TOURISM
The Heart of Georgian Bay offers world class boating, beautiful nature and scenery, rich heritage and history, and an abundance of arts and culture.
Unlike the other three pillars of economic development, the distance to population centres is actually of strong benefit to tourism because North Simcoe is one of the most accessible areas of “cottage country” to critical markets in southern Ontario and beyond. Furthermore, North Simcoe offers far more than traditional “cottage country” experiences. In addition to Georgian Bay being a “water playground” for visitors and seasonal residents alike, the region boasts a wealth of cultural assets, including some world-class historic sites. These features combine to create an exciting tourism destination that offers a host of rich experiences for tourists.
LIVE, WORK, PLAY
The beauty and accessibility of the south-eastern shores of Georgian Bay are among the area’s most important natural assets to tourism. In the western portion, expansive sandy beaches lie on the fringes of virtually untouched islands and peninsulas, while the rugged Precambrian Shield emerges from the waters of Georgian Bay Islands National Park in the east. The most southerly of the 30,000 Islands populate this part of Georgian Bay and are surrounded by crystal-clear, protected waters.
In wintertime, the region is interlaced with groomed snowmobile and snowshoeing trails, while the frozen bay provides wide-open stretches of ice, supporting fishing huts and more trails for snowmobiling. Just a few weeks after the ice clears, the rivers, bays, sounds and channels are filled with the sights and sounds of summer cottagers, water sports aficionados and recreational boaters. In autumn, our forests yield a spectacular palette of fall colours that attract visitors from near and far. With this natural recreation asset at our feet and a history of visitors dating back several generations, fostering regional tourism is a clear priority.
