Eight Things to Do in Stratford
Ontario’s Home for the Shakespeare Festival and More
More than just great theatre, Stratford offers fun and education outings too.
Some of North America’s best theater takes place in the small town of Stratford, Ontario each year. There is more to do than just watch plays each spring and summer, as this Canadian city provides plenty of activities for visitors.
Stratford’s setting on the Avon River allows for many outdoor activities during the sunny days. Summers are short, but even the spring and falls seasons can be enjoyed outside.
Stroll along the Avon – The town of Stratford has created beautiful parks along the Avon River. Walkways line both sides of the river from the festival theater to downtown. Waterfowl grace the sides of the river, and many visitors enjoy picnic lunches or dinners at picnic tables nearby. Bridges provide access to scenic islands in the river. Evenings before performances, the Razzmatazz entertains all with jazz from a boat on the river.
Enjoy the Shakespeare Gardens – Just west of the visitor center are vast flower gardens with huge flowers and native plants. Those from South of Stratford are amazed at the size and variety of flora that thrive in the climate.
Spend time Shopping – Downtown Stratford has a number of unusual shops, including Ten Thousand Villages, and Indigena which offers authentic native good from northern Canada. There are two official Festival Theatre Stores, as well as other shops catering to those looking for souvenirs.
Restaurants and Bars – It takes energy to see all that Stratford has to do, and fortunately, visitors can gain sustenance and sightsee at the same time by enjoying the many fine eateries in Stratford. Either for lunch, dinner or after theater, there are great restaurants, bars and coffee shops. On a warm afternoon, a popular spot is the hot dog cart on Ontario Street downtown.
Spectator and Participant Sports – The Avon River is a perfect placid place for paddleboats, canoes and kayaks that visitors can rent by the hour near the visitor center. There is also a tour boat which takes a serene trip up and down the river. Between the Festival Theater and the River is a large field, where local football (soccer) and cricket teams play.
Festival Tours – The Stratford Festival offers many opportunities to peer behind the curtain, either in the wardrobe department, or lectures on the plays. See the festival brochure for times. Most days there is also a walking tour of the river area that leaves the visitor center.
Take a Day Trip – The countryside around Stratford is beautiful in the growing season, and there are notable areas nearby, including the Hamlet of Shakespeare, New Dundee, St. Jacobs and St. Mary. Kitchener and Waterloo are close by for the amenities of larger towns.
The Stratford Festival
Of course, the main reason that visitors come to Stratford is to see the great plays, performed by the possibly the best company in North America. Whether your preference is Shakespeare, musicals or cutting edge drama, you will find entertainment and enlightenment in Stratford.
