All photography by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted.

Stratford Ontario is well-known for its Stratford Festival, the spring-summer-autumn theatre extravaganza that brings a plethora of people in and around the city limits. But what if you’re not overly into theatre; are there things to do in Stratford, Ontario outside of the theatre performances?
Absolutely!
It’s only a 90 minute road trip from Mississauga and that qualifies it for our One Tank Trip status.
Whether you’re making it a one-day trip, a weekend voyage or a few days, there’s a lot that this not-so-small-city has to offer. From fantastic food, including great gluten-free offerings, awesome attractions and self-guided tours, Stratford, Ontario shines brightly year round.

Chocolate Trail

While Stratford is known for it's theatre, it's also famous for its chocolate. In fact, Stratford's Chocolate Trail is a year round attraction, boasting some of the most delicious sweet options in Ontario.

Launched in 2010, the Stratford Chocolate Trail is a smart, sweet and sensible way to experience Stratford, Ontario, and at only $39.95 for six vouchers, the price is right and value-filled.Here's an article on our sister-site, Modern Traveller, outlining 8 Reasons to Get Sweet on Stratford, Ontario's Chocolate Trail.

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Bacon and Ale Trail

Similar to the Stratford Chocolate Trail, the Stratford Bacon and Ale Trail celebrates there are over a dozen options of either bacon made products (cookies, popcorn, sliders, etc.) or ale from a variety of locations (Black Swan Brewing, Bradshaws, Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall, etc.)

Audio Walking Tour

March to the feet of your own drum with Stratford's Audio Walking Tours. With eight different tours ranging from two hours and seven minutes (Tom Patterson Tour) to theirTop Insta-Worthy Spots Tour that's around 20 minutes, it's a smart way to explore the city. Everything is based off their website so it's user friendly, educational and a great way to get your steps in.https://visitstratford.ca/audiotours/

The Little Prince Cinema

Holding the world record for the smallest movie theatre, the Little Prince Cinema seats 12 people, has tons of retro candy, friendly service and over 30,000 films to choose from!

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Delicious Dining Options in Stratford, Ontario

Bluebird Restaurant & Bar

Bluebird Opening in November 2022, Bluebird Restaurant & Bar serves beautiful bistro style food, from salmon tartare to Baja Pickerel Tacos to a Vietnamese Noodle Bowl to spaghetti squash and much more. Add in their delightful cocktail list and it's easy to see why they're both popular and approachable.

Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall

Yes, they've got a splendid selection of craft beers; the most in Stratford. Yes, they've got a cool atmosphere and aesthetic. It's the food that's the real star, however.

With a breakfast, brunch, dinner and late night menu, pick from dumplings, noodle and rice bowls, burgers and more. As a chicken wing connoisseur, I can confidently say the wings here are in my top 10 list, hands down.

The Starlight

Opening their doors in October 2023, The Starlight is the newest hotspot in Stratford. They describe themselves as "A neighbourhood snack bar in the heart of downtown Stratford." Yep, I can support that. There's a just-right-sized wine, cocktail and beer list, friendly service and just enough of a food/snack offering that you'll have to come back often to try everything.

Cafe Bouffon

If you were to pick up a beautiful French Cafe and place it in Stratford, this would be it. Enjoy their daytime menu, full dinner service and their mouthwatering weekend brunch. Even though it bears a large footprint, there's an unmistakable quaint feeling at your table.

Their pastries are delectable, the eggs are oh-so wonderful and their coffee options are astounding.The Parlour Inn is picturesque historic building and a boutique hotel that's been in Stratford since 1871. The rooms are well-appointed and the beds are so, so comfortable, especially after a day out exploring the city. Choose from Queen or King beds and know that they were a Choice Hotels 2023 Guest Satisfaction Platinum Award winner. Enjoy their on-site restaurant as well.

Where to stay in Stratford, Ontario

A picturesque historic building, The Parlour Inn is a boutique hotel that's been in Stratford since 1871. The rooms are well-appointed and the beds are so, so comfortable, especially after a day out exploring the city. Choose from Queen or King beds and know that they were a Choice Hotels 2023 Guest Satisfaction Platinum Award winner. Enjoy their on-site restaurant as well.

To plan your solo, couples, friends and or family trip to Stratford, start with their website and then make the one tank trip to this lovely part of Canada.