Stratford Accommodation Guide

A Striking Fairytale-like View of the Avon River in the Twilight Hours1

Stratford's serene natural beauty created by southwestern Ontario's diverse and lush landscape is lure enough to garner a visit, but when coupled with the renowned Summer Music Festival and the famous Stratford Theatre Festival of Canada, the only thing left is to choose appropriate accommodation.

Now this task may seem easy, but it can be tricky finding suitable lodging and executing the perfect vacation experience, but Stratford's varying accommodations exist to enable flexibility within any style of holiday. Whether the stay involves a luxury hotel with full amenities, spa packages and upscale dining for the seasoned traveller or a more modest motel for those seeking marketplace shops and outdoor family activities, or for anything in between, Stratford has it all covered. The local lodging options include, hotels, extended stay suites, inns, conference facilities and campgrounds, however, with over 100 to choose from, the bed and breakfast stays tend to take priority in this town. B&B facilities range from luxury large to cozy and practical and most are housed in old authentic Victorian mansions. Depending on the time of year rates may fluctuate and pre-booking well ahead is definitely encouraged during the high season for theatre that runs spring through fall.

If travelling to the Stratford area, visitors may find the below WorldWeb.com links informative for finding and or booking accommodations. As well, an online map is provided complete with all shops, restaurants, sights, transportation, accommodation and activities so that visitors may navigate their trip beforehand.

1. Accommodation Directory - A complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their type of trip and their personal preferences.
2. Secure Room Reservations - A convenient online room search and reservation page allowing the user to check for room availability and then make a secure online reservation. Although this is a useful feature anytime of year, the online Secure Room Reservations page is particularly helpful during busy peak seasons.
3. Maps - The Stratford map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

Stratford Theatre and its Surrounding Park During the Summer 2

The bulk of tourism in Stratford between May and October can be accredited to theatre enthusiasts from Canada and around the world who flock to see the Stratford Festival, which features features over a dozen Shakespearean concerts and performances such as Othello, The Merchant of Venice and King Lear in addition to many family productions that are offered. Several Stratford theatres share hosting duties for the plays throughout the season including the Festival Theatre, Avon Theatre, the Studio Theatre and the Tom Patterson Theatre, named after the festival's founder.

The Stratford Summer Music Festival names another annual attraction and boasts showcases of high profile artists that attract thousands of spectators to soak up sun and song. Venues for the festival vary from indoor to outdoor including the Knox Presbyterian Church, Stratford City Hall and the Festival Theatre. The musical scope of festival performers spans over several genres and creates appeal for all types of fan base.

Locally created world-class cuisine poses another option for the resident or travelling food lovers to indulge in. Fine cuisine and upscale restaurants in Stratford are a direct result of the culinary culture building up within the city's limits. Stratford Chefs School draws some of the most renowned experts to instruct the next generation of chefs, some of whom decide to make a run at success by starting careers in Stratford. The internationally recognized school is unique in that all the instructors come directly from the restaurant industry, bringing with them the knowledge of current trends.

Amadeus Haus Bed and Breakfast's Welcoming Front Steps 3

Much care goes into the atmosphere that Stratford conveys. Confederation Park, composed of Japanese gardens and waterfalls and built in 1967, commemorates 100 years of confederation. Manicured lush gardens, such as downtown's Shakespearean Gardens along with lanterns and Victorian houses line narrow laneways with a warm beckoning glow. Although Stratford is located in Canada, it could just as easily blend into the English countryside. However, Stratford has its own identity, which is evident strolling through the beautiful parks and gardens. This artsy city is small enough to create a real sense of community, but large enough to accommodate an annual flow of close to a million tourists that flock here each year.

ACCOMMODATION STYLES

Bed & Breakfasts

Although named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England, where William Shakespeare was born, Stratford is not just associated by moniker to England, but also mimics its country charm and character. Originally a railroad junction and furniture manufacturing town, Stratford was forced to reinvent its economy after a devastating industrial strike in 1933. The Shakespeare Stratford Theatre was born in 1953 and has flourished consistently there after. Today the festival defines much of the world's perception of Stratford and the dozens of Victorian bed and breakfast establishments are a perfect fit to accommodate all those Shakespearean theatre-goers

Annual Release of the Swans into the Avon River 4

Aside from the inner city, outdoor activities pose a contrasting method of discovering the Stratford area. The climate can be quite mild and humid throughout the year, however, the snowbelt stretches across the Great Lakes shorelines reaching towards Stratford and causing very heavy snowfall for several weeks out of the year. As a result of all the snow, snowmobiling, snow tubing and cross-country skiing are among the many popular winter activities. Perth County is dotted with parks and lakes and veined with hiking trails, creating prime adventuring for outdoor enthusiasts. When the ground thaws and the summer prevails, boating, fishing and swimming tend to be the dominant activities of choice.

Camping

	Stratford Dragon Boat Race 5

Transportation
Stratford Transit provides convenient transportation within the city with bus stops located throughout downtown and residential areas, while Greyhound Canada and Cherrey Bus Lines offers a wider span of travel and touring beyond the city limits. Stratford Municipal Airport is the regional airport located on the east side of the city. The available service connects domestic, business and freight flights to larger metropolises such as London and Toronto. For those who would like a tour of the city or some other form of transportation, ways to see the town vary from touring to enjoy views atop a double decker bus and from the leather seats of a hired luxury limousine, to rustic horse drawn carriages and sleigh rides.

The Alexandra Inn Bed & Breakfast Front Door and Sitting Room 6

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Irene Miller; c/o www.imillerphoto.com; A Striking Fairytale-like View of the Avon River in the Twilight Hours; Stratford, ON, CA
2. Irene Miller; c/o www.imillerphoto.com; Stratford Theatre and its Surrounding Park During the Summer; Stratford, ON, CA
3. c/o Amadeus Haus B&B; Amadeus Haus Bed and Breakfast's Welcoming Front Steps; Stratford, ON, CA
4. Irene Miller; c/o www.imillerphoto.com; Annual Release of the Swans into the Avon River; Stratford, ON, CA
5. Irene Miller; c/o www.imillerphoto.com; Stratford Dragon Boat Race; Stratford, ON, CA
6. c/o Alexandra Inn; The Alexandra Inn Bed and Breakfast Property and Grounds Showing the Front Door and Inside the Sitting Room; Stratford, ON, CA