The Avon River is Stratford's best free attraction. It widens into Lake Victoria beside the theatres, and parkland, gardens and paths follow the banks for kilometres. The city's park system is split by the lake and the river, which locals call by either name, and the water stretches nearly two kilometres. White swans live on the river, released each spring, the city says usually on the first Sunday in April, and about two hundred to three hundred mallards share the water. In the warm months you can hire canoes, kayaks and paddle boats, join a guided boat tour and, on summer evenings, hear music from the H.M.S. Razz Ma Jazz, a floating bandstand that cruises the lake. Upper Queen's Park, a six-acre hillside above the water, has a playground, a covered bandshell and picnic areas, and artisans sell their work along Lakeside Drive in summer. Destination Stratford describes the river as linking five prize-winning gardens.
What to do
Walk. The riverside path takes you from the Festival Theatre past Upper Queen's Park, the Shakespearean Gardens and the Tom Patterson Theatre, and you can loop the lake in an easy hour or two. Watch the swans from the bank, but do not feed them, because the city asks visitors to leave the birds to feed on the grass. In season, add a paddle or a paddle-boat on the lake, a picnic on the hill, or a summer evening concert at the bandshell.
Seasons and planning
The paths and parks are open year round and are especially pretty in spring blossom and autumn colour, but the boat hire, the Razz Ma Jazz and the Art in the Park stalls are warm-weather activities, so do not count on them outside the warmer months. Confirm any boat operator's hours directly before you plan around them. Winter walks suit the open sections of the loop. Dress for wind off the water.
Fitting it in
Allow one to two hours for the lake loop, longer with a boat or a picnic. It is free, and the riverside parking near the Festival Theatre has limited free spaces along the river, though most visitors arrive on foot from downtown. It fits before a matinee or after an evening show, and it pairs with the Shakespearean Gardens, the Tom Patterson Theatre and the Chocolate Trail.
What to expect
The experience
A free riverside walk through parks and gardens beside the Avon River and Lake Victoria, with boat hire in the warm months.
Best time
Spring to autumn for the swans, gardens and boats; the paths are open year round and quiet in November.
How long
Allow one to two hours for the lake loop, longer with a boat or picnic.
Tips
Do not feed the swans, wear a windproof layer, and check boat operators' hours directly since boat hire is seasonal.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Everyone, since it is free, easy and right beside the theatres.
- Families
- Children enjoy the swans and the playground at Upper Queen's Park, and the paths are flat and stroller friendly in most places.
- Couples
- Walk the loop at sunset before or after a show, and in summer add a paddle-boat.
- Pair with
- The Shakespearean Gardens, the Festival Theatre and the Tom Patterson Theatre are all on the path.
- Time needed
- One to two hours, plus time for a boat in season.
Good questions
Can I go boating on the Avon River in November?+
Not usually. Canoe, kayak and paddle-boat hire and the summer boat cruises are warm-weather activities, so check any operator's hours directly. The riverside paths are open year round.
When are the swans on the river?+
The city says the annual swan release is usually on the first Sunday in April. The swans live on the Avon River and Lake Victoria, and the city asks visitors not to feed them.
How long is the walk?+
The lake stretches nearly two kilometres, so a loop of the river and lake takes an easy hour or two. The paths link the theatres and the Shakespearean Gardens.
Is there a playground?+
Yes, Upper Queen's Park has a playground, a covered bandshell and picnic areas on a six-acre hillside above the lake.
Is it free?+
Yes, the riverside parks and paths are free to visit. Boat hire and any tours are charged separately.
