Stay and Shop

Stroll heritage streets and gardens at the height of their blooms – don’t miss the Bronze Star Tour of Stratford notables from Glenn Gould to our newest inductees William Reynolds, William Hutt, Michael Langham and Dama Bell.

To really see Stratford you must take a Pedicab along the streets lined with stately Victorian homes and perfect Ontario cottages, along the Avon River and the public gardens that win us regular accolades from Communities in Bloom.

Fall brings a whole new season of reasons to shop and intelligent shoppers—and pack rats—shop early for holiday gift-giving. As you wander the streets you must pop into the shops that make Stratford unique. Artists and artisans unveil new creations in their studios. And the theatre gift shops have been known to offer great prices as the season progresses. We thrive on creativity and many of our shops are a magazine stylist’s dream – from the funky to the one-of-a-kind – from that mid-19th century chandelier to the latest in shoes, hats and bags – no Big Box stores allowed in the heritage downtown.

You will want to pause quite a few times for a refreshing latte on a flower-laden patio, a snack made with organic meats, salads or cheeses brought in that day from Perth County farms minutes away or to sample a cool pint of Stratford Ale. Make sure to bring a shopping bag to take home unique foods – from the oodles of hand-made chocolates (we have three outstanding shops within one square block) to organic breads to Amish pies, preserves and dairy products.