Latest news with #DestinationOntario
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Want an Instagrammable photo in a lavender field? Here are some Ontario spots to visit as blooms peak
If you want to get that picture-perfect moment amid fields of lavender, you still have time. According to Destination Ontario , lavender fields reach full bloom each summer from late June until mid-August. 'The versatile plant is aromatic, therapeutic, flavourful and pollinator-friendly,' Destination Ontario said on its website. 'Lavender is known to soothe anxiety and stress, promote restful sleep and has rejuvenating properties for skin and hair care. It has been infused into beverages and both sweet and savoury foods for centuries.' The best time to grab a photo is when the sun is lower in the sky, Destination Ontario said. 'You'll want to shoot lavender fields at golden hour — early in the morning or right before sunset. Not only does the yellow tone of the sunshine perfectly complement the purple of the plants, but the softer light creates softer shadows.' There are many different farms throughout the province, which allow you to plan activities like picnic and pick-your-own. Many spots also sell natural lotions, soaps, balms, tea and more. Here are a few destinations to visit included on Durham Region's and Discover Ontario's lists. With 155 acres to walk through at 20132 McCowan Rd. , there are more than 100,000 plants in bloom. Take a tour, pick some flowers, create your own lavender sachet, or do the corn maze. With 31,000 lavender plants, do a self-guided tour with a river walk along the Nottawasaga River. Cut your own, learn about the apiary and more at 347036 Mono Centre Rd . The farm offers different events over the next month, including picnics, afternoon tea and vendor shows. Visit the farm at 387 Scugog Line 8 . View more than 6,000 lavender plants and shop for luxurious, lavender-infused farm-to-skin body and home products that are non-toxic and cruelty-free. The farm is located at 141051 15 Sideroad . With 81 different varieties of lavender, you can cut your own lavender, learn how to grow your own, or take a culinary class. The farm is found at 14716 North Highway 62 and 7 . Stroll through the four acres of field, filled with more than 80 varieties of lavender. Bring your own picnic lunch, and enjoy a beverage on the terrace, at 8667 Gilmour Rd . Take a tour of the farm, or book a fireside package for up to 10 people. Picnic and play games with the family throughout the day. You can also take a piece of the farm home with you with pre-potted plants. Visit at 3359 Third Concession . From yoga in the fields to an evening picnic, there are plenty of opportunities to take a moment among the fields of lavender. Bring the fragrance of the garden home with you, with lavender plants from 637295 St. Vincent-Sydenham Townline . Explore the fields, learn about the beehives and chickens at this family run farm, located at 4840 Coronation Rd. Guests can still walk through fields of lavender at several Ontario farms, for picnics, pick-your-own and more. Take a garden tour, pick your own flowers and learn about the history of the 43 acres of property located at 2243 Beach Rd . Featuring more than 25,000 lavender plants grown without the use of pesticides, this farm started in 2015. Learn about the seasonal products and more at 8649 Appleby Line . This tranquil farm grows more than 40 varieties and invites you to come 'learn the language of lavender' on a farm tour, at 130 County Road 50 . To see more lavender farms across the province, visit , or learn more about the plant and other farms and greenhouses with the Ontario Lavender Association . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
03-07-2025
- Cision Canada
Ontario Emerges as Top Destination for European Travellers Français
New study shows more than half are considering a trip to Ontario, with strong interest in visiting Toronto as a FIFA World Cup host city TORONTO, July 3, 2025 /CNW/ - European travellers are showing strong interest in Ontario as a destination of choice. According to a new Europe Pulse Study conducted by Context Research Group (CRG) on behalf of Destination Ontario and Destination Toronto, more than half of leisure travellers from the United Kingdom (U.K.), Germany and France are considering a trip to Ontario in the next two years, with Canada seen as culturally and experientially distinct from the United States (U.S.). This marks Destination Ontario's first research project that examines new travel segments, including Outdoor Explorers, Refined Globetrotters, Culture Seekers and City Trippers. The research explores how global events are shaping traveller perceptions, how Canada is viewed as distinct from the United States and where Ontario can tailor its international marketing to align with shifting consumer sentiment. It complements Destination Ontario's ongoing U.S. and domestic research efforts that guide the organization's strategic marketing. Within the broader appeal of Ontario, Toronto is in the spotlight as it prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026. Half of surveyed European travellers are considering a trip to Toronto within the next two years. Among those likely to visit Toronto, Canada is overwhelmingly seen as a safe, inclusive and exciting destination with much to offer. Nearly one-third expressed specific interest in visiting Toronto for the World Cup. Top Study Findings: 54 per cent of travellers from the U.K., Germany and France are likely to consider a leisure trip to Ontario in the next two years with 50 per cent considering Toronto. Awareness of Ontario is solid, with 92 per cent of travellers from the U.K., Germany and France aware of the province. Canada stands apart: 87 per cent say Canada is appealing enough to visit on its own and not just as part of a North American trip and 62 per cent agree that the current political climate in the U.S. makes them less likely to want to travel to the U.S. Ontario and Toronto outperform leading long-haul destinations like Australia and Japan. 32 per cent express interest in visiting Toronto for the FIFA World Cup, with U.K. respondents being the most likely (41 per cent). Read the full study here: Europe Pulse Study Quotes: "European travellers are telling us that Ontario is more than a destination—it reflects the shared values of safety, inclusivity and authenticity that resonate deeply with today's global travellers. This first-of-its-kind study gives us valuable insight into how Ontario is perceived internationally and strengthens our ability to connect with the people most inspired to visit." - Vincenza Ronaldi, President & CEO, Destination Ontario "The Europe Pulse Study confirms Toronto's appeal among European travellers as a safe, inclusive, and culturally rich destination—with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 offering added motivation for some. As part of our commitment to driving growth from diversified markets, we recently established new offices in the U.K. and Germany. The study offers valuable insight into how Toronto is perceived across the region, helping to inform and contextualize our efforts in these key markets." - Andrew Weir, President & CEO, Destination Toronto "With the variety and breadth of premier experiences we have on offer in Ontario, it's no surprise that more and more international tourists are looking to our province for their next vacation. Ontario provides a safe, welcoming environment where you can explore world wonders, world-class hospitality and unmatched beauty. As international travellers seek new destinations abroad, Ontario is ready to welcome the globe and showcase the people, places and experiences that make our province so special." - Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming "Ontario is thrilled to welcome people from around the world for the FIFA World Cup. This once-in-a-lifetime event is already attracting strong interest from European fans eager to experience the matches here. As the biggest sporting event on the planet, the World Cup brings people together and shines a spotlight on Ontario as a fun, welcoming and world-class place to visit. We look forward to welcoming fans from Europe and across the globe to be part of this unforgettable moment." - Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport About Destination Ontario Destination Ontario is the tourism marketing agency for the province of Ontario, dedicated to inspiring travel to and within the province through innovative marketing strategies and partnerships. Through compelling storytelling and strategic promotion, Destination Ontario showcases the best of Ontario's destinations, attractions and experiences to domestic and international travellers. For more information, please visit About Destination Toronto Toronto's visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating nearly $9 billion in visitor spending in 2024. Destination Toronto's purpose is to ignite the city's visitor economy to enrich and empower its communities. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the tourism and hospitality community, Destination Toronto promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events and supports local businesses in maximizing the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit
Travel Weekly
23-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Ontario tourism association's Andrew Siegwart on U.S.-Canada travel
Tensions between the U.S. and Canada have been high due to President Trump's talk of making Canada the 51st state and his threats of levying heavy tariffs. Tours and river cruises editor Brinley Hineman spoke with Andrew Siegwart, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, about the impact on travel between the two countries and how Ontario is sending a message of welcome to the U.S. Andrew Siegwart Q: Has there been a decline in Americans visiting Ontario? A: A recent pulse survey of our members across Ontario at the beginning of May found that 24% of operators experienced reduced U.S. visitation year to date compared to 2024, and 32% noted less U.S. bookings for summer 2025 compared to summer 2024. The primary markets are Northeast drive and fly markets within the U.S. It's too early to share comparisons year over year, but our data points suggest less activity. It's important to note that last year, U.S. spending in Ontario grew by almost 15% compared to 2023; U.S. spending equals about 20% of overall tourism spending in Ontario. Q: How is Ontario promoting itself to Americans? A: There are more than a dozen campaigns in the market right now from Ontario to the U.S. The focus is: You are welcome, we are "arms open," border access is seamless into Ontario. The campaigns also focus on calling upon friends and family in the U.S. to visit, the exchange rate and the experiences that make Ontario special: nature, diversity, iconic experiences, proximity, etc. If you think of northwestern Ontario as an example, all of that great natural outdoor adventure, it's such a draw for U.S. visitors. Related story: Brand USA's 'America the Beautiful' campaign aims to rekindle inbound travel Q: Do travelers have concerns about potential issues crossing the U.S.-Canada border? A: Our survey noted that U.S. customers are asking operators if it's OK to visit. They note concerns about being welcomed, and they also noted some concerns about delays or challenges returning home across the border. Q: What about Canadians and their travel plans? A: The recent Destination Ontario results show that Canadians and Ontarians have a real interest in traveling closer to home, but they're still looking at international markets and still considering U.S. visits. My interpretation of that is consumers are just waiting to make those bookings and to finalize those plans. I think we'll be waiting to see how things transpire between Canada and the U.S. and the upcoming negotiations. Q: Are you seeing a desire for Canadians to travel domestically and support their own country's tourism? A: Absolutely, yeah. When you go to a grocery store right now and just take a look at people shopping, you can see the degree to which people are looking at labels and assessing where products are from. So if they're doing it on the lettuce they buy, they're certainly going to do it on the trip that they plan. Over 80% of Ontarians are looking to travel closer to home. Q: What are some ripple effects of the drop in tourism between the U.S. and Canada? A: There's another aspect of tourism, which is business travel and conventions. Some of our larger players in that space in Ontario have definitely observed that U.S. conference business is slowing down a bit based on that concern about coming back across the border. But on the flip side, European and other international conventions are now looking to Canada as a safer place than the U.S. to hold the convention and where North America can still be on the map. Part of what we're doing is making sure that we're marketing those capabilities as well. As one thing shifts, another opportunity emerges.
New York Post
21-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Canadian tourism industry goes on offensive, as US travelers ditch Great White North
Canada's tourism industry is going on an offensive — rolling out ad campaigns in US border states to lure Americans back to the Great White North. US travel to Canada dipped by about 10% in recent months, amid the raging trade war between the two neighbors. An American tourist looks confused as he receives a warm hug from a Canadian hotel employee in a new TV ad. YouTube/Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est Advertisement In one TV ad running across New England and New York, an American tourist – sporting a baseball cap and matching sweater tied around his shoulders – sheepishly whispers to a Canadian hotel front desk worker that he's from the land of the free. The employee looks awkwardly towards him and presses what looks like some kind of red panic button – before bursting out a smile and walking across the desk to hug him. Advertisement Other ads take more of a practical approach, trying instead to appeal to American's pocketbooks. One billboard campaign simply reminds Americans how much further their dollar will go north of the 49th parallel. '$1 USD = $1.43 CAD,' reads the billboard from Destination Ontario, which has been spotted in Detroit and Cleveland, among other border towns. 'Spend less, do more.' Americans make up more than three-quarters of tourists to Canada. Destination Ontario Advertisement American tourists make up the bulk of visitors to Canada – last summer, 78.5%, nearly four out of five visitors to the Great White North came from the US. The drop hasn't been as dramatic as Canadian tourists to the US – who've boycotted the country en masse, leading to a 30-40% fall in air and land travel. But it's sure to make a dent in the tourism industry – according to Statistics Canada, Americans spent $15.3 billion in the country last year.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
TWEPI launches largest-ever ad campaign to bring visitors to Windsor-Essex
Tourism Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island (TWEPI) has launched its largest-ever multi-pronged advertising campaign to attract visitors to the region. TWEPI Chief Executive Officer Gordon Orr said 33 per cent of visitation comes from the U.S. in Michigan and Ohio, but they see a lot of opportunity through the Southwestern Ontario corridor up to the Greater Toronto Area. Orr, speaking at TWEPI's annual general meeting, said that along with the usual U.S. advertising campaigns, they're going to be hitting homes through that Southwestern corridor with direct mail ads, along with strong digital advertising, and they're working with Destination Ontario on several broadcast campaigns to generate greater visitation. Orr said it's the biggest multi-pronged campaign they've ever done. 'Normally, we focus more heavily on the U.S. and some in domestic. This year we're putting more money into the domestic market; we're still spending the same amount in the U.S., but at the same time we're looking at local campaigns,' he said. 'So, we're making sure it's a multipronged approach.' It comes as the trade war and other policies initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump have reduced travel to the U.S. as more people consider staycations throughout Ontario and Canada. Orr said they're cautiously optimistic about the upcoming summer season. 'The economy will play a big role, and consumer confidence will play a big role,' he said. 'At the end of the day, we know the Americans are still coming over, and we know our domestic visitation, because of the patriotism that Canadians have shown, is going to increase. So, we're optimistic that it's going to happen.' A Conference Board of Canada report released May 29 finds fewer Canadians are making plans to travel into the U.S. at all. Just 27.1 per cent said they're likely to visit the U.S. in the next few years, down from 53.2 per cent last fall. The think tank estimates that shift could redirect up to $8.8 billion into Canada's domestic tourism sector this year, as more Canadians cancel U.S. trips and stay closer to home. At the same time, American visitors to Canada are also declining, with a 10.7 per cent drop in land arrivals in April. - Written by Rusty Thomson/AM800 News.
