Stratford, Ontario, is a charming city with a small-town feel, located about 1.5 hours from Toronto. It’s one of the top road trip destinations in Ontario and a favorite among small towns in the province. Even after several visits, I find myself drawn back to Stratford time and again. The city offers a plethora of activities and attractions that make each visit unique and memorable.
This guide will help you plan a weekend trip to Stratford, especially during the summer months. However, many of these activities can be enjoyed year-round, extending into spring, fall, and even winter. For those visiting in the colder months, you might find my article on winter activities in Stratford particularly useful.
While it’s possible to experience many of Stratford’s attractions in a day, I highly recommend spending at least one night to fully appreciate the city’s offerings. Stratford is not a place to be rushed. Here’s a detailed look at what you can do, where to stay, and where to eat in this delightful town.
In Stratford, there are numerous fantastic hotels. My partner Justin and I stayed at the brand-new Perth County Inn, perfectly located in downtown Stratford, right across from the beautiful Shakespeare Gardens. The inn features five rooms on the main level, making it easily accessible. The check-in process is seamless, with key codes provided on the morning of your stay. We stayed in the 1832 room, named after the year Stratford was founded. The room boasts modern amenities like a smart TV, fridge, Bose stereo system, and fast Wi-Fi. Complimentary parking is available, though limited, with additional parking options nearby.
Stratford offers a variety of activities and attractions suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers. Outdoor activities, arts and cultural events, luxury spa experiences, public art viewings, and shopping are just a few of the options available.
One of the best ways to explore Stratford is by paddle boating on the Avon River. Renting a paddle boat from Avon Boat Rentals allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the river at a leisurely pace. The rental costs $25 per hour, and you can also opt for canoes or kayaks. The Avon River flows into Lake Victoria, and you’ll navigate under a few bridges, often accompanied by friendly ducks and swans.
The Shakespearean Gardens, located near the paddle boat rental office and across from the Perth County Inn, is another must-visit. This free attraction features a small rose garden, numerous flower beds, and a Shakespeare bust by artist Cleeve Horne. The gardens also include the remains of the 19th-century Dufton Woollen Mill and over 60 varieties of plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.
A visit to Stratford wouldn’t be complete without attending a performance at the Stratford Festival. This renowned festival, which began in 1952, features Shakespearean plays, musicals, and original works. The festival has four theatres: the Festival Theatre, Studio Theatre, Tom Patterson Theatre, and the Avon Theatre. This year, the Festival Theatre and Studio Theatre offer open-air performances with socially distanced seating. Justin and I attended R+J, a modern and engaging spin on Romeo and Juliet, which we highly recommend.
If you’re in town from August 4th-7th, 2022, don’t miss the World in a Weekend Festival. This event features live music and puppetry performances by national and international artists, with shows for all age groups. You’ll also encounter colorful characters roaming the downtown streets and concerts on a barge floating down the Avon River.
For a relaxing experience, visit Illume Wellness Spa. This spa focuses on green and clean beauty products and offers a variety of treatments. Justin and I tried a halotherapy session in their salt room, which is believed to detoxify the body and alleviate allergies, asthma, and stress. The 45-minute session left us feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Downtown Stratford is a shopper’s paradise, with unique boutiques and shops offering everything from clothing to home decor. Ontario Street is the main shopping area, but don’t miss the stores around Stratford City Hall and Downie Street. Some of our favorite shops include Treasures, Small Mart General Mercantile, La Osa, Stilettos & Sawdust, MacLeods Scottish Shop, Sound Fixation, Diamond Dogs, and The Little Shed Flower Company.
Gallery Stratford is another free attraction worth visiting. This public art gallery focuses on contemporary visual art, especially regional and Canadian works. While the indoor gallery wasn’t open during our visit, the outdoor public art gallery features beautifully painted walls, bridges, and sculptures made from recycled materials.
In the winter, don’t miss the Lights On Stratford festival, which features elaborate light displays. During the summer and fall, a pop-up light display can be found on Tom Patterson Island and at the Stratford Festival Theatre.
Stratford is also the hometown of pop star Justin Bieber. You can see his bronze star on the Stratford Bronze Star Walk of Fame in front of the Avon Theatre. For a deeper dive into Bieber’s ties to Stratford, take a self-guided audio tour or visit the Bieber exhibit at the Stratford Perth Museum.
Stratford offers a variety of cafes, breweries, and bars. Coffee lovers, beer enthusiasts, and cocktail aficionados will all find something to enjoy. The Bacon & Ale Trail is a unique experience that celebrates Stratford’s history in pork and beer. Purchase tickets from the Stratford Tourism Office to sample food and drink at various stops, including Black Swan Brewing Company, Heritage Hops Brewing Company, and Jobsite Brewing Company.
For cocktails, visit The Relic Lobby Bar, a Cuban-inspired bar attached to the Perth County Inn. The Alley Cat Cafe is perfect for coffee and cat lovers, offering a chance to play with rescue cats while enjoying your drink.
Stratford has several excellent restaurants, many of which offer vegan options. The Planet Diner is a mostly vegan restaurant with comfort food like poutine, mac & cheese, and burgers. Pretty Good Pizza serves hand-tossed, naturally leavened pizza with vegan cheese options. El Cactus Taco Shop offers innovative Mexican dishes, including vegan tacos and quesadillas. Edison’s Cafe Bar provides healthy options like chia pudding and avocado toast.
On your way out of town, consider visiting the Wild Hog Country Market in Perth East for fresh food and locally made products. The Shakespeare Brewing Company in nearby Shakespeare, Ontario, offers craft beers brewed with locally grown ingredients.
Stratford, Ontario, is a delightful destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, Justin Bieber, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Stratford has it all.
Source: Justin Plus Lauren, Stratford Tourism
