Stratford, Ontario, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, is gearing up for an exciting summer season. With the Stratford Festival in full swing and new restaurants, shops, and cultural events popping up in the downtown core, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Food and Drink
Stratford’s dining scene has expanded with the addition of 54 new food establishments since 2020. From sit-down restaurants to cozy cafes and take-away windows, there’s a wide range of options to satisfy any craving.
Café Bouffon is a French-style bistro located on the main street, just above Pazzo’s. It opened its doors in 2021 and is known for its weekend brunch, featuring highlights like Buffon Croque Monsieur and fresh shucked oysters. The bistro also offers lunch and elevated dinner service from Wednesday to Sunday, and dinner only on Tuesdays. Learn more: Café Bouffon
For those looking for a cozy spot, Brch and Wyn is a coffee shop by day and a wine bar by night. Located in a historic building in the downtown core, it offers a range of house-made fare, perfect for a pre-theatre nibble. Check it out: Brch and Wyn
Elizabeth, opened in 2022, is a restaurant helmed by Chef Brian Clarke. Located on the corner of Ontario and Waterloo Streets, Elizabeth offers a fresh and seasonally driven menu that changes frequently based on ingredient availability. The restaurant prioritizes sourcing ingredients as close as possible to provide a delightful dining experience. Explore more: Elizabeth
Another recent addition is Bluebird Restaurant & Bar, which opened in late 2022. The menu here combines seasonality with Stratford’s unique agricultural landscape, offering a bistronomy-inspired experience. Don’t miss their compact yet curated wine and cocktail list. Discover more: Bluebird Restaurant & Bar
New for summer 2023, the Savour & Sip Trail invites foodies to embark on a self-guided al fresco dining experience. With over 24 participating businesses, visitors can sample savory and sweet delights from Stratford’s local food scene. From picnics to DIY charcuterie boards, this trail allows you to explore the city and its park system while indulging in delicious treats. Learn more: Savour & Sip Trail
If you’re passionate about cooking, the Stratford Chef School offers new classes for 2023. Budding chefs can roll up their sleeves and participate in cooking classes, including pastry classes and single-ingredient cooking classes that focus on chicken or eggs. There’s even a home hacks class that teaches you how to enhance store-bought ingredients at home. Check out the full schedule: Stratford Chef School
Arts and Culture
Stratford is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene, with offerings ranging from music to theatre, museums, and galleries.
If you’re a film enthusiast, don’t miss the Little Prince Cinema. Located in downtown Stratford, it is known as the smallest cinema in the world. The cinema regularly screens classics and family favorites, providing an intimate and unique viewing experience. Learn more: Little Prince Cinema
For fans of Justin Bieber, the Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom exhibition at the Stratford Perth Museum offers a glimpse into the pop star’s journey to fame. The exhibition showcases various memorabilia, including his high school basketball jersey and MTV award. Explore further: Justin Bieber: Steps to Stardom
From July 20 to August 13, 2023, the Stratford Summer Music festival will captivate audiences with diverse musical performances by local, provincial, national, and international artists. The festival offers both free and paid shows, including performances by renowned artists like Michael Kaeshammer and Stephen Prutsman. Some shows take place at Revival House, a refurbished church venue that offers farm fare, craft brews, and wine. The festival concludes with a performance by Grammy Award winner John Pizzarelli on August 13. Discover more: Stratford Summer Music
From August 3 to 6, the SpringWorks Puppet Works festival brings a weekend of magical and imaginative puppets to the downtown core. Prepare to be amazed by puppets on stilts, jugglers, and more, accompanied by festive and lively rhythms. Find out more: SpringWorks Puppet Works
If you’re a fan of indie theatre, the Here for Now Theatre company has an exciting playbill for the summer. They will be performing six shows, with five of them making their world premiere on the grounds of the Stratford-Perth Museum. The lineup includes captivating productions like “Myth of the Ostrich,” “Margaret Reid,” “Frog Song,” “Life Without,” “The Fox,” and “Queen Maeve.” Explore the details: Here for Now Theatre
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodations, Stratford offers unique and stylish options.
One such option is Hotel Julie. This newly reimagined 18th-century inn, located just steps away from the downtown core, offers elevated and stylish flats. The flats at Hotel Julie are designed to combine culture, class, and comfort, with beautiful timeless furniture and custom-designed pieces. The passion for design and hospitality shines through in every detail. Learn more: Hotel Julie
If you’re looking for eclectic self-catering apartments, consider Juno Lofts. These four unique lofts are housed in a building dating back to 1893 in Stratford’s downtown core. Inspired by the owners’ favorite memories from their travels around the world, each loft features natural light, art, and collectibles, creating a bright and vibrant space. Find out more: Juno Lofts
For those interested in history, the Grand Trunk Guesthouse is a great choice. Located in Stratford’s Old Grove neighborhood, this guesthouse was originally built in 1920 for a boilermaker working at the Grand Trunk Railway. After a full renovation, it now offers comfortable accommodations for up to six guests over two levels. The guesthouse also backs onto the scenic T.J. Dolan Natural Area and trail system. Discover more: Grand Trunk Guesthouse
About the Author
Travel Industry Sources
Here at Jaunting, when an outside writer's article is gently edited, you'll find the author's name on the byline. Articles attributed to Trave Industry Sources often start as press releases and are checked and edited by our staff before being presented to you.