Published Winter 2025
WHAT DO YOU look for in your perfect city? Is it the scenery that pulls you closer to its hiking trails and riverside picnic spots? Does food tempt you to visit with thoughts of scrumptious fare at local restaurants, cafes and pubs? Or are you drawn to a city through its culture and the immersive experiences awaiting you in a one-of-a-kind locale?
Our reasons for falling in love with a city alter and evolve as we progress through life's stages. We move from activities that excited us as kids to exploring pastimes that fulfill us as adults, only to find interest in both if we have children of our own. No matter the shifts, one thing remains constant—Stratford is a place where a bounty of joyful discovery exists for all.
Stratford feels like a town born out of an artist's imagination. Between its idyllic rural setting and the heritage architecture of its downtown core, your camera roll may just reach its limit by the end of a short stay. And then there are the multitude of events (Google "Swan Release") and distinct experiences that the city welcomes visitors to engage in year-round.
Spring brings with it rain, feeding the expansive greenery in Upper Queens Park and the Shakespearean Gardens. With their blooms begin the Stratford Festival's previews, prelude to the official start of the theatre season come June. For those unfamiliar with what a preview is, think of it like being on the level just above ground floor (rehearsals) and watching perfection transform into magic.
When the shows officially open in May, the city vibrates with the energy of North America's largest repertory theatre festival, a pulse that enlivens Stratford on through November, sometimes with extensions when prompted by popular demand. (This was the case with last year's sold-out Something Rotten! directed by Donna Feore, who sits at the helm of this year's production of Annie.) In the winter months, Lights on Stratford brightens the landscape of this Ontario snowbelt town, filling it with the heartbeat of tourists from near and far coming to see the city's spectacular light installations and the accompanying festivities while sipping on some Bailey's and hot chocolate. (Al fresco options are available 365 days of the year here.) All the while, artists inhabit Stratford, imbuing it with a sense of creativity, culture and liveliness you have to experience to believe.
With the look of a romantic Hallmark town (there's a reason why film location scouts know this place well!) and the spirit of the most kinetic cosmopolitan, Stratford is a place to plunge into wonderment. Lying in wait are new and long-beloved experiences cast to become cherished memories of visiting your perfect city.
The abundance of experiential choices here can make planning an itinerary daunting; to help with the task, below is a roundup of places to check out when in Stratford for a theatre performance or an exploratory visit.
WILD HOG ONE STOP WONDER
For anyone who owns French linens and considers their happy place to be the prepared food section at a grocery store, this is where you will find the next gourmet jam concoctions for your cupboard—elderflower and raspberry tickle your fancy? Wild Hog is a foodie's dream come true and a kitchen décor addict's fix. Reminiscent of the type of mom-and-pop super shops that New England is famed for, like Stonewall Kitchen, this culinary cabinet of curiosities will take up hours of your day as you partake in their casual lunch offerings (the Italian cold-cut sandwich is a must), before perusing the shelves of fine foods—a virtual buffet of pasta sauces! Those in the market for groceries to bring back to their Airbnb will want to spend some time in the produce and butcher sections. With beautiful cuts of local meats plus fresh fruits and veg, at-home chefs will find a bounty of ingredients to inspire their next culinary vision.
OTHER TOP PICKS
BRADSHAWS
Luxe is the best description of this store's stock. Rifle Paper fans with Everlane in their closet will rejoice at the sight of refined closet staples made with 100% Turkish cotton, and household splurges like throws from the Swedish brand Klippan.
RESONANCE
If baubles are your thing, this spot will help you further bedazzle your jewelry box. Finds from designer Hailey Gerrits Marlow here will excite the magpie in you with their mix of aged reclaimed metals like brass, mixed with gemstones for an ultra-romantic look.
GOT IT MADE
Dedicated to local artisans, this shop has a little bit of everything, from flower cloches to handmade jewelry. With something for everyone, this is the perfect place to grab a Stratford-centric gift to bring home.
ASHBORNE CAFE COFFEE DREAMS
This is the type of coffee shop you wish was around the corner from your house, because if it was you would be a regular and ritually treat yourself to chia bowls and espresso frappes on the weekend. The minimalism embraced by the décor here calls to mind bakeries in Japan. The room is characterized by clean lines and a beautiful sparseness that makes the pastries in the display case stand out all the more. Selective coffee connoisseurs will not be disappointed by the café's java flex here, superb simple or decadent as a sweet affogato. While seating space is limited, its central location makes it easy to find a nearby park bench to enjoy a takeout order.
OTHER TOP PICKS
REVEL
A favourite among the Festival's acting company, the chances of spotting an actor here, pouring over a script with coffee in hand, are high. Aside from delicious brew, the doughnuts here will haunt you-take note, they sell fast and are only available on the weekend!
LIVERY YARD
The large windows here let in plenty of natural light and afford a great view to people watch. If you're lucky, you will have a chance to catch one of the many live music performances hosted here-a fitting musical break for those on their way or returning from the theatre.
CAFÉ BOUFFON
Like the iconic Café de Flore in Paris, this tribute to French culture in Stratford shows off its corner real estate in style. Busy from opening till close, this bustling bistro thankfully has coffee and pastries (try the cardamom buns) to go for those who can't get a table to try the delicious weekend brunch menu.
THE STARLIGHT LOCAL HANGOUT
The owners of this bar moved to Stratford from Toronto and have opened the kind of place that feels like it's always been there. The clientele here is a mix of visitors and locals, with the latter group including a good chunk of the artists who work on and off stage at the Festival. Given the likelihood of standing at the bar next to someone you just watched on stage earlier that day, this is a great venue for thirsty theatregoers to strike up a conversation about the last show they saw over a refreshing made in-house canned cocktail. Hungry tummies won't be left unsatisfied either. As an enRoute magazine top-30 best new restaurant last year, The Starlight and its bite-sized bar menu are a main draw. A charcuterie board is a smart choice for a larger group, or try the mini mac with an order of fries if more than a little peckish yourself. On Saturdays, drop in for some live music, a melodic accompaniment to a smooth, chilled beverage.
OTHER TOP PICKS
REVIVAL HOUSE
Drinks in a converted church sound post-worthy to you? The sky-high ceilings and stained-glass windows in the space make for the perfect photo op with friends, while the cocktails are equally camera ready. Try the Revival Bloody Caesar for a photogenic classic.
ELIZABETH
With its cozy corner bar and long banquette lined tables, this dining room is the intimate setting all first dates deserve. Food here is divine, but if wanting drinks only, the wine and bubbles menu is well curated, while the daily feature cocktail is always a dependable win.
JOBSITE BREWING CO.
Truly a place where everyone knows your name, don't let the open space fool you, this is the sort of place where the bartender recites your order by the second round, plus there's complimentary popcorn. The selection of craft beers have charm and credentials—the white stout boasts a silver Ontario Brewing Award.
LOVAGE SEASONAL DELIGHT
The perfect bite can be an elusive thing, unless you are dining at Lovage. Chef Jamie Crosby is the culinary expert behind this downtown hot spot, a creative mind who understands how modern technique and quality ingredients can create simple wonders unforgettable to the palate. The seasonal menu here draws a crowd that makes a reservation a necessity, especially on days with multiple evening performances across the city's theatres. Give yourself enough time to soak in the experience; begin with a cocktail and some oysters before sampling multiple plates from the menu, excellent for sharing. Stark in design, the restaurant's décor is the ideal setting for the "honest food" served up here. While the menu changes with the seasons, dishes like smoked trout with potato paillasson, cucumber and dill are reflective of the general selection diners can expect. Enjoy an early dinner and walk over to the theatre afterward—you won't leave without being tempted to have dessert, so a little walk may feel in order.
OTHER TOP PICKS
RAJA
The pre-theatre special here speaks to its popularity as top pick for dinner before an evening performance. The restaurant's menu is made up of traditional Indian dishes like cheesy saag paneer and a crowd-pleasing chicken tikka masala. Guests rave about the service here.
FELLINI'S
A classic Italian cucina—ideal for families—the food here is all about warmth, hence the inclusion of Nonna's Meaty Lasagna on the menu. Aside from all of your fave pastas, diners can go with a hand-stretched stone-baked pizza or calzone of their own creation, a choice the kiddos can appreciate.
THE BRUCE
The dining room here is grand, with a crisp and spacious feel to it. Fine dining through and through—hey, amuse bouche—the service here is flawless and attentive. Make an occasion out of your theatre tickets with an indulgent meal here to begin the evening. 