Chocolate is known as ‘the food of the Gods.” And there’s a special place in Ontario Canada that is known for it’s chocolate. That place is Stratford Ontario! The town is famous for its annual Stratford Festival, which is one of the top things to do in Ontario. However, another popular attraction is the Chocolate Trail in Stratford!

So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Stratford or want a tasty day trip from Toronto, then the Stratford Chocolate Trail is for you!

What is the Stratford Chocolate Trail and How Does it Work?

The Stratford Chocolate Trail is a self-guided trail that has over 20 stops. Trail participants receive 6 vouches that can be used at various shops, restaurants, and bars in Stratford.

Also included in your Chocolate Trail package is a map of all the participating locations. Plus, a write up of what each shop offers. There are a variety of chocolate treats on the list that include traditional truffles, chocolate bars, and even chocolate flavoured liqueur!

At each stop, visitors exchange one of their vouchers in for that location’s treat.

You can purchase your Stratford Chocolate Trail pass in person at the Stratford Tourism office or via their website here. The cost is $39.55 (including HST)

Why You Should Indulge in Stratford’s Chocolate Trail!

There are many reasons why you should add the Chocolate Trail to your Stratford Itinerary!

The first being, chocolate! Who doesn’t love chocolate?! Chocolate comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and even wraps around hidden treasures. Inside chocolate you can find everything from pralines to cherries.

Another reason is your health! Seriously! Studies have shown that eating chocolate lowers blood pressure, reduces stress, as well as other health benefits.

Stratford is home to some of the best chocolate shops in Ontario. Even the Food Network called it an “ideal destination for chocolate lovers.”

Stratford’s Chocolate Trail also makes for a wonderful gift! Since the Trail runs year round, you can purchase gift certificates that can be used to redeem for Chocolate Trail passes. They make a great Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or birthday present for the chocolate lover in your life! 

Tips for Using Stratford Chocolate Trail Vouchers

Once you’ve received your Chocolate Trail package, I have a few tips to help make your chocolate experience a sweet one!

Look Over the Map

My first tip is to look over the Chocolate Trail map. Browse where the shops and restaurants are so you can plan your attack. Many stops are located in downtown Stratford and within walking distance to each other. However, there are a few that you’ll have to drive to.

Check Business Hours

The first time I did the Stratford Chocolate Trail I made this rookie mistake. So, I highly recommend checking the business hours of the places you want to stop at. Some businesses are not open every day and others have short hours.

Bring a Cooler

For those visiting Stratford in the summer, you do not want your chocolate to melt. So, whether you’re spreading out your chocolate trail over a couple of days or on a day trip, bring a cooler. Even if you are visiting in the cooler months, a cooler means that your goodies will be safe.

Plus, with so many great places to eat on top of the fabulous treats at the Chocolate Trail stops, you’ll probably want to bring some food home.

Engage with Business Owners & Staff

Another tip I have is to engage with the shop owners and staff. Ask them about their homemade goods or delicious treats. Ask them about what they’re famous for? What their favourite flavour is?

From my own experience, everyone loves talking about what they’re passionate about. And one thing is for sure, all the shops and cafés I visited in Stratford are full of passionate people!

5 Top Stops on the Stratford Chocolate Trail

With over 20 Stratford Chocolate Trail stops, it can be hard to choose where to go. So, I’ve rounded up my favourite places to stop!

Rheo Thompson Candies

You can’t talk about the Stratford Chocolate Trail without talking about Rheo Thompson Candies. They’ve proudly been making candy in Stratford for over 50 years. Most of their over 100 different kinds of chocolates are made on-site and by hand.

As soon as you walk into their show-stopping store you’ll immediately smell the sweet scent of their signature chocolate. The most popular and world famous chocolate at Rheo Thompson is their Mint Smoothies! They come in a creamy milk or semi-sweet dark chocolate and will convert anyone who thinks they don’t like mint chocolate.

Another great feature of Rheo Thompson Candies is that they are a part of the World Cocoa Foundation that supports and promotes a sustainable cocoa economy that benefits the farmers and the users.

And if once you’re home and still craving Rhéo Thompson Candies then you’re in luck! They ship across North America. I love buying their Advent Calendars for Christmas!

For Stratford’s Chocolate Trail your voucher will get you the choice of four of their handmade creams, caramels, barks, and specialty chocolates. Be sure to grab at least one Mint Smoothie!

Address: 55 Albert St, Stratford, ON

Black Angus Bakery & Catering

Another of my favourite stops on Stratford’s Chocolate Trail is Black Angus Bakery. Not only do they have delicious treats, but they have a ton of take-out food options from pies to burgers.

And like many of Stratford’s restaurants and shops, Black Angus Bakery use locally sourced goods, like their locally raised, grain-fed beef.

For Stratford’s Chocolate Trail your voucher will get you an incredible 8 piece sample pack of their best chocolate squares, with two pieces from four varieties.

Address: 443 Erie St, Stratford, ON

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

There are three great chocolate shops in Stratford. One of them is Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Located in a restored historic building in downtown Stratford, they first started out in Whistler BC and pride themselves on providing that ‘kid in a candy store’ feel.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory has a wide array of sweets to choose from. They have everything from gelato to candied apples.

For Stratford’s Chocolate Trail your voucher will get you one of their classic milk chocolate theatre masks.

Address: 10 Downie St, Stratford, ON

Stratford Festival Shop

It might not be what you think of when craving chocolate. But the Stratford Festival Shop is a great stop on the Chocolate Trail.

The Festival Shop is located downtown, beside the Avon Theatre. home to an array of great merchandise that represents the Stratford Festival’s plays and Shakespearean past. It’s a must stop shop while in Stratford. They sell books, merchandise from current plays, fun souvenirs, and more!

And your Chocolate Trail voucher gets you a Stratford Festival milk chocolate bar and 15% off your purchase.

Address: 100 Downie St, Stratford, ON

Chocolate Barr’s Candies

Another of the best Stratford chocolate shops is Chocolate Barr’s Candies! Also located downtown, they have a great selection of over 150 chocolates, truffles and more. Plus, all at great prices!

Chocolate Barr’s Candies uses age old traditional methods of making chocolate. Even some of their equipment dates to over 100 years old! Everything is made in-house and with incredible creativity and design.

I love their selection of unique flavours! A few different ones include ice wine, lavender and whiskey. Plus, they have their own mint chocolate called Minties!

With your Chocolate Trail voucher, you can choose three of their handmade truffles.

If you love chocolate, you’ll love this Guide to Grenada Chocolate Festival!

A Few Other Great Stops on the Chocolate Trail

With so many great stops along the chocolate trail, I had to share a few more fun places to stop along the way.

For fun take away treats and desserts head to The Livery Yard, MacLeods Scottish Shop, and the Small-Mart General Mercantile.

If you’re dining in one of the great Stratford restaurants, a few are on the Chocolate Trail too! Boar’s Head Pub, has an awesome flourless brownie that’s served with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and warm fudge sauce. At Black Swan Brewing you can indulge in a glass of porter.

There are also a few stops offer unique treats! One is the Buzz Stop, where you’ll receive a bag of chocolate coffee beans. Another great one is Treasures! This boutique along Stratford’s main street offers a jar of creamed cocoa honey!

I also highly recommend visiting Junction 56 Distillery. Located just minutes from downtown, the distillery does tours and tastings. And with your chocolate trail voucher you’ll get a mini bottle of their Rheo Thompson Candies chocolate liqueur. Next time you visit, you’ll probably grab a bigger bottle!

Stratford is located in Ontario’s Perth County. There are so many awesome things to do in Perth County! The area is best known for its incredible food! However, it’s also full of cute small towns, farm gates, trails, and awesome bakeries. So, if you’re looking for more places to visit and food adventures, I highly recommend extending your trip to include other areas of the county!

I was a guest of Visit Stratford, but as always all opinions are my own.

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