I saw a story in the Toronto Star (my employer for 32 years) on Friday that said Canadian and Ontario tourism folks are thinking of pulling some of their proposed spending from Asia and other overseas markets and focusing instead on Canada and the U.S. Given the empty planes and hotels that we’re seeing around the world, that’s probably a good call. After all, it’s a lot easier to control your environment if you drive somewhere, particularly if you drive to a remote part of the country or to place where you’re enjoying the great outdoors, relatively free from any Read more
Lake Erie
A new report released today says wine tourism is a growing and important part of Canada’s tourism industry. That’s not really news, but the report from the Canadian Vintners Association (CVA) and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) finds that wine tourism attracts a whopping 3 million visitors a year and drives $1.2 billion in spending a year for the critical national tourism sector. Canadian wine regions are world-class, not only because of the great wine, but also the hospitality, infrastructure and natural beauty, which we believe can be further promoted to would-be international visitors,” said Dan Paszkowski, President Read more
Jim Byers photo A boat leaving the pretty harbour in Port Dover. It’s a fabulous town that’s only 90 minutes from Toronto. ALONG THE LAKE ERIE SHORELINE OF ONTARIO – A kayak ride on what’s called the Canadian Amazon. A great story about one of Hollywood’s top actresses. And more fantastic food and wine. My final 24 hours driving the Lake Erie shoreline couldn’t have been any better. From top to bottom, it was extraordinary; with new sights and constant surprises that leave me very much wanting to go back. I started the final stretch of my road trip with Read more
JIM BYERS PHOTO The Lake Erie shore near Point Pelee is a peaceful oasis. ALONG ONTARIO’S LAKE ERIE SHORELINE – Great food. Wonderful people. Terrific wines. And great outdoor experiences. I really had no idea what I was in for when I told the tourism folks at Ontario’s Southwest that I wanted to do a trip along the Lake Erie shoreline. Truth be told, I’ve lived in Toronto for 33 years but had never seen the shore of this Great Lake except from an airplane. I know. I know. That’s terrible. But I think I’m like a lot of Toronto folks who Read more
