Keith Tomasek, May 19, 2025

Planning a trip to Stratford, Ontario, might seem simple, but if you want to make the most of it, a little strategic planning goes a long way.  As well as the world-class theatre, Stratford is famous for its restaurants, unique boutiques and delightful small-town charm. But with so many options, where do you start?

Downtown Stratford. Photo: Destination Stratford InstagramI’ve been visiting Stratford for over two decades, and launched this website in 2009, so I’ve learned a few things along the way. Whether you’re visiting for theatre or a relaxing escape, here are my four common sense travel tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

1. Book Your Tickets Early (And Be Smart About Seating)

If you’re going to Stratford, chances are you’ll want to see a play at the Stratford Festival. This internationally renowned theatre company draws visitors from all over, so tickets sell fast, especially for popular shows.

To avoid disappointment:

Buy tickets as early as possible—preferably today – lol.

There are three main venues, each with unique seating arrangements: the Festival Theatre, the Avon Theatre, and the Tom Patterson Theatre. Check each theatre’s seating chart carefully.

The Festival Theatre The Festival Theatre has a thrust stage, so even side seats or the balcony which cost less can provide a great view. Below is  the seating map of the main level’s orchestra section. On the Festival’s website this map is divided down the middle, so when you select your seats you’ll only see half of the seating plan.

The Festival Theatre’s thrust stage provides a theatrical experience so unique that it has inspired look-alikes around the world.

Tom Patterson Theatre. Photo: Scott Norsworthy
The Tom Patterson Theatre also has a thrust stage, but it’s much smaller than the Festival Theatre, so all the seats offer excellent sightlines. That said, the best seats in the Tom Patterson Theatre are in rows B, C, or D, of the right and left sections. For example the seats in row B, aisle 6 seat-701 or on the other side of the theatre, row B, aisle 2 seat-201. Those same rows, B, C, or D in the center section of the Tom Patterson Theatre, also provide excellent sightlines.

The Tom Patterson Theatre has won five major architectural awards since opening in May 2022, so even if you don’t see a show there, book a tour or drop by the café. The Tom Patterson Theatre café opens two hours before shows and offers a wonderful selection of hot and cold meals in a beautiful setting. You don’t have to be seeing a show to take advantage of the fine food.

The Avon Theatre. Photo: Terry Manzo 

The Avon Theatre is the Stratford Festival’s only traditional proscenium arch stage. It has been a Stratford landmark since 1900.

My favourite seats in Stratford’s Avon Theatre are seats 13-20 in the center section of rows A, B, C and D. Depending on the show’s set, seats in the rows on the left and right sides can offer excellent sightlines at a lower cost.

I prefer the first few rows of the Avon Theatre’s balcony over rows K-W in the Orchestra section.

Look for discounts. The Stratford Festival offers last-minute ticket deals, “pay-what-you-wish” performances and $25 tickets for youth aged 16-29! Here’s where you can find all the Stratford Festival Ticket Deals. 

2. Plan Your Meals (Because Everyone Else Is, Too!)

Stratford has an amazing food scene. From fine dining to cozy cafés, there’s no shortage of great places to eat.

The catch?

Everyone knows this. Restaurants book up fast, especially on weekends when theatre-goers fill the town.

I’ve made the mistake of assuming I could walk into a restaurant and get a table on a Friday or Saturday evening. Instead, I found myself on a waiting list, eventually grabbing a quick bite at a café instead of the gourmet dinner I hoped for.

To avoid this:

Make reservations as soon as possible.

Plan meal times strategically.

If you have an evening show, consider a late lunch instead of a rushed pre-show dinner. Also, be sure to plan extra time for your journey from the restaurant to the theatre, especially if you’ll be seeking parking near the venue.

For special occasions, my favourite restaurants in Stratford include The Restaurant at the Bruce Hotel, Cafe Bouffon and Elizabeth.

Other spots that are more moderately priced include Bentley’s, Pazzo Pizzeria, Romeo’s Corner Cafe and Sirkel Foods (Only open 8am-3pm, Mon. – Fri.)

Bonus tip: Brunch is a great option if you’re in town for a matinee! Stratford has excellent spots for a leisurely morning meal before heading to the theatre.

3. Give Yourself Extra Time to Explore (And Don’t Just Stick to the Main Streets)

Stratford is more than just the theatre festival and downtown shops.

While it’s tempting to spend all your time along Ontario Street or near the Avon Theatre, some of the best experiences are found just a little further out.

On my last trip, I set aside an afternoon to simply wander. I discovered a beautiful walking trail along the Avon River, where swans glided across the water and locals strolled along the banks. You can rent kayaks and paddle boats so plan some extra time for fun on the water! When I travelled with my family we brough tour bikes and rode the trails nearby. 
I also found a charming used bookstore tucked away on a side street and a small chocolate shop that is now my wife’s source for hostess gifts.

To make the most of your visit:

Take a walk along the river. The parks and gardens are stunning, especially the gardens outside the Festival Theatre.

Visit the Shakespearean Gardens – find it here on Google Maps. This peaceful spot is filled with plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays.

Check out Gallery Stratford a non-profit contemporary, public art gallery featuring changing exhibitions of Canadian art and an adjacent small sculpture park. Find it here on Google Maps.

4. Read Stratford Festival Reviews Before Your Trip.

To deepen both your intellectual engagement and emotional impact, you’ll want to check out the professional reviews for their history, relevance, and resonance.

The “Shows” page on my website, StratfordFestivalReviews.com, collects all the reviews from professional critics at this link: https://stratfordfestivalreviews.com/shows/.

There’s also space for you to leave comments, so if you’ve seen a show and have something to say about it, please leave a comment.

Why Theatre Reviews Are Worth Your Time

Avoiding Disappointments:
Theatre reviews can serve as valuable warning signals before you book tickets. They highlight potential issues such as productions that don’t live up to their marketing, or performances that might not resonate with your taste.

Providing Artistic Continuity:
A review can highlight how a particular production fits into the ongoing evolution of a playwright’s style, themes, and concerns. For example, if a new play by Yvette Nolan or Erin Shields carries forward earlier motifs—like class conflict or generational trauma—a review can help audiences spot those threads, enriching their understanding and appreciation.

Final Thoughts for Your Trip To Stratford

The tips I’ve shared are  rooted in years of first-hand experience. The difference between a good trip to Stratford and an outstanding one often comes down to practical details that are easy to overlook. Whether you’re heading to Stratford for the theatre, the food, the scenery, or all three, a little advance planning can turn a good trip into one with memories that will last forever.

So share this article with friends or family. It’ll help everyone stay on the same page and make the most of your vacation.

Thanks for spending time here. I created this website to help you experience the full magic of one of Ontario’s most beloved cultural destinations. If you enjoyed your time here please share!