Stratford Walking Tours offering a family friendly nature walk this holiday season

Chickadees are among the many birds that can be seen and heard on the upcoming Stratford Walking Tour and C.O.R.E. Nature Experiences collaborative walk this holiday season. Designed to appeal to both individuals and families, this accessible walking tour will run on Dec. 30 and 31, Jan. 3 and 4, 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Stratford Walking Tours, in collaboration with C.O.R.E. Nature Experiences, presents the “Spread Your Wings” tour where families can enjoy a family-friendly, bird-timed outing.

Designed to appeal to both individuals and families, this accessible walking tour will run on Dec. 30 and 31, Jan. 3 and 4, 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

This 60-minute guided walk along Lake Victoria, aims to educate guests, who will discover local history, learn about the park and river system, and more about birds and nature. The tour starts at Gallery Stratford and attendees will walk down Lake Victoria to Tom Patterson Island.

“We planned the tour around those days between Christmas and New Year's, when parents are sometimes looking for things to do with their kids,” said Lauri Leduc, owner, operator and guide of Stratford Walking Tours. “It's a great way to get outdoors and spend time together and in nature."

The walking tour aims to teach families about feeder birds that are often seen in Stratford. This theme ties in perfectly with Stratford’s new Bird Friendly City designation, said Leduc.

“Following the recent designation of Stratford as a ‘Bird Friendly City’ by Nature Canada, the walk offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about birds, history and explore Stratford’s beautiful riverside, “she said. “The walk is also the perfect pairing to the Lights On Stratford BIRDS OF A FEATHER exhibit on Tom Patterson Island.”

Collaborating with C.O.R.E. Nature Experiences, founded by Denise Iszczuk, attendees can expect to learn about nature and birds through engaging, hands-on experiences, such as feeding the local birds.

"On most of my walks, I do hear the black capped chickadee, people can also expect to hear or see cardinals and of course blue jays," said Iszczuk.

“It is the perfect way to discover winter feeder birds, learn fun facts about history and natural heritage and get outside with family and friends.” she continued.

As a heart-centred nature educator, Iszczuk brings her passion for living things to life. She helps people of all ages discover the wonder of nature right in their own surroundings and said children will have a great opportunity to learn all about birds on the walk.

"It kind of becomes a little bit of a scavenger hunt,” she said. We will use our eyes to see different birds, and then also highlight our listening skills by hearing different birds."

After the walk, guests will be treated to free cookies and hot chocolate at Gallery Stratford, which is also offering a 50 per cent-off voucher for admission that can be used the same day, or at a later time.

For the full tour schedule and booking information, visit stratfordwalkingtours.ca.