If you’re planning an Ontario getaway, look no further than Stratford, Ontario. Located just an hour and a half outside of Toronto, Stratford attracts about 1.7 million Canadian visitors annually (and not only because it’s the hometown of Justin Bieber!).

Key Points

Stratford offers family fun, exceptional dining, distillery tours, Shakespeare, art exhibits and more.

There are four ways to travel from Toronto to Stratford – by car, rail, bus or air.

Before arriving in Stratford, you can plan an optional stop in Elora, ‘the jewel of Wellington Country’.

You can enjoy Culinary Delights at These Local Restaurants and Food Trucks

In this post, we’ll share our curated overview for a perfect weekend in Stratford, Ontario. After Tom Patterson launched the first-ever Stratford Festival in Canada in 1953, glowing reviews quickly spread by word of mouth, attracting theatre enthusiasts to the historic city. Fast forward 70 years, and Stratford is now a popular destination for families, travel influencers and curious adventurers who want to experience this hidden gem and take memorable photos at all its Instagrammable locations.

Transportation

Let’s get started. There are four ways to travel from Toronto to Stratford – by car, rail, bus or air.

Car

Approximate Driving Times to Stratford

Toronto: 1.5 Hours  (Route Options)

Ottawa: 6 Hours  (Route Options)

By putting “Startford Festival” into your GPS, you’ll be able to find your way there with no problems!

Rail

VIA Rail – If you are a Canoo member, use your VIA Rail 50% discount for one adult and up to four children. Visit the Canoo app now to see your discount code!

GO Train - There are services from both Toronto and London.

Bus

Visit the Stratford Festival website to book your roundtrip bus ticket for $34. This direct bus leaves the Toronto InterContinental Hotel (at the corner of Front and Simcoe Street) and drops you off and picks you up from multiple theatres in Stratford: Avon Theatre/Studio Theatre at the corner of George and Downie Streets, Tom Patterson Theatre on Lakeside Drive, and Festival Theatre, behind the theatre on Richard Monette Way.

Air

Region of Waterloo International Airport  | 1.866.648.2256

Toronto Pearson International Airport | 1.866.207.1690 

London International Airport | 519.452.4015

Best Places to Stop on Your Way to Stratford

Before arriving in Stratford, you can plan an optional stop in Elora, ‘the jewel of Wellington Country’.

Elora Farmers’ Market – Bringing together local Ontario farmers, artisans, bakers and more, enjoy the fresh air and a delicious to-go lunch for your drive to Stratford.

Elora Mill Hotel & Spa – Plan to leave the night before and enjoy this one-of-a-kind destination, offering world-class comfort, spa treatments, yoga classes, dining and more.

Ramblin’ Road Brewery Farm – ‘In the middle of somewhere special,’ savour farm-fresh small batch brews with all-natural ingredients or order off the menu with unique dishes like Pilsner Trail Ride Chili and Beer Bread.

Your Curated Weekend in Stratford Begins

This is the ideal itinerary to experience the best that Stratford has to offer:

Visit the Shakespearean Gardens

Explore beautiful gardens filled with over 60 varieties of plants and flowers, including those mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. Learn more here.

Visit the Avon Theatre during the Stratford Theatre Festival

See shows like A Wrinkle in Time and King Lear from Wednesday, May 10 to Sunday, December 31st. New shows are added each year for the upcoming season.

Book your theatre tickets here. Or, you can book theatre vacation packages and explore set changeover tours, backstage tours, ghost tours and more by visiting here.

Canoe and Dine with The Boathouse

Canoe into Stratford with The Boathouse, a family-run business offering visitors the opportunity to rent paddle boats, canoes and bikes! The Boathouse is the only riverfront patio in Stratford with delicious BBQ-cooked lunches.

Culinary Delights at Local Restaurants and Food Trucks

The Boathouse

This family-run business offers visitors the opportunity to rent paddle boats, canoes and bikes! The Boathouse is the only riverfront patio in Stratford with delicious BBQ-cooked lunches.

The Livery Yard

A laid-back but beautiful espresso bar and coffee shop offering to-go coffees and baked goods.

Revival House

Housed in the historic building formerly known as The Church Restaurant, Revival House is a jewel in Stratford’s architectural crown.

el Cactus Taco Shop

el Calctus Taco Shop is a unique and playful street food experience offering its patrons both vegan and non-vegan street food.

The Planet Diner

Rated 4.7 star The Planet Diner is where herbivores can bring their carnivore friends to dine. Most of Planet Diner’s menu is plant-based, with a few meat options to allow everyone to eat together, no matter what their preference. Open Wednesday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (Tip! The kitchen closes at 7:30 pm).

Bijou

Sit down at this French-inspired bistro with a farm-to-table seasonal menu. Bijou is frequently sold out, especially during the festival. We encourage you to make a reservation, especially if you are dining with friends or family.

Bonus! For more culinary delights, read 10 Ways to Savour Spring in Stratford by travel blogger Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington.

Canoo provides newcomers to Canada with free VIP access to over 1,400 of our country’s most exciting cultural and outdoor experiences. Download Canoo and monitor the app for the latest discounts and deals in Stratford.