Globe and Mail Understands Tourism and Canada's Competitive Edge

On Canada’s National Park Day, July 19, 2008 the Globe and Mail editorial department was astute in their recognition of the day, and even more astute in providing an opinion about Canada’s Tourism Industry. While extolling the contributions to Canada’s Nature reserves this year, and the importance the public is giving to environmental issues and wilderness protection they commented on where Canada’s tourism industry should be focused. The Globe goes on to say “Canada should work harder to make its extensive pristine wilderness a key differentiator in the intense competition for those very welcome visitors’ dollars.” I translate this message into tourism opportunity through Ecotourism.

Georgian Bay itself has many parks: Provincial and National Parks, two Biosphere Reserves, and the gateway to the Historic Trent-Severn Waterway a National Historic site. Georgian Bay holds a truly global unique position as "The Worlds Largest Fresh Water Eco Museum."

Photo: Georgian Bay looking at the Niagara Escarpment(r.taylor)

Regardless of the internal perception we as Canadians have about the image of Canada, I believe the rest of the world tends to look at Canada as one big wilderness area with a very large land mass of ‘pristine wilderness’. Certainly Canada is more pristine than the countries they are travelling from. However what is important here are the degrees of wilderness experiences which exist throughout the many tourist destinations north of the border and the numerous areas which provide or could provide a significant Eco Tourism experience.

While many destinations throughout the world have been marketing Eco Tourism as a major demand generator, Canada has been slow off the mark. Ontario may also be included as a bit behind in positioning the province as a major Eco Tourism destination.

Georgian Bay offers varying degrees of wilderness experiences, and offers the world a unique and outstanding outdoors activities. Both geography and wildlife viewing combine to provide exceptional visitor experiences for the most adventurous and the inexperienced novice.

Georgian Bay Getaways North of Toronto

SUMMER FUN ALONG GEORGIAN BAY

Georgian Bay is one of the freshest great resort destinations in Canada........the largest freshwater beach, largest fresh water island, and numerous provincial and national parks and biosphere reserves. Discover First Nations peoples and Native Pow Wows during the summer season. http://www.400eleven.com/georgian-bay.html

Georgian Bay Parks Help Georgian Bay Conservation

With the recent celebration of National Parks Day this past Saturday July 21, we can only compliment early pioneers of the parks in Ontario, as well as parks right across Canada for the insight in creating a conservation philosophy. The parks around Georgian Bay, or within easy reach of Georgian Bay provide a natural touring route for visitors to the Georgian Bay area.

Georgian Bay is blessed with both Provincial Parks, and National Parks each with unique natural history and or historical significance.

A recent trip to The Trent Severn Historic Waterway where the celebration of the Kirkfield Lock was underway for their 100 year celebration. The Trent Severn Waterway links Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay at Port Severn. In 1907 the Kirkfield Lock was an engineering marvel, and today provides a waterway for recreational boaters to explore many of Ontario's hidden secrets.

Canoeing In Ontario

Where Can I go Canoeing In Ontario?
With all of the publicity surrounding the Canoe as one of Canada's top 7 icons many new Canadians have a great desire to get out try out this tourist activity. Most Provincial Parks will have canoes for rent, or will point you in the right direction. For those individual who want a guided approach to the canoeing experience can start with a group canoe short trip at Ontario's Famous Wye Marsh in Midland. The Wye River flows into Georgian Bay (photo of Wye Marsh Canoe Outing).

Most Ontario resort properties will have canoes on site for guests, some will charge extra for the use of a canoe.

As well, many resort properties in the Georgian Bay watersheds have put together special canoeing and kayaking getaways.

Perhaps one day a canoeing adventure will follow with a trip through one of the many watersheds to Georgian Bay.