Feel Good About Where You Live: Stratford
October 21, 2016
Do you live in Stratford or are you considering making the city your new home?
Park Property Management believes you should feel good about where you live.
We want to help you get to know the city of Stratford, Ontario. Check out the links and information below to find out what the city has to offer you!
Stratford is a friendly, warm town with unique attractions and a deep rooted appreciation for The Arts!
The area was first settled over 180 years ago! Stratford the 'town' was created in 1859 and has been a unique destination since. Originally a railyway junction, the town has come a long way from those days, while still keeping it's small-town vibe. The Stratford Shakespeare Festival was started in 1953 and now brings in thousands of tourists each year and draws critically acclaimed actors to its' stage.
Living in Stratford offers residents a unique small-town lifestyle, while larger cities like London and Kitchener are approximately 40-60 minutes away.
Stratford is a culture oasis, but it has lots of natural beauty too!
Best Natural Feature: Avon River
The Avon River flows through the town of Stratford, which residents and tourists can enjoy while walking along riverside paths. The river passes by five beautiful gardens, the most notable being the Shakespearean Gardens. Here you can watch plays by Shakespeare in the warmer months, enjoy viewing the monuments and flower gardens, or simply find a quiet place to sit and read.
There are many natural attractions in Stratford, including:
If you want to find out more about Stratford, you can do a self-guided audio tour for the following:
- Shakespearean Gardens
- Historic Downtown
- Stratford Landmarks
Getting around Stratford is simple with its extensive public transportation system and easy access to highways.
VIA Rail Service
Westbound trains are available daily, connecting to Sarnia & Windsor. Eastbound trainds are also available daily, connecting to Toronto.
Parallel Bus Transit
There are many bus stops within the city.
Go Transit
Stratford travellers can take the GO Transit bus to the Kitchener VIA Rail station, where they can board a GO Transit train.
Main Highways
Highway 401, Highways 7 & 8
Stratford has a great sense of community!
Community Centres
Recreational Arenas
- Dufferin Arena
- Molson Arena
- RBC Arena
- William Allman Arena
Multi-Use Sports Fields
- Burnside Agriplex Fieldhouse
- Packham Road Complex
- Stratford Education Recreation Complex
Do you need to see a doctor, STAT?!
When you need medical care in Stratford, you can feel confident in the city's healthcare options:
Nearby Hospitals
Stratford Medical & Wellness Services
- Canadian Mental Health Association- Huron Perth Branch
- Stratford Wellness Centre
- Stratford Foot & Ankle Clinic
- Family Services Perth-Huron
- Perth District Health Unit
- Stratford Family Health Team
- STAR Family Health Team
Looking for a little retail therapy? Stratford has so much to offer any type of shopper!
Festival Marketplace Shopping Centre
The marketplace is filled with a great selection of boutiques, services & food venues.
Shop Downtown Stratford
- Arts & Antiques
- Books & Music
- Culinary
- Fashion
- Gifts
- Hobbies, Toys, Auto & Travel
- Home & Gardening
- Pets
- Hamlet of Shakespeare
Q: What is there to do in Stratford? A: Lots!
Take in a Play at the Stratford Festival
With both classic and modern dramas and musicals, North America's largest classical repertory theatre company has something to offer everyone!
Go Back in Time
A visit to the Stratford Perth Museum won't disappoint! View the current exhibits or attend one of the weekly lecture series.
Be Justin Bieber for a Day
Take yourself on a tour of Stratford- Justin Bieber style! See the places where Justin hung out as he was growing up in Stratford.
Do you know...
How many sister cities of the same name Stratford has?
Five! The most obvious being Stratford upon Avon in England. The others are: Stratford, London; Stratford, New Zealand; Stratford, Connecticut, United States; and Stratford, PEI, Canada.
Who spoke the very first lines of the first play produced by the Stratford Shakespeare Festival?
On July 13, 1953 it was none other than famed actor Alex Guinness! Since then, there have been many famous actors and actresses that have graced the Stratford stage, including: Christopher Plummer, Dame Maggie Smith and William Shatner.
Besides Justin Bieber, what other celebrities have lived in Stratford?
News anchors Lloyd Robertson & Peter Mansbridge, actors Shawn Roberts & Colm Feore, even Thomas Edison briefly lived in Stratford as he worked for the Grand Trunk Railway.