Stratford, ON
If you want to get confused about which country you are in, visit Stratford! Sitting upon the River Avon, it hosts the Stratford Festival every year, dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare. Come again? Yes, in 1952 Stratford native Tom Patterson wanted to revive the economy of his town, and what better way to do it than take inspiration from its namesake? Now a designated National Historic Event, the festival brings over 1 million tourists each summer, including Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.
Shops Stratford recently started promoting itself as a dog-friendly city, which we were very pleased about! Many of the shops are marked with dog-friendly signs and water bowls outside, and some even give out treats! We recommend visiting Neob Lavande (lavender chocolate, anyone? Or how about some gelato? ), Watson’s and Wills & Prior for homewares, knick-knacks and gifts. Try CK9 Cuts if your pup needs a pamper, and then treat them to a toy in their shop next door! The Theatre Store is also a must-visit. They have plenty of Shakespearian-related t-shirts and souvenirs, as well as a dog (and cat) section!
Perhaps the highlight of the Stratford shopping experience is The Barkery! The homemade cookies, cakes and treats smell divine, and as lady who worked there admitted, good enough for humans to eat (just make sure you have a large glass of water handy as they can be a bit dry for human taste!). We were even able to get Kona a special grain-free bone cookie. Rita loved her Stratford swan!
Sights A claim to fame of Stratford is as the home of Justin Bieber! In fact, he used to busk on the steps of the Avon Theatre, where there is now a special “walk of fame”-style star with his name on it!
Dining Foster’s Inn boasts a dog friendly patio with fresh water provided. The first time I visited, I really enjoyed their vegan salad – they didn’t skimp on the tofu! However, the second time, it wasn’t so great. JENN and Larry’s ice-cream parlour is a must-go! You have to order inside, but collect at a window which makes it easy for Fido! I tried some pistachio fro-yo with toasted coconut and Connie got a twist. Rita tried a bit of each.
Walking After dinner, we took a walk along the River Avon. There are a few mini-parks and gardens to explore, including a cute bridge across to Tom Patterson’s Island. Some lucky homeowners have their house right on the river, complete with private docks. One of these belongs to a singer, who gives free performances from her “singing dock”. During our walk, The Razzamajazz pontoon boat motored past, with a live musician on board! It added to the buzzing atmosphere of the festival season. Nearby are the Shakespearean Gardens.
If you’re looking for more walking, the Shakespeare Conservation Area is a short drive out of town. It’s a short but scenic loop around Shakespeare Lake with a large picnic area. Expect to see many fishermen!
