DeLuxe Hiking

    Ontario

    Stratford & Shaw Festival

    "It's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness .. just to be happy!"

    Guillaume Apollinaire


    Take a break from the usual routine with the “things to do” at home, and indulge in a getaway to the beautiful Niagara region. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a lovely place for exploring, at any time, but especially during the growing season, with the boulevard gardens and plantings overflowing with blossoms. Browse the boutiques and cafés of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage shopping district, shop at the Niagara Outlet Collection Shops, and find something fresh and unique at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market.

     

    The main attraction for this getaway, though, is the excitement of live theatre. In eager anticipation, respond to the sound of the trumpet fanfare at the Festival Theatre in Stratford, beckoning patrons inside for the rollicking song and dance extravaganza, “Something Rotten!” At the Shaw Festival Theatre, enjoy one of the most beloved musicals of all time, “My Fair Lady.” This pause in the Niagara region with live theatre performances is sure to provide many moments of toe-tapping happiness!


    RELATED TOUR: Springtime in Ottawa

    Region

    Ontario

    Duration

    3 Days

    Activity Rating

    Fitness Scale: Level 2

    Meals

    Breakfasts: 2

    Lunches: --

    Dinners: 2

    2024 DATES Double Single
    August 28 $1,395 $1,695
    September 24 $1,395 $1,695
    October 16 $1,395 $1,695

    Pickup: Route B (modified)

    • Highlights

      Stratford Festival Theatre - SOMETHING ROTTEN!

      “Welcome to the Renaissance with poets, painters and bon vivants ...”

      There’s a certain excitement at the call of the trumpet fanfare, beckoning patrons into this beautiful, iconic theatre in Stratford. Experience the joy of musical theatre while SOMETHING ROTTEN! presents the tale of struggling playwrights planning the world’s first musical.


      Shaw Festival Theatre - MY FAIR LADY

      “The difference between a lady and flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she is treated.”

      The Festival Theatre is the flagship theatre featuring a beautiful proscenium-arch. Once inside this beautiful theatre, sit back and enjoy Learner and Lowe’s MY FAIR LADY, one of the most beloved musicals of all time.


      St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

      St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is not only a “much-loved tradition in the Waterloo Region,” it is integrated into the daily life and weekly schedules of many of the people who live here, and deliberately designed into this itinerary. On local roads, you’ll often see farmers and tractors and Mennonite families travelling by horse and buggy.  At the market, you’ll meet friendly faces with freshly baked goods, meats and cheeses, fruits and vegetables, and unique handmade articles and home goods.


      Shopping at the Niagara Outlet Collection 

      This shopping centre is Canada’s largest open-air outlet mall. With over 100 stores, if you are shopping with a mission, there’s a good chance you’ll find the items on your list.


      Visit Fort George  

      Overlooking the Niagara River, Fort George was completed in 1802 to serve as a military post to defend Upper Canada against American attacks.  Briefly used by the British Army, Canadian militia, and the United States armed forces, the fort was mostly destroyed during the War of 1812, Battle of Queenston Heights. Today, the Fort George National Historic Site offers exciting presentations bringing to life the sights and smells and sounds that would have been experienced during the war.


      Exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake

      Niagara-on-the-Lake truly is a quaint, beautiful old town.  Whether you have shopping items in mind, or some free time, it is always a delight to wander through the heritage district with its lush gardens along the boulevards and eclectic collection of boutiques, bistros, and galleries. If more of a sightseeing walk would be appealing, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Waterfront Trail provides an easy paved trail from Fort George along the river.


      Picard's Peanut Shop

      Jim Picard Sr. began growing peanuts over forty years ago, with hard work and determination the family business grew.  Offerings in Picard’s Peanut Shop expanded from peanut clusters, peanut brittle, and beer nuts to include additional confections, and they set up retail locations across Southwestern Ontario. You’re sure to find a somewhat healthy, sweet or savoury treat for the journey home!

    • Why This Tour is Great

      Live Theatre Performances

      This tour “connects the dots” to include two wonderful performances in two different cities.  We take care of the details so you can enjoy a relaxing getaway with the pleasure of experiencing live theatre.  Performances at the iconic Festival Theatre in Stratford are always a treat, and in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Shaw Festival Theatre has been a significant venue for over 50 years.  With prime orchestra-level seats, experience the energy and the music of “SOMETHING ROTTEN!” and “MY FAIR LADY”.


      The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market

      Late summer is the perfect time to visit this much-loved tradition in the Waterloo Region. Home to a large population of Old Order Mennonites, you’ll often see farmers on local roads travelling to the market by horse & buggy. At the market, vendors sell a variety of items from food to art and collectibles … “Local. Fresh. Original.”


      Prime Shopping Opportunity!

      The Niagara Outlet Collection Shops feature over 100 quality brands at outlet prices. Whether shopping with a mission in mind or perhaps browsing to freshen up your wardrobe, this is a great shopping opportunity! Also included is time to browse the heritage shopping district along Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Discover unique gift items or enjoy tasty treats while exploring the boutiques, cafés, galleries, and specialty shops.

    • What's Included
      • Private Motorcoach transportation
      • Our unique Connections Program
      • 2 nights of accommodation 
      • 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
      • Tickets and entry fees to the listed highlights
      • Services of a Professional Tours in Canada Tour Director

      Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include HST.


      Included Highlights


      • Stratford Festival - SOMETHING ROTTEN! (Zone A1 Orchestra Seats) 
      • Shaw Festival – MY FAIR LADY (Platinum Orchestra Seats)
      • St. Jacobs Farmers' Market
      • The Niagara Outlet Collection Shops
      • Niagara-on-the-Lake
      • Picard's Peanut Shop

    • Day-to-Day Itinerary - August

      Day 1: Travel to Niagara Region, Shaw Festival Performance of MY FAIR LADY

      With a morning start for this tour, arrive at the Niagara Outlet Collection at around noon, with time for lunch and shopping.  Arrive at the hotel in time to freshen up, and then arrive in Niagara-on-the-Lake. There’s time to wander and browse in the historic shopping district before dinner. Did you wear comfortable walking shoes? After dinner, walk to the Shaw Festival Theatre and enjoy the production of the musical classic, Lerner and Lowe’s “MY FAIR LADY”.

      Stay: The Old Stone Inn, Niagara Falls, Ontario

      Nights: 1

      Meals: D


      Day 2: St. Jacobs Farmer’s Market, Stratford Festival Performance of SOMETHING ROTTEN!

      After having breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Waterloo region, arriving at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market in time for lunch and some shopping.  We’ll arrive at our hotel in the afternoon, with time to check in and freshen up before heading out for dinner and the theatre. There will be time to browse the theatre grounds or the gift shop, but at the signature sound of the trumpet fanfare, we’ll take our seats and enjoy the show, “SOMETHING ROTTEN!” 

      Stay: The Hampton Inn & Suites, St. Jacobs, Ontario 

      Nights: 1

      Meals: B, D


      Day 3: The Journey Home 

      After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin the drive eastward, with a quick detour and stop at Picard’s Peanuts. The journey should get you home mid-day, likely in time for lunch, but we’re certain the conversation will continue ... Which show was your favourite? What was your favourite part? Which song is still stuck in your head?

      Meals: B

    • Day-to-Day Itinerary - September

      Day 1: Travel to Niagara Region, Shaw Festival Performance of MY FAIR LADY

      With a later start for this tour, arrive at the hotel late afternoon.  There’ll be time to freshen up before heading out for the evening.  After dinner, walk to the Shaw Festival Theatre and enjoy the production of the musical classic, Lerner and Lowe’s “MY FAIR LADY”.

      Stay: The Old Stone Inn, Niagara Falls, Ontario

      Nights: 1

      Meals: D

       

      Day 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stratford Festival Performance of SOMETHING ROTTEN!

      After breakfast, enjoy the morning shopping or exploring. The choices for your morning in Niagara-on-the-Lake are to explore the historic downtown shopping district with its boutiques and cafés, visit Fort George, or shop at the Niagara Outlet Collection, an open-air outlet mall. After lunch, we’ll be on our way. There will be a nice little break at Picard’s Peanuts, and then we’ll arrive at our hotel in the afternoon, with time to check in and freshen up for before heading out for dinner and the theatre. Enjoy browsing the theatre grounds and the gift shop, but at the signature sound of the trumpet fanfare, it’s time to take your seat and enjoy the show: “SOMETHING ROTTEN!” 

      Stay: The Hampton Inn & Suites, St. Jacobs, Ontario 

      Nights: 1

      Meals: B, D


      Day 3: St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, The Journey Home 

      After breakfast, have a somewhat leisurely morning.  This is a Thursday morning, and that means that visiting the nearby St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is an option, just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Don’t forget to get some lunch, since we’ll begin the drive eastward early in the afternoon. The journey should have you home in time for dinner, and we’re certain the conversation will continue ... Which show was your favourite? What was your favourite part? Which song is still stuck in your head?

      Meals: B

    • Day-to-Day Itinerary - October

      Day 1: Stratford Festival Performance of SOMETHING ROTTEN!

      With a later start for this tour, arrive at the hotel late afternoon. There will be time to freshen up before heading out for dinner. At the Stratford Festival Theatre, browse the theatre grounds or the gift shop, but at the signature sound of the trumpet fanfare, we’ll take our seats and enjoy the show: “SOMETHING ROTTEN!”

      Stay: The Hampton Inn & Suites, Waterloo St. Jacobs, ON

      Nights1

      Meals:


      Day 2: St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, Shaw Festival Performance of MY FAIR LADY

      After breakfast, have a leisurely morning. This is a Thursday morning, and that means that the nearby St. Jacobs Farmers' Market will be open for business, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the hotel. After lunch, we’ll be on our way with a nice little stop at Picard’s Peanuts, and then we’ll arrive at our Niagara Hotel in time to check in and get ready for the evening. We’ll partake of a traditional pre-theatre Niagara-on-the-Lake dinner, and then walk across the street to enjoy the classic musical, Lerner and Lowe’s “MY FAIR LADY.”

      Stay: The Old Stone Inn, Niagara Falls, ON

      Nights: 1

      Meals: B, D 


      Day 3: Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Journey Home 

      After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning shopping or exploring, but don’t forget to get some lunch. The choices for the morning in Niagara-on-the-Lake are to explore the historic downtown shopping district with its boutiques and cafés, visit Fort George, or shop at the Niagara Outlet Collection, an open-air outlet mall. Early in the afternoon, we’ll journey eastward, and you’ll likely be arriving home in time for dinner. As you share your shopping finds, we’re certain the conversation will continue ... Which show was your favourite? What was your favourite part? Which song is still stuck in your head?

      Meals: B

    • Accommodations

      Hampton Inn & Suites, Waterloo St. Jacobs, ON (1 night)

      Enjoy a quiet stay in Waterloo, in the St. Jacobs Market District. This hotel provides all the amenities and comforts one would expect of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, a hot breakfast, indoor pool, and spacious comfortable rooms.


      The Old Stone Inn, Niagara Falls, ON (1 night)

      Set in a former flour mill dating from 1904, the Old Stone Inn elegantly blends classic historic character and charm with well thought out modern conveniences. 

    • Important Info for this Tour

      This 3-day getaway follows a modified pickup route B, and includes our unique Connections Program. The pickup locations are:


      • Lindsay
      • Peterborough
      • Bowmanville
      • Whitby 
      • Markham
      • Brampton 

      We recommend comfortable walking shoes for shopping! Remember that the Niagara Outlet Collection Shops is an open-air outlet mall, and also for shopping in Niagara-on-the-Lake and visiting Fort George, you'll need to dress for the weather.

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