Riverside Moments, Discover Upcoming Events
At The Boathouse Stratford, we want to create a place where memories are made, cherished and passed on. Whether for a celebration, creative workshop, or a peaceful day, our riverside setting offers the perfect space for connection.
Voices of the Avon
Every river has a story. On October 17, we invite you to come aboard and hear ours.
The Avon River is more than a beautiful backdrop to Stratford. It is woven into our history, culture, environment and community and for generations, people have formed their own connections to the river and the parkland that surrounds it.
📅 Saturday, October 17
📍 The Boathouse Stratford
🎟️ $20 per event
Voices of the Avon was created to bring those stories and perspectives together. Throughout the day, guests will board the Juliet III for intimate cruises with four local voices, each sharing a different piece of the Avon and Stratford’s story.
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11:00 a.m — Craig Merkley
Conservation & the Avon River
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12:00 p.m & 1:00 p.m — Lauri Leduc
The History of Stratford along the Avon
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2:00 p.m & 3:00 p.m — John Miller
Stratford Summer Music
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5:00 p.m & 6:00 p.m — Jane Czarny
Spirits on the Avon
Come experience Stratford from the water, hear stories you may have never heard before, and discover just how much of our community’s story flows through the Avon.
Craig Merkley
Conservation & the Avon River
Craig Merkley has been closely involved in shoreline restoration along the Avon River and Lake Victoria, as well as a number of other local conservation initiatives. Through his longstanding work with the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, Craig brings a wealth of knowledge about our local waterways and the efforts underway to protect and restore them.
For Voices of the Avon, Craig will take guests behind the scenes of the conservation work happening along Stratford’s waterfront — from shoreline restoration and habitat protection to the overall health of the Avon River.
Join Craig aboard the Juliet III to learn more about the river we see every day, the work happening beneath and along its banks, and what it takes to care for this important part of our community for generations to come.
Lauri Leduc
The History of Stratford along the Avon
Lauri Leduc is a local historian, storyteller and founder of Stratford Walking Tours. Born and raised in Perth County, Lauri holds a Master of Arts in Public History and has a passion for uncovering and sharing the stories of the people, places and events that shaped our community.
In 2024, Lauri founded Stratford Walking Tours after returning to Canada from living in the United Kingdom, where her love of guided walking tours inspired her to create a similar experience here at home. Today, she leads locals and visitors through Stratford’s streets, sharing the history behind its architecture, landmarks and some of the fascinating stories that might otherwise be overlooked.
For Voices of the Avon, Lauri is bringing that storytelling from the streets to the river. Aboard the Juliet III, she’ll explore the history of Stratford and the Avon River, sharing stories of how the city grew and changed around the waterway and the role the river has played in shaping the Stratford we know today.
John Miller
Stratford Summer Music
John Miller has played an instrumental role in shaping Stratford’s musical and cultural landscape. With a career dedicated to Canadian arts and artists, John saw an opportunity to bring music back to Stratford’s summers and, in 2001, turned that vision into Stratford Summer Music.
As Founder and Artistic Director, John led Stratford Summer Music for 18 years, growing it from a modest summer event into a six-week celebration of music featuring Canadian and international artists, as well as memorable performances throughout Stratford’s parks and public spaces. Under his leadership, the festival earned international recognition and became an important part of Stratford’s identity as an arts and culture destination.
John’s connection to Stratford and the Avon River makes his story especially fitting for Voices of the Avon. His vision helped bring music beyond traditional concert halls and into the heart of the community, creating experiences where music, nature and Stratford come together.
Jane Czarny
Spirits on the Avon
Jane Czarny is a storyteller, writer, drama educator and longtime member of Stratford’s arts community. With decades of experience in theatre and storytelling, Jane has a wonderful ability to bring history, mystery and the unexplained to life.
For Voices of the Avon, Jane will be sharing “Spirits on the Avon” — stories inspired by the Avon River and the spirits, legends and mysterious tales connected to Stratford’s past. As the boat travels along the river, Jane will take guests beyond the beautiful scenery and into some of the stories that have lingered along its banks for generations.
Join Jane aboard the Juliet III for an evening of storytelling, local history and a touch of the supernatural — a perfectly haunting way to experience the Avon as the sun begins to set.
Avon after Dark
October 17 - Lantern Paddle- 6:30 pm
October 24- Halloween- 6:30 pm
Presented by Light up the Night Kayaking
You Must Pre-Book for this Event
How the Evening Works
Check in at The Boathouse Stratford, where our team will get you fitted with a life jacket and ready to paddle. Your light-up boat rental opens 30 minutes before the scheduled event start time, giving you plenty of time to get out on the water.
Once you launch, paddle over to Tom Patterson Island, where the glowing parade with Light Up the Night begins at the posted event start time. Join the parade as it makes its way along the river, or simply explore at your own pace and enjoy the glow.