Stratford Swan Release Parade

Visit Stratford on the first Sunday in April and witness the swan parade.

Every year, on the first Sunday of April, the swans are released from their winter home. Join the feathery herd as it waddles along to the Avon River.

The Stratford Police Pipes and Drums Band will lead the swans on their annual parade.

The swans are owned by the City of Stratford and are cared for by the Community Services Department, which oversees the park areas. From November to March the river is frozen and the swans are kept in Winter Quarters which is located behind the William Allman Arena.

Many of the swans found in Avon River are descendants of one of the pair that was gifted to Ottawa from Queen Elizabeth II’s royal herd in honor of Canada’s Centennial anniversary.