Suggested visit
Day 1
Shakespeare on the Festival Stage
Day 2
Backstage tour · matinee musical
Day 3
Riverside brunch · contemporary play
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Arts · Summer
Stratford Festival
Stratford, Ontario April – October
North America's largest classical repertory theatre — a six-month Shakespeare season.
Type
Arts
Family Friendly
Yes
Setting
Indoor
About This Event
The story of Stratford Festival
North America's largest classical repertory theatre — a six-month Shakespeare season.
Founded in 1953, the Stratford Festival mounts a dozen productions each season across four theatres, drawing 500,000 attendees to the Avon River town for Shakespeare, musicals, and contemporary works.
Why travelers love it
Reasons to go
What makes Stratford Festival unforgettable.
01
12+ productions in rep
02
Four historic theatres
03
Riverside setting
04
Backstage tours
Best areas to stay
Where to stay
Curated accommodations across price tiers and neighbourhoods.
- The Bruce Hotel
- Foster's Inn
Explore beyond the event
Things to do nearby
Make Stratford the start of a wider Canadian adventure.
- Avon River swans
- Stratford Farmers' Market
- Stone Maiden Inn
Make the most of your visit
Suggested itineraries
Plans for every length of stay — from a single day to an extended adventure.
Know before you go
Local insider tips
Editorial advice from on-the-ground travelers.
Weather
Pack for the season and check the forecast the week of.
Transit
Use public transportation where possible — venues fill quickly with festival traffic.
Arrive early
Marquee events draw crowds — give yourself 60 minutes of buffer.
Cash
A small amount of cash speeds up small-vendor and food lines.
Photography
The hour before sunset gives the best festival light.
Photo gallery
A visual taste
A glimpse of Stratford Festival and the surrounding destination.
Editorial photography curated by The Canadian Explorer.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
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Extend your trip
Parks, campgrounds and road trips within reach of Stratford.
National Parks nearby
Provincial Parks nearby
Camp nearby
Road trips nearby
Explore more of Canada
Related destinations
Continue the journey from where the festival ends.
Trip planning assistance
Need help planning your visit?
Tell us about your trip and we'll send a tailored plan with recommendations for hotels, transport, itineraries and surrounding destinations. This is travel planning assistance — not a booking form.
Curated by Canadian travel editors