Published December 23rd, 2023

Photos by Steph Wallcraft unless otherwise noted.

Launched in 2010, the Stratford Chocolate Trail is a smart, sweet and sensible way to experience Stratford, Ontario, and at only $39.95 for six vouchers, the price is right and value-filled.

To get tickets for Stratford's Chocolate Trail, visit their Tourism Office, Bradshaws, Small-Mart and Werk Shop. Want to get them as a gift for someone? Click here.
With that, here are eight reasons you should experience the Chocolate Trail in Stratford, Ontario, which is open year-round!

You're Supporting Local Businesses

It's been emphasized since March of 2020 and nearly four years later, it's still crucial. Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs are essential to all business communities. By participating in Stratford's Chocolate Trail, or any of their "Trail" initiatives, you're helping these businesses and in turn, the community. Plus, you might run into the owners and strike up interesting conversations.

More Than Traditional Chocolate

Yes, there are "traditional" pieces/bars of chocolate offered here but there's also coffee, tea, beer, popcorn, olive oils, and hot chocolate, plus a delicious gluten-free brownie! By offering a variety, Stratford has made their Chocolate Trail more than one-dimensional and has increased the allure of this sweet initiative.

Find New Favourites

Both on and off the trail, you just might find a new favourite store. With a plethora of small businesses as cogs in the community wheel, you're bound to discover something new a few steps away.

Get Your Sweet Steps In

Is Stratford a walkable city? It absolutely is! During my day on the Stratford Chocolate Trail, I racked up, errr, earned, 10,000 steps zig zagging across town making tough decisions on which six sweet spots I'd select.
Shout out to the good ol' grid system, which makes navigating Stratford easy. Another shout out to having the majority of spots centralized on Downie Street and Ontario Street.
Which leads well into the next point...

The Stratford Chocolate Trail Covers 3 Areas

While Stratford is where the bulk of trail stops are, remember that St. Mary's and Shakespeare also have delicious stops and it's a very short drive from the downtown core.

Go At Your Own Pace

As it's a self-guided tour, your only limits are the businesses hours of operation. In theory, you could hit up six spots in 30 minutes. Or you could spend all day enjoying Stratford - it's entirely up to you to set the pace that works best.

It's Value Priced

At only $39.55, taxes included, that's only $6.66 per trail stop. I'm no mathamatologist, but my abacus shows me that there's terrific value here. And remember point one; you're supporting local businesses.

It's Well Organized

Organizing 25 locations on an easy-to-read map, along with relevant information is done quite well via the Visit Stratford website. Most importantly, it's mobile-friendly. Don't care for digital? You can print out a paper map as well.

Also, let’s hope the Savour & Sip Trail comes back for 2024. Here’s a great article on the 2023 Savour & Sip Trail by Roadtripper.ca