If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do, the variety of museums and galleries in Stratford and the surrounding area offer a perfect mix of culture and education. You’ll have a lot of fun learning about our town’s unique history, culture and sports legacy. Intermix great food, beer or wine and heritage sights with your educational activities, and you’ll have all the makings of a perfect getaway in Stratford.
Discover Stratford Perth Museum Exhibits and Local History
Image Courtesy of Stratford Perth Museum
Looking for places to explore in Stratford? The Stratford Perth Museum never fails to surprise visitors with its interesting educational and creative displays. A series of new and exciting exhibits are always on display as well as school programs and engaging programs for adults. Whether it be showcasing famed Canadian artists or exhibits highlighting Canada’s rich history, or even artisans right here in Southwestern Ontario, the Stratford Perth Museum has something for everyone to enjoy.
- Address: 4275 Huron Street, Stratford, ON
- The Stratford Perth Museum Website
Explore the Justin Bieber Exhibit at Stratford Perth Museum
Image Courtesy of Stratford Perth Museum
This exhibit within the Stratford Perth Museum is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. Learn the steps, leaps and bounds it took for Stratford’s biggest pop star to ascend to an unparalleled level of fame, while also learning about his favourite spots to hang out, eat – and everything in between.
Lose yourself for a day – or a weekend – exploring unique exhibits, as you fall more in love with Stratford’s interesting past – and the cultural wonders it’s brought to our little town.
- Address: 4275 Huron Street, Stratford, ON
- The Stratford Perth Museum Website
Visit Gallery Stratford for Contemporary Canadian Art
Image Courtesy of Gallery Stratford
Did you know the Gallery Stratford is one of Ontario’s longest-running public art galleries? Since 1967, this gallery has been showcasing Canadian works of art and helping people better understand the cultural heart of our town.
Located in the city’s historic former pump house, this museum is just steps from the Avon River. Walk to Gallery Stratford and take in various exhibitions of contemporary Canadian art.
- Address: 54 Romeo Street S., Stratford, ON
- Gallery Stratford Website
Step into Victorian Life at Castle Kilbride Museum Near Stratford
Image Courtesy of Castle Kilbride Museum
Just a short drive outside of Stratford, in Baden Ontario, sits Castle Kilbride. Built in 1877, this grand Victorian home celebrates unique history and 2019 marked the 25th anniversary of Castle Kilbride. With this silver anniversary comes unique displays regarding the Castle’s beginnings. You can also celebrate Halloween and Christmas in this gorgeous castle setting, so be sure to travel back in time in royal style, while learning about the Wilmot region.
- Address: 60 Snyder’s Road W., Baden, ON
- Castle Kilbride Museum Website
Learn About Canadian Baseball Legends at the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
Image Courtesy of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Sports lovers from all across Ontario come to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, located in St. Mary’s, to learn about Canada’s most impressive players. This year, St. Mary’s will host the fourth annual Canadian Baseball Conference in November, so it’s a special time to visit our region and learn about the greatest pitchers, batters and plays that define Canadian baseball history.
- Address: 386 Church Street, S., St. Marys, ON
- Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Website
Explore Regional History at Stratford-Perth Archives
Image Courtesy of Perth County
If you’re a true history buff, you understand the joy of digging up buried factual treasure about the people and places that have influenced how and why we do things a certain way today. The Stratford-Perth Archives opened in 1972, bring together multiple collections that reveal the history of the area’s homes, families and communities.
Spend your day exploring our rich history – and learning about your own!
- Address: RR 5, 4273 Line 34, Stratford, ON
- Stratford-Perth Archives Website
Discover Theatre History at Stratford Festival Archives
Image Courtesy of Stratford Festival
For theatre lovers and history buffs alike, the Stratford Festival Archives offer a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of one of Canada’s most celebrated performing arts festivals. Established to preserve the rich history of the Stratford Festival, these archives house an extensive collection of photographs, programs, posters, scripts, and other memorabilia dating back to the festival’s beginnings in 1953.
Visitors and researchers can explore these invaluable resources to discover the evolution of performances, the artists involved, and the cultural impact the festival has had locally and internationally. Whether you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes stories or the festival’s influence on Canadian theatre, the Stratford Festival Archives provide a unique and enriching experience just steps from the heart of Stratford.
- Address: 55 Queen Street, Stratford, ON
- Stratford Festival Archives Website
Experience And Explore Stratford, Ontario Museums and Galleries and Surrounding Areas
From its buildings to its theatres, restaurants and communities, Stratford and area boast a truly unique Canadian history. When you book a Stratford getaway, stay at The Parlour Inn, you’ll be in the very centre of this special town – and within easy walking and driving distance to all of the museums and galleries outlined here.
Book your accommodations now and spend your weekend in different times and spaces to learn a little and enjoy a lot of a true Canadian experience.