Discover Friendly and Supporting Businesses and Resources for the LGBTQ+ Community

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Pride Guide Directory - The Big Gay 2023 Edition

For Businesses:

Have you seen the gay playbill for the Stratford Festival?

  • RENT, this year’s hottest ticket
  • Richard II, provocative gay playwright Brad Fraser’s queer retelling of Shakespeare’s classic
  • Casey & Diana, a telling of the day Diana, Princess of Wales, visited Toronto AIDS hospice, Casey House, in 1991

Have you read the list of 10 queer events as part of the Meighen Forums in Pride Month, aka June?

Have you checked out the list of community-based Pride events?

  • The Pride March
  • Pride in the Park Festivities
  • Pride Swag Shop
  • Drag Storytime
  • Brad Fraser at the SPCC, reading from his published memoirs
  • Celebration of the Stratford Pride Community Centre’s first anniversary
  • Rumours there’s going to be a summer pop-up gay bar in town for those after-theatre gatherings.

The SPCC, Destination Stratford, and the Festival are working together to reach the queer travel-tourism and cultural media from Chicago to New York and all points between.

This is the year to make sure you’re listed in the Stratford Pride Guide.

This year, you have choices:

  • Simple listing of name and contact information and a window decal - $50
  • Larger listing with a paragraph of info and a photo and a window decal - $75
  • All the above, plus a 1-minute video designed and produced by the SPCC for your business at $50/hour

Contact us to arrange your subscription with one of our volunteer canvassers. Good for one year.
[email protected]
(519) 273-7722 (SPCC)
Your donations support the Stratford Pride Community Centre, also supported by United Way Perth-Huron and TD Bank Group.

For Individuals - Using the Guide

If you see one of these decals in a Stratford, Ontario business, you know it's in the Stratford Pride Guide.

Our directory of over 50 businesses, services, organizations, and professionals welcomes LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

Whether you're visiting, planning a visit, planning a move here, or already living in Stratford, you'll find these businesses support the Stratford Pride Community Centre and so, welcome you as you are and with dignity.

Stratford, Ontario, Canada, is a magnet for the arts-inclined traveller. Home to the world-famous Stratford Festival, the largest classical repertory company in North America, our beautiful small city of 34,000 full-time residents also boasts other, smaller seasonal theatre troupes, a symphony, an art gallery, outdoor summer cinema, a summer music festival, and some of the best restaurants in Canada. With such a lively arts scene and being a mere two-hour train trip or highway drive from the largest LGBTQ+ community in the country in the city of Toronto, it's a favourite destination for a diverse population of travellers.

Stratford is also a favourite permanent destination for those looking for a safe and welcoming community to become a part of. This guide will help you find businesses and organizations to suit your style, whether you're coming for a visit or putting down roots. Easy-to-scroll-through listings are alphabetical and categorized by type.

Accommodations

Allison's Brunswick House: A Literary B&B

ariels

Ariel's Boutique B&B

289 Cobourg Street, Stratford N5A 3G6
519 272-2961
www.ariels.ca
TOP-10, 5-, Heritage boutique accommodation just steps from the Festival Theater.
Park & Walk everywhere. Enclosed porch, back deck, 2 course gourmet breakfast.
AC/WIFI/TV. Twin, Queen & King - all ensuite bathrooms.
 
hughson

Hughson Hall Bed and Breakfast

220 Hibernia St., Stratford, ON N5A 5V7

519-305-0780

[email protected]

www.hughsonhall.com

follow us @hughsonhallbb & www.facebook.com/hughsonhall

Hughson Hall is an 1875 Victorian Italianate mansion sitting on a professionally manicured half acre property. TripAdvisor rated #1 Luxury B&B & award-winning gardens, wedding / event venue. Walking distance to downtown. Large elegant guest rooms /ensuites. Personal AC & heat/WiFi/TV/Smoke & pet free. Arrival complimentary wine & charcuterie and 3 course gourmet breakfast included.

 

north of avon

North of Avon & B Suites

36 Waterloo St. N. Stratford
(519) 400-9819
www.northofavon.com

[email protected]

We look forward to having you stay in our Century Home, in a spacious, upscale, private suites with king or queen beds, ensuite bathrooms, living room/kitchenettes and separate suite entrances.  5-minute walk to Avon River, Tom Patterson Theatre and 8-minute walk to downtown. Relax on the verandah, deck, or garden. Hot breakfast served daily, parking onsite, AC, Wifi, Cable. Everyone is Welcome!
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The Bruce Hotel

89 Parkview Dr, Stratford, ON N5A 4R5

 

Food and Drink

Annie's Seafood Restaurant - Stratford

698 Ontario Street
Stratford, ON

(519) 271-8100
Order ahead for pick-up:
https://anniesseafoodrestaurant.lightspeedordering.com/

The region’s finest in fish & chips since 1997, with an East Coast and UK influence. Colossal onion rings, signature poutines, seafood dinners and a full gluten-free menu (GFFP certification per National Celiac Association).

 
Ahoy maties! Annie’s also has a Food Truck available to attend your private function.
 
thumbnail_Halibut Dinner with coleslawBEST 2022
cafe_bouffon_logo

Cafe Bouffon

CAFE BOUFFON
70 Ontario Street 
Stratford ON  N5A 3H2
519.273.6666
 
An inspiring French Cafe featuring crepes, salads, pastries and light meals at lunch and transforming into the cities most elegant dining room for dinner. You will be inspired by our take on classic French dishes. Join us on Saturdays and Sundays for our Brunch menu or join us for the perfect wine chosen from Stratford’s most ambitious cellar. Formerly Pazzo Taverna.Price Range: $$ - $$$
Toll Free : 877.440.9666

Family Specials 

70 Ontario St.
Stratford, ON N5A 3H2

(519) 273-6666
www.cafebouffon.ca

Fellini's Italian Cucnia

We are a family owned and operated restaurant serving up house made Italian comfort food like; pizzas, pastas, classic entrees, breads and desserts all with casual Italian fare.

https://www.fellinisstratford.com/

107 Ontario St., Stratford, ON.

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/fellinisitalian/

https://www.instagram.com/Fellinisstratford/

 519-271-3333

JENN and Larry's Ice Cream Shoppe Secondary Title

Riverside @ 49 York St
Stratford, ON N5A 1A1

Pazzo Pizzeria

70 Ontario Street 
Stratford ON  N5A 3H2

519.273.6666

Join us in Stratford’s most historic cellar for delicious thin-crust pizza, pasta, antipasti and salads. Service is quick and friendly; groups are easily accommodated in our large dining room, but reservations are a must. A good selection of wines by the glass, cocktails and beer are offered at our bar, a popular meeting-place after the play. Price Range: $$
Toll Free : 877.440.9666
Web Site: www.pazzo.ca
Toll Free : 877.440.9666
Web Site: www.pazzo.ca

Symbol-Star--b.png Symbol-Wheelchair-Accessible-b.png

 

pazzo_pizzeria_logo

Retail

Apropos & Apropos For Men

Apt. 6 Apothecary
Locally Made Skin Care and Bath Items

Blowes Stationery, Cards & Gift

LA OSA Jewelry & Vintage

A destination vintage boutique! You'll find a fun, curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories at La Osa as well as unique sustainable and independent brands in a bright, welcoming and stunning historic space in downtown Stratford. Open Tuesday - Sunday.

34 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario

519-305-6500

www.laosajewelry.com

@pamela_osa

thumbnail_La Osa Pride Guide

Little Leaf Cannabis Co Inc.

804 Ontario St (In the A&W Plaza)
Stratford, ON  N5A 3K1
littleleafcannabisco.com
519 305 LEAF (5323)
Stratford's only Locally Owned & Operated recreational cannabis lifestyle company with owners onsite!  Largest store and selection of quality and value cannabis products in our market! Our team of Cannsultants are some of the best in the industry. Knowledgeable, professional, understanding and judgement-free, our team is dedicated to finding the right products to meet your cannabis needs.  It's the LITTLE LEAF. BIG EXPERIENCE.
Little Leaf_Corporate Logo-01

Crisis Assistance / Personal Support

Parents, Family & Friends (PFLAG) is always a good place to start. The local chapter can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pflagstratford.

Talk Suicide Canada 1.833.456.4566. Canada Suicide Prevention Service | Crisis Services Canada

https://kidshelpphone.ca/ For young people looking for support in a crisis or ongoing: Get Support - Kids Help Phone Peer-to-peer, phone, text, messenger, or live chat.

Call the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Line for confidential, non-judgmental, and information support. https://www.youthline.ca/

OPEN CLOSET | Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (hivaidsconnection.ca) Open Closet is a social support group for LGBT2Q+ (lesbian, gay, bi, trans, 2-spirit, queer) youth between 14 and 18 years of age. https://www.hivaidsconnection.ca/opencloset

Trans Wellness Ontario is committed to providing quality care and services while ensuring a healthy and safe environment for our clients and team members. https://www.transwellness.ca/

Find a Clinic | Sexual Health Ontario
For answers to your sexual health questions, counselling, testing, and referrals, there are many sexual health clinics throughout Ontario that are here for you. Find a sexual health clinic in your neighbourhood. https://sexualhealthontario.ca/en/find-clinic

Rainbow Health Ontario. Based in Toronto, a program of Sherbourne Health, Rainbow Health Ontario creates opportunities for the healthcare system to better serve LGBT2SQ communities. Rainbow Health Ontario. https://www.rainbowhealthontario.ca/

Professionals

BrokerLink Insurance, Stratford

Home and Company Real Estate, Corp.

Contact:
Tong Zhou, Broker,
[email protected]
(519)-801-9528
Brad Douglas, Realtor,
[email protected]
(416) 999-4996

Heather McDowell (she/her)

Real Estate Salesperson
With Sutton Group First Choice Realty Ltd. Brokerage
M: (519) 703-4444
[email protected]
Everything Done But the Packing!

Laura Morlock (she/her)

Real Estate Agent
RE/MAX a-b Realty Ltd.
Text/Call: (226) 750-3493
[email protected]
www.lauramorlock.com
IG: @laura.morlock_
FB: @lauramorlockstratfordrealtor
Twitter: @LauraBMorlock

Officiant

Bettianne Hedges, BA, Officiant with Humanist Canada

As a licensed officiant, I provide a non-religious option to weddings that meet the needs of contemporary couples. As a writer and as a public speaker trained with the Stratford Festival, I have the skills to create a celebration that is very unique to the both of you. Your wedding can be simple, elegant and to the point or carefully crafted to include any elements you envision - together we can create a celebration that reflects your commitment to each other. I also provide the opportunity for short notice and small venue ceremonies. Summer/Fall 2023 dates still available. Hope to elope? I have venue ideas or can come to your home. 

Bettianne Hedges289-308-6124

Real Estate

Bettianne Hedges, BA, Broker    Keller Williams Edge Realty, Brokerage

I have twenty years of experience providing full service real estate throughout Southwestern Ontario.

289-308-6124

Health and Wellness

Katie Booker, MSW, RSW

Supports those with a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. She is currently accepting new clients and can be contacted at katie. [email protected] or (519) 275-2187 ext 13.

Heather McDowell (she/her)

Certified Death Doula, specializing in MAiD, infant and pregnancy loss, and death care for the LGBTQIA2S community
M: (519) 703-4444
[email protected]

Brent Cairn Pleasance, Counsellor

Offering both mental health support and more depth-oriented counselling sessions in person and online. [email protected]
(289) 805-33325