Stratford City

…is situated on the banks of the Avon River in Southwest Ontario in Canada, the town is about 130kms from Toronto.

What is the city famous for?

The city is best known for the the Stratford Festival, held each summer since 1953.

Stratford is not a touristy town, yet each year with the Stratford festival people from all over the world stop here to enjoy the Shakespeare shows and all that the town has to offer.

The town was named after Stratford-upon-Avon in England. Therefore naturally the Stratford Festival stages modern and Shakespearean plays in multiple theatres during the year.

There are quite a few beautiful buildings in the town, some dating back to the Victorian era in architecture and then the Stratford City Hall and Perth Country Courthouse.

While in Stratford, you have to visit

The Shakespearean Gardens (map above)
The Gallery Stratford with Canadian art.
Stroll along the River walk in summer.
In winter watch some Canadian weekend hockey fun on the frozen Avon River.
Visit the Rheo Thompson Candy / Chocolate shop where you can smell the chocolate as you walk in. This is the ideal place to buy gifts for the chocolate lover. They have beautifully wrapped chocolate gifts, just ready to be bought. Or visit the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory while in Ontario
The Stratford Perth Museum – Shine on Annual Car Rally in October is something to experience. The beautiful cars form yesteryear is awesome.
Here at the Stratford Perth Museum you’ll find many interesting and unusual exhibitions. Visit their website to get the latest info on current exhibitions.

The best time to visit

In my opinion between April to October (Summer) when the Classical Theatre shows are taking place. For more info on the show, you can check their website: Stratford Festival

Plan your trip to Stratford

International airport

Major airports near Stratford, Ontario:

51 km to London International Airport (YXU). – Now this could be very confusing. When booking your flight check the code to be correct. You don’t want to fly to a different London. You need the one in Canada.

London is a Canadian city in southwestern Ontario. It is situated north of Lake Erie and the U.S. border and this is also where you will find the University of Western Ontario. It is worth exploring London, Ontario, while in Canada.

Other airports: