Stratford

A charming small town famous for the prestigious Stratford Festival, presenting Shakespeare and contemporary theatre from April to November. The picturesque riverside setting and fine dining make it a cultural destination.

Things to do

• Stratford Festival Theatre — Attend world-class Shakespeare and contemporary productions in the iconic Festival Theatre, open April to November with multiple stages showcasing diverse performances.
• Avon River Walk — Stroll along the picturesque riverside path that winds through downtown Stratford, offering views of swans, gardens, and heritage bridges.
• Gallery Stratford — Explore contemporary Canadian art and rotating exhibitions in this local art museum housed in a restored Victorian building on Romeo Street.
• Shakespearean Gardens — Wander through themed gardens featuring plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works, located adjacent to the Festival Theatre grounds.
• Stratford Public Library Heritage Collection — Visit the restored 1923 library to explore local history archives and architectural heritage in a beautifully preserved Edwardian building.
• Antique shopping on Ontario Street — Browse numerous antique shops and vintage dealers concentrated along Ontario Street, offering furniture, collectibles, and local crafts.

Food to try

• Stratford Chicken — A local specialty featuring succulent herb-roasted chicken, often served with seasonal vegetables and representing traditional Ontario comfort food.
• Locally-sourced farm-to-table dining — Stratford's fine restaurants emphasize partnerships with regional farms, featuring menus that change seasonally with Ontario produce and artisanal products.
• Stratford strawberries and shortcake — Fresh local strawberries are celebrated in this classic Canadian dessert, especially abundant during summer festival season at local bakeries and restaurants.
• Craft beer from Stratford breweries — Sample locally-brewed craft beers from independent breweries that have become part of Stratford's growing food and beverage scene.
• Cheese platters from regional producers — Enjoy artisanal Ontario cheeses curated by local restaurants and shops, showcasing the region's dairy heritage and small-batch cheesemakers.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan ahead for Festival tickets — Shows book up months in advance, especially popular Shakespeare productions, so purchase tickets early and plan your accommodation well before your visit.
• Dress code for evening performances — While the Festival welcomes all guests, evening theatre-goers typically dress smartly; many locals and visitors wear business casual or formal attire to performances.
• Peak season is April to November — Stratford's identity centers on the theatrical season, with the town bustling with tourists and vibrant cultural programming during Festival months, while winters are quieter.
• Respect the artistic heritage — The town takes pride in its connection to Shakespeare and theatre culture, so visitors are appreciated when they engage respectfully with performances and historical sites throughout the community.