The Bacon and Ale Trail is Stratford's savoury answer to the Chocolate Trail, and it plays on the city's pork and brewing history. It is a self-guided trail run by Destination Stratford: you buy five vouchers with a trail map, then pick five participating businesses and redeem one voucher at each for a bacon or ale item. Those items can be anything from a breakfast dish with bacon to a craft beer or a bacon-themed treat, and the choices are the point, since each stop interprets the theme in its own way. The vouchers never expire, so you can take as long as you like, and they can be used over multiple days. The set costs around 40 Canadian dollars including tax. It suits visitors who would rather eat a lunch than a truffle, and it is a good way to see independent restaurants and breweries without choosing a single place.
What to do
Read the trail map, choose five stops that suit your appetite and plan an order, perhaps a bacon breakfast first, a lunch dish and a beer to end. The mix of breweries, cafes and restaurants spreads you around the downtown, and the map lists each business's offering and hours so you can match stops to the time of day. Treat it as a progressive meal rather than a race.
Seasons and planning
Destination Stratford's page says the trail is available year round, with hours for the voucher sales points changing by season, so it works in the months when the theatres are dark. Vouchers are sold at Destination Stratford at 47 Downie Street, with Bradshaws, Small-Mart and Werk-Shop on Ontario Street as alternatives when that office is closed. The vouchers are non-refundable and the products depend on availability and each business's discretion. Check opening hours before you set out, since some places close in the afternoon or on certain days.
Fitting it in
Allow a long afternoon or spread the stops over two days. Ale stops are for adults only, so families should check which items suit children, and drivers should plan accordingly. Pair it with the Chocolate Trail for a savoury and sweet contrast, and with a walk along the Avon River to see the swans between stops.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided trail: buy five vouchers and a map, then redeem them at five participating businesses for bacon or ale items.
Best time
Year round, and a good plan for the autumn and winter months when the theatres are closed.
How long
Allow two to four hours, or spread the five stops over several days since the vouchers do not expire.
Tips
Buy vouchers on Downie Street, check each stop's hours before you go, and remember that the ale items are for adults.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food lovers who prefer savoury dishes and local beer to sweets.
- Families
- Some stops suit children with bacon dishes, but the ale items are for adults, so check the map for what each place offers.
- Couples
- Share a progressive meal across five stops and finish with a craft beer.
- Pair with
- The Chocolate Trail and the Avon River walk make a good full-day food and walking plan.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours, or longer if you spread it out.
Good questions
Is the Bacon and Ale Trail open in November?+
Yes. Destination Stratford says it is available year round, with hours for the places that sell the vouchers changing by season.
How does the trail work?+
You buy five vouchers with a map and redeem one at each of five participating businesses of your choice for a bacon or ale item. Vouchers do not expire and can be used over several days.
How much does it cost?+
A set of five vouchers costs around 40 Canadian dollars including tax. Check Destination Stratford's page for the current price.
Where do I buy the vouchers?+
At Destination Stratford, 47 Downie Street, or at Bradshaws, Small-Mart or Werk-Shop on Ontario Street if the office is closed.
Are the vouchers refundable?+
No, the trail vouchers are non-refundable, and the products can vary with availability and each business's discretion. Check the stop's hours and offerings before you go.
