You want to make the most out of your summer getaways, so we’ve outlined the 10 best things to do in the charming town of Stratford Ontario during the summer so you can ensure you enjoy all our town has to offer.
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Savour Big City Flavours In a Small-Town Atmosphere
Stratford is celebrated for our town’s dedication to handcrafting and serving delicious beer, incredible VQA wines and food that rivals large metropolitan areas. Our local artisans and restauranteurs are passionate about exceptional flavour, and they pair it with the type of service you can only find in a charming place like Stratford. Best of all, you can walk from café to restaurant to brewery, while experiencing the charm of the towns heritage buildings.
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Sip on Summer at The Parlour Inn
For 25 years, The Parlour Steakhouse has been celebrated as one of the most delicious places to eat in Stratford. With consideration of the congregation of foodies who live, visit and cook here, that’s saying a lot. During the summer, sit on the patio and take in the vibrancy of the town, while choosing from a wide range of local and international beverages, including craft beers brewed down the street.
The Parlour Steakhouse at The Parlour Inn -
Speaking of Walking – Get Out and Enjoy the Sun and the Stunning Views
Stratford is home to the celebrated Shakespearean Gardens, which is a beautiful park alongside the Avon River. Visitors flock to this area to see its famous swans and admire the well-manicured greens and blooming flowers. Walk along York Street to grab a speciality coffee and then spend time enjoying the peaceful respite of the Shakespearean Gardens.
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Stratford Art in the Park
During the summer, Stratford’s park, alongside the Avon River, is flooded with artists, artisans and craftspeople who put their genius on display for visitors to purchase. From jewellery to pottery, you can enjoy the outdoors while choosing which unique items you want to take home for yourself – or to give the perfect gift to the creative people you love. Stratford Art in the Park
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Treat Yourself with Chocolate
When you visit Stratford, you need to stop at Chocolate Barr’s and Rheo Thompson. These local chocolatiers are focused on delivering mouth-watering chocolate and confectionary experiences.
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The Stratford Festival
Experience world-class theatre in the heart of a small town. Due to the quality and creativity of its casts and crew members, the Stratford Festival Theatre welcomes approximately half a million patrons each season. From Shakespearean greats to the premieres of modern Canadian plays, Stratford has something to offer every theatregoer – and attending a play here really is part of the quintessential Stratford experience.
The Stratford Festival -
Have a Picnic in Upper Queen’s Park
Upper Queen’s Park is a great outdoor alternative if you’ve had your fill of the Shakespearean Gardens and want to seek out a quieter location for a romantic picnic or a place for you and your family to enjoy some R&R. While it’s still conveniently located near our downtown area, you’ll find lots of picnic tables, a playground area and a peaceful place to stretch your legs in this picturesque park.
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The Stratford-Perth Museum
This Stratford highlight is certainly no snooze fest! If you can believe it, in addition to war memorabilia and railway artifacts, the Stratford Perth Museum has an entire exhibit that pays homage to our most famous native resident, Justin Bieber. So, a trip to this museum will be fun for your entire family. Not to mention, it is located in a gorgeous heritage home, making it a great spot for summertime photos.
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Learn How Your Favourite Beers are Brewed
Spend the afternoon touring Stratford’s breweries and tasting gourmet food in casual atmospheres. Choose which Stratford craft brewery tour best suits your summer schedule and enjoy your day learning about and tasting beer that’s been lovingly crafted by our locals.
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Speciality Shops for The Discerning Shopper
If you’re not a one-size-fits-all kind of person, Stratford has a wide array of unique boutiques and speciality shops for you to explore. Find all things inspired by the United Kingdom at MacLeod’s Scottish Shop and Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar. Shop the old at the Stratford Antique Warehouse or peruse contemporary art at Shane Norrie.
Shops in Downtown Stratford Watson’s Chelsea Bazaar in downtown Stratford
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Whatever you’re looking to fill your summer getaway with, you’ll find it in Stratford, Ontario
Book your Stratford accommodations at The Parlour Inn, just steps from all of the excitement this charming town has to offer.