People come from all over the world to see plays, concerts, musicals, Shakespeare at Stratford upon Avon in Ontario, Canada. Almost as much of an attraction to the city is the lovely River Drive on Lake Victoria which runs into the Avon River over a dam. The Festival Buildings overlooks this. Many visitors walk along here to get to the Festival. They may stop to feed the many Swans or Ducks. There are picnic tables and benches all along both sides of the lake. Gardens of Annuals, a Rose Garden, and a Natural Garden are a few more things to see.
Some may decide to tour on the double decker bus, canoes, paddle boats, or a pontoon boat. Annual Dragon Boat races are fun to watch or enter.
As you can see by the pictures, the Swans come right up on shore, but they can be nasty if they take a dislike to you. It is not advised to give them bread but corn is good and it avoids the nasty Seagulls that will come and steal bread. Sorry, I know people like Seagulls but they will just swoop down and spoil your feeding fun.
Every year Swan and Duck babies arrive and so cute to see. All the Swans have to be housed inside in the Winter. In the Spring they are escorted to the river by a Pipe Band on a special Sunday.
Several times a week a band boards a flat boat and plays as it proceeds down past The Festival Buildings. It so relaxing to sit and watch. On Sundays various bands play at Queen's Park just above the River Drive.
Below the dam along the Avon River is The Victorian Gardens where most local residents love to have their wedding pictures taken amongst the Roses and Perennials.
Both areas have a little island with an arched bridge over to them.
You would see joggers, bikers, walkers, baby strollers, dogs of all varieties, tourists and residents taking their nightly walk around The River Drive. It is a cool place.
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Contributor's Note
I hope you have the chance to see Stratford someday.
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