Patrick’s Guidebook for Stratford
Sightseeing
Enjoy a delicious meal alongside the gorgeous Avon River, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat to tour Stratford on the river. This is where you’ll find the city’s famous swans in the summer months, along with a number of geese, ducks and other waterfowl.
Historic cruises are engrained into Stratford’s history as they’ve been running since the mid-1800s. The Herr family has been continuing that tradition for over 50 years now with Avon Boat Rentals! Hop on the Juliet III and enjoy Stratford from the water.
Avon Pedal Boat Rentals and River Cruise
30 York StEnjoy a delicious meal alongside the gorgeous Avon River, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverfront, rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat to tour Stratford on the river. This is where you’ll find the city’s famous swans in the summer months, along with a number of geese, ducks and other waterfowl.
Historic cruises are engrained into Stratford’s history as they’ve been running since the mid-1800s. The Herr family has been continuing that tradition for over 50 years now with Avon Boat Rentals! Hop on the Juliet III and enjoy Stratford from the water.
Stratford dates back to the mid-1800s and many of those early buildings are still standing to this day!
Stratford City Hall
1 Wellington StStratford dates back to the mid-1800s and many of those early buildings are still standing to this day!
What was once the site of the Dufton Woolen Mill is now home to one of the most popular gardens in Stratford. A decade after it burned to the ground (save the chimney which still stands to this day), local businessman R Thomas Orr pitched the idea of crafting a garden dedicated to Shakespeare. In fact, much of Stratford’s 115-acre park system came to be mainly due to the efforts of Orr!
Originally, the plan for the Shakespearean Gardens was to only include flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. While there is still a large emphasis on this, the plants found here have diversified over the years. Enjoy the gorgeous views as you explore the pathways that meander through the displays of flowers. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the Shakespeare statue as you do so!
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Shakespearean Gardens
5 Huron StWhat was once the site of the Dufton Woolen Mill is now home to one of the most popular gardens in Stratford. A decade after it burned to the ground (save the chimney which still stands to this day), local businessman R Thomas Orr pitched the idea of crafting a garden dedicated to Shakespeare. In fact, much of Stratford’s 115-acre park system came to be mainly due to the efforts of Orr!
Originally, the plan for the Shakespearean Gardens was to only include flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. While there is still a large emphasis on this, the plants found here have diversified over the years. Enjoy the gorgeous views as you explore the pathways that meander through the displays of flowers. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the Shakespeare statue as you do so!
Here you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the countryside when you’re just a mere minutes drive from downtown Stratford!
T.J. Dolan Natural Area Trailhead
Here you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to the countryside when you’re just a mere minutes drive from downtown Stratford!
Food scene
Bentley's Bar & Inn
99 Ontario StThe well-known town pub with an all-around good vibe!
Do you love chocolate? Want to be introduced to Stratford's world-famous confectioners and bakers? Enjoy Stratford's Chocolate Trail by purchasing vouchers at Destination Stratford, 47 Downie Street.
Stratford Tourism Alliance
47 Downie StDo you love chocolate? Want to be introduced to Stratford's world-famous confectioners and bakers? Enjoy Stratford's Chocolate Trail by purchasing vouchers at Destination Stratford, 47 Downie Street.
Craving coffee? Revel is a fantastic choice. On those hot summer days, you can’t go wrong with one of their cold brews with a hint of simple syrup. They pull out all the stops too as they include coffee ice cubes so as to not dilute your cold brew AND they’re in the shape of a coffee bean! Too cute! If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you’ll definitely want to check out their doughnuts. Don’t worry if you’re not though, Revel’s danishes and breakfast buns are certainly the perfect sweet treat to start your day off right!
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revel
37 Market PlCraving coffee? Revel is a fantastic choice. On those hot summer days, you can’t go wrong with one of their cold brews with a hint of simple syrup. They pull out all the stops too as they include coffee ice cubes so as to not dilute your cold brew AND they’re in the shape of a coffee bean! Too cute! If you’re visiting on a Saturday, you’ll definitely want to check out their doughnuts. Don’t worry if you’re not though, Revel’s danishes and breakfast buns are certainly the perfect sweet treat to start your day off right!
Edison's Cafe Bar
95 Ontario StAnother great choice for coffee and eats!
One of the oldest markets in Ontario, the Stratford Farmers Market has been in operation since 1855. Travel to the Stratford Agriplex in the Stratford Rotary Complex to shop local eats and treats. The market runs every Saturday from 7:00 am until noon all year.
Burnside Agriplex
353 McCarthy RoadOne of the oldest markets in Ontario, the Stratford Farmers Market has been in operation since 1855. Travel to the Stratford Agriplex in the Stratford Rotary Complex to shop local eats and treats. The market runs every Saturday from 7:00 am until noon all year.
Shopping
Family-owned and operated since 1895, this is the most iconic shop in Stratford. From kitchenware to bath and body as well as everything in between, you’re bound to find some items for you and your home at Bradshaws.
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Bradshaws & Kitchen Detail
129 Ontario StFamily-owned and operated since 1895, this is the most iconic shop in Stratford. From kitchenware to bath and body as well as everything in between, you’re bound to find some items for you and your home at Bradshaws.
Inside this beautifully bright storefront, you’ll find well-crafted curated items from Canadian designers and artists. Distill Gallery has been showcasing ethical and sustainable fashion, unique jewellery and home decor items since 2003.
DISTILL GALLERY
53 Market PlaceInside this beautifully bright storefront, you’ll find well-crafted curated items from Canadian designers and artists. Distill Gallery has been showcasing ethical and sustainable fashion, unique jewellery and home decor items since 2003.
Arts
A must-see if you're visiting the world-renowned Stratford theatre scene! Take a look at their programming : https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/ThePlays
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Stratford Festival
55 Queen StA must-see if you're visiting the world-renowned Stratford theatre scene! Take a look at their programming : https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/ThePlays
Housed in the city’s original pump house, this historical building has been home to the art gallery since the 1960s. Pop in and see the current exhibits or if it is closed during your visit, explore the grounds as these public sculptures are always accessible.
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Gallery Stratford
54 Romeo St SHoused in the city’s original pump house, this historical building has been home to the art gallery since the 1960s. Pop in and see the current exhibits or if it is closed during your visit, explore the grounds as these public sculptures are always accessible.
Learn the richest Canadian History in an immersive, informative experience in Stratford. Travel back in time, and back again, through almost 200 years of local history.
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The Stratford Perth Museum
4275 Huron StLearn the richest Canadian History in an immersive, informative experience in Stratford. Travel back in time, and back again, through almost 200 years of local history.
Breweries & Distilleries
Black Swan Brewing
144 Downie StOffering a wide range of beers!
Herald Haus Brew Co.
21 Market PlaceOffering a wide range of beers!
Jobsite Brewing Co.
45 Cambria StOffering a wide range of beers!
Using only Ontario-grown grains, they produce moonshine, vodka, gin and whiskey. Pop by for a guided tour (when available) or indulge in a sample or two on Saturdays.
Junction 56 Distillery
45 Cambria StUsing only Ontario-grown grains, they produce moonshine, vodka, gin and whiskey. Pop by for a guided tour (when available) or indulge in a sample or two on Saturdays.