Stratford Ontario at a Glance

Stratford — prepare to be enchanted!

Whether it’s a romantic weekend for two, an overdue family vacation, or a liberating girls’ getaway, Stratford has the magic to make it memorable.

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Canada (we’re national winners of the 2006 Communities in Bloom competition) Stratford’s got what it takes – whether you want to catch some action, or simply catch your breath.

Nestled in the picturesque heartland of Perth County in rural southwestern Ontario, we’ve got oodles of culture (including the Stratford Shakespeare Festival), scads of heritage buildings, breath-stopping shopping, first-rate restaurants and top-of-the-world accommodation, garden tours, concerts, quilts and cabarets. All wrapped up in an enchanting little package.

Stratford’s calendar of events is sure to get you planning. You may run out of time, but you won’t run out of things to do.

Things to See & Do in Stratford

	Galleries and Museums Named as one of the 100 Best Art Towns in America by John Villani, Stratford celebrates the visual arts with exciting public galleries and many private studios. Visit Gallery Stratford, Gallery 96 or Art in the Park. Learn about our local history at the Stratford Perth Museum.
	Gardens and Parks The Avon River provides a focal point for over 1,000 acres of parkland and stunning gardens. The Shakespearean Gardens are the hidden jewel of the park system located next to the Perth County Court House. Stratford was named Canadian Communities in Bloom winner in 2006 in the 20,000 - 50,000 population category and international winner of Nations in Bloom in 1997.
	Stratford Shakespeare Festival The internationally acclaimed Stratford Shakespeare Festival, North America's leading classical theatre, presents a six-month season of 12 to 16 plays in four venues, encompassing the works of Shakespeare and other great classical writers as well as the best in musical theatre and contemporary drama. Plays run Tuesday through Sunday, late April to early November.
	Golf and Sports Two golf courses in Stratford are just the beginning to memorable golf experiences in the area. Tennis, swimming, canoeing, paddle boating and hiking are other great options. Ice skating and tobogganing are popular in the winter.
	Walking Tours Join up with a guide from the Perth County Historical Society to learn about the history and architecture of Stratford on a guided walking tour in the summer. Pick up a Stratford Strolls brochure for four self-guided tours to take at your leisure. Avon trail volunteers also offer tours along the trail at various times throughout the year. The Avon Trail is a 100 km walking trail that runs from St. Marys to Conestogo. Trail guides are available for sale at the Tourism office.
	Other Attractions Marvel at the quilt-makers' creations and place a bid on your favourite piece at THE QUILT: Support for People Living With Cancer. Over 80 quilts on display and open for bid in Stratford from July to October. Tour Castle Kilbride,a national historic site, in Baden. Sit in on an in-depth lecture about a play.