Stratford
Save17 hand-picked places in 8 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Flagship thrust-stage theatre of the renowned Stratford Festival.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Book ahead
1 tip
- Season runs roughly April to October
📷 Photos
- 2
Swan-filled stretch of the Avon River at the heart of town.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Watch the Swan Parade in April
- Riverside paths circle the lake
- Lovely at sunset
📷 Photos
- 3
Formal riverside garden planted with flowers named in Shakespeare's plays.
3 tips
- Free to wander
- Find the bust of Shakespeare
- Best from June to September
📷 Photos
- 4
Restored downtown proscenium theatre, a Stratford Festival venue.
3 tips
- Ideal for musicals and big productions
- Restaurants nearby for pre-show dinner
- Check the Festival schedule
📷 Photos
- 5
Striking new riverside theatre with an intimate thrust stage.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Lobby overlooks the river
- Riverside walkway around the building
📷 Photos
- 6
Large riverside park between downtown and the Festival Theatre.
3 tips
- Pack a picnic before a matinee
- Popular for walking and cycling
- Watch for geese and swans
📷 Photos
- 7
Ornate triangular 1900 city hall on Market Square.
3 tips
- Best photographed from Market Square
- Market Square hosts summer events
- Short walk from the Avon Theatre
📷 Photos
- 8
Riverside spot to rent canoes, kayaks and swan pedal boats.
3 tips
- Open in the warmer months
- Swan boats are fun for families
- Paddle toward the Festival Theatre
📷 Photos
- 9
Main downtown street of heritage storefronts, shops and cafes.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Good for browsing independent shops
- Look for chocolate shops on the side streets
- Lively before evening shows
📷 Photos
- 10
Public art gallery showing contemporary Canadian art.
3 tips
- Check current exhibitions online
- Small and easy to see in an hour
- Gift shop has local crafts
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Stratford tips
Transportation
- Take VIA Rail: Stratford has a station on the VIA Rail line from Toronto through Kitchener, an easy car-free way into town.
- Walk between theatres: The Festival, Avon, Tom Patterson and Studio theatres are all within walking distance of downtown.
- Use Stratford Transit: Local buses connect downtown with residential areas and shopping, useful if you are staying outside the centre.
Security
- Mind the swans: The swans on the Avon River are beautiful but protective, especially in nesting season; keep a respectful distance.
- Watch winter sidewalks: Snow and ice are common in winter; wear shoes with good grip when walking downtown.
- Lock your bike: Stratford is generally safe, but lock bikes and keep valuables out of sight in parked cars near the theatres.
Saving
- Look for discounted tickets: The Stratford Festival offers previews and special pricing; check their website for offers before booking.
- Shop the Farmers Market: The Saturday Stratford Farmers Market has affordable local produce, baked goods and cheese.
- Picnic by the Avon: Grab food from a local shop and picnic in the riverside parks near the Festival Theatre instead of dining out.
Weather/Clothing
- Dress for theatre season: Stratford Festival runs from spring to fall; pack light layers since theatres can be cool inside.
- Prepare for cold winters: Winters are cold and snowy; bring a warm coat, hat, gloves and waterproof boots.
- Bring rain gear: Spring and fall can be rainy and changeable; a compact umbrella or rain jacket is useful between shows.
Cultural
- Dress comfortably for shows: Theatre dress is relaxed in Stratford; smart casual is common but not required.
- Follow the food trails: Stratford has self-guided tasting trails such as the Chocolate Trail and the Bacon and Ale Trail.
- Tip as in Canada: Tip about 15 to 20 percent in restaurants; prices usually exclude the 13 percent HST sales tax.
Local Hacks
- Explore the Shakespearean Gardens: These riverside gardens feature plants mentioned in Shakespeare plays and are free to wander.
- Catch the Swan Parade: In early spring, the swans are walked from their winter pens back to the Avon River in a fun local event.
- Visit St. Jacobs: The St. Jacobs Farmers Market, a short drive away, is a great day trip into Mennonite country.
1-day itineraries in Stratford
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.