This small Canadian city became famous for its Shakespeare Festival, which started in 1953. Its Victorian architecture and the Avon River draw thousands of theater fans yearly.
Stratford sits on the Avon River in southwestern Ontario. From May to October, the Stratford Festival stages Shakespearean plays like Hamlet and modern works in venues such as the Festival Theatre. Each summer, you can see 24 white swans on the river. Local food stops include Rheo Thompson Candies for mint smoothies and Stratford Brewing Company for craft beer. The city has Victorian-era buildings like the Perth County Courthouse and hosts winter events such as ice skating along the river and the Winter Film Festival at the Bruce Hotel. Justin Bieber grew up here, and the Stratford Perth Museum displays items from his early career.
Stratford Festival: Performances and Behind-the-Scenes Tours
The Stratford Festival began in 1953 and now draws over 500,000 visitors yearly. Alec Guinness starred in the first performance, Richard III, held in a tent. Today, the Festival Theatre’s thrust stage places actors closer to the audience. You can watch Shakespearean classics and modern plays across three theaters from April through October. Backstage tours take you through costume workshops where artisans hand-stitch garments. The festival employs over 1,000 people each season and partners with 200 local businesses, including hotels and restaurants.
Local Food and Drink Experiences
Stratford’s chefs use ingredients from nearby farms like Perth Pork Products and Millbank Cheese. Follow the Chocolate Trail to try truffles at Chocolate Barr’s Candies or fudge at Jenn & Larry’s. The Bacon & Ale Trail includes stops for maple-bacon ice cream at Downie Street Burgers and smoked porter at Black Swan Brewing. In December, the Christmas Trail lets you sample peppermint hot chocolate at Revel Caffè. The Savour and Sip Trail in autumn highlights dishes like roasted squash soup paired with cider from Monforte Dairy.
Exploring the Avon River and Trails
Rent a paddleboat at Lake Victoria to pass under stone bridges like the one near Tom Patterson Island. Kayak rentals are available at the Boathouse from May to September. Cyclists can ride the 55-km G2G Rail Trail to Guelph, passing through woodlands and fields of sunflowers. In winter, the city grooms 10 km of cross-country ski trails in Upper Queen’s Park. Every August, teams compete in the Stratford Dragon Boat Festival, racing alongside the swans that return to the river each spring.
Art Galleries and Seasonal Events
Gallery Stratford, located in a red-brick pump house built in 1885, displays contemporary Canadian paintings and sculptures. Attend printmaking workshops on weekends or listen to the Stratford Symphony Orchestra perform at Avondale Church. The Summer Music Festival hosts free jazz concerts in Upper Queen’s Park. During February’s Winter Pride, the city organizes drag brunches at The Parlour Inn and film screenings at The Local. Ontario Culture Days in September bring pop-up art installations to Market Square.
Justin Bieber’s Stratford Connections
Visit the Avon Theatre to see the stage where Justin Bieber sang in childhood talent shows. Pick up the “Bieber-iffic Map” from Stratford Tourism to find spots like the steps of City Hall, where he once busked. The Stratford Perth Museum has a room dedicated to his career, including stage outfits and a replica of his childhood bedroom. Try the “Belieber” doughnut at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or a Bieber-themed latte at Balzac’s Coffee.
Museums and Historical Landmarks
The Stratford Perth Museum shows artifacts from the 1800s, including farming tools and quilts made by early settlers. Tour the 1887 Perth County Courthouse to see its oak-paneled courtroom and original jail cells. Walk through the T.J. Dolan Natural Area to spot rare trees like hackberry and blue ash. At the Stratford Municipal Airport, view vintage planes such as a 1942 Boeing Stearman used by WWII pilots. The Fryfogel Inn, built in 1845, offers guided tours of its pioneer-era furnishings.
Travel Tips for Stratford
Drive two hours west from Toronto or take VIA Rail’s seasonal train to Stratford. The festival runs shuttle buses from Union Station in Toronto for $29 round-trip. Stay at The Bruce Hotel for spa access or The Mercer Hotel for downtown convenience. Most theaters, galleries, and restaurants are within a 15-minute walk of each other. Rent a bike from EcoBike Shop to explore the G2G Rail Trail. Check the city’s event calendar for festivals like Winter Pride in February or the Stratford Garlic Festival in September.
