beginnings as the Varnum Inn and a blacksmith's shop built in 1820 to accommodate travelers. Phineas Varnum also built a log cabin behind the Inn to use as temporary housing for Mennonite immigrants. It was sold in 1836 to Frederick Gaukel becoming Gaukel's Hotel which was sadly destroyed by fire in 1892.
The hotel was rebuilt in 1893 by Abel Walper and his son Currie Walper. It is for these 2, with their vision of the magnificence the Walper was to be, that the hotel is named. Abel and Currie had traveled extensively through Europe and the United States, taking note of the best accommodations these areas had to offer. In Kitchener, Abel Walper realized his ambition of building a beautiful, luxurious hotel in a smaller setting. In 1908 the hotel was purchased by Joseph Zuber who oversaw many additions including the Crystal Ballroom.
Over the years, the Walper has hosted Canada's Prime Ministers, Eleanor Roosevelt, the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Bob Hope, Liberace, and Duke Ellington, amongst many, many more. A portrait of Joseph Zuber gazes down upon the 2nd Floor Lobby. It is said he watches protectively over the events in his beloved hotel. Its old-style beauty and intimate comfort make it, without a doubt a perfect location for the Sparks Symposium. We look forward to many years of this event under Joseph Zuber's blessing.
Kitchener's Walper Terrace Hotel had humble beginnings as the Varnum Inn and a blacksmith's shop built in 1820 to accommodate travelers. Phineas Varnum also built a log cabin behind the Inn to use as temporary housing for Mennonite immigrants. It was sold in 1836 to Frederick Gaukel becoming Gaukel's Hotel which was sadly destroyed by fire in 1892.
The hotel was rebuilt in 1893 by Abel Walper and his son Currie Walper. It is for these 2, with their vision of the magnificence the Walper was to be, that the hotel is named. Abel and Currie had traveled extensively through Europe and the United States, taking note of the best accommodations these areas had to offer. In Kitchener, Abel Walper realized his ambition of building a beautiful, luxurious hotel in a smaller setting. In 1908 the hotel was purchased by Joseph Zuber who oversaw many additions including the Crystal Ballroom.
Over the years, the Walper has hosted Canada's Prime Ministers, Eleanor Roosevelt, the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Bob Hope, Liberace, and Duke Ellington, amongst many, many more. A portrait of Joseph Zuber gazes down upon the 2nd Floor Lobby. It is said he watches protectively over the events in his beloved hotel. Its old-style beauty and intimate comfort make it, without a doubt a perfect location for the Sparks Symposium. We look forward to many years of this event under Joseph Zuber's blessing.
Victoria Park
One of the most picturesque parks, Victoria Park is nestled just a short walk from the Walper Terrace Hotel. The park includes rose gardens, flowering shrubs, mature trees, open spaces, picnic tables, a playground including a creative play area, rest rooms, a soccer/football field, 2 horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, fountains, a band shell where local entertainment is offered and a lake frequented by ducks and swans.
The park is also home to the restored clock tower which once crowned Kitchener's former City Hall, built in 1924. It remained standing until 1973, when the building was demolished.
Weather permitting, the Symposium will be utilizing the beauty and versatility of Victoria Park for an early bird Yoga session, Sunday, August 12, 8:00 AM at the gazebo. Rain location will be the Baroque Room at the Walper.
The park is also home to the restored clock tower which once crowned Kitchener's former City Hall, built in 1924. It remained standing until 1973, when the building was demolished.
Weather permitting, the Symposium will be utilizing the beauty and versatility of Victoria Park for an early bird Yoga session, Sunday, August 12, 8:00 AM at the gazebo. Rain location will be the Baroque Room at the Walper.
