During the summer, when all four stages of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival fill with top quality live theatre, and venues around town echo with the sweet sounds of Stratford Summer Music, visitors to this charming city will find it hard to take a break. A multiple “Communities in Bloom” winner, Stratford’s lush gardens, rambling parks and the meandering Avon River are the perfect setting for the rich architectural beauty of lovely old homes, civic buildings, hotels and Victorian era B&Bs. Add great restaurants and bistros, boutiques, art galleries and studios, an extensive exhibit of hand designed quilts, historic walking tours, the Festival’s Costume Warehouse and lots of swans ‘a swimming’ and you have all the ingredients required for a great getaway all year long.

Recreation & Activities

For a perfect nature adventure, take time to explore more than 104 km along the Avon Trail which connects St. Marys to Conestogo and links first to the Thames Valley Trail and then to the Grand Valley Trail. Or, if a city adventure is more to your liking, stroll along the pleasant streets of Stratford. Podcasts and guides are available so you don’t need to miss any of the city’s charms. Stratford’s parks and pathways welcome walkers, bikers and hikers and connect to trail systems that stretch into Perth County’s rural region. The greens and fare ways of the city’s two golf courses are kept in top condition. Parks are “picnic perfect” with tables for dining and space to relax and watch the “swans a swimming” on the lazy Avon River. On a hot day, a the local pool or a paddleboat ride will cool and calm even the busiest youngsters.

Shopping & Treasures

The streets of Stratford offer retail recreation at its most appealing every day of the year! A leisurely stroll will take you to a wide array of shops in the historic city centre. A marvelous selection of antiques, artwork, jewellery, fashions from hot to haute, collectibles and kids’ toys will delight even the most discerning shopper. Between purchases, you can enjoy gourmet dining at one of Stratford’s famous restaurants, grab a quick snack at a local eatery, or people watch from a sidewalk patio while you sample specially blended teas and coffees. On a sunny day, munch a takeout lunch in one of the beautiful parks along the Avon River. For more shopping information and a list of events visit www.stratfordcitycentre.ca.

Natural Attractions & Architecture

Stratford is the perfect place to stroll. Paths through the city’s parks connect with regional trails that stretch for miles into the surrounding countryside. Bridges across the Avon River link the city centre with friendly neighbourhood streets. Proudly preserved 19th century homes, churches, commercial and civic buildings in the heritage district compliment treelined avenues brimming with gardens. It’s easy to see why Stratford is a multiple prize winner for Communities in Bloom. Heritage and garden tours with maps and audio guides can be downloaded at www.welcometostratford.com.

Music & Theatre

The city of Stratford is home to Stratford Shakespeare Festival, one of the world’s most renowned theatre companies. Select from a varied season including Broadway musicals, familiar classics and exciting new plays on stage at the Festival’s four distinctly different theatres. Opening week is the perfect time to watch for celebrities or be first in line for world-class performances. Throughout the season, special events enrich the theatre experience for young people. Take time to visit the Costume Warehouse and view the amazing creations of skilled designers and prop makers. In July and August, Stratford Summer Music welcomes musicians from around the world. New compositions, classical works and popular music performed on indoor and outdoor stages throughout the city make Summer Music a mecca for music lovers. Although summer in this city of arts and music is a special time, Stratford’s galleries, churches, pubs and restaurants showcase choirs, cabarets, concerts, bands and solo performers all year long.

Fabulous Food

From comforting family-friendly menus to haute cuisine, culinary adventures are an important part of the Stratford experience! Here’s a city that has long been known for its fine restaurants. Try some of the dishes that feature locally made breads and cheeses and fresh fruits, vegetables, beef and pork from the farms of Perth County. Be sure to visit the Stratford Farmers’ Market, year round on Saturday mornings. Epicurean Treks will take you to stop, shop and savour the best tastes for every season of the year. In the fall, sip and sample to your heart’s content when Savour Stratford Perth County Culinary Festival welcomes chefs, farmers and food specialist for two days of cooking demonstrations, tastings, concerts, farmers’ markets and art displays.

Arts & Crafts

Art takes many forms in Stratford. Handmade books, paintings, photography, prints, sculpture, lovinglycrafted quilts, and curios from all over the world appear in shops, studios and galleries throughout the city. Art in the Park, in a lovely setting by the Avon River, is a summer tradition. Gallery Stratford, just a short walk through Upper Queen’s Park, boasts both a permanent collection and temporary exhibits. Factory 163 is an artists’ cooperative offering contemporary art and exciting installations, and is housed in a 19th century warehouse. The Quilt: A Breast Cancer Support Project features more than 80 beautiful handcrafted quilts. www.thequilt.com provides the story of this exhibit. It’s easy to find something very special to remind you of your stay in Stratford.

Festivals & Fairs

The release of the swans marks the true beginning of spring in Stratford. Join the crowd as the swirl of bagpipes herald the march of these elegant birds from their winter enclosures to the Avon River. In June, start tappin’ your toes at the Southwestern Ontario Fiddle and Step-Dance competitions. Before the day is over, you may be dancing in the aisles! On Canada Day, bring the whole family to Stratford City Centre’s historic square for a day of affordable food, fun and frolic. In early September, cheer on your favourite Dragon Boat from the banks of the Avon River. Animals, crafts and the bounty of autumn are exhibited and judged at the Stratford Fall Fair amidst screams of delight from the midway.

Event Calendar