Lauri Leduc, owner of Stratford Walking Tours, is expanding guided historical experiences into St. Marys, Ontario, with a new ghost-walk tour [1].
This expansion marks a strategic growth for local tourism in the Waterloo region, linking the historical narratives of two distinct Ontario communities. By diversifying the tour offerings, Leduc aims to attract a broader range of visitors interested in both traditional history and the supernatural.
Leduc operates as a guide and owner in Stratford, often referred to as the Festival City [1, 2]. The business focuses on keeping the city's history alive by sharing immersive experiences with both local residents and tourists [1, 2]. These walks serve as an educational bridge, connecting the modern urban landscape to its ancestral roots.
The new venture in St. Marys, known as the "Spirits of St. Marys" walk, takes the storytelling approach into a more atmospheric setting [3]. This specific tour is scheduled to launch in September 2024 [3]. The move allows the company to leverage the unique architecture and "Stonetown" reputation of St. Marys to create a themed experience.
By moving beyond the borders of Stratford, Leduc is creating a network of heritage tourism within the province. The ghost-walk format typically blends verified historical facts, and local folklore to engage audiences in a way that standard historical tours might not.
Stratford Walking Tours has previously established a reputation for detailed narratives and community engagement [2]. The addition of the St. Marys route suggests a growing demand for niche, pedestrian-based tourism in smaller Ontario towns.
“Lauri Leduc is expanding guided historical experiences into St. Marys, Ontario.”
The expansion of Stratford Walking Tours into St. Marys reflects a broader trend in heritage tourism where small-town history is packaged as an immersive experience. By introducing a supernatural theme, the operator is pivoting from purely academic history to 'dark tourism,' which often sees higher engagement from younger demographics and seasonal travelers.
