When Great Wolf Lodge, North America’s largest indoor water park resort operator, chose Eastern Ontario for its first major expansion outside the U.S., it sent a clear signal to the tourism industry: the region has the assets, infrastructure and visitor demand to support global destination-scale attractions.
“This project is unlike anything Eastern Ontario has seen before,” says Bob Peters, economic development officer for the City of Cornwall. “It’s world-class in scale and impact.”
The lodge is expected to attract about 670,000 visitors annually from Ottawa, Montreal and the U.S., contribute an estimated $475 million to the economy and generate spinoff opportunities across the region.
To build on this momentum, stakeholders are working together to identify additional investment-ready opportunities and position Eastern Ontario as one of Canada’s most attractive destinations for tourism development.
Not easily replicated elsewhere
Eastern Ontario’s tourism advantage comes from a rare combination of factors that cannot easily be replicated elsewhere.
The region’s waterways are among its strongest assets. Eastern Ontario sits on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and is home to the Thousand Islands, the Rideau Canal, the Trent-Severn Waterway and countless rivers and lakes, it is already a premier hub for water-based recreation.
It is also an established agritourism destination, fueled by growing demand for authentic food experiences, including farm tours, harvest events, culinary workshops, farmers’ markets, wineries, cideries, craft breweries and locally made artisan products.
Together, these strengths create a diversified visitor economy built on authenticity and variety. Visitors can travel by car, boat or bicycle, dine at award-winning restaurants and local cafes, experience outdoor recreation and explore the historic towns, villages and cities that define the region.
“The goal is to build on the foundation our entrepreneurs have established in these sectors,” says Jay Amer of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission (Ontario East), which is working to attract more investment into the region.
Building an international cycling destination
“Cycling is emerging as one of the major opportunities for the region,” says Bonnie Ruddock, executive director of RTO 9, Southeastern Ontario’s regional tourism organization. “We’re working with partners such as Vélo Québec and Destination Canada to strengthen our position as a multi-day international cycling destination.”
For example, in Prescott-Russell, community partners are repurposing the historic Bourget train station into a year-round tourism hub. Located along a major recreational trail system, the site will serve cyclists in the summer and snowmobile users in the winter, with plans for a café and visitor services.
“We’re exploring ways to encourage the growth of cycling-friendly accommodations,” adds Ruddock, “including bike shops, rest stops, charging stations, wayfinding signage and other services that enhance the visitor experience.”
Tourism powers economic growth
Few industries touch as many communities as tourism. From downtown main streets and waterfronts to wineries, farms, parks and cultural attractions, visitor spending drives economic activity across multiple sectors.
Tourism functions as an export industry, bringing new money into communities. Every visitor who books a hotel room, dines at a local restaurant, visits an attraction, attends a festival or shops in a downtown core helps support local businesses, create jobs and generate tax revenue across the region.
Recognizing the sector’s importance, the Ontario government has committed $82.2 million to modernize infrastructure across the St. Lawrence Parks system, including upgrades to campgrounds, beaches and visitor facilities along the tourism corridor.
How can you help support and grow tourism in the region?
To build on sector momentum, the Ontario East is launching a tourism investment attraction initiative, similar to its work in advanced manufacturing, food and beverage, and logistics.
Amer says the organization is working with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, regional tourism organizations, municipalities and the private sector to assess tourism assets, identify opportunities for new accommodations and attractions, and develop a strategy to attract private-sector investment.
Businesses or investors interested in more information are encouraged to contact Ontario East info@ontarioeast.ca or visit ontarioeast.ca.
