Things To Do in Stratford

Stratford was settled in 1832, and much of its historic heart has been preserved. Wandering down its pristine residential street—lined with historic homes decorated with turrets, wraparound verandas, and stained-glass windows—is a little like stepping back in time.

Paddleboat, kayak, rowboat, and canoe rentals are available at Avon Boat Rentals (30 York St.; tel. 519/271-7739). Despite the name, Avon does more than let boats, it also rent bicycles and runs a charming little restaurant called Riverside Patio that serves burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and fruit bowls. They also offer scenic half-hour tours on Juliet III, a pontoon boat.

The Shakespearean Gardens—a pretty, formal English garden at 5 Huron Street—is a great place to relax, contemplate the flowerbeds and tranquil river lagoon, and muse on a bust of Shakespeare by Toronto sculptor Cleeve Horne. It's open 24 hours daily. For a picnic-friendly patch of green, visit Queen’s Park, a stone’s throw from the Festival Theatre.

And speaking of picnics, Stratford is in the heart of an agricultural belt, and the abundant food options reflect the city’s pride in its regional culinary riches. There are loads of restaurants and farm and dairy tours. The Stratford Farmers Market, 353 McCarthy Rd., is an indoor year-round market open every Saturday, selling baked goods, cheeses, meats, vegetables and fruit, crafts, and flowers.

Stratford also has a good art museum, the Gallery Stratford (54 Romeo St. S.; tel. 519/271-5271). Located in a historic building on the fringes of Confederation Park, the museum exhibits contemporary and historical works by Canadian artists. Admission is by donation.

Plein Air Art Gallery—Museums are grand, but who wants to spend a glorious summer day indoors? Thanks to Stratford's Art in the Park, you can have both. On Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from late May to October, regional artists gather at Lakeside Drive and Front Street, and put on a show from 10am to 5pm, weather permitting. The artists and artisans work in various media, so you’ll find paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and glass, among other things. While many of the works are for sale, this isn’t just a market: The artists are selected through a juried process.

I know, we’re all here for the theater scene, but you shouldn't miss out on Stratford’s excellent shopping options. If you were expecting touristy, overpriced, and kitschy, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Many of the stores downtown sell clothing and housewares that rival what you’ll see in the best boutiques in Toronto. Prices tend to be quite reasonable. Here are some of my favorite spots.

• ART: Gallery Indigena (69 Ontario St.; tel. 519/271-7881) is filled with wonderful finds. It specializes in works by artists from Indigenous communities across Canada, including Inuit, Haudenosaunee, Plains Cree, Woodland Cree, and Northwest Coast communities. In business for more than 3 decades, the gallery hosts several “Meet the Artist” events throughout the summer, and ships artwork all over the world.

• BOOKS: If seeing the Bard on stage stirs in you the urge to pick up a printed play, pop into Fanfare Books (92 Ontario St.; tel. 519/273-1010). The well-curated selection also includes great kids’ books, bestsellers, and new releases.

• CLOTHING: The extensive collection at Grace Boutique (76 Ontario St; tel. 519/273-0005) includes everything from fancy frocks and comfy jeans to the perfect undies to wear underneath that new outfit. For dapper men, head to Gadsby (56 Ontario St.; tel. 519/305-3555) for stylish menswear you’d expect to see for sale on West Queen West in Toronto, not in a town of 30,000 people.

• GIFT ITEMS: You’ll find both locally made cranberry glass and objects from Indonesia and Uzbekistan at Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar (84 Ontario St.; tel. 519/273-1790). Rheo Thompson Candies (55 Albert St.; tel. 519/271-6910) is a local institution that makes lovely chocolates, mints, jellies, and other candies.

• HOUSEWARES: The venerable Bradshaws (129 Ontario St.; tel. 519/271-6283) has been in business since 1895 selling fine crystal and china; cookware, bakeware, kitchen electronics, and gadgets; tableware, flatware, and barware; and gifts of all kinds.