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Eat. Paddle. Unwind.
Welcome to The Boathouse Stratford — where slow days, scenic views, and riverside memories come easy.​
We’re a family-run business that’s been part of Stratford’s riverfront since 1965. Whether you're here for a paddle, a picnic, or just something tasty by the water, we’re proud to help you slow down, soak it in, and enjoy Stratford the way locals do.
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Grab a bite on Stratford’s only riverfront patio—BBQ, sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream, all served dockside
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Rent a canoe, kayak, or pedal boat and explore the Avon River
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Hop on a bike and discover Stratford’s trails at your own pace
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Take a scenic river tour and soak in the view without lifting a paddle
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New this season: Picnic & Bike Packages—made for slow travel and local flavour
Every visit helps preserve a local tradition—and creates a few new memories of your own.
See You on the River in 2026
Our 2025 season has come to a close — thank you for an incredible summer.
We look forward to welcoming you back in April/May 2026. Until then, we’re dreaming up another season on the river.
Once the season begins, our weekly hours will be posted here.
Our Seasonal Schedule
We’re open April/May through October, welcoming you daily during the summer season.
Late Spring & Early Fall
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Peak Summer (July & August)
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Hours may shift with weather and river conditions.
If you have any questions about our upcoming season, please email us at info@avonboathouse.ca or call 519-271-7739.
Canoe
Glide along the Avon River in one of our classic canoes! Perfect for small groups, couples, or
adventurous souls, our canoes offer a peaceful way to explore Stratford from the water.
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Seats up to 4 passengers (ideal fit: 2 adults and 2 children, or up to 3 adults)
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Easy to maneuver—great for both beginners and seasoned paddlers
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Life jackets provided
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Enjoy the freedom to paddle at your own pace
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Some canoeing experience is required
Kayak
Find your own rhythm on the water with our single-passenger kayaks! Ideal for solo adventurers, our booking with friends. Whether your looking to explore or just enjoy some peaceful time on the water, kayaking offers a
tranquil experiece.
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Fits 1 passenger
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Lightweight and easy to maneuver
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Life jackets provided
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Go at your own pace and enjoy the serene views
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No previous experience needed
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Picnic on the Water
Imagine drifting along the Avon River with a picnic basket full of local delights! The Picnic on the Water experience lets you explore Stratford’s beautiful river while savouring
treats from the Savour & Sip Trail. Whether you’re with a friend or a loved one, this package is all about relaxation, connection, and a little taste of Stratford’s culinary magic.
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Pedal Boat or Canoe Rental (2 hours) for 2 guests
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1 Savour & Sip Trail Pass: Redeem vouchers for artisanal food and beverages
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Picnic totes provided
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Pedal Boat
Take the scenic route! Our pedal boats are your ticket to a laid-back adventure on the AvonRiver. Whether you’re soaking up the sunshine or drifting under the shade of the willow trees, every ride is a little slice of Stratford charm.
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Seats up to 3 passengers comfortably (best fit: 2 adults and 1 child)
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Pet-friendly—furry friends welcome on board!
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Easy-to-pedal and stable—great for all skill levels
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Life jackets provided
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Go at your own pace and enjoy the views
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No previous experience needed—just pedal and enjoy!
Scenic River Cruise
Step aboard the Juliet III for a scenic cruise that brings Stratford’s history, wildlife, and charm to
life! Our friendly tour hosts are more than just guides—they’re storytellers who love sharing the
city’s hidden gems and iconic moments.
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Guided Scenic Tour
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Local Landmarks: See the Stratford Festival Theatre, Tom Patterson Theatre, and the spot where hockey legend Wayne Gretzky scored his first goal!
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Wildlife Spotting
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Comfortable Seating: Relax and take in the views on our cozy, open-air boat.
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Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages
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Approx. 30 minutes
Private River Tours
Looking for a unique way to celebrate? Our Private River Tours aboard the Juliet III are perfect for birthdays, work outings, family reunions, or any special event! Gather your group of up to 15. Our friendly tour hosts can share stories about Stratford’s landmarks and wildlife or tailor the experience to your group’s interests. Whether it’s a lively celebration or a peaceful retreat on the water, we’ll make
sure it’s an unforgettable journey.​
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Customizable Experience: Tailor the tour to your group’s interests
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Accommodates up to 15 individuals.
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Dedicated Tour Host: Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through Stratford’s stories
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Flexible Scheduling
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Special Requests: Let us know your vision, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Walking Tour and
River Cruise
On our Steps to the Stage, a history of the Stratford Festival Tour, you'll learn about the early years of Stratford and how it developed from a small rural village into the Festival city that is now known for around the globe.
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Guided Scenic Tour that starts on foot, led by Lauri from Stratford Walking Tours.
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Local Landmarks: See the Stratford Festival Theatre, and learn about the history
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The history lesson starts aboard the Juliet III & continue around the city by foot
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Approx. 90 minutes
Standard Bike Rental
See Stratford your way with our standard bike rentals!
Perfect for exploring at your own pace, our bikes are built for comfort and adventure. Whether you’re biking along the Avon River or weaving through the city’s historic neighbourhood, it’s the best way to see Stratford up close.
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Comfortable and Reliable: Easy to ride, perfect for casual explorers
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Scenic Routes: Check out Stratford’s city cycling routes for the best sights
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Flexible Rental Options: Choose between 4-hour or 6-hour rentals
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Safety Gear Included: Helmet (required for cyclists 18 and under) and lock provided
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Suitable for Adults: We do not rent bikes for children
E-Bike Rental
Get a little boost with our pedal-assist e-bikes! Whether you’re exploring the riverside trails or gliding through downtown, our e-bikes make it effortless to see more of Stratford. Perfect for riders who want to cover more ground without breaking a sweat, it’s the best of both worlds.​
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Pedal-Assist Power
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Extended Range: Perfect for longer adventures around the city
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Comfortable and Easy to Use.
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Flexible Rental Options: Choose between 4-hour or 6-hour rentals
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Safety Gear Included: Helmet (required for cyclists 18 and under) and lock provided
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Suitable for Adults: We do not rent bikes for children
The Ultimate Bike & Bite Tour!
Get ready to ride and taste your way through Stratford! The Bike & Bite Tour combines scenic cycling wit local bites. Perfect for foodies and adventure seekers alike, this
experience takes you along Stratford’s beautiful trails with stops at some of the best local spots from the Bacon & Ale Trail. Whether you’re riding solo or with friends, it’s a day of discovery, flavour, and fun!
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Bike Rental Included: Choose between 4-hour or 6-hour rental (provided by Ross’ Bike Works)
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Bacon & Ale Trail Passes: Enjoy 5 vouchers per person for delicious beer and bacon
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Cycling Routes: Explore Stratford at your own pace using self-guided maps
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Explore Local Flavors: Stop at trail partners for tastings and local experiences
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Perfect for Groups, friends, couples and food enthusiasts