Summer is finally here and we are excited to get outdoors and max out every minute of summer sunshine. We’re feeling inspired to create simple memorable moments such as a relaxing picnic experience with friends and family, so we’re dishing on how to picnic like a pro in our gorgeous picturesque city of Stratford, Ontario. We’re going to show you our favourite places to throw down a picnic blanket and pack a picnic basket stocked with some of Stratford’s finest eats!
There are SO many gorgeous spots in Stratford where you can be surrounded by nature, and still be in the heart of the city. Our first picnic location is Shakespeare Gardens, often frequented by locals on their lunch break or those going for a serene stroll. The extensive gardens were once home to the Dufton Woolen Mill and have been transformed into an impressive gardenscape honouring William Shakespeare. You’ll find a smattering of shaded picnic tables to lay out your lunch, or alternatively, just lay a cozy blanket on the grass and enjoy the well manicured greenery, chirping birds and the river slowly rolling by as you enjoy your picnic.
Wander the different levels of the garden, view the spectacular landscape design and take the staircase under the stone bridge for a very instagram worthy photo spot. You may be lucky enough to find a flutist casually performing under there. We did!
Located at 5 Huron Street, with the entrance just before Huron Street Bridge
Next stop, picnic like a pro on Tom Patterson Island. Located in the centre of the Avon River, access the island by a small foot bridge off the sidewalk that circles around the river. The island was named after Harry ‘Tom’ Patterson who was an Ontario Journalist that founded the Stratford Shakespeare Festival – the largest classical repertory theatre in North America. The island is covered in lush green grass, with several large weeping willow trees providing lots of beautiful shade and instagrammable moments. Get your bird-watching on as the local swans peacefully glide around the river. People watching here is fun as well as there are often many activities taking place on the river’s shore. You might catch a Stratford Summer Music outdoor performance, Dragon Boat race, canoes, kayaks or paddle boats floating by from The Avon Boat House and you can wave as the Avon River Tour boat moves along the river.
If you are looking for something TRULY mesmerizing and fabulously DIFFERENT, visit Tom Patterson Island in the off-season when Destination Stratford kicks off the Lights On Stratford Festival where various buildings and attractions are illuminated throughtout Stratford’s downtown core to help pass the time during the cold winter months. Make sure you follow @lightsonstratford for updates on 2024/25 events!
Looking for a local’s inside scoop on a hidden gem of a place to picnic? Gallery Stratford’s grounds and surrounding area are as picturesque as it gets. Manicured gardens, large beautiful trees, sculptural art installations complete with a scerene, zen-like waterfall. Park your car at Gallery Stratford located at 54 Romeo Street, walk up the hill from the parking lot and you will discover one of the best-kept secrets in all of Stratford. Perfect for a picnic-for-one if you sit on a bench by the waterfall to relax and unwind, reflect and enjoy your lunch. After your picnic, be sure to check out the amazing exhibits at Gallery Stratford – Stratford’s Contemporary Art Gallery… Follow Gallery Stratford on Instagram!
Mid morning picnic is fuelled by the most wholesomely tasty selections at The Ashborne Café. Husband and wife team Buffy and Greg Illingworth formerly owned the popular Edison’s Cafe but have since expanded and moved to 95 Ontario Street, quite close to Bradshaws. They offer an inspired menu with a focus on delicious baked goods, salads, iced coffees and treats that can be picked up and popped into your picnic basket. Stroll over to Shakespearean Gardens for a nice quiet place to picnic by the Avon River.
We love the old fashioned picnic style of fried chicken and potato salad. Beautifully prepared by the Chefs at Mercer Beer Hall. This locals’ favourite dish has quickly become our picnic staple because it tastes great at room temperature. Located in the heart of downtown Stratford at 104 Ontario Street Mercer Hall is a beautiful 5 minute walk to Tom Patterson Island. We simply called ahead to order our meal and snuck in early to pick it up at 11am before the lunch rush!
No picnic is complete without gourmet sandwiches from Stratford’s longstanding sandwich restaurant that is beloved by locals and visitors alike – Sirkel Foods. Famous for their larger-than-life sandwiches, salads, dill pickles and desserts, this is a must stop to fuel up your picnic basket.
* Insider tip: CALL IN ADVANCE to order ahead to avoid the lineups!
Sirkel Foods is located at 40 Wellington Street right near City Hall.
Looking for the perfect weekend activity? Destination Stratford has got you covered with the Savour & Sip Trail! It’s the perfect combination of savoury and sweet local offerings. With 5 vouchers included in each purchase and 25+ participating businesses, you’re able to curate your own perfect picnic!
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary adventure! The Savour & Sip Trail is available to purchase from Destination Stratford (47 Downie Street) and Bradshaws (129 Ontario Street) for $39.55 (including HST). Gather your friends, pack your picnic basket, and embark on a culinary journey you won’t soon forget!
Picnic Baskets by Picnictime and Klippan Wool Blankets available at Bradshaws.
Clothing @daggandstacey
All from @distillgallery Stratford
Shoes @thegreenroomstratford and Resonance Fashion
Want to get inspired to create unique cocktails at home using preserves, jams and spreads???
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