Top Things to do in Stratford
- 1. Stratford FestivalStratfordTop Cultural Attractions in Stratford, Ontario, Canada
- 2. Avon Theater
- 3. Shakespearean Gardens
- 4. Upper Queen's Park
- 5. The Stratford Perth MuseumStratfordTop Cultural Attractions in Stratford, Ontario, Canada
- 6. Stratford Antique Warehouse
- 7. Black Swan Brewing
- 8. Junction 56 Distillery
- 9. Stratford City Hall
- 10. Tom Patterson Theatre
What to do and see in Stratford, Canada: The Best Places and Tips
Named for Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford has grown to become Canada’s premier arts town. In addition to the annual Stratford Festival, performing from April through October, Stratford is always filled with theater, music and visual arts. The preserved 19th-century architecture and acres of parks and gardens (along its own Avon River, no less) are certain to charm. Stratford has also gained a reputation for culinary creativity, showcased at some of the finest restaurants in the country.
Restaurants in Stratford
2. Avon Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 423 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown at 99 Downie Street, this one-time vaudeville theatre has been rejuvenated but still retains its old world charm. The theatre offers special access Seating on the orchestra level. This location has limited metered parking and Special Access spaces are located on George and Downie Streets. For Motor Coaches/Buses, please do not load/unload or park in front of the theatre. Loading zones are available on the north side of George Street.
Reviewed By operalover939 - Toronto, Canada
We've always liked the Avon with its classic proscenium-arch stage. The play today showed the theatre at its best. The School for Scandal is a favorite play of ours, and this production was delightful, with excellent Performances from Geraint Wyn Davies, Joseph Ziegler and Tyrone Savage among others. Go see it if you have the chance; you won't regret it!
3. Shakespearean Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
4. Upper Queen's Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By JukeboxMama - Ontario
This is definitely a great place to take a picnic before catching one of the theatre productions at the Festival Theatre OR there is often live music going on in the evening or on the weekend at the pavilion area. If you have young children there is an amazing little playground area with some really fun equipment (our kids love it) and a small ice cream/burger sort of shack as well. During the summer there are public washrooms available here and although it can be a bit difficult to find parking during the actual theatre performance, there is otherwise usually lots of space. Lots of beautiful mature trees and only a hop, skip and a jump away from the river, the art gallery, the theatre, and a number of other attractions in the area. Great place to just sit and read a book, eat an ice cream cone or people watch. Don't miss it!
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
A curated collection of over 20,000 artifacts celebrating the rich history of Perth County, located 7 acres of scenic rural property just West of Stratford, Ontario. Public and group tours available; ideal for school programming. Current exhibits include Anne Frank: A History for Today; Order to Disorder Straford Festival Costume exhibit; the Heritage Kitchen; and much more!
Reviewed By Muma M
My niece and her new husband had the most gorgeous wedding reception at this location. There was an employee on location (John) who was so sweet and assisted us in parking our cars. Well maintained grounds, very helpful staff. A beautiful venue worth exploring. Best of all the museum was opened for guests to view. Excellent .....
6. Stratford Antique Warehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By FrostyRoyal - Oshawa Ontario
This was our first visit to Stratford and this was one of the places I wanted to visit. Everything is laid out in booths and very easy to view. Liked that the items are marked with prices. Found it interesting that some things I have at home were there too. Its very clean and smells fresh. The employees are very helpful and willing to chat with you not push for sales. We didn't know how long we would be spending there but we did come out 2 hours later. This is not a junky store. Enjoy visit very much.
7. Black Swan Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff D - Ontario, Canada
We stopped by for a flight of beers before our show at the Stratford Festival. The staff was very welcoming and we really enjoyed several of the crafts that we tried. We purchased some glassware as a souvenir of our trip. A perfect location right on Downie St. made it ideal before our show at the Avon Theatre. It will be a welcome addition to our visits to Stratford and the festival.
8. Junction 56 Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 28 reviews
Junction 56 is a craft distillery located in Stratford, Ontario. We hand craft spirits using locally sourced grains to produce delicious and innovative products. We make Gin, Vodka, Moonshine and Liqueurs as well as Canadian Whisky. Come by our retail store to learn more and product sampling, or stop in for a tour of the distillery during our regular tour times. Looking for a private tour or event, contact us to set up a time.
Reviewed By Lucy B - Lasalle
We were in Stratford for the weekend and a show. We googled things to do in Stratford and Junction 56 came up so we thought we would try. It was a very good choice. The spirts and liqueurs were very good, and the gentleman that...MoreThanks for stopping in and we are glad you enjoyed your visit. We really appreciate you taking the time to give us a review and look forward to seeing you again!
9. Stratford City Hall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Stucolco - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Now that the new pedestrian square has opened, you can sit and admire this historic building which my wife and I did during our recent visit to Stratford. My only concern is that when we did so after dinner at one of the nearby small restaurants on Wellington Street, some of the other occupants at that time did not appear to be of a savory nature so we did not stay too long. It was a very different situation during the day.
10. Tom Patterson Theatre
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
Located right by banks of the Avon River at 111 Lakeside Drive, the Tom Patterson Theatre offers newly configured Seating for the 2016 season, giving a theatre in the round experience. The theatre has special access Seating located at aisle 6 just a feet away from the stage. Parking: The Queen Street lot (at Lakeside Dr) is just a short 10 minute walk from the Tom Patterson Theatre - $12 when reserved in advance, or $15 day of show if space is available. Limited free parking, including special access spots, is available on a first come first serve basis adjacent to the theatre and at the nearby Allman Arena. For Motor Coaches/Buses, please unload and park in the lot beside the theatre. Do not attempt to access the curved driveway in front of the theatre.
Reviewed By Stucolco - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Although we had seen numerous productions at this theatre from 1992-2004, seeing "The Changeling" was the first time since then. Since the layout of the theatre has been changed with Seating now on 4 sides instead of the old 3, the title of the excellently performed play is very appropriate. The more modern setting of this very old play by Jackie Maxwell worked very well and I am very glad that I selected this last minute addition to the other plays that were booked much earlier for this trip.
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