Just shy of two centuries ago (1828), the Canada Company began surveying Huron Road, part of which included an area where William “Tiger” Dunlop became the first European to plant his surveyor’s stakes in what would become Stratford, Ontario. But as was typically the...
Stratford
Stratford Summer Music Festival
Held this year from July 17 to August 27, the Stratford Summer Music Festival is now in its 17th year, though its roots stretch back to the 1950s, when it was closely associated with the theatre festival. Abandoned in the ’70s and revived here and there over the...
A true classic…in every sense – Stratford Shakespeare
Mention the name Stratford, Ontario, to most people, and its annual celebration of Shakespeare is the first thing to come to mind. Though the town has enjoyed a connection with William Shakespeare since Thomas Mercer Jones gave a picture of the Bard to the owner of...
A Victorian Time Machine
While many a small Canadian town will claim to be a Victorian village, Stratford is without a doubt the real deal: a place where vintage architecture has been lovingly preserved.
Thrill of the Hunt
Summers make Canada the ideal staycation choice. And what better to way to explore our country than on a mission? If you have your eye on a collectible or you’re simply up for a little browsing, antique-laden towns and stops will make your next adventure all the more...
Don’t Forget the Folklore
Like any region that has a deep history, these local legends do more than just entertain: they also provide insight into everyday life during bygone times, and can even help you understand the character of the people who live in Stratford, Ontario, today. When the...
A tradition of award-winning gardens in Stratford
For the gardener in all of us, any exploration of Stratford, Ontario, in the warmer months has to include the town’s world-class gardens. Topping the list (though it’s a challenge to pick a favourite) is the Shakespearean Gardens, which has more than 60 varieties of...
Bring Your Appetite to Stratford
If you’re a fan of buying locally produced food, then Stratford is your 100-mile-diet dream. A trip in the fall means the 100-miler will have plenty of options: Orchard fruits of various types, Niagara wines, loads of locally crafted beers and just about every type of...
A trip down the Bacon and Ale Trail, and into the sweet beyond
If you’re like me, you’re probably a fan of pub grub. In Stratford, Ontario, you can get plenty of that along the Bacon and Ale Trail. Since Stratford has a rich brewing history and Perth County is Ontario’s largest pork producer, the Bacon and Ale Trail will let you...
Of Fairy Kings and Blewits
Stooped, we fan out into the woods, armed with paper bags and paring knives, treading carefully to avoid crushing our quarry. A shout from our guide, Peter, and we converge on a cluster of brown-capped mushrooms, nearly invisible against the autumn underbrush. “Fawn...