Stratford hugs the shores of Lake Victoria, where pristine lakeside parks and a golf course complement Victorian-era buildings, Canadian art and classic British pubs. The city has a rich connection to Shakespeare, showcased at its annual Stratford Festival and magnificent Shakespearean Gardens.

Things to do

Discover Stratford’s love of Shakespeare by strolling through the lakeside Shakespearean Gardens, home to numerous plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. You can also time your visit for the annual Stratford Festival, when the city stages numerous Shakespearean plays in its beloved theatres, along with comedy acts and modern dramas.

Explore the centre of Stratford to admire its Victorian architecture, including the centuries-old Stratford City Hall and Perth County Courthouse. Wander through the Upper Queen's Park Stratford, a leafy expanse of historic monuments and outdoor stages. It’s also home to the Ontario Legislative Building, which displays an iconic red-brick facade.

Soak up the city’s art culture at the Gallery Stratford, a public art gallery with a sculpture park and rotating exhibitions on contemporary Canadian and regional art. Afterwards, wander through the tranquil Arthur Meighen Gardens to admire terraced limestone beds, a lily pond and seasonal flowers.

Sports fans can drive slightly outside of Stratford to visit the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St Marys. It’s home to four baseball fields and exhibits honouring Canada’s most famous ballplayers. Back in town, head to The Red Rabbit for delicious Canadian food or Molly Bloom's Irish Pub for hearty fare in a British-style pub setting.

Getting around

Stratford is about 1.5 hours’ drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport, connected via the Stratford Airporter shuttle buses. The city is also serviced by VIA Rail trains and long-distance buses. You can use the local buses and taxis to get around Stratford.