STRATFORD, Ontario, Canada — What if the play is not your thing? Thousands pack this Ontario town every summer for the theater, especially for Shakespeare. But if you’d rather be the star of your own show, Stratford can accommodate.
First, we set the scene — affluent, respectable, upscale, more than a bit English. The lovely Avon River languidly flows through town (cue the chirping birds), and paddle boats and canoes dot the water. The sky is a rather conventional cornflower blue, the grass a soothing emerald. It’s afternoon. Patrons of the town’s theaters crowd in the doors to watch “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” or some other new Stratford triumph.
But, hark! I hear the siren song of other attractions:
Swans. They put on their own show right outside the Festival Theatre, preening, squawking, begging, swimming, feeding. You may even spot one of the two black swans, which have demonic red eyes and ebony feathers, rather like an enjoyably sinister, feathered Richard III.
Actually, the swans of Stratford are totally spoiled because people feed them — and not junk food, but healthy, good-for-swans approved grain. And these birds have been photographed more times than Justin Bieber. Speaking of whom …
Justin Bieber. The most famous lad ever to hail from Ontario’s Stratford, the 17-year-old singer was just named the third-most- influential celebrity by Forbes Magazine — after Lady Gaga and Oprah. He’s also a major tourist attraction in his home town. Pick up a “Justin’s Stratford” map from the tourism bureau and see vitally important Bieber sites, such as the 107.7 MIX-FM Radio station that first played his music, plus his elementary school, Jeanne Sauve Catholic. The self-guided tour is geared to the salt of our youth, mostly 9-year-old girls.
Running. Stratford is more of a sit-on-the-park-bench, stroll-and-be-noticed kind of town, but action is eloquence, and Stratford’s safe, scenic streets oblige. Get maps for 3- and 6-mile loops along the river at . Stratford also is a pleasant bicycling town. And I did notice one couple on the river canoeing so fast it is possible a Justin Bieber fan was chasing them. Shopping. Darn it, the Canadian dollar has become mighty while the U.S. greenback has shriveled to parity. However, Stratford isn’t terribly expensive, so enjoy nosing around at dozens of shops, including the strange but fascinating Stratford Antiques Warehouse, the Den of Antiquities, the Samsonite Company Store (attached to Samsonite’s Canadian headquarters) and Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade gift shop.
Chocolate. Like wine, chocolate may be a bit overrated as a tourist attraction. But Stratford Tourism has a new chocolate trail pass ($20) that gets you yummy samples at any eight of 21 stops on the trail. Or just show up at one of the city’s chocolate shops, such as Rheo Thompson Candies. The whole store smells like minty chocolate, an enveloping cocoon of chocolate heaven for selling sweets to the sweet.
Tours. Those who can’t sit still for a play still may enjoy the Stratford Festival Costume and Props Warehouse Tour. You walk through the giant warehouse where they keep sets, props and acres of costumes, all sorted by era and style. Yes, costumes are rented to other theaters or sometimes reworked for use again at Stratford. You can try on capes and plumes and pantaloons. Take a photo of amazing fake food made by a whole department that works just on that. Get a close-up look at the ingenious set for an old production of “Camelot” — and see how the magic was created with just brown paper, glue and plywood. All in all, it’s a good place for a scene in your own life to play out.
IF YOU GO:
MONEY: The Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar equal in value. No more bargain exchange rate.
STAY:
If you are a bed-and-breakfast type person, this is the place. Tons of them of varying amenities (if TV, air conditioning and your own bathroom are important, be sure to ask ahead ). I’d advise staying somewhere walkable to town and the theaters. Check accommodation availability at www.visitstratford.ca. Stratford’s busiest season is July and August.
Arden Park Hotel: 144-room hotel with all amenities; large groups stay here (www.ardenpark.on.ca, 877-788-8818, summer rates $165-up )
River Garden House: In town, gracious bed and breakfast backs up to river (, 519-271-1403, summer rates $140-up)
Mercer Hall Inn, downtown on Ontario Street (, 888-816-4011, summer rates $145-up)
DINE:
Stratford is stepping up in culinary variety. Get a culinary guide from the tourism bureau (www.visitstratford.ca); here are three low-key suggestions:
Simple Fish and Chips, a year-old cheerful and casual restaurant, serves only fish harvested in a sustainable manner. Also has a tofu fish and chips meal for vegetarians (118 Downie St.).
Let Them Eat Cake: Known for its desserts, it also has basic lunch and dinner fare in a relaxing venue (23 Albert St.).
Slow Food Perth County Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, right outside City Hall. The new slow food market has plenty of good-for-you eats tourists can enjoy.
FOR MORE:
, 800-561-7926
