Stratford, Ontario (like its UK counterpart) is best known for theatre, and its famous festival, which takes place every year from April to October. But there’s more to the charming southwestern Ontario town than sonnets and Shakespeare. Such as ale… and bacon – which have been paired together on a unique trail designed to entice visitors to the town, and more specifically introduce its pork and brewing histories.

“Bacon and ale are a combination made in heaven, which is also a pretty good way to describe our picturesque town,” suggest tourism types in town, who note that their streets are starting to fill up again as Canadians, limited by pandemic restrictions, venture out into their own backyard.

To that end, Stratford Tourism has introduced a self-guided “Bacon & Ale Trail,” linked by a pork and pints pass that is available in all seasons and can be used on multiple days.

Priced at $30 (plus tax), users can choose five stops from a list of 15 venues (most withing walking distance of each other), which range from pubs/brewing companies to bakeries, at which the pass is redeemed for special themed items.

For example, at the Black Swan Brewing Co., visitors will receive a mini tasting flight of four seasonal beers; at the Boar’s Head pub, two large Jalapeño Poppers, with spiced cream cheese & wrapped in bacon.

Other ale-oriented establishments include Broken Rail Brewing, Heritage Hops Brew Co., the Shakespeare Brewing Co., and more.

Then there’s the Best Little Pork Shoppe for, er, pork products, and a variety of bakeries and shops offering themed treats such as candied bacon, a butter tart with bacon bits, bacon shortbread, bacon-flavoured jellybeans, etc.

And the Mercer Kitchen & Beer Hall pulls it all together, presenting two styles of artisan bacon paired with 6 oz. local craft beer.

(For the one or two people out there who don’t like beer and/or bacon, note that Stratford also has a Chocolate Trail).

No matter one’s taste, it’s a great way to discover the town, or a creative way to put a twist on a return visit.

Located on the scenic Avon River in Perth County, Stratford is about two hours by car from Toronto and an hour from London.

For more information and to purchase passes: https://www.visitstratford.ca/bacontrail/

With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series: https://travelindustrytoday.com/pub-patio/