Stratford, Ontario: A Small City with a Big Art and Theatre Scene
Stratford Waterfront Photo by Fred Gonder Photography
Posted November 25, 2025
Small-town charm with an internationally-acclaimed theatre scene — you’ve got it all in Stratford, Ontario. This historic town is the birthplace of many Canadian greats (from pop icon Justin Bieber to actress Sheila McCarthy and musician Ron Sexsmith, to name a few) and the host of the beloved Shakespeare Festival, which has been attracting audiences to the town for over 70 years.
Just a 1.5-hour drive southwest of Toronto, Stratford is the perfect weekend getaway if you’re looking for an escape from the big city and want to soak up some arts, culture, and nature. To get you started with your trip planning, here’s a look at all the major attractions, where to eat, and how to get to Stratford.
Stratford’s Historic Arts Scene: 70 Years of Theatre and Counting
When this area of Ontario was settled as a town in 1832, it was ambitiously named “Stratford.” The nearby river, “Avon,” was named after Shakespeare’s birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon, in England. It’s safe to say, though, that the tiny town of Stratford had some big shoes to fill, and that it’s delivered over the years. Here’s where to go if you want to discover one of the most dynamic theatre scenes in all of Canada.
The Stratford Festival is the city’s crowning glory, held every year from April through October. During this time, visitors can enjoy seeing several plays and musicals performed in theatres scattered across the city, from big to small, independent productions. Many of the productions extend to the holiday season and into the new year. Previous productions include Annie, Macbeth, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and Anne of Green Gables.
The Patterson Theatre Photo: Fred Gonder Photography
Stratford Theatres
An icon of the city, the Festival Theatre opened in 1953 for the inauguration of the Stratford Festival (then called the Stratford Shakespearean Festival). It remains the main venue for the event today. As Stratford’s largest theatre, its main stage holds over 1,800 seats.
Stratford’s newest venue is the Tom Patterson Theatre, named after Tom Patterson, who pioneered the Stratford Festival. A more intimate feel (only 700 seats), the theatre’s auditorium features sleek and sustainable design, accessible aisles, and state-of-the-art production equipment. Overlooking the Avon River, the building provides a perfect venue for gathering before and after performances to chat about all things theatre.
Built in 1901, the Avon Theatre is a piece of Stratford’s living history. Back then, the building served as part cinema and part vaudeville playhouse known as The House of Polite Vaudeville and Motion Pictures. Renamed the Avon Theatre in the 1940s, today it serves as one of the main stages for Stratford Festival productions.
Looking for something more off-Broadway and indie? Located on St. Andrew’s Street in downtown Stratford, Here For Now Theatre is an independent theatre company. Focusing on new and underproduced one-act plays, the theatre offers a venue to enjoy the work of Canada’s budding playwrights and actors.
Shakespeare Park Photo: Fred Gonder Photography
Arts and Outdoors in Stratford
Not just for theatre folk, Stratford features a variety of wonderful museums. The longest-running public art gallery in the province of Ontario, The Gallery Stratford features unique contemporary visual art from local and international artists. From photography to sculpture, painting to installations and more, there’s a little something for everyone at this gallery. Be sure to check out the Japanese Gardens just next door.
Stratford’s Matilda Gallery & Art Bar provides a colorful bar filled with culture, music, and art any time of year. Enjoy the art displays and stay for the cozy atmosphere and signature art-inspired cocktails and mocktails.
Can you even have a theatre town without a Shakespeare-themed garden? A wander through Shakespearean Gardens in downtown Stratford perfectly complements your theatre-themed trip to this city. Check out the Shakespeare statue and the 60 different types of flowers and shrubs.
How to Get There
If you’re coming in from Toronto and want to travel by public transportation you’re in luck. The popular Stratford Direct Bus route leaves from the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Toronto. Round-trip tickets cost $39, and the bus drops you off at one of the theatres. Known as a very walkable town, once you get off the bus you’ll be right in the heart of the action and ready to soak up all that Stratford has to offer.
