Stratford, Ontario

By Heather Wilson, SLA Toronto Chapter

If you're a theatre lover or would like to extend your trip to Toronto by experiencing a different part of Ontario, consider a visit to Stratford. This charming city is easily accessible from Toronto by car or by train (the trip takes approximately 90 minutes by car, two hours by train). Summer is very busy in the city, especially on weekends, so if you are planning a side trip, be sure to book early.

The Stratford Festival, featuring world-class theatre, has been mounting professional theatre productions for over 35 seasons. Residents still talk about the origins of the festival especially sightings of Alec Guinness cycling through town sporting a beret. The festival is now an annual event for many theatre-lovers and attracts visitors from Canada, the U.S. and all over the world. The recently announced 2005 season will include productions of The Tempest, Hello, Dolly!, As You Like It, The Lark, Into the Woods, Fallen Angels, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

I recently visited Stratford and have a few recommendations. If you're looking for a bed & breakfast, I stayed at a wonderful B&B, Eighteen Waterloo (18 Waterloo St. N., Stratford, 519-271-5693, info@eighteenwaterloo.com) which is close to the theatres as well as the city centre. The hosts, Christopher and Christie Mee ("Chris and Chris") were warm and gracious and the food was outstanding. I've never had a BLT for breakfast before but it was a real treat! Christopher Mee is a trained chef and also will prepare dinner for you. We had a dinner "at home" before going to the theatre and it was absolutely delicious - a wonderful pumpkin soup, organic heirloom vegetables with the strip loin and peach crumble with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Some menus and recipes can be found on the web site.

Other recommendations for B&B's in Stratford and Ontario in general may be found in the Best Places to Bed & Breakfast in Ontario, reviewed by Janette Higgins. You can also make reservations through the Stratford Area Bed & Breakfast Association (SABBA). Additional accommodations and tourist information may be found on the Tourism Stratford web site.

Stratford has many fine restaurants to choose from - probably because the Stratford Chefs School is able to provide a continual infusion of new talent. Reservations are recommended especially for pre-theatre dinners.

If you feel like a splurge, try Rundles, (9 Cobourg St., Stratford, 519-271-6442) rated a top ten restaurant by Toronto Life magazine. The restaurant offers beautiful, intriguing surroundings, delicious food and impeccable service. Sample menus may be found on the web site. Well worth the expense if you feel like having a special meal.

For something more modestly priced, I would recommend Pazzo (70 Ontario Street, Stratford, 519-273-6666). The menu consists of pizzas, pastas and other Italian fare - perfect for lunch or before the theatre. Sample menus may found on the web site and reservations may be made by email by contacting pazzo@cyg.net.

If you have some time before or after the conference, a side trip to Stratford is a wonderful excursion and easily accessible from Toronto.