Ontario Road Trip: Stratford Ontario
- Lyn (aka Jazz)
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
Are you looking for a great getaway in Ontario? Stratford is a charming city on the Avon River, about two hours from Toronto. The streets are lined with Victorian buildings, gardens, and unique shops. Stratford is best known for the Stratford Festival, which stages modern and Shakespearean plays in several theatres throughout the summer. Festival tickets can get pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities for the budget traveller. Stratford could be explored in a day, but I recommend spending at least a few days. This will give you plenty of time to meander, enjoy free and ticketed performances, and explore the local shops and restaurants.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Stratford, Ontario
Stratford, Ontario, sits on land that was traditionally home to Indigenous peoples, notably the Anishinabek Nation and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. European settlement began in 1832, with the area initially known as "Little Thames." The town was soon renamed Stratford, with the river becoming the Avon, reflecting its English namesake, Stratford-upon-Avon. The mid-19th century saw Stratford's growth accelerate with the arrival of the railway, transforming it into a vital railway hub. Later on, while the railway industry declined, Stratford reinvented itself culturally. Most notably, in 1953, the Stratford Shakespearean Festival, now the Stratford Festival, was established, and it has since become a world-renowned cultural institution. This festival, alongside the city's well-preserved 19th-century architecture, has shaped Stratford's identity, blending its industrial past with a vibrant arts and tourism sector.
Exploring the City of Stratford, Ontario
Stratford has many fantastic hotels, guesthouses, and Bed&Breakfast choices. I hadn't realized I was arriving during the World in a Weekend Festival, so vacancies were scarce. Luckily, I found a great queen room through AirBnB called Sue & Al's Place on Caledonia Street (open for guests seasonally May - Sept). I had a spacious and comfortable room within walking distance of everything I wanted to explore: the neighbourhood, the theatres, parks, and the downtown core. I parked my car for the entire stay. I had a shared bathroom in one of two guest rooms on the second floor. There was a coffee and muffin station set out every morning.
There are many things to do and see in this lovely town, and these are my top suggestions based on my 3-day visit.
Meander Along the Avon River
Start by going for a stroll along the Avon River. I walked along the river to Tom Patterson Island, named for the man who made the Festival happen. This beautiful park has lovely walking trails and also hosts outdoor dining events. During the winter, the island is decorated with (free) elaborate light displays for the annual Lights on Stratford Winter Festival. It is a venue for Stratford Festival performances in the summer and fall.
The island has many commemorative benches. Some are memorials, but others mark engagements, marriages, or are in gratitude to prominent townspeople. Stop and sit for a while and enjoy watching the world go by.
A fun activity is to rent a boat and paddle along the river. I had a choice between a paddle boat or a canoe from Avon Boathouse Rentals. I chose a canoe to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and pretty bridges at a very leisurely pace. Other travellers may choose a motorized tour.
The ducks and swans are used to humans and followed me around, hoping for a snack. If you want to treat the birds, make sure it is seed or grain. Bread should never be offered. The town keeps 24 swans, which are a town symbol. Every April, the swans move from their cozy winter quarters across the road to the river. This swan parade is a big deal and attracts many spectators.
The bandstand was the site of an important union rally, which was in pursuit of safety and fair wages. I watched free performances by two concert bands here.
Wander Around the Shakespearean Gardens
The nearby Shakespearean Gardens is one of Stratford's best and most budget-friendly activities, especially during the summer months when the plants are in bloom. The garden includes more than 60 varieties of plants, including all those mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. Municipal workers and dedicated volunteers maintain it.
In the 1930s, a local, Thomas Orr, had an idea to increase tourism by creating gardens, capitalizing on the connection between the English town and river of the same name and the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The primary industry, furniture manufacturing, was going through turbulent times as unions and owners clashed. Community leaders knew they needed another sector to survive. The success of this garden led another town leader, journalist Tom Patterson, to deepen this connection by creating the Shakespeare Festival twenty years later.
The garden includes a bust of Shakespeare and the last remaining chimney of the 19th-century Dufton Woolen Mill. Although small, I enjoyed every garden bed and flower for two hours.
Shop Downtown
You will find something interesting in the boutiques and stores. Whether looking for great coffee and snacks, clothing, home decor, or unique gifts, you will find that Stratford is a great place to find just what you didn't know you wanted. The main shopping street is Ontario Street, but wandering further, you will discover many more shops and boutiques near the beautiful City Hall on Downie Street. One of the joys of a road trip is not having to worry about fitting purchases into a suitcase, and I took full advantage of that perk. I found several pieces of fun garden decor and a large wall sign for my music room that I instantly fell in love with.
If you are looking for a patio or terrace to enjoy a cool beverage and a snack, you'll need to look behind the buildings. Expect a great social atmosphere, but the views are generally over parking lots.
Attend the World in a Weekend Festival
I arrived the first weekend in August, which is the World in a Weekend Festival, a fun weekend of live music and puppetry performances by local, national, and international artists. There are many free performances for families, children, and adults. Colourful characters roam the streets and concerts are held on barges floating in the river.
Locals and visitors bring chairs or blankets to sit in the shade along the river banks or other public performance venues, many enjoying a picnic. I saw various performances, including Bùmarang, a Celtic trio featuring a harpist, fiddler, and musician who played whistles, pipes, flutes, and other woodwinds. Their repertoire seemed perfect for the location and atmosphere.
I was delighted by the fiddler's little boy. At one point, he decided he wanted Mum’s attention. Dad expertly diverted him, telling the little one he needed to help Mommy by playing along so the audience could get the full effect. It was a very serious responsibility.
My favourite performance was by the Shuffle Demons, a jazz group. Their performance was even more lively than their suits. They thoroughly engaged the audience, including those who took the opportunity to dance. I enjoyed their performance so much that I attended three performances that weekend.
Take a Walking Tour
Stopping in the tourist information office, I discovered a wealth of information and fun self-guided walking trails. The ones that immediately caught my eye were the Chocolate Trail and the Bacon & Ale Trail. The Bacon & Ale Trail introduces visitors to the pork and brewing history of the area. Participants purchase a set of 5 vouchers, which can be redeemed at participating businesses (one voucher per establishment). Each company offers a treat appropriate to the theme. The vouchers do not expire, so you don't have to use all of them on the same day. You can do the trail in a day or over the entire year. I chose the Chocolate Trail, which includes six vouchers for participating businesses. My favourite stop was the Boar's Head Pub, next to the historic Queen's Inn on Ontario Street. My voucher was redeemed for a gluten-free brownie served with fudge sauce, berries, and French Vanilla ice cream—simply sumptuous.
Another self-guided tour features local boy, Justin Bieber, who grew up in Stratford. The walk includes a look at his star on the Stratford Bronze Star Walk of Fame in front of the Avon Theatre. This Walk of Fame recognizes Stratford citizens who achieved national/international recognition or "contributed profoundly" to the community.
Catch a Performance at the Stratford Festival
A live performance at the highly-regarded Stratford Festival is likely the most popular activity for visitors. Stratford has four theatres: the Festival Theatre, Studio Theatre, Tom Patterson Theatre and the Avon Theatre. The festival was founded in 1952 by Tom Patterson to promote more significant tourism built upon the success of the Shakespeare Garden to attract more Shakespeare fans. Today plays by the Bard are still the festival's focus, but non-Shakespeare works such as musicals and other original works are also part of the festival schedule. I decided to attend one of each.
I saw two shows: Othello and Billy Elliot. I thoroughly enjoyed both. The acting, staging, and costuming were spectacular and worth the hit to my wallet. Online ticket purchases (and late-season performances) can save up to 50%.
The festival season runs from mid-April through the end of October and has multiple productions. Tickets go on sale in December (members get early sales beginning in November). Information on the season can be found on the Stratford Festival website.
Final Thoughts
Stratford is a captivating blend of historical charm and vibrant cultural energy. Every moment felt like stepping into a storybook, from the tranquil walks along the Avon to the exhilarating performances at the Stratford Festival. Whether you’re drawn by the Shakespearean charms, the quaint downtown shops, or the lively festivals that punctuate the summer months, Stratford offers a unique and enriching getaway.
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