'Victim of its own success': Stratford’s annual swan parade cancelled

Annual Swan Parade Celebration in this Ontario city cancelled after more than 30 years

After 30 years, Stratford has cancelled its annual Swan Parade. The city cited animal welfare and stress as the reasons for the 2026 change.

'Victim of its own success': Stratford’s annual swan parade cancelled

Each year on the first Sunday in April, a parade of swans waddle to the Avon River in Stratford, led by a pipe and drum band. Crowds gather to watch them as they are released from their winter quarters into the water. Starting this year, the annual swan parade won’t be happening, according to the City of Stratford.