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Top 49 things to do and attractions in Stratford
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedSep 28, 2025
Updated • updatedSep 28, 2025
Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like Gallery Stratford, Shakespearean Gardens, and Stratford Perth Museum and more, get ready to experience the best places in Stratford.
Visiting Stratford? See our Stratford Trip Planner.Why trust us
We scoured through the internet and read through 29 reputable sites and blogs like Fodor’s Travel and dobbernationLOVES. We gathered all the results in one place and ranked them by how many times they were mentioned so you know you're getting the best of the best. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these: 
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Other best of categories in Stratford
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Shopping
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Kid-friendly attractions
Art gallery
Sights & Landmarks
Art museum
Arts organization
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Gallery Stratford is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, boasting a diverse collection of contemporary and historical Canadian and international artwork. Housed in the city's original pump house, this gallery offers rotating exhibitions and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided audio tour that includes a stop at Gallery Stratford, where they can explore public sculptures on the grounds. The gallery provides an educational and interactive experience, making it an ideal destination for both seasoned art lovers and those seeking inspiration.
As an artist, I absolutely love going to art gallery's of all sorts. This one was very beautiful, the art work was great to look at and experience.
Good snowy date idea.
Tanya — Google review
Small gallery with a couple of mostly underwhelming pieces (though a few are really good). As it is - charging $12 for admission is kind of ridiculous - the McMichael gallery offers 4 floors of amazing Canadian art for less than that. Would be cute as free to view, having paid for it left a bad impression.
The gallery is a charming little place in a beautiful town. What amazed me was the installation by John Notten, which has a unique character and narrative. I believe such an installation is the result of a thoughtful choice by the curators, so I highly recommend visiting this gallery.
There are a couple of beautiful positions over here. The entry is free but if you are generous, you can leave a donation. You can donate online too.
Took my daughter to the Sunday art drop-in from 1-3 and we both had a blast. Only problem was that the lady leading the group spilled glaze on my purse and hot pink paint on my daughter's coat and boots. Other than that, the amount and quality of art was fantastic and we drove all the way from London. The people who greeted us when we came in were lovely and there just happened to be muffins, tea and juice that day. Take some cash for a donation!
Out dated open at 12pm , people who go go in the morning. Not promoted enough, the art work outside needs cleaning on painted containers. Patio stones a mess, not being updated or up kept. Some art so old looks like a recycle jammed onto a stick. Should have mosquito traps in park area. I really liked some of the art inside. But, outside needs an update on the trash along the trail and behind the building. The people greeting you should be offering a tour to explain and guide you through. Educate people about the artists their work, not being done. Where are the people? Some people from out of town come in the morning because they have a long trip in afternoon.
Stumbled in by accident and really enjoyed my hour there! Four lovely exhibits (especially the 2018 trashion (trash-fashion) week winning piece!), two staff who told me all about the place and also their kids arts & crafts programs. And free, which always makes galleries a more welcoming place.
We always stop by when we come to visit Stratford for the theatre. Such pride of place. Always something really interesting. We always stay longer than intended and end up meeting and chatting to interesting people and staff.
54 Romeo St S, Stratford, ON N5A 4S9, Canada•
Garden
Nature & Parks
Parks
Shakespearean Gardens in Stratford is a delightful place to take a leisurely stroll and immerse yourself in nature. Originally featuring only plants mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, the garden now also includes non-Shakespearean flora. Visitors can admire the 65-foot chimney, a remnant of the former woolen mill on site, as well as a charming gazebo and a bust of William Shakespeare. The gardens are conveniently located near the Avon River path and offer free exploration along the riverbank.
I would say Stratford as a hidden Gem, the city is situated alongside the Avon River, lot of things to do - Architectural marvels like Queens Town Hall, Court House the Overall Market place, Theatres and the serene river cruise, on top of that you have multiple small shops for shopping lovers and fine food, ample parking places, Sunday it was free parking, you can also find lot of local farmers selling green vegetables, plants and Bakery items.
Prasun G — Google review
Very well maintained clean and quite park.
It’s so relaxing and refreshing to walk through
It is far calmer than anticipated and totally worth the visit.
My friend and I had a peaceful walk through these well-maintained gardens. There were some unique flowers, a beautiful bridge over the river and a bust of Shakespeare himself! There was also a replica of his wife's cottage which we unfortunately did not visit. The park however, was not very large so we went through it very quickly. Do not expect to spend a long time here. Still, a wonderful stop on our day trip to Stratford!! 😊👍💜
Big Tip: Park at the Cooper Lot - Municipal Parking at 105 St. Patrick St. It's free all day and it's only a 2 minute walk to the main section of Stratford and a 10 minute walk to this park. 👌
A lovely, peaceful walk — and just a short distance from the theatres. The gardens are beautifully groomed, filled with charm and quiet detail that reflect the town’s love of art and story.
You’ll often find swans gliding near the eastern side, which adds a touch of grace to the already serene setting. It’s not a place to rush through; it’s one to stroll, breathe, and let yourself unwind between shows.
Simply put, a beautiful little pocket of calm in Stratford — worth every step.
Beautifully maintained and a good starting point if you want to go on a good trail as it connects to the TJ Dolan which will take you clear around the west side of the city. In the other direction you can take the trails that lead down towards the Tom Patterson island and the main theatre.
Close to the downtown core .
Shakespearean Gardens is a pretty and quiet place with nice flowers, but the still water nearby had a bad smell; there could also be more in the garden to see and enjoy.
Beautiful serene garden. Short walk by the river. Well maintained with public parking 6 mins away. Close to stores and restaurants nearby for a walk in the city.
Shakespearean Gardens in Stratford is one of the city’s most charming and peaceful spots. It’s beautifully landscaped with flowers, stone paths, and a historic footbridge over the Avon River. The gardens are small but full of character, featuring plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays — a nice touch for theatre lovers. It’s ideal for quiet walks, reading, or photography, especially in spring and summer. Parking is nearby, and it’s just a short stroll from downtown. A lovely mix of history, art, and nature.
5 Huron St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L6, Canada•
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Museum
Specialty Museums
The Stratford Perth Museum offers a comprehensive look into the history and culture of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits on the First Nations communities, European settlement, agriculture, and industry. The museum also highlights famous residents like Justin Bieber and the founders of the renowned Stratford Festival. With ever-changing displays featuring Canadian artists, local history, and artisans from Southwestern Ontario, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
My husband and I participated in a summertime poetry soirée gathering here last Saturday, was an amazing event with a great vibe at Perth Museum .
I really liked the atmosphere of the Musuem with lots of history of Stratford and perth county to see specially map of the world, We also enjoyed seeing and walking outside the building. Thanks team, we will back!😍
Farah Y — Google review
This museum has a Justin Bieber Collection of artifacts detailing his history growing up in Stratford and his steps to stardom in the early days of his international career. The museum also house vintage cars from the 1920’s and an old printing press. We saw a music show in a
Super cheap and such a great learning experience!
We got to look at the Justin Bieber exhibit, as well as plenty of history on Stratford and Perth.
The staff was lovely too!
This is a lovely local museum and well worth your time. It covers a lot of ground from Stratfords railway history to Justin Bieber via the Second World War. Part of the building is a heritage house that has been nicely preserved.
Too often these museums are aimed only at children - but not this one. There are lots of exhibits with clear explanatory panels.
Really fantastic museum!
Plenty to see.
Till's Marionette exhibit on now. Justin Bieber exhibit ongoing.
As someone from the UK who has loved Justin for 15 years, this was such a highlight of our trip to Toronto & we are so glad we visited!!
This museum has a lot to convey about Stratford and Perth county. We had a wonderful experience. It's worth a visit.
I always love visiting the museum as there are new exhibits every year. Plus, I love that there's a trail out back and that they have snowshoes that you can borrow in the winter.
4275 Huron Road or, 4275 Line 34, Stratford, ON N5A 6S6, Canada•
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Theaters
The Avon Theatre, part of the Stratford Festival, is a historic venue with a classic proscenium stage for plays, musicals, and concerts. Situated along Downie Street, it originally opened as an opera house in 1900. The theatre boasts a charming atmosphere and is well-maintained despite its age. Visitors can also spot Justin Bieber's star outside the theatre where he used to busk before becoming famous.
Saw Anne of Green Gables this past weekend. The interpretation was incredible; keeping in line with the main story but adding a new, modern twist. As well, there were lots of comedic and heartfelt moments. The acting was brilliant and the set perfectly done to reflect each time period. The Avon Theatre is a beautiful theatre, with comfortable seating, washroom facilities that were plentiful and moved quickly. There is also a good-size shop onsite if you are looking for show merchandise.
Tamara H — Google review
The Avon Theatre in Stratford is a charming venue, with a classic look on the outside and a comfortable, welcoming feel inside. The seats are fairly comfortable with the sound and lighting being usually excellent.
The location is great too — right in the heart of Stratford, close to shops, cafes, and parking. The staff are friendly and helpful.
One thing to note is that the seating can feel a bit tight if the theatre is full, especially in the older sections, as was my case when I went to watch Macbeth there recently. Also, some of the best seats tend to sell out quickly, so it's a good idea to book in advance.
Overall, the Avon Theatre is a nice place to enjoy live performances, especially as part of the Stratford Festival.
The quality of the performances is first-rate. As part of the Stratford Festival, the productions are top-tier.
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival was launched in 1952 by Tom Patterson, a local journalist. Today, it has grown into one of Canada’s most popular cultural events. His vision was to bring Shakespeare's works to life in the town of Stratford, Ontario, a location that shared its name with the birthplace of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
At the time, Stratford was a small town, but Patterson believed that bringing Shakespeare’s works to the town could not only elevate its cultural profile but also serve as an economic boost, drawing tourists from around the world. The idea was somewhat ambitious, given that Stratford was not known for its theater scene at that time.
Patterson's vision eventually gained support from several key figures, with local residents rallying behind the project.
We watched a beautiful reproduction of the Anne of the green Gables in Avon theatre in downtown Stratford. The venue is great with a beautiful layout. The production was also amazing. Strongly recommend watching Anne of the Green Gables.
First time seeing a show here. Seats I picked were wrong for a tall person like me. Avoid seats over a doorway with a ledge, very tight. Beautiful theater, very nice staff
Came here for the first time and experienced the Anne of Green Gables play. To me it was just ok.
Our first impression of going to Stratford was a pain because this city doesn't have enough parking for the theatres so we spent 20 minutes looking for parking with every lot full. Then rushed to arrive on time.
Small issue: this venue lacks having enough washrooms for the amount of people during the 15 minute break.
The play itself was mediocre. The actors/actresses were tremendous but this was a very liberal twist on the story of Anne of Green Gables. They added a gay character. Took a shot at the current USA VP. Among some other things I won't mention. To me, politics should stay out of plays unless it's necessary. The story lacked authenticity in the second hour and I wish I just left at half and explored Stratford.
2/5
⭐⭐
Saw Macbeth and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels playing here this season. Superb.
All the theatres in Stratford are excellent, with the Avon being no exception. Comfortable seating. Recommend coming here for top quality theatre.
We watched anne of green gables. Loved the production and set. Well executed. The theater is cozy and everything is well managed.
We came to see Macbeth and I don't think I've ever seen a show with better stagecrafting! The theater was lovely, with a really nice shop and a concession area where you could pre-order for intermission! What a great idea!
We'll definitely be back again!
99 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X2, Canada•
affordable
Restaurant
Mercer Kitchen | Beer Hall offers a warm and refined setting, serving bistro cuisine made with fresh Canadian produce. The menu, influenced by Chef Ryan O'Donnell's time in Japan, features unique items like grilled whole sardine and karaage fried chicken. For those seeking more familiar options, there are choices like grilled chicken skewers. As part of the bacon and ale trail, they offer a tasting of two types of bacon.
Had one of the best meals for lunch at Mercer Hall. My husband had the burger and I had the Caesar Salad. Our waiter, Heath, was very attentive and even went so far as to find out more information about a specific beer. I have mobility issues and without being asked, the staff very kindly put out a ramp which made it easier for me to access the inside of the restaurant. Great food! Great service! We will definitely be back!
Becky L — Google review
We were in Stratford for our 40th wedding anniversary, to catch some plays, take in the sights, and sample food. This restaurant did not disappoint. We went on a busy evening pre theatre time and the restaurant was bustling. We worried we would not have enough time it was so busy but the service and kitchen were so efficient. We never felt rushed, the service was excellent and the food did not disappoint. We had the Mijikai Maki to start, it was really good. Fish was nice and cool in the centre and the outside was nice and crispy. It was a large roll so perfect to share. I had the Bento box which was equally good, well portioned and presented. My husband had the Buttermilk Fried chicken and he loved it. Really crispy, yet the chicken inside was nice and moist. There were many things on the menu that I found appealing, so next time in Stratford we will be back.
It was my first visit to Mercer Kitchen with our family of four and we could not have been more thrilled with the experience. We love dining out and love good food, and this restaurant was fantastic. Our server, Ryan, was outstanding... friendly, attentive, kind. The food was fabulous and the ambiance wonderful. It's the perfect place for a leisurely dinner before going to the theatre. I would come back here in a heartbeat.
The coconut curry soup was certainly… unforgettable. Whether that’s a compliment or not, I’ll leave to your imagination. The deep-fried sushi roll was a bold choice—maybe less shocking if you’ve never actually been to Asia. The burger patty was dry enough to pass as jerky, and the seafood rice managed to be both overwhelmingly strong in flavor and utterly forgettable at the same time.
But honestly, the food wasn’t the worst part. The real highlight of the evening was sharing my table with what felt like ten thousand flies—apparently part of the restaurant’s patio experience. And while I was busy waving them away, I also had plenty of time to wave at the waitress… who somehow never noticed, no matter how many times I tried. On the bright side, the bearded male server was genuinely kind and attentive—credit where credit is due.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this place certainly delivers… just maybe not in the way you’d hope.
Absolutely a great hotel to stay at for enjoying time in Stratford. Easy walking distance to downtown theatres to see a play and explore the shops. Excellent service from the staff (a big shout out to Emily for being so nice) and really fantastic food. Loved the atmosphere and friendliness. Our deluxe king room was super clean, had a big bar fridge, spacious shower and a very comfortable bed with cushy pillows. Would definitely book a stay here again!
Great service and food was delicious. The atmosphere in the restaurant was relaxed and upscale but the hit of the experience was the Mercer BLT with egg sandwich….no side dish, just a sandwich …..BUT oh my…the best sandwich my husband has ever had, he said. Well done chef! My coconut noodle dish was also fantastic.
I had high hopes for Mercer Kitchen in Stratford after hearing so many great things, but unfortunately, our experience was deeply disappointing. From the moment we arrived, the lacklustre service set the tone - despite the restaurant being quite empty, our server made no real effort to engage or provide attentive service.
As for the food, it was a major letdown. The flavours were unpleasantly bitter, and everything seemed heavily saturated with deep fry oil, leaving it greasy and unappetizing. The quality just didn’t match the hype, and we left feeling unsatisfied and regretful of the visit. Definitely not the experience we were excited for.
I rarely leave reviews, but I was compelled to share our disappointment. I’m not looking for an apology from the owner; I simply hope this feedback is taken constructively to improve the overall dining experience. Sadly, I can’t recommend Mercer Kitchen based on our visit.
We spent the weekend in Stratford and from many recommendations decided to stop by the Mercer for an early dinner. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming and our service top notch. The food and drinks were amazing full and flavor and you could tell they take pride in the food they put out. We left with full tummies and a great experience. Stratford your lucky to have such a restaurant you can visit daily. We look forward to one day coming back again!! 5* for sure!!
108 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H2, Canada•
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expensive
Restaurant
Event venue
Wedding venue
Revival House is a unique dining destination located in the town of Stratford. Housed in the historic Mackenzie Memorial Gospel Church, which dates back to 1873, this restaurant offers farm-fresh cuisine, craft brews, and wine in a one-of-a-kind setting. The building retains much of its original architecture, with stained-glass windows and an intimate atmosphere.
ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!
I don’t know where to start. The atmosphere? Gorgeous. The food? To DIE for. the service!? SO friendly, very welcoming, i almost felt like i was talking with a friend!
I booked a reservation on the patio for my sister and I, it was everything we had dreamed of. From a beautiful view, amazing architecture and beautiful flowers around, it was just perfect.
The food was impeccable. I got the duck, and my sister chose the steak, both were prepared better than what Gordon Ramsay could make, the plating was perfect, our appetizers were delectable. I recommend the crab cakes 110%!
Christian, our server was a lovely gentleman. With a contagious smile and so very well spoken, he made my sister and i’s experience go from great to amazing, even perfect.
I absolutely recommend coming to Revival House for dinner. Truly an amazing spot.
Lisa C — Google review
We held our wedding at Revival House in September and it could not have been a better venue. The staff were so great, helpful and accommodating. Big thanks especially to Rob and Annie, who were there on the day and Alysha, who help with organising the whole day. We loved that we could hold the whole event from start to finish in the one location. We were able to get ready in their upstairs dining area, have the ceremony and reception in the main hall and cocktail hour in the courtyard patio. The gardens in front of the venue are so beautiful and perfect for photos as well. The food was great and we got so many compliments on the venue specifically from our guests. We had around 65 guests and it was the perfect size for us, not too crowded, but not too big either. There was plenty of parking for guests as well, which was great. The staff also packed everything up for us and we were able to pick it up the next morning, which was amazing. We'd highly recommend Revival House as a wedding venue for anyone wanting to get married in Stratford! Thank you Revival House!
We just happened to find this restaurant in a Google Search and we went for a late brunch. The ambiance of the old church was so cool and the waitress was super friendly and attentive. We only had burgers because it was just a midday meal, but all agreed it was the best burger and fries we have had. So I'm guessing the rest of the food was good as well. Will recommend this to anyone I know going to Stratford.
I would rate this a 5 star but I wasn't to happy with reserving at 5:30 pm and then they canceled on me and gave me an earlier time 4:30 pm. I had to leave my show earlier to get there because they wanted to cater to a larger group.
Overall it was a great experience and I am really happy with the service and atmosphere and they also gave us a complementary dessert for our anniversary.
I definitely recommend checking it out.
This restaurant is so beautiful inside and outside. My friend has a delicious egg Benny but my chicken sandwich can have some improvement. Service is super!!! I would come back and I think there are choice of foods.
Excellent food. The usual casual dishes done with a special flair. Very friendly and helpful staff. But the staff seemed overworked and the service is slow. Plan on 2 hours for dinner. We were there on a Sunday early supper when they were not very busy.
We had lunch here before a matinee show. I loved it!
The atmosphere was awesome: a decommissioned church turned into a restaurant creates a beautiful dining experience with a warm - yet inspiring - ambiance.
Our waiter was Christopher - a friendly and easy-going guy. When my initial beer order was given to me as a half-pint at no charge (because the keg had run out) I was promised another full-pint afterwards with the promise of checking in on me to see if I liked the craft beer. When I said that I would prefer to taste another, he suggested one, brought me a large sampler at no cost, and then took my new order.
I had a reasonably-sized Reuben sandwich with fries. The taste of the food was excellent.
We had a great experience at Revival House! We did not have a reservation, and even though they were short staffed, we told them we would wait for a table and we didn't need rushed service, so they sat us on the patio.
It was pretty hot but the shade in the patio and all the trees and foliage surrounding made it comfortable.
They have great non-alcoholic beer and mocktails selection that are very affordable!
We had the beet salad, duck flatbread, and a lamb special, and finished with their insanely delicious creme brulee - all 10/10. Oh and their complimentary rosemary focaccia bread with olive oil and balsamic is incredible.
The atmosphere, service, and food quality were all amazing and we cannot wait to come back.
70 Brunswick St, Stratford, ON N5A 6V6, Canada•
affordable
Restaurant
Nestled on the upper floor of The Alley, Braai House offers a delightful journey into South African cuisine, showcasing dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and cooked over an open flame. This vibrant eatery is not just about food; it also serves up fantastic cocktails that perfectly complement the unique flavors. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, consider reserving a spot at the chef's table where you can engage with Chef Julian and witness the kitchen in action.
Reservation required. Extremely happy with our experience. Dishes were delicious and filling. Table reservations were full, so I chose to book at the kitchen. We are shy people, it wouldn’t have been my first choice. The food was so good, I ended up loving the seats because we got to see everyone else’s yummy dishes being prepared. My only regret was not bringing more people to dine with, to be able to sample more food!!
Caitlyn M — Google review
First time trying this restaurant and it was great! My boyfriend and I sat at the chef's counter and we had a fun time watching the cooks do their work. Our server Joel was super friendly and a great guy! He was very attentive and kept checking in on us to make sure we were doing okay and he made our entire experience very comfortable. The food was really tasty, we got the spring rolls, braai burger and the hermanus sting pizza. We also got the chocolate pudding for dessert and that was a great way to end the night. Next time we visit Stratford we will definitely come again!
We visited Braai House before our show at the Stratford Festival. We made a reservation so thankfully there was no wait to be seated.
We ordered the Bobotie Spring Rolls, Wood Fired Scallop, Boerewors Sausage, Biltong Board and Molton Lava Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. The scallops and the spring rolls were standouts.
As the dinner went on the restaurant became quite noisy, so this is probably not the best option for a quiet conversational romantic date!
We celebrated my husband's birthday here and had a fantastic time! We had the spring rolls and beef tartare to start, and then the stew and a steak for mains. Everything was incredibly delicious! I'm looking forward to returning and trying more things from their menu.
We had a great evening at Braai House! This was our first visit here. We sat at the chef’s counter, which we always try to do when it’s available, and it really made the night. We loved watching the kitchen at work, and Chef Matthew checked in often and chatted with us throughout the evening.
We started with the squid, and the Chef brought out a selection of house-made hot sauces just for us. This is exactly why we love sitting kitchen-side; those little touches and personalized upgrades make it special. For mains, I had the lamb and my husband had the Braai bowl. Both were full of flavor and cooked beautifully. It will be hard not to order the lamb again next time, it was easily 11/10.
For dessert, we were convinced to try the South African milk tart, and it was to die for. We also went with the chocolate malva cake, which did not disappoint. Halfway through, Chef even brought me an extra scoop of ice cream so I could finish it properly. Definitely save room for dessert!
The only part that fell short was the traditional service. Our cocktails arrived after the appetizer, a second round was delayed, and we had to follow up on a few basic things with our server. By the end of the night, it was the chef’s attention and hospitality that truly warranted the generous tip we left, not the bar or table service.
We’ll definitely be back, book the counter again, and can’t wait to explore more of the menu!
I was so blown away by this experience. The service is incredible, the atmosphere is very beautiful, but above all the food is outstanding. If you’re from Stratford or not, this is worth making the trip out. A big thank you to Anthony, Luke, and the rest of the Braai House team for their exquisite hospitality and their attention to detail. This was an out of this world experience and I’m so excited to come back!
We had such a wonderful experience again last Saturday night. It's worth the trip to Stratford for a delicious, fun, unique, carefully crafted dinner experience.
Brai House is the only place I've seen for a world-away experience where a restaurant brings a unique culinary style (South African) to Ontario. There are so many choices for French, Asian, Italian, Continental and fusion combinations.... and I don't know of another restaurant that has Biltong on the menu. The spice mixes, cooking on a Brai, and the sophisticated cocktail program set Brai House apart.
The front of the house staff are attentive, professional and approachable. When we were running 10 minutes late, we called and Luke said, "you arrive safely, and we will feed you when you get here" - Okay :)
Chef was at the Brai and between sprints, made time to talk to us while we were sitting at the Kitchen Seating watching them make magic appear on the dinner plates.
If you're looking for a experience with good food, unique spices and some things on the menu you don't recognize.....arrive ready for a "Lekker" experience.
My husband and I recently visited Stratford for the first time, and our first meal in town was at the Braai House. It set such a high bar that the following evening’s dinner at another highly popular restaurant couldn’t compare!
Service: From the start, Braai House impressed us with their flexibility, accommodating our reservation change from 7:30 PM to 5:00 PM when our plans shifted unexpectedly. Every staff member we interacted with, from the host to the servers, was incredibly professional, friendly, and always greeted us with a warm smile. They patiently answered our questions about the menu, introduced the ingredients of each dish as they were served, and checked in at just the right moments to ensure everything was to our liking. The timing between courses was perfectly paced, making for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Food: While I don’t recall all the exact menu names, the dishes we tried were truly memorable. We started with a squid appetizer that was tender, flavorful, and a delightful surprise. For our mains, we had the chicken and lamb stew. The chicken was beautifully seasoned with herbs and the lamb stew was rich and hearty, both paired perfectly with the fresh, well-cooked side vegetables. The stew also came with specialty buns that complemented the dish wonderfully. For dessert, we enjoyed a chocolate cake that was anything but ordinary—it had layers of texture and a refined flavor that made it stand out.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience and can’t wait to bring our family along on our next visit!
34 Brunswick St Upper Level, Stratford, ON N5A 3L8, Canada•
Brewery
Food & Drink
Black Swan Brewing Co. is a beloved microbrewery and taproom located in downtown Stratford, near the Avon Theatre. Founded by two teachers with a passion for brewing, this brewery offers a curated menu of seasonal beers that are crafted with care and expertise. Visitors can enjoy indoor and patio seating while savoring a variety of well-balanced pale ales, English ale, nitro rice beer, and even a unique chipotle-infused brew.
The next stop on my unofficial brewery tour is Black Swan Brewing Co. Almost skipped this stop because of the weather but I’m glad I didn’t because this spot is a can’t miss. Grab yourself a flight of local cold ones sit back and relax on the dog friendly patio. I personally recommend the Wild Child Sour but honestly you can’t go wrong.
Nick — Google review
One of the best breweries in Stratford! Great ambience, good selection of beers, a bit small, but an amazing service! It's a must visit place if your coming to Stratford!
The service was really good. Once I knew we had to go inside to order drinks for the patio, it was great. The bartender had great recommendations for a flight of tasters and tell us a little bit about the history of the brewery. The atmosphere was nice and he came to check up on us a couple of times. I would definitely recommend checking out this venue if you like local breweries.
Really nice local microbrewery, first tried their EPA at the Stratford Festival theatres and it's pretty much my go-to anytime I'm in town now. They do a selection of brews really well and have a small food menu to snack on as well with inventive feature hotdogs. The soft pretzels were a bit odd looking, almost like they'd been microwaved or steamed, but tasted okay enough with a grainy mustard. Will definitely be back!
This small craft brewery is super welcoming. I got a flight of five beer ether had on tap: English Pale Ale, a Porter, an IPA, an apricot sour, and an APA.
Once I was done, the man behind the bar asked what I thought. When I shared the ones I enjoyed : the Porter and the Apricot Sour, he gave me a sample of a raspberry sour, which was even better.
In all, a friendly place with good beer.
Great spot... beer was a bit pricey and the solo guy serving was stressed ... but the atmosphere was very nice and the beer was excellent.
We enjoyed sitting outside sipping different beers. I would definitely recommend trying this place out if you haven't yet. My husband and I will most definitely return when we come through Stratford again.
Great drinks! And I loved their soft pretzel, the mustard dip was great.
144 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X1, Canada•
Art gallery
Gallery Indigena Inc in Stratford is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. The owner, Erla Boyer, is dedicated to promoting Indigenous artisans and their work. The gallery features a diverse range of items including jewelry, drinkware, clothing, Inuit sculpture and prints, Iroquois sculptures and paintings, North West Coast masks and wood art. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff who provide helpful insights into the artists and their creations without being pushy.
A beautiful showcase of Aboriginal art from the different parts of Canada!
T H — Google review
I was looking for a very specific gift and ran into this jewel of store! The staff was so patient and helped me with my questions. She was kind and she was very knowledgeable! I bought a couple of things that have a special meaning and I don't think I could have found this any other place!!
Well established indigenous art gallery and Stratford landmark!
This is a wonderful gallery with beautiful works of indigenous art from incredible artisans. Well worth a look. There is something for everyone on any budget.
It was my first time visiting Canada, and I happened upon this store during my stay in Stratford. Lovely little store, with an amazing selection of Jewelry and other neat, unique things! The employees Ivy and Gillian were beyond helpful and courteous, and gladly answered all of my questions! I purchased a nice necklace to bring home with me to Arizona. Thanks again for the awesome customer service Ivy & Gillian!
Beautiful store with an incredible variety of items!
Staff ignored us the entire time and actively avoided my family and I. Nothing was actually authentically Indigenous-made, items for sale were mass produced items that came be easily purchased at any gift shop in Canada. Disappointing visit, not worth the stop.
Amazing collection! Want to visit once again - might be little pricey though ..
69 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H2, Canada•
affordable
Italian restaurant
Bar
Caterer
Pazzo Pizzeria is a sleek destination offering gourmet Italian meals, wine, and cocktails. The street-level ristorante provides rustic Italian-inspired cuisine in a contemporary setting overlooking the Avon River. Chef Yva Santini, a Stratford Chefs School alumna, is known for her authentically appealing cuisine that incorporates her own interpretation of Italian culinary traditions with a focus on seasonality and locally sourced ingredients.
I wanted to order a authentic Margarita pizza which was not on the menu, but our attendant— Jay—placed the proper order for me. I also ordered a pizza with a funny weird name that has basil pesto on it. It was super delicious.
I can say the food was very good, location was great and the service we received was 5 star.
We had a great night here and can recommend it confidently.
Mohsen N — Google review
Just had the most amazing date night with my husband at Pazzo. Avery took amazing care of us and we felt such a personal touch to her service. We shared the Burrata, the Meatballs, and the Consigliere pizza, had 3 drinks each and everything was perfect from the cocktails to the wine, to ensuring that our water glasses were always full. We also had the chocolate mousse for dessert and the bill was still under $200. Absolutely incredible experience. Highly recommend.
We loved the pizza so much we went twice in two days. They were definitely busier when we went for lunch, but the staff were very attentive and the food was excellent. The presentation of the food and drinks also felt super classy without being very expensive. Highly recommend building your own pizza.
We had dinner at Pazzo Pizzeria tonight and the food was fantastic! But what truly made the experience memorable was our waiter, Jay. He was incredibly friendly, professional, and a pleasure to talk to. For me, great customer service is just as important as great food—and this restaurant gets full credit for delivering both. Huge thanks to Jay for making our evening even more enjoyable!
Pazzo Pizzeria is a local favorite, and after visiting, I can see why. The pizzas have that perfect balance of crisp crust, fresh toppings, and rich flavor, while the pastas taste authentically Italian with sauces that feel homemade. They also offer a wide range of drinks to complement the meal, which really rounds out the experience.
The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere that adds to the charm, but since it’s quite popular in the area, I’d recommend making a reservation to avoid waiting. Overall, it’s an excellent spot for anyone craving genuine Italian food in a lively yet cozy setting.
Really nice food, chilly oil was amazing and how it is supposed to be. Loved their pizza.
Everything there was great. The food was nice. Had a non alcoholic wine and wasn't a fan of it but first time trying this wine so...
The pizza was also great along with the garlic bread.
Came with my family and service was super friendly and helpful with choosing what to eat. I really liked the chili oil! Tbh i thought the pasta was just okay and I wasn’t too amazed by the pizza either but service and atmosphere was cool
70 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H2, Canada•
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Restaurant
The Parlour Inn Restaurant offers a classic dining experience in a historic hotel. It features vintage decor and serves delicious steaks and local draft beers. Situated in downtown, it is known for its exceptional cuisine and top-notch customer service. The menu showcases creative twists on traditional dishes, emphasizing quality and freshness. Guests can also enjoy a laid-back lounge area and outdoor patio. Highly recommended are the smash burger and pavlova desserts, which consistently receive rave reviews.
The prime rib special which is only on Friday and Saturday nights might have been one of the best prime rib meals we've ever had! The only drawback was wishing we had room for the Paloma dessert which was next at the next table! Reservations are definitely recommended!
RhodainPgh — Google review
My first time visited the city of Stratford and this restaurant . We came as a group , had lunch before going to watch the "Annie" show. The restaurant is inside the classical Parlour Inn .
This is a wonderful experience . You can feel that you are surrounded by history. The food and the service are both very good.
We had a good dinner at the Parlour Inn. Expectations were not high, as it was one of only two restaurants in town with availability (we were negligent in booking reservations in advance). However it turned out to be very good. Not refined eating, more of a pub like atmosphere. I had a combo of French Onion Soup and their burger. The French onion soup was very good, on a par with others I have had recently at upscale restaurants. And the burger was also very good, although the bun did not hold up to the juicy burger, tomato and other ingredients. Also ordered was the Prosciutto flatbread with Apple Butter, Brie, and Red Onion. The big winner of the evening was the pavlova - shared fortunately, as even for two it was a decadent but amazing indulgence.
A wonderful relaxing environment. The ambience is peaceful with a nice variety of food. Not over-priced. The staff are super friendly and efficient. Try the pavlova or carrot cake for dessert! There is nothing like it! We went without a reservation after a great Stratford show but reservations are a good idea.
Had a lovely experience on this delightful patio, sipping on a cosmo and devouring a smash burger with bacon. My partner went for the haddock and was pleasantly surprised by how tender the fish was- it was falling off the fork!
We were a little apprehensive because of the limited menu, but the food was worth it! Normally smaller menu restaurants compensate with flavor and The Parlour was no exception. The service was very quick, efficient and friendly. We hope to return!
Breakfast on a Saturday mid morning.
Service was as to be expected. Breakfast was wonderful. Personal preference would be that pancakes would come with a side of syrup instead of already being doused. Only to give patrons the option on how sweet they enjoy their pancakes.
Breakfast sandwich patties were a touch under seasoned for my liking but overall the breakfast sandwich was fantastic. The only legitimate complaint that could really be helped was that the fresh fruit cups that came were warm through and through. Warm fruit is a bit of a turn off.
Atomosphere. I've always loved the old time wood and glass aesthetic. The room throws off a very much crooner lounge vibe. Throw in some oldies from the 50s and 60s while you dine and it's exactly how I would love to experience a time out. This place has never shown up on my radar for some God forsaken reason. I speak for only myself when I say this is exactly what I look for in a gastro experience even if it was just breakfast. Class for the common folk is what you could say. Wear your finest shorts but enjoy your "mahogany and leather" surroundings.
Otherwise, can't wait to come back and try the breakfast again and lunch or dinner.
Thank you for a wonderful experience.
For the price of the prime rib, and it being on Special, it should come to the table hot. The carrots, potatoes, Yorkshire pudding cold. Beef warm, gravy was hot. Pavlova and Fish n Chips good. Alice was great!
We had dinner here during our short stay in Stratford. My partner and I really enjoyed the smash burger, fish and chips, and soups. It was our anniversary so they brought out a Pavlova as a complimentary dessert! It was delicious. We'd definitely come here again.
101 Wellington St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L4, Canada•
12revel
affordable
Cafe
Coffee shop
Espresso bar
Pastry shop
Revel is a popular coffee spot in Toronto, known for its independent and direct trade coffee. The cafe has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with a legion of people working on their laptops. It's also the birthplace of the restaurant Loka, which was funded through Kickstarter. Revel itself has successfully crowdfunded twice, inspiring other businesses to do the same.
We saw a lineup and decided to grab a quick drink with no expectations. We got coffee, tea and biscuits. My tea (Dream - hint of lavender) with added with lemonade. The colour changed and taste so gorgeous. And we tried the biscuit and we can taste the nuts and butter. My friends also say their coffee are really good. Very glad we did a stop over.
Kar L — Google review
I enjoyed this place. My first time and the service was great. I got a savoury and sweet item to try. I loved the savoury, not so much the strawberry muffin but that’s ok. Plenty more things to try next time. 😋😋
We loved this place so much we came back two mornings in a row on our trip. The croissants are fantastic! The lattes were excellent as well. The baked goods are addictive
My favourite cafe in Stratford! I always have time to stop in! Kind staff, delicious scones, coffee made to perfection, and a beautiful relaxing atmosphere!
First time in Stratford and many people recommended Revel. Glad I listened! it was a cozy cafe and clearly popular with the locals.
The server was friendly and I really enjoyed our brief conversation.
I ended up ordering a cappuccino and the doughnut of the day. The coffee wasn't bad not the best I've had but definitely one of the better ones. The doughnut was the real star which was a lemon poppyseed glaze. The dough was soft and the glaze added a nice touch of tart and sweetness without it being overwhelming.
I made the mistake of only buying one, when I went back to get more it was sold out. So if you see it in stock make sure to get 2
Best coffee shop I’ve been to in ages. Friendly and cheerful staff, amazing menu selection, top-notch coffee, and pastries to die for.
If you want a "this is the BEST thing I ever put in my mouth" moment please, please come down to the charming, warm locals fave for their amazing almond croissant! First time in Stratford and the spot came highly reccomended. A total community hub with in-house baked treats.
My favourite cafe in Stratford so far. It’s always busy (because of their great coffee and baked goods) still love coming here. This cafe is an experience itself. The staff is always so nice, Stephanie (owner) is the nicest. They even offer student discounts.
37 Market Pl, Stratford, ON N5A 1A4, Canada•
affordable
Restaurant
The Common is a restaurant in Stratford that offers a diverse and eclectic mix of comfort food from around the world. Chef TimO, inspired by his global travels, presents an international menu with dishes ranging from Thai and Indian to Italian and French. The motto 'Eat Without Borders' reflects the restaurant's commitment to cultural fusion and freely adapted recipes.
We would definitely return!!! After what the people and restaurant went through the past few months, what they accomplished tonight (the first day opening) was incredible! The food was delicious and the staff were on point! The chef even came out to talk to us like a regular (our first time there…) We had the dumplings, pea toast, Khao, lobster risotto and chocolate cake. NOTHING disappointed! So happy we could be there and “celebrate “ the grand reopening! Thank you all so much for a memorable experience, you all were awesome! And Chef…kudos!!!
(Please note, we had 4 cocktails , a bottle of wine, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees and a dessert, so it wasn’t inexpensive, but well worth the $$$$, and the price includes tip , we also made reservations).
M. M — Google review
We recently had our wedding reception at The Common and couldn’t have asked for a better day. Our guests raved about the food. The staff were incredibly friendly and organized. I would highly recommend having your next event at The Common. Cassandra and Chef Tim are amazing!
Loved our Dinner at the Common! Food was delicious and the menu creative. Very good gluten free options. Staff really cared about the restaurant as well. Definitely will return when in Stratford again, especially because we’re told the menu is ever changing. Thanks!
Eclectic restaurant with lobster pasta, tofu and Japanese veggies, and short ribs. The food is not what you would expect, but is very good. The bbq ribs are very subtle allowing the meat flavor to shine, rather than the sauce. Excellent service.
I had an amazing experience enjoying an anniversary dinner at The Common in Stratford, Ontario. From the moment we stepped inside, the warm and inviting atmosphere set the perfect tone for the evening.
The menu, which features an exquisite Asian fusion selection, was absolutely delightful. Each dish was a harmonious blend of unique flavors, beautifully presented, and cooked to perfection. You could truly appreciate the chefs' creativity and meticulous attention to detail in every plate.
The ambiance was cozy yet sophisticated, with tasteful decor that added to the overall charm. The staff were attentive and personable, ensuring every guest felt welcome and well taken care of.
Overall, our experience at The Common was exceptional, and I highly recommend it for a special occasion or just a lovely evening out.
It was wonderful! Gorgeous patio that you must see to believe. The food was daring and delicious, not your standard fare, but that's a good thing when fine dining. The staff was top notch, from the front of the house to the kitchen. I am already looking forward to my next visit :)
Just had lunch here and it was delicious. The secret garden patio was lovely and the service was sweet! Highly recommend!
Cassie and her crew could not be more welcoming and professional. We were a group of seven who went to The Common after a matinee. Such an inviting atmosphere and the food was superb. One of the diners has food sensitivities and she thoroughly enjoyed her choices. Everyone had an enjoyable meal. No wonder the place was packed, even on a Tuesday evening. My daughter recently had her wedding and reception there. Highly recommend!
80 Wellington St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L2, Canada•
Permanently Closed
affordable
Restaurant
Step into The Planet Diner, a retro-inspired eatery in Stratford that caters to both herbivores and carnivores. This vegan-focused restaurant offers messy, saucy, and decadent favorites for plant eaters craving comforting dishes like creamy mac and cashew cheese. While the menu is primarily plant-based, there are also options for meat lovers such as heritage country bacon and real pulled pork.
I had a very large, fresh Cobb salad with breaded "chicken" (vegan "meat") and buffalo sauce! The lemon dill dressing was very good. The pieces in the salad were quite large, but they give you a fairly sharp takeout knife that allows you to cut them up. The salad was more than what I could eat in one sitting for dinner.
Prices: The Cobb salad was $16 + tax + tip.
Washrooms: Yes, but no wheelchair accessible one.
Amy P — Google review
The beef patty in the burger taste just like actual meat. The nachos were also good. You can tell th fried chicken is plant-based through the texture but it does have a meat taste. Everything is sooooo good.
I significantly enjoyed the vegan foods here!! Usually I steer straight clear of anything vegan, but I had the buffalo chickun sandwich and it was legitimately delicious! Poutine was nothing super special, but what REALLY got me was the incredibly large, and incredibly delicious cinnamon roll we had for dessert. Over all high remarks, especially for being a mostly vegan restaurant!
Amazing Experience, the burger I had was "the gem" it tasted so good. My partner had the buffalo chick "un" sandwich which was excellent also. Seating is limited so you may have to wait, but it is worth it.
Absolutely delicious lunch. There are a couple of meat options available, but otherwise the menu is plant based.
All of the donuts are vegan. We bought a couple to take home because we just couldn't eat them while here.
Will definitely be back!
Really great experience for our first time visit, definitely worth checking out if you are in the area for comfort vegan food!
Ordered the chick'un burger (highly recommend) and the chili cheeze fries. Everything was fantastic, and the service was so friendly and welcoming! We will for sure be back.
Grabbed a donut and cinnamon roll for takeaway, and oh my gosh that cinnamon roll!
I would give this place a thousand stars!! What an absolute delight to eat at the Planet Diner. The owner was just so majestic and the food y’all. Some friends and I went for brunch and ordered up the menu with items to share. All were 10/10. And the cinnamon bun I got after. SCREAMING at how fluffy the dough was and creamy the icing tasted!
Go for that; Planet Burger, Chicken Sandwich with Buffalo sauce, Southern Comfort and the Cobb Salad. You won’t be disappointed. Hope the owner comes out with a cookbook!!
I recently had the Southern Combo and donuts. It was amazing! It’s the best vegan food I’ve had in ages. The Mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy. The southern fried chick’un was crunchy and crispy perfectly seasoned and the dipping sauce was delicious. I’m from out of town but I’ll definitely be back and try some more from the menu. The donuts are homemade daily and so soft and yummy! I had chocolate caramel. I wish I lived closer!
118 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X1, Canada•
City government office
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Stratford City Hall is a stunning architectural gem that adds to the charm of the city. It's a must-see landmark, especially at night when it's beautifully lit up, creating a mesmerizing ambiance. The nearby Market Square is a bustling community space hosting local artisans and special events, making it an integral part of the city's unique vibe. Additionally, visitors can explore the historical homes in residential streets marked with plaques detailing their age and original occupants' occupations.
Stratford City Hall is truly stunning, especially at night! The architectural brilliance is a testament to the city's charm. Lit up, it creates a mesmerizing ambiance. A must-see landmark that beautifully enhances the cityscape. Nearby paid parking is available.
Chowdhury H — Google review
There are so many beautiful places in Ontario. I would say Stratford is one of them. We haven't explore the whole yet so definitely we will visit this place again.
Went on an extreme sunny day . Definitely not advisable. I haven’t got a chance to get inside the city hall as the drive from Toronto is little far. surrounding places gives some tourist vibes and you have few places to try for food. The places are close by and the parking is cheap 2$ per hour or something near the chuck roadhouse . The time we went in they had little children entertainment set up on road with colours it’s cool to spend a day .also you can go to Goderich beach while there it’s an hour drive . This beach is excellent for sun set and fun place to all age. They have excellent seating arrangement set up where you can eat .
A stunning building in a great location that could hardly be missed. It was surrounded by beautiful streets with stylish houses. I like the fact the behind it was a public area with seating and even a water splash!
Extremely disappointing and frustrating experience. We’ve visited The Boathouse before and enjoyed it, but this time we were given a $40 parking ticket without any prior warning or clear instructions. There were no visible signs anywhere stating that you’re required to print out a confirmation and place it on your car window. When we asked about it, staff simply said that’s the rule but again nothing is posted and no one informed us, either online or in person. Even worse, we counted about 10 other cars with nothing displayed on their dashboards, and none of them had tickets. It felt unfair and embarrassing, like we were being singled out for something we couldn’t have known. This is not our first time coming here but after this experience, it will be our last. It’s unacceptable for a tourist spot like this to have such poor communication. A simple sign could’ve prevented this. Fix this. Visitors shouldn’t be punished for your lack of clarity.
On my way to London, I made a stop in Stratford, Ontario, and took a stroll through the charming downtown. I admired the beautiful City Hall and enjoyed a lovely breakfast at BRCH & WYN Café/Wine Bar.
Stratford City Hall is such a beautiful architectural building. I especially like the fact that it's situated at an intersection where all vehicles from any angle could view this historical property. In my opinion, this is a landmark of Stratford, Ontario.
Remember the old saying "You can't fight City Hall". Well in the case of Stratford City Hall, that appears to be the case. I arrived in town from Toronto to spend the weekend. I was running a little late for my 2pm performance when I parked a block away. I went in to get a slice of pizza and realized after spending about 15 minutes in the pizza place I realized I had neglected to put money in the metre.
Letting my friend go off to the theatre, I circled back to feed the meter. I arrived to find a parking ticket on my windshield. RATS!. Ok ok I will pay it on line later. I pay the metre and rush to the theatre and enjoy a wonderful performance of Paradise Lost. Well later that evening as I looked at the ticket for the online address to pay I see two options, pay by mail or pay in person. I then realize that I could have run over to City Hall at intermission to pay the ticket. Now I need to find a cheque it has been about 5 years since I have written a cheque. I don't even know if I have any blank cheques. Lesson learned . Pay the metre.
1 Wellington St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L3, Canada•
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affordable
Cafe
Coffee shop
Wine bar
Brch & Wyn is a charming coffee shop and wine bar located just outside the main downtown area of Stratford. The cafe boasts beautiful decor with plenty of Instagram-worthy backdrops and lush greenery, making it a popular spot for visitors looking to capture some stunning photos. Whether you're in need of a morning caffeine fix, a light lunch, or an evening charcuterie board paired with wine, Brch & Wyn has something for every time of day.
This is a hidden secret in Stratford, but well worth the hunt. Tucked in the lower level of a restored building with lots of windows and natural light. The architectural contrast of old and new is very chic. Very tasty sour dough sandwiches.
Design B — Google review
Honestly one of the best cafe experiences that I've ever had in a while.
The location is quaint but deceptively big. Lots of comfortable seating and large tables to work on and have group meet ups. The board games set aside does indicate a very comfortable location for noise but when I was there, the music was ambient but still not too loud that you can have a conversation with someone.
The decor is cutesy but I do love the pieces of equipment at the front. It would be cool to see some more local artwork from Stratford, especially with some Shakespearean influences.
The barista was super relaxed, accommodating and brought my latte to the table.
Everything was textbook but still perfect. The latte had a great pull, no bitterness. Even the sugar syrup used was light and didn't overpower the milk or the espresso. The croissant was perfect. Right flakiness, still warm as it was just pulled from the oven, I want more.
The one thing that's lacking is that it was empty. It needs more people to know how good of a spot it is! Will have to come here whenever I'm in Stratford!
Visited Brch and Wyn a few months ago right before seeing a play at the festival theatre. Ordered a latte and a bltc. The sandwich was good however I was given a Cubano instead. I didn’t realize before I left that I had the wrong sandwich otherwise I would have gotten it corrected. The latte was good! The overall atmosphere of the cafe and the colours were quite nice.
Was nicely decorated but only one staff member on hand. As a first time customer I wasn't sure where to wait for my order, I wasn't told, so that was a bit confusing until I seen another customer get her order at the other end from where the till was so I went there. Then I wasn't sure if the coffee was mine sitting there or the staff members cause it was taking awhile as she ran around. I askedvand It wasn't mine, Edvuntally I got my coffee, it was good but the exspriance was a bit confusing, needed more direction from staff or signs for new customers.
A nice and thoughtfully decorated cafe serving up fresh and vibrant small plates for breakfast along with some of the best coffee I've ever had. The proprietors are very proud of their business and were happy to explain how they roasted their own coffee beans. While the servings were on the smaller side for the price, it definitely tasted of quality produce and goods. It's also conveniently located nearby the only free overnight parking lot in downtown Stratford, so well on the beaten path for anyone picking up their vehicle in the morning. Can wholeheartedly recommend this cafe for their coffee creations and brunch.
The best hidden treasure for a delightful brunch. Our server brought great energy to start our day and we even spotted several of the stars from last night’s “Dangerous Liasons” enjoying the space food & beverages too.
Really nice service, great strawberry cheesecake danish and great tea! My boyfriend also really enjoyed his coffee. We also got the half cubano sandwich from the Sip and Savor trail and it was super tasty!
I would say this is the BEST cafe in town! I have zero knowledge in coffee, but the staff was super friendly to explain all the different types of coffee, syrup, etc., and the atmosphere here is so pretty. The coffee was amazing as well!!!
245 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X5, Canada•
Brewery
Food & Drink
Located in Stratford, Ontario, Jobsite Brewing Company is a craft brewery founded by two beer enthusiasts with a passion for construction and beer. The quirky construction-themed brewery opened its doors in 2018 within one of Stratford's historic buildings. Alongside other craft breweries in the area, Jobsite offers a wide range of beers and seltzer. Visitors can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and delicious wood-fired pizzas while savoring the unique brews on offer.
We went to Jobsite Brewery earlier this summer for some pizza and drinks. The pizza was delicious, and the drinks were good too. I am not a beer drinker, but enjoyed the cider they had on tap. We sat on the patio which was shaded in the evening, it was very nice. Look forward to returning! 😊
Julia D — Google review
Checked out this place out of the blue from London at the recommendation of a friend.
Located near downtown, parking, nice place.
It was a bit weird when we went in. We walked in, and no one acknowledged us.
We sat down and waited for 10 minutes at a table one over from the bar and no one acknowledged us.
Eventually I went up to the bar and asked “is this place bar service only?” Since there were no signs and no one was speaking to us.
“Yeah” was her reply.
We ordered two flights and a pizza, which were good. The Dutch apple pie cider from Heemans was outstanding
Based on the customer service, we didn’t bother ordering another round and headed to another brewery instead.
We stopped in here last night on our way home. Very welcoming place, we didnt feel out of place as out of towners. A variety of beers to try out and they were good! The pizza hit the spot too and reasonably priced. Great spot, would go back for sure.
Wow. Amazing Session IPAs. These guys get it. Pizza was delicious too. Very crisp crust. Check this place out asap.
This place is amazing. They actually want to sell you beer. Pizza and pretzels are also awesome. I will be back and will probably make this a regular spot. The staff go above and beyond!!
Actually I have one complaint but not a serious one. The pretzels could use some beer cheese dip.
First time here and loved the atmosphere. We ordered pizzas for take out - 3 cheese, pepperoni, and pepperoni and mushroom. Limited toppings available and would love to see fresh mozzarella added as a topping. Nonetheless the pizzas were hot, fresh and delicious. Perfect char on the crust! If you're looking for good wood fired pizza I would definitely recommend trying here! Will be back!
What a great spot. The pizza is as good as the beer and the beer is awesome. We stumbled across this place when we Googled Brewery in Stratford and am very thankful for it. We will go back to try the popcorn! Very friendly people on the patio and inside. Lily loved it there!
This week, we were in Stratford and decided to stop by Jobsite Brewing Co as we hadn’t visited before. When you walk in, you're greeted by the counter where they serve drinks, as well as a stone pizza oven. The seating area is right in the heart of the brewery, next to the steel vats where the beer is brewed, giving the space a lively atmosphere. They have a fun game area with pool and ping pong tables, and the place was packed during our visit. With complimentary popcorn to snack on and a wide range of beers on tap, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a good drink. I personally enjoyed their IPAs, while my wife enjoyed the apple cider on the guest tap. Jobsite Brewery is definitely worth a visit if you're in Stratford!
Oh, and I almost forgot. We had planned to go out for dinner before the show. But rather than venture out again, we decided to order pizza at the brewery. We are glad we did.
45 Cambria St, Stratford, ON N5A 1G8, Canada•
Cafe
Coffee shop
The Livery Yard is a charming café located in the heart of downtown Stratford, just a stone's throw from the Avon Theatre. This delightful spot invites you to unwind in its cozy ambiance, complete with a warm stone fireplace that adds to its inviting atmosphere. The café beautifully marries history and modernity, having been thoughtfully restored from an 1800s livery stable, showcasing rustic wood and brick elements that reflect its rich heritage.
Great little spot to relax or get some work done! Servers were incredibly nice and the atmosphere is great. Coffee could be a hit or a miss but better than most places in the area. Bagel bites are delicious!
Isabel C — Google review
Ordered coffee and hot chocolate.
Coffee was good but hot chocolate was very bad, would not recommend having it and would suggest the cafe to remove it from the menu!
A fun local cafe with lots of scheduled events, I was drawn in by the books in the windows. The staff were friendly and the featured special drinks looked inventive and interesting, although the one I tried wasn't quite to my liking. The cookies were pretty good. Will hopefully be back on a day when they have some live music playing.
We had a cute coffee date on Valentines Day at this local cafe. Loved the red velvet cupcake - just the right size and not too sweet. Comfy seating and nice location. Will be back again!
Lovely cafe with excellent coffee and baked goods. Very friendly staff. The perfect place for a quiet Sat morning with the crossword puzzle!
Great, knowledgeable staff, fantastic coffee (I haven’t tried the food yet) and a really good atmosphere. Street parking out front, clean facilities, a great place to hang out with a friend. Take the laptop and work, or for a casual business meeting. A really well run place!
Had coffee meeting here. Love the environment, which is very cozy, quiet and friendly. Nice place for both friends catch up and casual business meetings. Coffee was good. Next time will try breakfast when next in town
Love the ambiance, the coffee and snacking in the morning at down town Stratford. Place really busy. Only open at 8am to 4 pm. Had a great Cappucino double shot and Hot Chocolate. 👍👍👌
104 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1X1, Canada•
Temporarily Closed
Mexican restaurant
Catering food and drink supplier
Takeout Restaurant
Taco restaurant
Vegetarian restaurant
El Cactus Taco Shop in downtown Stratford is a top-notch Mexican restaurant that offers farm-to-table Mexican takeaway food. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients, showcasing the chef's expertise in blending classic techniques with authentic recipes. The shop's small size doesn't diminish the bold flavors packed into their tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls.
I know this place is known for tacos, but I will ride or die for these burritos. Tasty, crispy, and when you pair it with the jalapeño cream?? Insane. (You should get the jalapeño cream.)
Speaking of, the sikil p'ak? Order it. I don't know how I'll continue with every other salsa/dip while I know this exists and I could be shoving it into my maw.
The chips for dipping? Perfectly crunchy. The staff? Frikkin rockstars, and so nice.
If you want a good burrito here in Stratford, you want one from el Cactus Taco Shop.
Lauren F — Google review
Really good flavours! I liked the tacos a lot, I took one chicken and one beef. They are ordered individually so endless possibilities. I was disappointed with the chips and salsa given the price of $10. There was a bit of a wait, but that's understandable given the size of the business and how popular it is. The lady taking orders and bringing the food to the table was very nice and came by to ask if I needed anything else during the meal. There is a nice outdoor patio and limited seating inside. Overall, I would visit again! 👍
Such a beautiful little restaurant! Food is top quality - I had the steak, chicken, and shrimp tacos and I loved all three. Also highly recommend their spicy Margaritas! Will definitely be back for more!
This is a cute little restaurant located in downtown Stratford! I visited with a group of friends and ordered 2 chicken tacos. I personally was not a fan of the tacos and felt that they were lacking some flavour and felt that they would be better served with more flavourful onions.
One of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve visited in the past few years. Specially their vegan / vegetarian options are so unique and delicious. Spicy walnut meat is so innovative and healthy and a lot better than beyond meat. I love Mexican food and wished this was in Toronto as I would frequent it often. A delight and a true gem in the serene and beautiful town of Stratford.
Guys please visit this restaurant if passing Stratford,Ontario.
Adorable little takeout place with a great patio. I had the plant-based special Portobello taco and the El Hippie; both were super delicious. My hubby had the shrimp burrito: excellent quality shrimp and lots of them. Well worth the visit, it is excellent quality and we'll definitely be back!
A delicious and wonderful find.
Authentic flavour with surprises every where I looked. Wanting to try something new I begrudgingly tried "the hippy", a gluten free vegetarian alternative.
This was by far the best taco that I have had. Texture, flavour and different levels of heat that kept me tasting different flavours.
What a wonderful experience and delicious food.
Well done, the hippy from experience is amazing!
#glutenfree
#gf
#localguides
I had a great lunch experience at El Cactus Taco Shop.
The tacos were freshly made, authentic, and delicious! Prices are very reasonable.
The staff were very friendly and inviting.
I loved the atmosphere here, artwork is very cool!
I look forward to returning again one day.
2 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3G8, Canada•
Cafe
Coffee shop
Located in the downtown triangle of Stratford, Ontario, Alley Cat Cafe is a popular spot for cat lovers. The cafe offers delicious coffee and the opportunity to visit and play with adorable cats from four different rescue centers in southern Ontario. Visitors can make reservations for 30 or 60-minute sessions in the petting room, where they can interact with the cats while supporting their rescue efforts.
The $10 price of admission to sit for an hour in the cafe's cat lounge is the best value for money a person will find. The cats' environment is an absolute delight, with toys, cat trees, homes, little doors between the rooms, and spacious windows to let in the sunshine.
The lounge is spacious enough to accommodate 10 visitors at a time and the many cats I saw when I visited. The staff have gone to tremendous effort to create a lounge that is hospitable to guests while making it a feline paradise. I will definitely be coming back anytime I am in Stratford.
Aboud D — Google review
Cat lovers paradise. The food was good. But that's not why we went there. We were there to see the cats. Time went by so quickly. The staffs and cats everyone was so welcoming. Loved every minute spent there. The cats are so well behaved and groomed. They staff take such good care of the cats. Good job. ✨️
My mom and brother visited this place just to spend time with the cats (we didn’t eat) and they had a wonderful experience. Each cat had its own personality: some were playful, some were curious, and all of them were adorable. The staff up front were very kind and welcoming, and they answered all of our questions after the visit. You can tell the cats are well cared for thanks to the thoughtful rules and precautions in place. It was a really special visit and we loved it.
Love this place!! I had my daughters’ birthday party here and we were well-taken care of. From spending time with the cats in the lounge to the kids making their own cat-shaped pizzas and coloring activity, the owner takes pride in her cafe and it really shows! I would absolutely recommend!
First time visiting this place. I did not read the reviews prior because I would have gone regardless. But now, after my visit, I am reading the reviews, and I agree with some of the reviewers' experience. At this time, I can not give a complete review about my experience because we got to the place 25min before they close.
Food: I did not try. They had their snack options already closed.
Drinks: we ordered 3 milkshakes. Price is fair due to the purpose of the place. But I agree with some reviewers as most items for merchandisers do not have prices, and it's hard to shop if the price is not visible. especially if the owners are busy with customers. We need to interrupt them asking prices for each item. (I bought two shirts and the price was ok)
The place was clean (outside where tables were available for customers). I did not have a chance to visit the cats as they were closing. To spend time with them it needs to be booked online. I did not know that. They should have an option to book a visit for those customers who are"in house", for example, if its not busy, and they have customers willing to pay on spot, they should let them enjoy the time with the cats.
One thing that caught my attention when I first saw the cat area was the presence of a Frenchie (French Bulldog) walking among the cats, and he seemed very friendly. I assume this dog is probably from the owners, and it was there because they were closing the place (end of shift). But, for someone who really loves cats like me, this could be a concern. I questioned myself: "why there is a dog in the middle of the cat room?" Dogs can disturb cats and change their behavior... Also, it says on the website: "Dogs are allowed only in the coffee area"! So, I would appreciate it if someone could explain to me what /why there was a dog with cats while you still have customers visiting and playing with cats....
Maybe next time, I will stop by with more time and arrive there earlier, so I can share my experience while playing with them.
Such a wonderful place. I took my daughter and niece here before our theatre show and it was so worth it. Also great to support them as they help so many cats. We enjoy our drinks and treats as well. We will definitely come visit again. Our visit was Summer 2023. Then my daughter and her boyfriend came again this summer and it was just as wonderful as the first time. We booked our time slot a head of time.
My kids loved spending time with the cats and I thought an hour would be too much but it was the perfect amount of time, we didn’t get bored, but the drinks were not the best
Had an amazing time, had some sandwiches which were great, then spent time with the cats, loved the concept and being able to spend time with the cats, will definitely come again!
1 Market Pl, Stratford, ON N5A 1A4, Canada•
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Performing arts theater
Stratford, located in southwestern Ontario along the Avon River, has a rich history as a prosperous railway hub in the 19th century. The city's downtown core boasts grand buildings that reflect its heritage. However, it is best known for the internationally renowned Stratford Festival, an annual summer celebration of William Shakespeare's works. Drawing large crowds from nearby areas like Toronto, the festival takes place at the 2,250-seat Festival Theatre and features more than a dozen productions each season.
We visited for the first time to see As You Like It. The grounds were beautiful! There is a material garden in front and a formal garden off to the side with a statue of Shakespeare. There's a nice lobby area inside with a ticket booth, concession stand and bathrooms. The theater itself is very intimate. We felt like we were right in front of the stage. The cast use the audience in the performance and some even enter the stage from the isles. Overall the experience was amazing from start to finish. There's also a really nice gift shop that is open even after the night show.
Amber C — Google review
Nice semi-circle theatre. Cozy. Sound system is good. Those seating on the sides won’t get front view. There are not enough washrooms on the premise.
In front of the theatre entrance, there’s a nice garden with many variety of beautiful flowers in summer. Also lots of outdoor sculptures surrounding the theatre.
Beautiful theatre. Saw Annie and had an incredible experience. The company is incredibly professional and talented! The staff at the theatre are super kind as well. The theatre is clean and there is a beautiful garden out front. Overall excellent experience.
Very nice experience to watch a play at this theatre.
My only issue was we have to be seated in the right place to get the full experience.
You get to see the play with the full background, since some of the background is set a little inside that you cannot see it from other seats
Aisle or seats through gate 4 and 5 give you that full experience.
If you are on either side of the centre that experience progressively diminishes as you go away from the centre.
Obviously thise prime seats are more expensive... pay for what you get but its important to know that if you are going in once in a while or doing forba special event... it may be worth the cost.
Having said that even if you are on the sides, cheap seats in the balcony 😀 ,the stage is such that you get an immersive experience... actors also make sure you get that...
Very courteous and friendly staff and ushers.
Looks like mostly seniors and they do am amazing job👏👏👏...You feel welcomed...
The town is lovely...
Stay in Stradford enjoy and show and let me know.
A great experience at the Stratford Festival Theatre . I went there to watch " Annie" in May 2025. Outside the theatre is a big garden , full of art work & history. The stature of Shakespeare is in the middle of the garden. I love the layout of the theatre , the stage is surrounded by the audience, very warm and the effect is very good. The production of " Annie" is excellent ! The singing and dancing are great !
I was surprised by my parents with a day at the theatre to see the production of Annie! I had a fabulous time! This venue is lovely with all the beautiful gardens surrounding it. My only issue is it's on a hill and isn't the best for people with mobility issues. They should offer a golf cart shuttle for people from the parking lot to the door. Other then that it's a beautiful place!
We watched "Anything Goes" at the Festival Theatre, and it was absolutely amazing. The performance was unbelievably good—better than most Broadway shows we’ve seen while visiting NYC.
Beautiful theatre. My wife and I watched Annie and sat in the far edge J seats. For the price (around $90 a tickets) these felt like a reasonable compromise. Of course the dance numbers and visuals are all mainly forward facing, so you will miss out on a lot of expressions from the leads and the background, but you'll still have a great experience enjoying the music and dance. They do have the remainder of the ensemble face towards the side. I had no issues bringing in my small sling bag. Many people had larger purses or bags from the gift shop. Staff were helpful and friendly. The space around the theatre is beautiful with a separate building for the gift shop and curated gardens just outside. Well worth the day trip to come visit for a show!
55 Queen St, Stratford, ON N5A 4M9, Canada•
Performing arts theater
The Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario is a must-visit attraction among many others in the area. The theatre features a unique 'Thrust' stage, different from traditional stages. It hosts various performances, including the musical 'Something Rotten,' which tells the fictional story of the Bottom brothers competing with Shakespeare by inventing musicals. Another production worth seeing is '12th Night,' praised for its energy and well-executed performance.
A great experience at the Stratford Festival Theatre . I went there to watch " Annie" in May 2025. Outside the theatre is a big garden , full of art work & history. The stature of Shakespeare is in the middle of the garden. I love the layout of the theatre , the stage is surrounded by the audience, very warm and the effect is very good. The production of " Annie" is excellent ! The singing and dancing are great !
Helen L — Google review
Nice semi-circle theatre. Cozy. Sound system is good. Those seating on the sides won’t get front view. There are not enough washrooms on the premise.
In front of the theatre entrance, there’s a nice garden with many variety of beautiful flowers in summer. Also lots of outdoor sculptures surrounding the theatre.
Beautiful theatre. Saw Annie and had an incredible experience. The company is incredibly professional and talented! The staff at the theatre are super kind as well. The theatre is clean and there is a beautiful garden out front. Overall excellent experience.
Very nice experience to watch a play at this theatre.
My only issue was we have to be seated in the right place to get the full experience.
You get to see the play with the full background, since some of the background is set a little inside that you cannot see it from other seats
Aisle or seats through gate 4 and 5 give you that full experience.
If you are on either side of the centre that experience progressively diminishes as you go away from the centre.
Obviously thise prime seats are more expensive... pay for what you get but its important to know that if you are going in once in a while or doing forba special event... it may be worth the cost.
Having said that even if you are on the sides, cheap seats in the balcony 😀 ,the stage is such that you get an immersive experience... actors also make sure you get that...
Very courteous and friendly staff and ushers.
Looks like mostly seniors and they do am amazing job👏👏👏...You feel welcomed...
The town is lovely...
Stay in Stradford enjoy and show and let me know.
We visited for the first time to see As You Like It. The grounds were beautiful! There is a material garden in front and a formal garden off to the side with a statue of Shakespeare. There's a nice lobby area inside with a ticket booth, concession stand and bathrooms. The theater itself is very intimate. We felt like we were right in front of the stage. The cast use the audience in the performance and some even enter the stage from the isles. Overall the experience was amazing from start to finish. There's also a really nice gift shop that is open even after the night show.
Beautiful theatre. My wife and I watched Annie and sat in the far edge J seats. For the price (around $90 a tickets) these felt like a reasonable compromise. Of course the dance numbers and visuals are all mainly forward facing, so you will miss out on a lot of expressions from the leads and the background, but you'll still have a great experience enjoying the music and dance. They do have the remainder of the ensemble face towards the side. I had no issues bringing in my small sling bag. Many people had larger purses or bags from the gift shop. Staff were helpful and friendly. The space around the theatre is beautiful with a separate building for the gift shop and curated gardens just outside. Well worth the day trip to come visit for a show!
I was surprised by my parents with a day at the theatre to see the production of Annie! I had a fabulous time! This venue is lovely with all the beautiful gardens surrounding it. My only issue is it's on a hill and isn't the best for people with mobility issues. They should offer a golf cart shuttle for people from the parking lot to the door. Other then that it's a beautiful place!
We watched "Anything Goes" at the Festival Theatre, and it was absolutely amazing. The performance was unbelievably good—better than most Broadway shows we’ve seen while visiting NYC.
55 Queen St, Stratford, ON N5A 4M9, Canada•
Jewelry store
Clothing store
Jewelry engraver
Harmony Jewelry & Co in Stratford is a must-visit for unique and high-quality jewelry pieces at affordable prices. They offer a wide range of customizable options, making it easy to find the perfect piece. The team provides outstanding service, going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. Customers appreciate the beautiful interior, great selection, and reasonable prices. It's a gem for finding jewelry that doesn't cause allergic reactions.
Really cozy and lovely place. Like a jewellery kingdom!❤️☺️ also I love it for the best prints on sweatshirts. Every time I wear it I get compliments. Highly recommend to stop by and check it out❤️
Anastasiia A — Google review
Wide selection of rings, necklaces and brackets for everyone. All the standard different birth stones and materials are avalible as well. Staff were friendly and helpful in picking out the best items for us. Would stop in again if I am in the area
What a fun experience and treat! Well priced, fun and Sarah was the best! What a sweet soul and made the process easy. Check it out with your guys and gals!
Amazing service and great quality products!
Thank you so much!!
I visited Stratford on the Monday civic holiday in 2025. There was not many stores open, so I was very pleased to see that this adorable jewellery store had their door propped. It was lovely to chat with the salesperson and I ended up purchasing a multi-piece necklace with my 3 son's initials and mine and my husband's birthstones! It was a real bright spot on a trip in which many things in the community were closed!
Absolutely stunning jewelry!! You can tell it’s high quality just by looking at it!
I love the store, they have so many denty and we'll thought pieces. I got my brother's 40th birthday gift and a little something for my mom here. I highly recommend! Specially the earrings!
I love the earrings at harmony’s they last multiple years if not taking out when going in water and last even longer if taken out consistently before showering. The girls there are lovely and super helpful with any questions.
75 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H2, Canada•
Cooking school
Cooking class
Fine dining restaurant
Restaurant
The Stratford Chefs School offers a range of cooking classes taught by renowned chefs, allowing students to learn how to prepare various dishes and even create full meals. The school also hosts Open Kitchen Cooking classes for the public during the spring and summer months. Participants can choose from a variety of classes and events, such as the Quick Ferment Breads Course, where Chef Eli led an engaging and informative session with hands-on bread making.
Stratford chefs school open kitchen- Sourdough bread 🥖 I have attended my first class here. It was fantastic. From the first step till I left I had a great time. Chef 👨🍳 Eli was very good explaining all the process of making my own sourdough bread. They have many classes and covers a large topics. Lots to learn and have a great time with friends or by your self like me 😉
Dana M — Google review
Stratford Chef School: A Culinary Education to Savor
An Evening of French Cuisine: A 5-Star Experience
My recent experience at Stratford Chef School was nothing short of exceptional. The instructor embodied what every culinary teacher should be—not only remarkably knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about food and the fascinating science behind it.
What made this class stand out was the perfect balance of hands-on learning and indulgent enjoyment. We weren’t just passive observers; we were active participants in creating an extraordinary French-inspired feast. The instructor guided us through several essential cooking techniques that any home chef would treasure knowing: the patience-requiring art of properly caramelizing onions, methods for enriching broths to develop complex flavors, and the delicate process of transforming simple sugar into a luxurious caramel sauce.
Our culinary efforts culminated in an impressive menu that would rival many fine restaurants:
• Rich French onion soup with perfectly melted cheese
• Elegant beef tartare, expertly seasoned
• Classic coq au vin, tender and flavorful
• Sour cream ice cream paired with apples bathed in caramel sauce, all accompanied by flaky puff pastry
Adding to the experience, we were treated to perfectly paired glasses of wine that complemented our creations beautifully. The collaborative atmosphere allowed everyone in the group to contribute to these dishes, creating not just a meal but a memorable shared experience.
A special acknowledgment goes to Colin in the kitchen, whose behind-the-scenes work handling all the dishes was invaluable to the smooth operation of the class.
I would enthusiastically recommend Stratford Chef School classes to anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills while enjoying an evening of exceptional food and company. Whether you’re a novice or experienced home cook, the lessons learned here will undoubtedly enhance your approach to cooking for years to come.
We visited for the Vegetarian Cooking Class and it was so fun! The chef was super helpful and really great at explaining why we were doing super steps / how it would affect the final dish. We learned new techniques, new recipes, and got to enjoy a delicious meal at the end! I would highly recommend trying the class, no matter your current comfort level in the kitchen!
While visiting the area we ordered a couple of the meal kits. The Charcuterie board was amazing quality and the amount of food was very generous. We also did the burger dinner which was good too. Simple preparation instructions, fresh ingredients and they share the recipes!
Kate and I had the Seinfeld take home dinner last night. It was the best meal we've had in a long time. We especially enjoyed the lobster bisque and the salad course. Wine pairings worked wonderfully, glad we ordered that! The roast chicken was perfect and more than ample -- we have left overs for another day. We'll be ordering again!
Fabulous and delicious! I did get a few new tips and hope to try out the recipes soon. Beautiful book!
What a great evening, enjoying the Italian Open Kitchen@Home meal. The video instructions are very helpful, and we learned new skills. Watching the techniques and preparation done beforehand was also very interesting and made us really appreciate the science, knowledge and professionalism that is part of a great meal. And, the meal was a sensory delight - so many delicious flavours, textures and colours. Thank you Chef Eli!
If I could attend all the student lab dinners, especially with guest chef alumni, I would. Anyone interested in the culinary arts and helping the next generation of up and coming chefs, needs to attend. You shan't be disappointed. For me, it is well worth the hour and a half drive.
136 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 7Y4, Canada•
Day spa
Illume Wellness Spa, located in the heart of Stratford, is a top choice for those seeking facials, massages, or manicures and pedicures. Run by owner Kate with a Scandinavian background, the spa is known for its epic spa treatments. Specializing in organic services and eco-friendly practices using clean beauty products, Illume offers a variety of treatments including manicures, pedicures, facials and peels, waxing, scalp massages and aromatherapy.
I have tried many of the spa services, pedicure, manicure, facials, very happy with them all. Nice and bright, lovely space, friendly staff. My favorite indulgence is a massage. Felicia is a talented masseuse, a great massage, she pulls the tension . I feel like a million bucks after a neck, and shoulder session. Highly recommend this spa.
Mary E — Google review
Illume Wellness Spa went above and beyond to accommodate me, my sister and my mother to add a spa day into our Stratford weekend trip. We all had a fantastic relaxing facial that had us glowing all weekend. Thank you to the Illume team for the memorable experience, we will be back 💖
I had the BEST pedicure with Lexy! I LOVE the colour of gel polish and would get it again everytime (#36 i think) 😍 the spa is so beautiful and everyone is so nice from the moment you arrive! Melanie was so kind and offered me a drink while I was getting my pedicure. I would recommend to everyone to visit this spa ❤️
I had the deluxe facial with Phyllicia and it was out of this world!
She is an incredible masseuse and starts the treatment off with a great massage.
After that comes the facial which is pure bliss.
Incredible products and care .
Five out of five.
Highly recommend!
I had a traditional facial. I wouldn’t recommend it and I wouldn’t go back. Product was left on my face… I got to the car and realized I had black product on my nose, hairline and cheek. If you’re going to pay $100 you should be able to expect the product to be wiped. No extractions, the facial was basically applying product and wiping it off (but not well.. I was left feeling sticky and greasy.)
I was so happy with my indi head massage by Amanda. I will most definitely be back to see her! Beautiful and professional spa experience!
My mom and I visited Illume for the first time today for deluxe facials, and we were so thrilled with the experience. We were greeted immediately upon walking in by friendly and helpful staff. Vanessa and Phyllicia provided amazing services and are both super knowledgeable about skin types and needs. We can’t wait to come back!
Lovely experience! I got a pedicure with Vanessa and really enjoyed my time at Illume. They offered water, tea and coffee, were super kind & even let me come back after to touch up the one nail as it got a little squished from wearing shoes right after my appointment. would definitely go back :)
36 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3G8, Canada•
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Festival
Stratford Summer Music Festival, held in July and August, is a highlight of the enchanting city. The festival offers amazing concerts, including musical brunches at The Prune and free barge music by the River. Stratford Live is a well-organized event that provides enjoyable musical experiences. Visitors can also enjoy shopping in the city core and dining at numerous fantastic restaurants. It's an experience that music lovers will cherish!
Stratford Live is a well organized and most enjoyable event! Thank you!
Marion G — Google review
We are so fortunate to be able to share these wonderful musical experiences!
Amazing concerts including musical brunches at The Prune and free barge music by the River!
Love the concerts presented
Great night.
Music is life!
19 Waterloo St S, Stratford, ON N5A 4A5, Canada•
Historical landmark
In Perth, the County Courthouse is a prominent landmark that offers great photo opportunities. While exploring the residential streets, keep an eye out for historical plaques on buildings, which provide information about their age and original occupants. Other notable sites to visit in the area include Stratford Armoury, Gallery Stratford, Festival Theatre, Millennium Park, Shakespearean Gardens, T.J. Dolan Natural Area, Confederation Park and Arthur Meighen Gardens.
We did not go inside. we just take some photos outside.
Maria P — Google review
I need the email or the number to be able to request my appointment on zoom since it’s tomorrow they would help me
Beautiful architecture.
Fashion accessories store
Art gallery
Clothing store
Gift shop
Jewelry store
DISTILL GALLERY is a beloved local fashion store in Stratford, known for its beautiful space and fantastic owner. The store offers a great selection of Canadian-made items, including clothing, jewelry, and housewares. Customers appreciate the personalized online shopping experience provided by the owner, Allison. DISTILL GALLERY has garnered praise for its good vibes and commitment to showcasing Canadian design.
A friend introduced me to this place a few years back, and it's now my favourite local fashion store, and I don't even live in Stratford, but I'm in town almost weekly. The space is beautiful, the owner is fantastic, great selection of Canadian made items, and all around good vibes. I look forward to going in to this store.
Joanna B — Google review
Owner Allison went above and beyond to make an online experience as easy and personal as possible - highly recommend.
Lovely selection of Canadian made clothing, jewelry and crafted housewares.
Great selection of Canadian made design!!
53 Market Pl, Stratford, ON N5A 1A4, Canada•
affordable
Cafe
Coffee shop
Coffee store
Balzac's in Stratford, Ontario is the original location of this popular local-chain cafe that offers artisanal coffees, baked goods, and sweet treats. With only 16 locations, it maintains a boutique feel while providing consistent coffee and pastry offerings. The cafe is known for its delicious coffee and espresso beverages, as well as its variety of plant-based milk options. Visitors can also enjoy the unique atmosphere adorned with art pieces available for purchase.
Coffee and pastries are delicious <3 Price is okay for a fancy coffee place. The place is very cozy. Staff are all friendly and fast service.
Frances P — Google review
Yes it was a beautiful sunday for me!
After the church me and my friends had a plan to visit Blazac's. Now I could say, It was a great decision. I just loved the atmosphere they offered and 'The Foood!'. We tried Canadian Maple Latte, Cappuccino and Brewed Coffee along with croissants. I would say, all the 3 snacks were like too good.
Must visit option to have a falvorsome!
It’s good location when you visit Stratford in Ontario. They have tasty seasonal coffee menu and bakery, taking a break, getting energy here.
When I travel to Toronto, I often make a little detour, just one night in Stratford, but it means a lot to me. Balzac is the café where I love to have breakfast, and it has become my quiet ritual: sitting with my sketchbook, drawing the corners, the angles, the little moments of people coming and going.
There’s a charming art supply shop nearby, always ready to rescue me when I’ve run out of ink or paper. But it’s Balzac that truly holds a piece of my heart. It’s my place, where bitter winter and bitter summer memories blur together for me and make life bittersweet.
Often, while I sit there, I overhear conversations about theatre plots, new poems, new novels, and plans for going to a play at the famous annual Stratford theatre festival. And I listen quietly, soaking in the magic. Where else in the world can I find such an elevated space, filled with warmth, kind faces, tasty coffee, and a simplicity that makes you enjoy my human being experience again in life?
Thank you, Balzac, for being there. I wish you many, many years of calm and continuity. You’ve been more than a café, please stay there always...
Stopped in for a quick coffee date while passing through Stratford. The service was amazing, along with the coffee and baked goods! The barista was extremely accommodating when we accidentally ordered the wrong drink. She was very understanding and ensured we had the best experience. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming and we will definitely be coming back! I’m a coffee lover and the lady did an outstanding job. Highly recommend ☺️
Excellent vibe at Balzac's this morning. I enjoyed reading the local paper over a veggie breakfast sandwich. You must get the sandwich to be heated up prior to consumption! 🔥
The coffee, tea, and treats were superb and served with a smile.
Always a good experience at Balzac’s really great coffee.
149 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H1, Canada•
Bar
Lounge
Restaurant
The Relic Lobby Bar is a friendly neighborhood cocktail bar with a classic Cuban-inspired design and an excellent selection of drinks. The owner, originally from Cuba, brings an exotic touch to the hand-crafted cocktails. The bar features a large patio and additional tables inside, making it a perfect spot for pre or post-dinner drinks. With its delectable cocktails and welcoming atmosphere, it's the ideal place to unwind and enjoy high-quality and creative beverages.
What a great place if you enjoy unique craft cocktails!!!
Their drinks are created by folks who are truly passionate about craft cocktails. These are far from the standard menu options.
I had two drinks. The Checkmate and the Sex in the Woods.
Both were complex, layered, balanced and delicious.
I’m fairly sure the menu changes often (the photos of the menu on Google Maps are completely different than the menu we had last night). If I was a local, I’d definitely be a regular.
Even my wife liked both drinks, and she is very particular when it comes to “out of the ordinary” cocktails.
Take the time to get to know your bar tender. If they like you, they might even tell the secret password and secret location to nearby speak easy.
Michael E — Google review
On the six continents I have explored so far, this gorgeous little bar in Stratford ranks at the top of my cocktail experiences. Inventive, delicious, complex and delightful drinks spill from the menu. You’re certain to find something to delight your senses and fire up your imagination. The team are wonderful company and interesting folk too. There is a reason this bar attracts repeat offenders like myself. Come in and check it out. Menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Cheers 🍹
My husband and I have been going to The Relic Lobby Bar for years and we absolutely adore it every time.
We have celebrated so many of our milestone here!
It’s not a proper visit to Stratford unless we visit our FAVOURITE bar🍸
The service and drinks are phenomenal. Every cocktail is rich in taste and visually beautiful. It’s truly a mastered art the cocktails and drinks they create!
We are always served by Grace who is so kind, wholesome and wonderful!! Everyone always goes above and beyond to make us feel welcome! 🥰
The bar itself is very beautiful and the energy is relaxing + fun!
A place for distinctive and wonderfully uncommon craft cocktails with a Cuban influence. Logan and Grace provided incredible conversation and service. We really enjoyed the 100 Year Cigar, Saladito, and Mojito. The atmosphere is a relaxing groove of appealing decor and sound. We did t want to leave. Until next time.
Went there for drinks. Walked in and they had a some lovely salsa music, a great vibe, and lovely service. Oh, and their drinks were superb, esp my old fashioned. I’m going back here again for sure!
Very nice and gorgeous bar opening in the afternoon, and you could enjoy yourself with chill and relax vibe before dinner. Your family could enjoy their walk in this nice town and shops.
This place is awesome ! Great People who host you for a great experience! So happy to have ended up here and even happier after I lost my keys! Great cocktails… premium service and an outstanding atmosphere!
The Relic Lobby Bar always exceeds my expectations! I love their impeccable attention to detail, right down to what the staff wear. Very friendly bartenders who truly know their craft. The intimate atmosphere is not too loud, perfect for those who appreciate a relaxed setting for drinks and conversations.
They have a changing menu so it never gets dull. Ive yet to order a drink I have not enjoyed. I am so thankful for this really cool late night spot we have in town.
6 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3G8, Canada•
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Bicycle rental service
Boat tour agency
Canoe & kayak store
Restaurant
The Boathouse, located in a charming city known for its Shakespearean heritage and theaters, offers an idyllic experience along the Avon River. Visitors can rent paddleboats, canoes, or rowboats by the hour to leisurely explore the picturesque surroundings. The boating club also features a cozy restaurant and inviting patio for a delightful dining experience. Additionally, guests can embark on a 45-minute river cruise to admire stunning houses along the banks and observe diverse bird species.
We had a great experience at the Boathouse in Stratford! The atmosphere was fantastic and the people were genuinely amazing. Our boat guide was friendly, social, and made the ride even more enjoyable. After the tour, we had one of the best burgers we’ve ever tasted — served with a choice of fresh fruit or potato salad. Such a great option! Everything was well done, and we’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommended! Tammy and Arash.
Tammy F — Google review
Our family had a great time on their boat tour. Great, relaxing and scenic tour with a great, knowledgeable tour guide named Josh.
From beginning to end (booking the foot pedal boat to eating ice-cream floats), we all had a great time.
The prices at the Boathouse Stratford are reasonable for water activities and food & drink options. Also very kind, courteous owners and staff!
Would highly recommend! We will definitely be back when we visit again!
Me and my friends had the most amazing time at the lake! We tried both kayaking and canoeing for the first time, and it was an unforgettable experience. The water was calm, the scenery was breathtaking, and the whole vibe was just perfect for a chill day out with friends.
Special shoutout to Kelan, who made our day even better—super sweet, helpful, and genuinely awesome. He took time to guide us and made sure we felt safe and had fun throughout. Can’t thank him enough!
If you’re looking for a fun, peaceful, and adventurous getaway, this is the spot. We’re already planning our next trip back!
We had the most amazing time here. You can literally spend an entire day here if you want. They have paddle boats, river tours, kayak and canoe at very affordable prices. To top it off, they have an amazing restaurant/patio overlooking the river. We took the river tour and it was so calming serene. The entire town is beautiful, feels like a page from an European travel magazine.
Today we had the pleasure of celebrating my Grandpa’s 94th birthday at The Boathouse. We started with a wonderful lunch on the patio. The sandwiches were delicious! I can’t recommend the veggie sandwich enough, and Grandpa was thrilled with his egg salad sandwich. The pumpkin smashes were another highlight, and Grandpa enjoyed his so much he didn’t share a single bite!
After lunch, we boarded the Juliet for a scenic tour of the Avon River. Our guide, Kelan, was excellent! He shared fascinating insights about the community, local wildlife, and the history of The Boathouse.
It was such a special day for my Grandpa, and we're so grateful to the amazing staff at The Boathouse for helping make his 94th birthday truly unforgettable. I can’t wait to visit again soon!
Best cafe in Stratford. Charming environment. Quiet river - one step from you. Boats. Big huge trees. Nice staff. They not only clean their tables, they clean all their chairs - top to bottom, every evening. Food is good. Salads, burgers, ice cream. If you come to Stratford and didn't visit this place, you missed the best part of Stratford.
Such a lovely place to sit by the water, take the Juliet boat tour, go kayaking or take the paddle boat. The food here is absolutely delicious, and I can not stop obsessing over the Summer side salad 🥗 🤤. They even have live music sometimes…. I highly recommend coming here.
The staff were friendly and very helpful. We rented a peddle boat and had an amazing time. If you're in the area you should definitely rent a boat or take a tour!
30 York St Lower Level, Stratford, ON N5A 1A1, Canada•
Movie theater
Candy store
Event venue
Lounge
Popcorn store
Nestled in downtown Stratford, The Little Prince Micro-Cinema & Lounge holds the Guinness World Record for being the smallest cinema. With only 12 seats, it mostly offers private bookings from a vast catalog of nearly 30,000 titles. However, there are also public viewing dates available. The cozy and whimsical atmosphere takes you back in time while the friendly staff adds to the charm.
A great experience! We went to the 4:30pm showing of Throne of Blood and, to our surprise, we were the only ones there, so it felt like our own private screening (though after chatting with the staff, we found out that’s a pretty rare thing!). They do offer private screenings of your choice of movies, which you can book online.
We bought our tickets online and walked to the theatre from our Airbnb in the core of Stratford (took us less than 5 minutes). The seats were comfortable, and the bathrooms were conveniently close by. The decor had a really charming, vintage theatre vibe that added to the whole experience. We also bought popcorn, which comes with unlimited refills throughout the show. The staff were very sweet and chatted with us after the show too. Would definitely recommend checking this little theatre out if you’re in town!
Rajiga P — Google review
A charming, intimate space that feels like a cozy living room with a big screen. The seating is limited but comfortable, making every screening feel personal. Great for indie films, classics, and thoughtful conversations afterwards. A hidden gem for true movie lovers.” It’s also declared as world’s smallest theater by Guinness records.
I booked a private movie for my boyfriend and I’s anniversary, and it was a really great experience!
I enjoyed being able to pay for everything ahead of time so once we arrived, we just got to enjoy the experience.
The staff were super friendly, we arrived a little bit early and we were able to get settled early and start the movie early. The quality of the movie and the sound, was perfect as well! When we were finished with the movie, they had prepared bags for us with cotton candy and popcorn, which was so nice!
I would note that if you pick a movie that’s longer than the allocated 2 hours, you will get an extra $50 charge, as you’d have to rent the space longer.
Awesome experience! Would definitely go back again. Yummy popcorn and cotton candy. Seats are comfy. Fun atmosphere. Lots to see and look at.
What a fabulous venue. My daughter - whom we surprised for her convocation- cannot stop raving about how happy this celebration made her. The movie was exactly as asked for, with subtitles, and great sound. The theatre and the lobby were charming and the seats were comfy. Staff were friendly and accommodating. We loved the selection of snacks and drinks. All the guests are so smiley about the event. Absolutely wonderful.
What a little gem! I spent the weekend in Stratford and absolutely loved The Little Prince Micro-Cinema. It’s full of charm and history, with a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that makes it such a special place to watch a film. I loved all the little touches of old film cameras. There is a variety of all your favorite candies and drinks to choose from and refillable popcorn 🍿. You can really feel the care and passion behind this place. A must-visit spot that adds to the magic of Stratford!
We booked the cinema for a surprise birthday party. The place is beautiful and has so much character! The service and snacks were excellent and the seats are super comfortable.
Thank you for an awesome evening - we’ll be back!!
My wife and I had been to the Little Prince once and absolutely loved the experience. We thought it would be the perfect spot to celebrate my brother's 80th birthday. The Little Prince catalogue included plenty of movies, including my brother's favourite, a 1950's classic, The Quiet Man. Most of the group had never been to the Little Prince before and we all enjoyed the experience immensely. The event planning beforehand was well organized and the day-of execution was flawless. We'll be back.
62 Wellington St, Stratford, ON N5A 2L2, Canada•
Gift shop
Bridal shop
Jewelry store
Bradshaws, a well-established family-owned business for over 126 years, is a must-visit destination in Stratford. This iconic store offers an extensive selection of homeware, kitchen products, and unique gifts from local vendors like Appleflats and Chandler Honey. Whether you're looking for the perfect hostess gift or unique home items for yourself, Bradshaws has it all.
A friend recently bought me a gift card from Bradshaws. When the store owner delivered it to my home, I mentioned that I had to go to the store later to pick up knives that they had sharpened for me. The owner offered to return to the store, pick up the knives and deliver them to me. Amazing kindness and service, as always.
Margaret T — Google review
This place has the cutest things and sooo much variety!! They have a lot of local things being sold here too. Anything you could think of is here. They have jellycats and even a pandora inside of this store. Super super fun store to shop in or explore. Highly recommend!
This is a beautiful higher end store that literally had a little of everything. From food to plates, Christmas decorations, coffee makers, books and more.
I spent over an hour just walking around looking.
If you are in the area definately a place to check out.
Of note, they had gluten free options for different worldly flavours, a nice surprise.
#gf
#glutenfree
#localguides
Great selection of kitchen and hosting items. Something for everyone. Perfect place if you are looking for a gift!
My family went to this establishment and were victims of theft. They purchased a few things “on sale” and were charged double the price. Children’s melamine plates that were $4.50 were sold at $9, things that were $18 were charged $36. When they asked Emily why she was removing the tags off the merchandise she was saying “it’s for inventory” then “in case you want to gift these things”. They’re ripping people off, not operating on transparency.
Why are you doing this? To make some extra money? Have some dignity and morals, that’s not how to do business. You should be ashamed of yourselves.
I called this morning and, within the hour, had this beautiful gift basket ready and being delivered today. Carrie was so helpful and had great ideas!! This will be my go-to for Stratford. I can't wait to visit the store! Exceptional Customer Service!!
A nice store with so many cute things and variety of products. You can definitely find something if you’re shopping around or looking for some gift ideas. They have kitchen utensils, soap and candles, crystal glasses, dinnerware, etc. The prices are not cheap, but they carry high quality items.
I love this store! If you are looking for a good kitchen knife or set of knives these people know what they are doing. They don't try to over sell but want you to have the right knives for what you need personally, as not all knives are a good fit for your hand size.
They also have so many other lovely gifts for the home, including wool blankets, Chrystal wine glasses and so much more kitchen ware. Truly a lovely store.
129 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H1, Canada•
Temporarily Closed
Festival
Lights On Stratford Winter Festival of Lights, which debuted in 2020 and is set to return in 2021, will illuminate the heritage district and park system with a "Journey" theme. The event features interactive light installations exploring motion, transportation, worldly and other-worldly landmarks. It's a family-friendly activity with well-organized security and volunteers available around the installations. Visitors can enjoy free shuttle bus service and entry without the need for tickets or registrations.
This light festival is pretty darn spectacular! With exhibits all the way from Australia’s “Amigo & Amigo” and “Chalk River Labs” and the UK’s “This is Loop”, visitors have been drawn to Stratford in numbers I’ve never seen during the winter.
The interactive TRUMPET FLOWERS on Tom Patterson Island are a huge hit for children and adults alike. There are 13 minutes for everyone to play and make music followed by a 2 minute performance. During the performance, you can stop pressing buttons and just dance!!!
HINT: dress for the weather and leave your white sneakers at home. The paths are covered with a thick layer of mulch but recent rains have left other areas on the island pretty muddy.
SCHROOMS have been a popular colourful photo backdrop as well as a beautiful exhibit to play using your imagination!
STARGATE is stunningly beautiful!!! During daylight, you’d never guess that this exhibit would keep you mesmerized in the dark. It’s another really cool photo opportunity. HINT: Wear light colours to melt into the exhibit. Also, video will give you a truer memory than still photos. You don’t wanna forget this one!
“EMERGENCE” is a place for contemplation. A sanctum within which to consider the dynamic interplay between order and chaos and the momentous role this plays in systems, life, the self and the entire universe. It also makes a really cool venue for our Friday night free Silent Discos during the Lights On festival. They start at 8pm. Bring some personal ID to get headphones that allow you to tune into a live DJ and dance under the stars, surrounded by the lights of Emergence!
There are more exhibits around town. You can use our free shuttle bus to see everything. Hop on, hop off. The bus does a loop every 15 minutes, giving you lots of time to hang out and enjoy each exhibit.
Yes, there is FREE Hot Chocolate on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6pm. Come early, because it’s only available until it runs out. Hot chocolate is supplied by generous sponsors around Stratford.
HINT: if you miss out, CAT CAFE in Market Square is serving hot drinks until 8pm during the festival.
Come see us in Stratford! Bring your kids and your inner child for an evening of awe and wonder!
NOTE: Yes, I work for Lights On but only because it’s such a fun festival! I’m pretty darn lucky!
Karen E — Google review
I was really looking forward to this Christmas lighting show after seeing all the stunning photos on Google reviews and Instagram, but unfortunately, it was a big disappointment. The pictures were very misleading—turns out they were taken in different years, and the actual setup this year was nothing like what was advertised. It felt like a bait-and-switch.
While it’s great that this is a free event, it definitely wasn’t worth the long drive. The displays were underwhelming, poorly maintained, and lacked the magic you’d expect during the holidays. On a positive note, the organizers did provide free shuttle buses between different spots every 15 minutes, which was convenient, but even that couldn’t make up for the lackluster experience. I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way for this event.
It was very crowded and I drove for more than a hour not worth it
Have visited tha lights last year it was much nicer than this year
This year did not felt worth the drive quiet disappointed
Great activity for all ages. The installations are fun and very cool! It is also very well organized with security and volunteers easily available around the installations and shuttle buses running. No issues in finding parking either.
Best part is there are no tickets or registrations required.
Beautiful Town. Lots of good restaurants and little shops. Fantastic place to explore .
It was nice to see all the exhibits and just walked around.
The interactive lights the pool and the affinity are supercool but get too crowded. We got at affinity at 5pm and had it to ourselves for a while. The pool was super hit with our toddler.
Free shuttle bus service and free entry.
When most of the other Christmas fares are paid and rip-off ,this one stands apart.
Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1W7, Canada•
Island
Tom Patterson Island, situated in the middle of the Avon River, is a serene park offering walking trails, picnic areas, and breathtaking views of the river and surrounding scenery. Visitors can engage in various outdoor activities like birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. The island is also known for its enchanting Christmas lights show during winter nights. It's a hidden gem with a magical setup that captivates visitors who can enjoy the presence of swans while grabbing food from local restaurants.
We visited the Christmas lights show in Stratford and this one of the four places you can see the winter lights. The theme here is the planetary system. They setup all nine planets with Sun in the middle. Kids enjoy this a lot. Plan to visit Stratford and Saint Mary’s to see the winter lights at night. Amazing experience we enjoyed a lot.
DurgaVara B — Google review
This is a hidden gem in itself in this charming town.
The setup was magical, I can literally spend whole night here.
The swans 🦢 made our day so special here in this town.
You can grab food from local restaurants and dine here as well 😍
Lovely island & a cool picnic spot
A great spot to sit and eat. See a variety of birds (ducks, geese, swans, cormorants, herons, and more). See a friendly squirrel 🐿️.
It's such a peaceful place.. comfortable seating spots at regular intervals for more convenience..
Loved the universe display. We went for a drive on a whim. Worth it.
It's really nice and peaceful at night and a great place to go for a walk
Been visiting Stratford annually for over 20 years and this is the first time I have crossed the brodge to visit thr island.
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Historical landmark
Tucked away in the heart of Stratford, Allen's Alley is a hidden gem that offers a delightful blend of history and art. This charming passageway, located midway down Wellington Street, was once a route to livery stables and pays homage to its past with nods to a fruit market that thrived here until 1942. Today, it serves as an outdoor gallery adorned with vibrant street art celebrating musical legends and the city's artistic spirit.
An interesting little thru way connecting Erie St parking lot with the shops on Wellington St and City Hall. It is festooned with pictures of rock groups with varying levels of fame. It is not just an alley, as it has a role in the history of Stratford's development.
Mike M — Google review
Small, not similar to san fransisco
A fun little short cut in Stratford. Checkout the groovy artwork on your next visit.
Allen's Alley is just that. An alley. It is lined with some wonderful art works
A groovy little short cut with some great artworks to check out
The way to get from Erie parking lot to market square eating and drinking!
Solid alley.
Mentioned on
Town square
Stratford Market Square is a lively and energetic marketplace showcasing an array of locally sourced goods, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked treats, and artisan crafts. It operates throughout the year, providing an opportunity for patrons to savor the finest regional offerings. Whether you're in need of a quick bite or a complete dining experience, this market has an abundance of options to cater to all tastes and preferences.
38York St
Mentioned on
York St in Stratford is a charming historic street known for its unique shops and eateries. It's home to a popular ice cream parlor, antique shops, and boutiques. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Avon Boat Rentals just across from the street, offering a leisurely way to explore the scenic Avon River and take in city views from a different angle.
affordable
Restaurant
Bar
Irish pub
Pub
Bentley's Bar Inn & Restaurant is a popular and bustling pub located in Stratford, ON, CA. It offers a wide selection of comfort food and has one of the largest menus in the city. The casual eatery provides an easygoing setting with a pet-friendly outdoor patio where patrons can enjoy cocktails, brews, and global comfort grub. The atmosphere is lively with efficient service and fair prices.
I went to Bentley's Bar for lunch with my family. My family, which is 3 of them, ordered 21 wings which is the large size and one order of the beef and vegetable nachos. I ordered the Gourmet Burger with fries. I am happy to say that the food here was awesome. The order of the wings and nachos is filling enough for 3 to 4 people. The burger that I ordered was amazing and I really liked the bacon in it. Also, the service was really good too! I would definitely want to come here again!
Ev — Google review
The waitress was very good at her job. She was friendly and attentive. The meal was quite good I'd say a 4.5 but not quite a 5. Providing smaller lunch options such as half sandwiches I thought was fabulous. The booths feel awkward to sit in. The table felt too low for the seat and I felt I was sitting on the edge of the seat to reach my food and eat comfortably. I think table and chairs are a better option for my next visit. I'm not short I'd say I'm average height for a female.
As said before the french onion soup is fantastic and I'm pretty fussy, little more croutons and a little less onion would work well.
We were guests last Friday around 6:30 and really impressed with food though pricy and service was great, not hovering but attentive. Probably the only downfall was entitled people that needed to shout, inside voices folks it's not all about you.
Loved the free parking, about 5 bucks per car and there were three.
We just ate in the casual restaurant/bar. It was a little noisy but the service was prompt & pleasant. A broad menu with many GF choices. The food was tasty & proportions generous. Great value.
Was very busy and hard to get a server. There seemed to be lots of them, but still had to wait a long time. The manager was walking around and helping, making sure people were looked after. Food was good. Pricey though...tourist town. Not very wheelchair friendly. Seating is packed in.
No communication or signs to seat yourself even after making a reservation. Food was mediocre at best. Dry chicken sandwich and burger, fries were cold and soggy. Waitress was attentive and nice, but does not make up for the negative experience.
Great patio. Food is always reliably delicious. Good service. Well located in downtown Stratford, with public parking behind the restaurant. We've loved it here for years!
Today was our third time eating here and it's been much better in the past. My husband's burger was dry because it had been overcooked and both our fries had too many little hard bits. It was kinda pricey for mediocre food. We probably won't be back.
99 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 3H1, Canada•
Distillery
Food & Drink
Junction 56 Distillery is a local grain-to-glass distillery located in Stratford. They take pride in using all-natural colors and flavors for their gin, vodka, whisky, and liqueurs, sourcing ingredients within a 100km radius. The distillery grows, mills, and mashes their own grains. Their handcrafted flavored liqueurs are made from 100% Ontario-grown grains sourced from local businesses.
Visited this place before a show at the festival to stock up on the best gin I’ve ever had (lemon, black raspberry flavours) and not only got what I was looking for, received wonderful customer service. In fact one of the staff paid me a compliment that made my entire day! It is well worth a drive to check this place out. Great range of products and friendly, helpful staff. Oh — and they now have online ordering!
Nancy P — Google review
Amazing place, I wanted the Chocolate Vodka is terrific! I purchased it, as there is no 360 chocolate vodka available now in the LCBO. So I came looking for a good alternative. Well, this is BETTER. What a great chocolate vodka, it made my chocolate martini incredible. I have a great recipe, and it turned out better than every. BTW my husband also very much loved your gin and whiskey. Thanks, and it's great to have a Canadian and local supply.
Had the pleasure of visiting here last week. Tried a number of products. I loved the Whisky and Black Raspberry Gin. Both were standouts for me! The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and I learned a lot. I will definitely be back!
We had a wonderful experience at the Distillery, where we walked out with a large collection of spirits for ourselves and to gift. The tasting experience was expansive and fun. We will be recommending their spirits especially the mint smoothie, the rye whiskey and the vodka.
Leah was a great tour guide. Learned lots about distilling. Samples were fantastic also. Great selection of product you can't buy anywhere else! Great little stop in Stratford. Also kid friendly.
Stephen was a wonderful host. He was a riot during our tasting. He is knowledgeable not only about the product but all of Stratford as well. He deserves a raise and commission!
We did the distillery tour with Stephen, who was knowledgeable, professional, funny and charming. The vodkas and gins were delightful and the whiskeys were wonderful. A great stop!
Took the tour. Knowledgeable friendly staff. Nice range of products. Nice to see another craft distillery in SW Ontario.
45 Cambria St, Stratford, ON N5A 1G8, Canada•
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Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Theaters
The Tom Patterson Theatre, part of the renowned Stratford Festival, is a contemporary gem that offers an intimate experience with its unique thrust stage design. Originally known as the Casino, this venue has a rich history of hosting legendary big bands like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Visitors can explore public areas such as the inviting lobby and charming café without needing tickets, but to access the theatre itself for shows or workshops, tickets are required.
The acoustics, stage lighting and effects were amazing. The theatre is beautiful. The only complaint that I have was that because of the remote location by the river, it is difficult for seniors with mobility issues to have a choice of places to eat. Therefore the theatre’s restaurant has a monopoly on food and was over priced.
Ingrid B — Google review
Theatre has a lovely outdoor patio. Parking on site is available and wasn't full at all. Good view from all seats inside
Amazing venue designed for stage plays! The staff, architecture, washrooms and maintenance were all excellent. The food and drinks at the cafeteria could have had more variety though.
We went to see Ransacking Troy, and I was blown away. And not just by the play, but by the theater as well. A beautiful building inside and out, with a store, dining and bar areas and not a single bad seat in the whole house.
I will definitely be coming back!
Lovely modern theatre with interesting architecture and kind staff! It was a joy to watch The Winter’s Tale here with friends.
Incredible theatre built in 2020. Modern amenities, brilliant architecture, exquisite staging, lighting, and stagecraft. We saw two plays here (The Winter's Tale and Forgiveness) and both were extremely well done and enhanced by their presentation at Tom Patterson Theatre.
A very nice, modern theatre. The stage forms a narrow peninsula surrounded by the audience. This makes for a very different experience.
An amazing experience in a beautiful, light filled and airy theatre. The common spaces never felt crowded. You can see the river from wherever you are in the lobby. There were an ample number of washrooms and no queues.
The theatre space is lovely and seats were velvety and comfortable.
Be sure you enjoy the outdoor patio and the adjacent garden.
Tom Patterson Theatre, 111 Lakeside Dr, Stratford, ON N5A 3B9, Canada•
Park
Nature & Parks
Upper Queen's Park in Stratford is a picturesque urban green space that boasts several historic monuments and serves as the home to Ontario's parliament building. The park, located on Queen St., offers a serene natural beauty with its historical buildings and lush surroundings. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks amidst the stunning autumn foliage, while observing ducks on the water and friendly dogs enjoying their time outdoors. The park also hosts the renowned Stratford Festival, offering outstanding performances in a beautiful venue.
With the wind blowing and the cold creeping in, windbreakers, hats and gloves are needed to enjoy a lovely walk. Most trees shed their gorgeous autumn leaves and left trunks barren dark against the greys of the clouds.
Ducks are still on the water, like boating the tides.
Many dogs, mainly on leashes enjoy chasing the squirrels and give bypassing walkers friendly barks. Smiles are exchanged and for brief moments strangers become friends.
Snacks and beverages are mostly available higher up on Ontario Street. Filled water bottles - good idea.
Beautiful sceneries are snapshots away.
Lynn24 — Google review
My husband and I visited this park for a couple hours on a Friday afternoon. The parking is free and we had no trouble finding a spot. There are many benches and picnic tables along the water and we enjoyed our lunch here. Many beautiful ducks and geese surrounded us. Many people walked up and down the paved path.
Made a visit to Stratford in July and enjoyed a lovely boat trip down the River and had a great lunch at the Restaurant at the rivers edge. Later went into a lovely nearby ornaments shop which sold Chinese ornaments.
The city looks so clean and attractive, definitely a place I would enjoy seeing again
Visited Stradford during the labour day weekend. Was a day well spent. Great shops near the Park. Took a boat ride and sat near the water front. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Had dinner at Bentley's bar before returning.
Great park. Kids absolutely love it. The playground is awesome. There is also lots of open grass space under tree cover for kids to run around.
Only problem is the public washrooms were closed on the weekend.
So much to do and see in Stratford, I can imagine it's natural beauty in all four seasons in the park. If you are looking for a beautiful garden, river, peace, quiet and tranquility you will find it all here. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the day, live life and love yourself.
Upper Queens Park, on the banks of Avon river in the alluring Stratford city, provides spectacular views of the river, trees; hundreds of electrified people walking along the river, boating, or picnicking in the park; children playing in the playground, and swans and ducks swimming.
Near the city's parking lot which is free of charge on weekends and holidays, there is a riverside patio where tourists can hire boats of their choice (paddle or rowing boats, canoes, or kayaks) and avail themselves of restaurant services.
Our friend from Waterloo, my wife, and I had very pleasing experiences, sweet memories to cherish, and we were deeply satisfied with our visit to the park that is about 60 and 135 minutes from Waterloo and Toronto, respectively.
A beautiful place to go for a walk in autumn and see the colours. Lots of beautiful sights with all types of different birds flying and swimming around.
There was lots of parking on close to the trail and water.
There were lots of people taking a walk at the same time that cause congestion at times.
#localguides
55 Queen St, Stratford, ON N5A 4M9, Canada•
Art gallery
Shopping
Discovered Koolen Fine Arts online while searching for an art restoration establishment in Hamilton. Connected with Robert and arranged to have a damaged artwork repaired by Colleen, the expert restorer. Despite doubts from family members, Colleen confidently restored the brittle and torn piece to perfection. The painting and frame were also meticulously cleaned. Impressed by her skill, I will entrust more of my uncle's paintings to Colleen for cleaning in the future.
We had four paintings cleaned and restored and the frames refreshed. One painting was never framed and we had it framed. These were painted by my father-in-law almost 60 years
ago and were damaged due to many years of poor storage conditions. We wanted to use them in our new home so we searched for someone on the internet and found Koolen Fine Arts and Colleen. She was wonderful. She explained what they would have to do, gave us an estimate and told us how long it would take. Colleen was lovely to talk with and a pleasure to to do business with. The paintings look like new and will be enjoyed for years to come. We have several more paintings that need care and we will be returning to Colleen and Koolen Fine Arts. .
John A — Google review
Had the most wonderful rainy day experience walking aimlessly down the street and came upon this gallery. Robert the owner was such a vibrant, lovely person. I saw a piece I was instantly drawn to, and after giving me some time to view upstairs, pointing me towards some other William Winters work, came to talk me through the history, the members of the Group of Seven he worked with, showed me sketching’s, even pointing out the ones with the original frame work. I haven’t been to a gallery that I felt I knew someone after I left. Highly recommend going to experience someone instantly knowing what moves you.
I found Koolen Fine Arts on the internet when looking for an art restoration place in Hamilton. To make a long story short, I got in touch with Robert. We had a great conversation. Made arrangements to take a piece of my uncle's art which had become brittle & badly torn in a wind gust. Alo of my family members didn't think it could be repaired. Colleen assured me she she could restore it. I went to pick it up yesterday, & was totally shocked at the finished work, to say the least!!! Colleen is an expert in her field!!! We couldn't tell where it had been repaired. The frame & painting had been cleaned as well.
I have other paintings of my uncle's that will be going to Colleen for cleanings. Koolen has a new loyal client!!! They're also a great couple to deal with. Great people!!!
We had a damaged family heirloom oil painting that I was sick over and it needed repair . Colleen was so amazing to work with she answered my email without delay and put my mind at ease that it could indeed be repaired. Colleen has Jesus Hands 🙌 , we picked up the piece a few weeks later which was much earlier then I had expected. It was perfect not even I could tell where the painting had been repaired. I would recommend Koolen Fine Arts to anyone. Many thanks Colleen
I give you 10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Twelve years ago, I sought out Robert and Collen of Koolen Fine Arts in order to have restoration work done on my mother's small European art collection. The paintings were not valuable, but were very precious to her as well as our family. Colleen did an excellent job of restoring, valuing , and researching the various artists. She has restored oil paintings, lithographs, etchings, and even reframed the original drawing of 1930s Dutch magazine illustrator's markup, which she found out for us, was very valuable.
I have been collecting as well, and have purchased some pieces from the gallery. However, I have been able to spot some interesting works on my own, and Colleen was right there with the research and advice before I made an offer. I would never let anyone touch any new acquisition which may need repair other than Colleen. I highly recommend that if you want true honest advice on any restoration or research work, you contact the gallery and speak to Colleen.
Recently my husband and I had the pleasure of having Colleen work on a painting of ours. From very graciously welcoming us early for our appointment, to explaining the history and process of cleaning our painting, Colleen was very kind, knowledgable and professional. We will be back and we would highly recommend Koolen Fine Arts.
Colleen at Koolen Fine Arts has restored two antique family oil paintings for us. Wow! Unbelievable. They look terrific; who knew the man in the boat was wearing a red hat! Colleen is extremely knowledgeable and has such a passion for art. She has got us hooked on antique oils and recently restored a third painting for us that we picked up at an auction. The photo is of one of the paintings during its restoration. Our next antique oil will absolutely be restored by Colleen at Koolen Fine Arts.
A while back one of our paintings -circa 1850- got damaged. We searched the Toronto area and came across Koolen Fine Arts. To say the least we are extremely pleased at our find.
We found the owners Robert and Colleen knowledgeable, professional, pleasant to deal with and reasonably priced. The repair and restoration was completed as scheduled.
We were so pleased with the first painting that we immediately gave them another 1854 painting for them to bring back to life. They did !
Thus after using their services to restore two paintings we can only highly recommend Koolen Fine Arts to service your needs
Thanks Colleen and Robert
53 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1W5, Canada•
4.7
(299)
4.2
(67)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Theaters
The Studio Theatre at Stratford Festival is the smallest of the theatres in Stratford, offering a more modern and intimate setting. With its thrust stage and steep seating, it provides an up-close and personal experience for the audience, allowing them to be within touching distance of the actors. The theatre's small size, holding approximately 250 people, ensures excellent views from any seat. The modern yet intimate feel of the theatre creates a unique atmosphere for enjoying performances.
Saw "The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?" Was one of the best plays I've ever seen. The Studio Theatre was an intimate space without a bad seat in the house.
Bobby M — Google review
Great little theatre with very well choreographed plays. Expensive as all hell if you can't find a deal it makes no sense to go at full price. Nice to have a 20 minute break mid play, however it perpetuates the purchase of overpriced drinks. Would visit again for a reasonably priced play.
Heard about how steep the aisles are and not a lot of railings or bars to hold on to. Took a chance and enjoyed the show. Not suitable for people with mobility concerns.
Wonderful, intimate theatre. Great sound. Found the seats a bit firm but enjoyed the space. People who were greeters at the front door were helpful
Cute little studio theatre, not a bad seat in the house. The seating feels close to the stage, but very high stacked.
I saw a play from the furthest row and was able to see and hear the action well. The people running the theatre were kind and helpful.
I went to see their production of Much 'Ado About Nothing in August 2023. It was wonderful. I've seen quite a few plays at the festival over the years (including another production of this play) and this was the best play I have yet seen at the festival. We managed to get a very good deal on tickets (a promotion for seats in the balcony). We were able to get front row in the balcony, so the view was better than many of the seats in the orchestra for half the money.
Wonderful, intimate space. Saw Goblin Macbeth and it was outstanding. Great acting. Able to bring the laughs and still deliver the great lines perfectly.
Another unforgettable theatre experience at the Studio Theatre tonight! (Nathan the Wise; go see it!) It's such an cool space - small enough for really intimate performances and the capacity for truly cutting-edge, more experimental shows. The Studio is tucked behind the Avon Theatre at the other end of the block so it's easy to find as well.
34 George St E, Stratford, ON N5A 3L7, Canada•
4.5
(42)
4.4
(20)
Event venue
Sights & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Copperlight is a remarkable venue that beautifully blends history and community spirit. Nestled within the stunning Knox church, it has become a cherished spot for various events, including vibrant 2SLGBTIAQ+ drag shows and heartwarming concerts like "Singing for the Joy of It." The church's exceptional acoustics enhance every performance, making it an ideal location for music lovers. While some structural pillars may obstruct views during larger gatherings, the accommodating staff ensure a pleasant experience.
This is a review strictly of the building itself and the venue. We recently came for a Christmas concert performance and the acoustics were amazing in addition to just being a beautiful building architecturally. It certainly makes me want to come back again for future musical performances.
David R — Google review
Here is a truly wonderful church as it has hosted the annual Black Swan Coffee House Revival since 1990, in support of homeless youth in Perth County. The event takes place the Monday after the holiday Monday in August and features, among others, former members of the Perth County Conspiracy.
I am not a member of Knox, but have attended many events there over the years. Not only is it a beautiful church, it is also a fabulous venue for concerts. It's my favourite place to go. I only wish there were many more musical events. I hope they are able to support the upkeep of this treasured building.
Went to the "Singing for the Joy of It" concert. Knox is a gorgeous church and has the greatest acoustics for performances. I've been to several events in this church.
It's a shame there isn’t the money to keep it in good repair. They don't make churches, or buildings like these anymore. It should be preserved for future generations so as to continue to revel in it's beauty!!
Beautiful place. Leonard Stannard is a terrible manager.
So my fiancee and were looking for a venue for our wedding. At first the price was 3600 for the wedding package but then they dropped it to 2700. Ok great, or so we thought. After confirming that's what we wanted then we started asking questions about what's all included. The wedding package said if we wanted a dance it'd be an extra fee(350 extra). Just to move some tables around that would take 10 minutes? A little pricey but whatever. Nowhere else on the wedding package did it say anything about any other extra fees if we wanted. It didnt say anything about simply setting up the day before would be extra or not so we assumed it was on the base price. Apparently not (extra $250). Every single wedding I've been to the caterers use the kitchen. The package didn't have any option that if we wanted to use the kitchen it would be an extra fee so we assumed it was in the base price. Apparently not (extra $350). We were told in person that the fridges and freezers would be full from a different customer. Ok that's fine we can deal with that. Later, Leonard is telling us "oh, I didn't realize the caterers would need the kitchen to prepare food, that'll be an extra 350. DUDE! what kind of caterer doesn't use the kitchen to prepare food! UNBELIEVABLE! Not every caterer prepares food at home and brings it to the venue just to plate and serve it. The fact that we walked through this building not once but twice and he still managed to "forget" to tell us that using the kitchen was an extra fee doesn't make sense. Unless he figured he could just start charging us for whatever he wanted to because he realized the original price was too cheap and he couldn't make it payments with so he starts charging for anything he wanted to. Rant over. I HIGHLY do NOT recommend dealing with Leonard Stannard. You can't just start throwing out fees to your customers because you can't make your own payments.
We went to this establishment last night to see an LGBTQ friendly show and it was fantastic! Mira Fantasy and Sherry Sylvain were incredible. The staff and atmosphere was very welcoming and friendly. I hope they do more shows!!!!! I would highly recommend!!!
Drag and other 2SLGBTIAQ+ events in a church? Oh my stars…. It did not catch fire so I suppose God has a soft spot for good people. Too many load bearing pillars blocking the view of the stage for an full audience, but tables and chairs are movable. Bar/serving staff were extra accommodating, and not hard on the eyes either. Bathroom has very interesting urinals, suggest checking them out before they are outlawed by town water-waste bylaws.
Acoustics are out of this world. Just wish they would have more concerts, especially showcasing that magnificent organ.
142 Ontario St, Stratford, ON N5A 7Y4, Canada•
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4.9
(13)
4.5
(4)
Art gallery
Shopping
The Agora Gallery in Stratford, curated by Cindy, is a remarkable venue that showcases an impressive array of artwork from talented individuals based in or near the city. This diverse gallery adds immense value to the downtown core of Stratford and serves as a vibrant hub for artists and art enthusiasts alike. With a strong focus on Canadian talent, Cindy's professionalism and passion shine through as she represents these artists with great enthusiasm.
Agora Gallery is a must-visit in Stratford! The art is diverse and inspiring, and the space is bright and inviting. Cindy, the curator, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared great insights that made the experience even better. Highly recommend stopping by!
Setareh A — Google review
A gem of an art gallery with a very well curated and diverse selection of excellent art. From excellently executed landscapes to titillating fiber art, from woven paper to eclectic works on paper, from quirky to lovely sculptures, it’s a must-see selection. The owner is very personable and knowledgable. We are really glad we went in!
Beautiful little gallery in the heart of Stratford; curated collection of artists with a connection to the town and its history as a hub for creativity. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.
A lovely little gallery! Very interesting collections of works, and the staff on site are incredibly knowledgable and love to talk about the art with you. We have had quite a few quiet walks through galleries before, it was a very nice change to have someone there who knew and cared so much about the art they had in the building. Would definitely stop in again!
Really a lovely display of artists who have a connection to Stratford. The owner really knows her stuff and lets you sample at your own pace.
Agora gallery is such a wonderful addition to Stratford’s downtown core. Cindy is so professional and has such passion for the Canadian artists she represents. I am thrilled with the piece I purchased and very much enjoy visiting each show.
We love coming in with our family to see the ever-changing and always intriguing works at the gallery. Cindy is always wonderful to talk with about the current exhibition and she shares so much about artistic process and inspiration, we come away feeling like we've learned something new each time. Go see for yourself!
Cindy had created a lively Arts hub in Stratford, a place to gather with like minds. A respected curator, she always has fine work in her gallery, and great stories to illuminate the art.
100 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1A5, Canada•
5.0
(3)
5.0
(2)
Art gallery
Mountain Galleries East is a charming art gallery that showcases an impressive collection of Canadian artwork. The friendly and professional manager has curated a wonderful selection of pieces, creating a bright and clean space that feels welcoming to visitors. While the live artist exhibit was missed during one visit, there is anticipation for future events at this lovely gallery. The amazing artwork on display adds to the overall appeal of this little gem.
The manager was very friendly, professional and curated wonderful works of art by Canadian artists. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see the live artist exhibit as we visited the day before but I’ll be sure to come back and keep an eye out for other events.
James T — Google review
Loved this little gallery. Bright and clean with great art. Friendly staff made me feel right at home.
They have amazing artwork
100 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1A5, Canada•
5.0
(22)
Art gallery
Bar
Event venue
Matilda Gallery & Art Bar in Stratford is a delightful destination for art lovers and casual visitors alike. This charming venue showcases stunning original artworks, making it an ideal spot to enhance both home and commercial spaces. Guests can unwind with a glass of wine or indulge in delicious cocktails while enjoying snacks from the kitchen, all within a relaxed atmosphere that often features live music. The gallery not only offers an impressive collection of local art but also provides opportunities for patrons to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
A super cool find while exploring the city! I definitely recommend popping in - even if just walking by - as it has tons of cool paintings to check out and a really chill bar with reasonably priced drinks. The staff member there was also very welcoming and friendly. Really enjoyed my time here. Even the bathrooms are a work of art lol!
Amy — Google review
Great spot! We came here before our show at the Avon and it was so lovely to look at the art while having our drinks. We had some awesome cocktails and our bartender was lovely. We also got the dill
Pickle popcorn and macaron trio to snack on during our visit and we enjoyed both a lot.
We tried the Shakespeare garden cocktail which was light and refreshing, tasted like a slightly elevated Prosecco. We also tried the espresso martini which was yummy and a little sweet! Only note was it probably had a bit too many chocolate shavings on top. Lastly we had the pisco sour which was very yummy and well shaken with very nice and fluffy egg whites.
Highly recommend for the atmosphere, warm staff and yummy treats!
The cocktail was delicious, the art is vibrant and the toilets are fun and clean. Great place for a drink before dinner!
Chill vibe. Right next to the Avon theater in the heart of the downtown. Perfect place to check out local artists and have a drink before or after seeing a play.
Love the vibe of this art gallery/bar. We had some drinks there before seeing a show at the Avon and enjoyed perusing the art and chatting with the woman working there. A warning, though: you might stop in for a drink and unexpectedly leave with a newly purchased painting. I regret nothing!
Best art gallery I've ever been to.
They offer local art trials in your home/office and have a full bar in their gallery. The cocktails are yum and the chef in the kitchen is a genius.
The staff are lovely people and the owner is a sweetie! The artwork is approachable and high quality- every time I go the artwork is different and interesting.
There is something for everything and I know what to tell my husband what I want for my upcoming bday!
A lovely little spot to check out local artists’ work and have a drink before a show at the Avon Theatre. Manya the bartender was the cherry on top — super friendly and made delicious cocktails!
What a unique experience for viewing art with sort of a lounge bar vibe. The food and drinks are amazing and the vibe is really chill. Went to a pop up event here.
85 Downie St, Stratford, ON N5A 1W8, Canada•
Art gallery
229 Huron St, Stratford, ON N5A 5T1, Canada•
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