Stratford Travel Guide, Ontario

Stratford, ON Canada - Overview

Stratford is situated on the banks of Avon River in Ontario, Canada. It is a small town in the Perth county, in southwestern part of Ontario with a population of more than 35,000 people. The area was first settled in 1832 and the river and the town site were named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

Stratford was a town in 1859 and became city in 1886. The first mayor of Stratford was John Corry Wilson Daly. Stratford is famous for its theatrical performances and every year a number of visitors make their way to Stratford to see dramas and live shows on the stage.

The swan is a very popular bird in Stratford that’s why it has become a symbol of Stratford city. Every year a number of swans are released into the Avon River.

Stratford is also a home of the Stratford Festival. The Stratford festival started in 1953 and now it has become the most prestigious and popular theatrical festival in Canada. The Stratford Festival attracts thousands of people from all around the world who come here to see the plays by Racine, O'Casey, Shakespeare and Beckett. The cost of the festival ranges from $25 to $75 depending upon the seat you reserve.  A number of discount packages are also available. Another famous festival that is held in Stratford is Stratford Summer Music Festival. It features indoor and outdoor performances and a large number of national and international artists and singers take part in it. Winterfest is the annual festival in Stratford and it is celebrated with carnival games, musical events, stage shows and ice carving etc.

Stratford offers a lot of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, private homes and villas. Some of the most popular hotels in Stratford include Woods Villa, Albert St Inn, Stone Maiden Inn, Festival Inn and The Queen and Albert B&B.  

Popular cities near Stratford are Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Grand Bend, London, Wasaga Beach and Mississauga.

There are many more ways to enjoy Stratford which offers theaters, gardens, musical shows, festivals, landscapes, history, artwork, crafts and many more.

Three international airports are only half an hour away from Stratford. Public transportation is provided by the local buses and Stratford transit system.

The ethnic composition of Stratford is mainly white and the South Asians form the largest minority in Stratford.

The city of Stratford enjoys moderate climate throughout the year.