Stratford City Guide

Food features fresh local ingredients and international options due to the theatre scene. Vegan and vegetarian choices are common. Late-night food is limited to some fast food spots.

Nightlife mainly includes pubs, lounges, and pre/post-theatre dining. There are a few local bars and breweries.

Good coffee scene with independent cafes and chains offering quality brews.

Tipping is expected for service. Restaurants: 15-20%. Taxis: 10-15%. Other services: 10-15%.

SIM cards are best bought at official Bell, Rogers, Telus, or Freedom Mobile stores. ID is needed for activation. eSIM options vary by provider.

Stratford is clean with well-maintained streets and efficient waste services.

Limited 24/7 services. Few late-night food options and pharmacies open round the clock.

Supermarkets like Zehrs, Food Basics, and Sobeys offer a moderate range of international products. The Stratford Farmers Market runs on Saturdays. Stores usually open early and close by 9 or 10 PM, including Sundays, with shorter hours.

Most places accept major credit and debit cards. Cash is less common but still okay to use.

ATMs are easy to find at banks like TD, CIBC, Scotiabank, and RBC, plus many convenience stores. Using out-of-network ATMs can cost between $1.50 and $3 CAD.

Local schools teach mainly in English, including Stratford Northwestern Secondary and Stratford District Secondary. No dedicated international schools.

Small and informal digital nomad community. Few dedicated events or spaces, but some cafes are work-friendly.

Many parks and river paths offering shaded green spaces and walking trails.

Safe running routes along the Avon River and local parks. Air quality is good.

Several gyms and community recreation centers available.

Public tennis courts available at parks, open on a first-come, first-served basis.

No padel courts in Stratford.

Several yoga studios offer classes with English-speaking instructors.

Karate and Taekwondo clubs available with English-friendly instruction.

Ski resorts like Blue Mountain are reachable by a 2.5-hour drive; Chicopee is about an hour away. Season runs December to March.

You can kayak and paddleboard on the Avon River during the warmer months. Larger lake activities are farther away.

No surfing spots close to Stratford.

No diving sites nearby; Stratford is inland.

Stratford General Hospital serves the area with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall offer common meds. Canada has public healthcare and some private clinics.

Tap water is safe to drink in Stratford.

Several playgrounds and parks suitable for kids, plus family-friendly cafés and baby supplies in stores. Attractions include the Stratford Festival and local museums.

Generally accepting and inclusive city with annual Pride events. Legal protections in place.

Pet-friendly parks and trails. Vet services and pet supplies available. Some accommodations and restaurants allow pets.