‘There was a bit of a gap’: Stratford Walking Tours embark on third summer of educating tourists

Following 18 months in the United Kingdom, Perth County native Lauri Leduc has returned home to start Stratford Walking Tours, pointing out the known and little known facts about Stratford, Ont. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

Lauri Leduc is offering visitors to Stratford something different this summer.

“I offer a guided walking tour of downtown Stratford, pointing out some of our local buildings and unique architecture. I also tell stories about the people, places and events that shaped the past,” she said.

Leduc has spent much of her life in Stratford and area, but after recently spending 18 months in the United Kingdom, she returned to the area with an idea that the tourist heavy region might be missing something.

“There was a bit of a gap. We had great audio tours, we had maps, but nothing about an in-person guide to take you around. And when I travel, that’s what I like to do. So, I decided to embark on that,” she explained.

History is right up Leduc’s alley, with her master of arts degree in public history. The Stratford Festival’s epic history in the city is front and centre in her tours, as is its most famous native son, Justin Bieber. But she does focus on many different parts of Stratford’s past that tourists and locals alike might be unaware of.

“I point out an interesting tree that we have growing in front of the Perth County Courthouse. It’s a royal oak tree given to us by King George VI back in 1937. So, coming up to be 90 years of age soon. A neat little connection to the king and the royal family. I also just started a women’s history tour. That’s something new this summer. So, I’m always trying to find new topics, and new interesting information,” she said.

Leduc’s Stratford Walking Tours also has a nighttime ghost walking tour, along with a river tour. There is something for everyone, whether a long-time resident or first-time visitor to the Festival City, which sees upwards of 600,000 tourists, each year.

“In the summertime, during the height of the festival, I get the tourists who are visiting Stratford, but I get the locals, as well. Maybe a local entertains family and friends and will bring out their guests. The ghost tours are very popular with the locals,” said Leduc.

You can learn more on the Stratford Walking Tours website.