If you’re looking for towns to visit around Toronto, I highly recommend adding Stratford to your list. I mentioned it in my article on 10 cities to visit around Toronto. It’s a very pretty town, which is really nice to visit during the summer, especially if you’re a theatre fan. It’s best known for being the twin city of Stratford-upon-Avon, the city where Shakespeare was born in England. Okay, maybe there’s another reason for its fame … especially for the younger generation: it’s Justin Bieber’s home town! In this article, I share with you what to do during a day in Stratford, Ontario?
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Before you go any further, don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube. you can also watch my vlog in Straford on Youtube.
How do I get to Stratford from Toronto?
To get to Stratford you have several options. You can drive for more freedom. If you’re new or visiting Canada, I invite you to read this article to learn all about driving and car rental in Canada. You can also choose to reach Stratford by train with ViaRail.
How long can I stay in Stratford?
As with many towns in Ontario, Stratford is a small town that can be visited quickly. I recommend going for the day or 2-3 days if you plan to do other activities around Stratford. Try to arrive fairly early in the morning because everything closes fairly early in the evening.
What to do in Stratford
As always in Canada, depending on the season, not all activities will be available.
Stratford Festival
I have to start this list with the Stratford Festival. This is one of Stratford’s most popular events. The first festival took place in 1952 when a local journalist, Tom Patterson, wanted to liven up his town. He wanted to give people a reason to visit Stratford by proposing a festival paying tribute to Shakespeare. Since then, the festival has changed names several times and evolved. Today, it’s the largest classical repertory theatre company in North America. Between April and December, you can go there to see the plays that are performed. You’re bound to find something you like! If you’re coming from Toronto, they run a bus service between Toronto and Stratford.
Shakespearean gardens
Before it became the garden you’ll discover during your visit, it was a mill that occupied the space. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the building in 1919. A local shopkeeper suggested turning it into a garden in memory of Shakespeare. The original idea was to plant the flowers and plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s works. Today, you’ll find a wide range of plants and flowers. It’s a truly beautiful space, restful and calm. As you stroll around, you’ll also discover monuments to his works. Just a few minutes’ walk from the city center, you’re sure to love it!
Have a meal in a church
I love the idea that churches can have a second life, and that the disappearance of an active community doesn’t mean the end of life for these huge buildings. A couple of restaurateurs have bought up the old church to refurbish it and turn it into a restaurant: Revival House. It’s so well done, every space has been rethought to offer a unique experience. If you decide to eat there, be sure to visit the whole building, as there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. In summer, they have a lovely terrace. This is my favorite place in Stratford. I’ve visited several, including one in Nova Scotia during my road-trip, and this is surely the best refurbishment, while respecting the history and the site, that I’ve seen. Or at least the most impressive.
The city hall
You can’t go inside Stratford Town Hall, but you can admire it from the outside. The building is truly beautiful and ancient. In fact, it’s listed as a Canadian historic monument. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1897 (yes, another fire!), so they launched a competition to rebuild it. In 1900, the new building, as we know it today, was ready for reopening. In 1976 it became a historic site.
Strolling through the city center
Since you’re already in the area, let’s continue our stroll. The little streets around Stratford town hall are very pretty. It’s old and bustling with shopkeepers. Take the opportunity to grab something to drink in the local cafés.
The world’s smallest cinema
Stratford is not only a theatre town, but also a cinema town! Here you’ll find the world’s smallest cinema, beautifully named The Little Prince Micro-Cinema. There are only 12 seats, so if you want to see a film there, you’ll need to reserve your place well in advance. If, like me, you hadn’t planned ahead, you can visit the entrance, which is really cool and full of cinema references.
Store for local souvenirs
Don’t hesitate to visit the local stores for a souvenir. There are several on the main avenue and in the little streets around the town hall. You can even pick up some chocolate at Rheo Thompson Candies, where they’ve been making chocolate since 1969!
Discover Stratford’s art gallery
The Stratford Art Gallery is one of the oldest art galleries in the province. It focuses on local and Canadian exhibitions. Learn more and be inspired by our Canadian artists.
Strolling along the waterfront
I know you’ve probably stumbled across this blog post without knowing me (and if you want to know me I prattle on even more on Instagram and Youtube), but a city immediately appeals to me when it has access to water. Stratford is crossed by Lake Victoria, which is part of the River Avon (yes, the same name as the river in Stratford Upon Avon in England). You can stroll along the water’s edge on the landscaped path. It’s a shady path, ideal if it starts to get too hot.
Boat trip
If you fancy something a little more holiday-like, or want to be lulled by the sound of the water: jump in a boat and take to the open sea. Well, you’re not going too far – it’s a small lake. But it’s a nice way to see the city from another point of view. The Boathouse not only offers boat trips, but also bike, pedalo and canoe hire, and much more besides.
Listen to jazz on Tom Patterson Island
We’re continuing to discover what to do in Stratford, Ontario by staying in the same area: the waterfront. All along the lake you’ll find green spaces to relax in. But there’s another even cooler spot: Tom Patterson Island, where there are lights in the evening, events sometimes, and a refreshment bar on the day I was there. What’s more, there’s a little boat sailing around with a live jazz band: The Razzamajzz. If that doesn’t sound like something out of a movie, I don’t know what will.
Justin Bieber’s star
As I said in my introduction, Stratford is the town where Justin Bieber grew up. The town is very proud of the international star he has become. And to show its support, the town has installed a plaque with a star and his name in a symbolic place for him. In front of the entrance to the Avon Theatre Stratford Festival, where he used to sing in public. A quick photo is in order for fans of the artist.
Take a free self-guided tour
I think it’s a really cool concept if you want to learn more while you’re out and about. The Town of Stratford really helps you figure out what to do in this small Ontario town. You can choose which of the 9 self-guided tours interests you (there’s even one about Justin Bieber), put on your headphones and off you go. Check out the full list here.
Follow one of the trails proposed by the city
Another option if you want to discover the city in a different way: you can choose a type of route already prepared by the city: bacon and ale or chocolate. You can buy a pass to follow a certain itinerary that will allow you to discover certain aspects of the city. More importantly, you can stop at a number of participating merchants to redeem your coupons for products to taste. Not a bad concept if there’s more than one of you, it’s a fun way to discover the city.
Stratford Museum
To conclude this discovery of Stratford, Ontario, here’s one last suggestion: visit the town’s museum. You’ll find both permanent and ephemeral collections, with items dating back to the early 20th century.
I hope all these ideas will help you find what to do in Stratford, Ontario, not to be confused with its twin city in England. I hope you enjoy your visit and if you’re looking for other towns to visit in Ontario you can read my article 10 towns to visit around Toronto for a day.
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