The little-known town has ‘beautiful scenery’ and an atmosphere that immerses itself within the arts helping to birth the likes of music artist Justin Bieber
This low-key town in Ontario, Canada, may not have been at the top of your travel list but it boasts some pretty impressive claims to fame.
It is not only the birth place of one of the biggest stars of the 21st century, it’s also filled with the arts that inspired it all and closer ties to Britain than you thought.
Stratford sits on the river Avon in Ontario, Canada, and was settled by the Europeans back in 1832 and charmingly named after Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, in England. Since then, the life and works of what is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language have been integrated into the heart of the place.
Just a two-hour drive outside of Toronto, this often overlooked small city has plenty to offer for those wanting a different taste of Canada. Landlocked and surrounded by greenery except for the quiet river running through the towns, it’s an idyllic spot for those wanting to immerse themselves in both history and theater.
The Stratford Festival, listed as the number one thing to do in the area, brings in the most buzz, as it showcases an array of theatrical performances celebrating the works of Shakespeare. A TripAdvisor review reads: “Not a bad seat in the house. It was full, but you never really got the feeling that it was overcrowded.
“Beautiful scenery all around the theater as well. Wed recommend giving it a try, and were already looking forward to our next show.”
Another must-visit spot for lovers of the arts is the Avon Theatre, dating back to 1901. Now, outside of its famed steps lies a golden star plaque dedicated to the pop star Justin Bieber, who used to busk on those very steps as a child.
Videos of the singer strumming his guitar and singing his heart out on those very steps went viral and, along with others, helped to get him recognized by Scooter Braun in 2008. He’s still very much proud of his Ontario roots and acts as a big inspiration for many budding artists in the area.
Outside of the arts, Stratford offers a range of top-notch drinking spots. While the city has long been known for its active culinary scene, this has grown even further in recent years with the introduction of craft beer breweries and local distilleries.
With outdoor spaces to explore, when visiting you can unwind in the nature of the quaint Shakespeare Gardens. One visitor took to TripAdvisor to share: “The gardens along the water are lovely, and it’s so peaceful. During the summer, you can rent paddle boats, and I think that would be a wonderful experience!”
Another visitor wrote: “It is very small, but there is a fabulous bench hidden away with a great view of the riverperfect to sit and meditate or read a book.”
Whether you’re a fan of the Canadian singer wanting to find a spot to feed into your Bieber fever or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, Stratford is definitely one to add to the list. Soaking up the prose of Shakespeare from a town that feels familiar to his Warwickshire roots, but on the other side of the globe, can only provide for a special, artistic experience.
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