The Stratford Chocolate Trail is a self-guided tour of the city's sweet side, run by Destination Stratford. You buy a set of six vouchers with a map, then choose six participating shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants from a longer list of stops and redeem one voucher at each for a chocolate treat, which might be a truffle, a pastry, a hot chocolate or something less obvious. The vouchers do not expire, so you can spread the trail across several days or a whole visit, and you are free to pick the stops that suit your taste. It costs around 40 Canadian dollars for the set, including tax, which works out well against buying six treats separately. The trail is one of the things that gives Stratford a reputation as a food town as well as a theatre town, and because the stops are spread through the downtown, it doubles as a walking tour of the shopping streets between the stages.
What to do
Buy your vouchers and a map, read through the list of stops and plan a loop. Mix a classic chocolatier with a cafe and a bakery, and keep one voucher for the stop nearest your theatre so you can use it before a show. Walking between the stops takes you along Ontario Street and the lanes off it, past independent shops you might otherwise skip, and the map shows each business's offering and hours.
Seasons and planning
Destination Stratford's trail page says the trail is available year round, with hours for the places that sell the vouchers changing by season. That makes it a good activity for the months when the theatres are dark. You can buy vouchers in person at Destination Stratford at 47 Downie Street, with Bradshaws, Small-Mart and Werk-Shop on Ontario Street as back-ups if that office is closed. The Christmas Trail, a similar voucher trail, runs in November and December, in the weeks before the holidays.
Fitting it in
Allow a relaxed afternoon for all six stops, or split them across two days. Check each business's hours before you go, since some close early or on set days, and note that vouchers are non-refundable and treats vary with availability. The trail pairs naturally with the Bacon and Ale Trail for a savoury counterpart, and with the Avon River walk to burn off the sugar.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided trail: buy six vouchers and a map, then redeem them at six participating shops and cafes of your choice.
Best time
Year round; it is especially useful from November to April when the theatres are closed.
How long
Allow two to four hours, or spread the six stops over several days since the vouchers do not expire.
Tips
Buy vouchers at Destination Stratford on Downie Street, check each stop's hours on the map, and keep one voucher for a shop near your theatre.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone with a sweet tooth, and visitors who want something to do between shows or in the off-season.
- Families
- Children enjoy choosing their own treats, and the vouchers can be shared out between family members.
- Couples
- Split the stops across an afternoon walk and save a hot chocolate for the Avon River bank.
- Pair with
- The Bacon and Ale Trail, the Avon River walk and Gallery Stratford fit into the same day.
- Time needed
- Two to four hours, or longer if you spread it over days.
Good questions
Is the Chocolate Trail open in November?+
Yes. Destination Stratford says the trail is available year round, with hours for the voucher outlets changing by season.
How does the Chocolate Trail work?+
You buy six vouchers and a map, then redeem one voucher at each of six participating businesses of your choice for a chocolate treat. The vouchers do not expire.
How much does it cost?+
A set of vouchers costs around 40 Canadian dollars including tax. Check Destination Stratford's page for the current price.
Where do I buy vouchers?+
In person at Destination Stratford at 47 Downie Street. If that office is closed, Bradshaws, Small-Mart and Werk-Shop on Ontario Street also sell them.
Can I do it all in one day?+
You can, over a long afternoon, but many visitors spread the six stops across a few days. Check each business's opening hours first.
