Map Of Stratford Ontario
If you’re planning a trip to Stratford, Ontario, then this travel guide is just what you need. Stratford is a charming city that is known for its world-renowned theatre festival. But there’s more to Stratford than just theatre. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, Stratford has something for everyone. So, let’s dive in!
Top Attractions
Stratford is home to some of the best attractions in Ontario. The Stratford Festival is the crown jewel of the city. It offers world-class theatre productions that attract visitors from all over the world. The Festival Theatre and Avon Theatre are the two main venues where you can catch a show.
The Stratford Perth Museum is another popular attraction. It showcases the history and culture of the city and the surrounding area. The museum has exhibits on the railway, agriculture, and military history. The museum also has a beautiful Victorian garden that is worth a visit.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, then Stratford has some hidden gems that are worth exploring. The Gallery Stratford is a contemporary art gallery that showcases local and national artists. The gallery has a great collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations.
The Stratford Farmers’ Market is another hidden gem. The market is open every Saturday from May to October. You can find fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts at the market. It’s a great place to mingle with the locals and get a taste of the community.
Food Scene
Stratford has a vibrant food scene that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. The city has a variety of restaurants that serve everything from fine dining to casual fare. The Old Prune is a popular restaurant that serves French cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and an extensive wine list.
Another great restaurant is Pazzo Taverna & Pizzeria. It serves Italian cuisine and has a great selection of pizzas. Mercer Hall Inn & Restaurant is another fine dining option. It serves Canadian cuisine and has a beautiful patio that overlooks the Avon River.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re on a budget, then there are still plenty of things to do in Stratford. The city has many free events throughout the year, such as the Stratford Summer Music Festival and the Stratford Garlic Festival. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the city and explore the architecture and history of the area.
Another budget-friendly tip is to pack a picnic and head to a local park. The city has many parks that are perfect for picnicking, such as Upper Queen’s Park and Tom Patterson Island.
Outdoor Adventures
Stratford is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The Avon River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. You can rent a canoe or kayak from Stratford Kayak and Canoe and explore the river on your own.
The city also has many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The Avon Trail is a 113 km trail that runs through Stratford and the surrounding area. The trail offers a variety of terrain, from forested areas to open fields.
Historical Landmarks
Stratford has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. The City Hall is a beautiful building that was built in 1896. It has a clock tower that is a landmark of the city. The Perth County Courthouse is another historical building that is worth a visit. It was built in 1887 and has a beautiful Victorian interior.
The Stratford City Centre Heritage Conservation District is a designated heritage area that showcases the architecture of the city. It has over 80 buildings that date back to the 1800s.
Family-Friendly Activities
Stratford is a great destination for families. The city has many activities that are perfect for kids. The Stratford Perth Family YMCA has a variety of programs and activities for kids, such as swimming lessons and day camps.
The Stratford Perth Museum has a children’s area that is dedicated to hands-on learning. Kids can play dress-up, build a log cabin, and learn about pioneer life.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique, then Stratford has some off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth trying. The Chocolate Trail is a self-guided tour that takes you to some of the best chocolate shops in the city. You can sample chocolate truffles, fudge, and other treats along the way.
The Stratford Ghost Walk is another unique experience. It takes you on a tour of the city’s haunted sites and tells the stories of the ghosts that haunt them.
Natural Wonders
Stratford is surrounded by beautiful natural wonders. The St. Marys Quarry is a popular swimming spot that is surrounded by cliffs and has crystal-clear water. The quarry also has a zip line and a diving board.
The Stratford Rotary Complex is another natural wonder. It has a walking trail that circles a beautiful pond. The complex is also home to a butterfly garden and a birdwatching area.
Vibrant Nightlife
Stratford has a vibrant nightlife that is perfect for those who love to party. The Boar’s Head Pub is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It serves great pub food and has a wide selection of beers on tap.
The Hub is another popular spot. It’s a coffee shop by day and a bar by night. It has a cozy atmosphere and serves craft beers and cocktails.
Local Markets
Stratford has many local markets that are worth a visit. The Stratford Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. The market is open every Saturday from May to October.
The Slow Food Market is another great market. It’s held on Sundays and offers a variety of local and organic products.
Beaches and Mountains
Stratford is not known for its beaches and mountains, but it has some hidden gems that are worth exploring. Wildwood Conservation Area is a beautiful park that has a beach and hiking trails. The park also has a campground, so you can spend the night under the stars.
The St. Marys Heritage Trail is another hidden gem. It’s a 24 km trail that runs through the countryside and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Cultural Immersion
Stratford is a cultural hub that offers many opportunities for cultural immersion. The Stratford Festival is the most obvious example. It offers world-class theatre productions that attract visitors from all over the world.
The Stratford Shakespearean Festival is another cultural event that is worth attending. It celebrates the works of William Shakespeare and runs from April to October.
Art and Music Scene
Stratford has a thriving art and music scene. The Gallery Stratford is a contemporary art gallery that showcases local and national artists. The gallery has a great collection of paintings, sculptures, and installations.
The Stratford Summer Music Festival is another great event. It offers a variety of music performances, from classical to jazz to world music.
Walking Tours
Stratford is a great city for walking tours. You can explore the architecture and history of the city on your own or take a guided tour. The Stratford City Centre Heritage Conservation District is a designated heritage area that showcases the architecture of the city. It has over 80 buildings that date back to the 1800s.
The Stratford Ghost Walk is another unique experience. It takes you on a tour of the city’s haunted sites and tells the stories of the ghosts that haunt them.
Architectural Marvels
Stratford has many architectural marvels that are worth a visit. The City Hall is a beautiful building that was built in 1896. It has a clock tower that is a landmark of the city. The Perth County Courthouse is another historical building that is worth a visit. It was built in 1887 and has a beautiful Victorian interior.
The Church of St. James the Apostle is another architectural marvel. It was built in 1844 and is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Historical Sites
Stratford has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical sites. The Stratford Perth Museum is a popular attraction that showcases the history and culture of the city and the surrounding area. The museum has exhibits on the railway, agriculture, and military history.
The Stratford Shakespearean Festival is another historical site. It celebrates the works of William Shakespeare and runs from April to October.
Biking Routes
Stratford has many biking routes that offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Avon Trail is a 113 km trail that runs through Stratford and the surrounding area. The trail offers a variety of terrain, from forested areas to open fields.
The St. Marys Heritage Trail is another biking route that is worth exploring. It’s a 24 km trail that runs through the