Stratford, located in the heart of southwestern Ontario and about a two-hour drive from Toronto, was once a bustling industrial town, powering Canada’s booming locomotive industry. Today, those factories have all shuttered and the city is now one of the province’s biggest cultural hubs, home to North America’s largest repertory theatre company, the Stratford Festival.
If you’re planning to attend the festival, which runs through the fall, here’s a curated guide to get the most out of your visit.
Where to stay
The Three Houses Inn: Stratford is full of bed and breakfasts, but how many can boast of being a home away from home for luminaries like the late Christopher Plummer? Each comfortable room is uniquely decorated and the delicious breakfasts feature produce from the owners’ garden. 100 Brunswick Ave. thethreehouses.com
Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel: Affectionately known by locals simply as the Arden Park, this hotel is conveniently located a short hop away from Stratford’s Festival Theatre. The rooms are all spacious and well-appointed and the restaurant in the lobby serves up delicious, unfussy grub. 552 Ontario St. ardenpark.ca
The Suburban Motel: You’ll need a car to access town from this quaint and affordable motel on the outskirts of Stratford. But if you want a quieter place to unwind, away from the hubbub of the downtown, this friendly and cosy lodging is the perfect spot. 2808 Ontario St. E. suburbanmotel.com
Where to eat and drink
Pizza Bistro: This classic Mediterranean bistro has an impressively wide-ranging menu, including more than a dozen pizzas, a selection of pastas and feature entrees. The perfect pre-show stop for families and large groups — don’t miss the array of tapas and meze on offer. 107 Downie St. pizzabistro.ca
Braai House: The grills are always firing at this chic, second-floor establishment, specializing in South African barbecue. The servings are big — think 10 oz. steaks and supersized lamb shanks — so be sure to save room for the delectable selection of shareable appetizers, including spring rolls and South African sausage. 34 Brunswick St. braaihouse.restaurant
Bowl Bar: The refreshing salad bowls and smoothies at this quick-service restaurant along the main strip are perfect for a hot summer day. Craft your own bowl or pick up the Thai Buddha, with a bright mix of various fruits and vegetables all topped with a tangy peanut lime dressing. 145 Ontario St. bowlbar.ca
Where to shop
The Green Room: This main street institution started as a music store in 1986 and then became a vintage clothing shop. It endures all these years later as a place to score everything from Hunter boots and Parkhurst hats to Mondor dancewear, and even a bit of vintage clothing and jewelry. 40 Ontario St. greenroomstratford.ca
Fanfare Books: A book lover’s paradise, this Stratford institution boasts an extensive collection of titles, particularly play scripts and other theatre-related books. Established in 1967, the store moved to its present location more than three decades ago. 92 Ontario St. fanfarebooks.ca
Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar: To enter Watson’s is to surrender to a blend of whimsy, beauty and practicality. The shop, in its current location since 1985, is chockablock with china, ceramics, glassware, home decor and so much more. Don’t miss the discounted items in the basement. 84 Ontario St. watsonsofstratford.com
What else to do
Stratford Perth Museum: There’s a lot more to see here than the famed Justin Bieber exhibit, devoted to the city’s most famous son. Check out marionettes used in popular 1860s vaudeville shows, for instance, or learn about Stratford’s past as a railway hub. Or how about a Lemon Bucket Orkestra concert or a panel on links to Black history within the region? 4275 Huron Rd. stratfordperthmuseum.ca
The Leonor on George: Stratford’s newest community and cultural space, named after Argentine Italian painter and costume designer Leonor Fini, is part tea room, part used book and gift shop and part gathering place for events like playwriting workshops, comedy competitions and mah-jong lessons. 21 George St. E. theleonor.com
The Little Prince Micro-Cinema: With just 12 seats, this is the world’s smallest purpose-built cinema. You can book it for private screenings and parties, or attend public showings. Upcoming movies include cult hits (“The Big Lebowski”), Oscar winners (“No Country for Old Men”) and golden oldies (“Key Largo”). 62 Wellington St. thelittleprincecinema.com
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