Tourism investment opportunities come naturally in Ontario East!
We offer communities large and small with destinations catering to a wide range of cultural, heritage and historical interests. Millions of visitors journey to Ontario East every year arriving through a well-developed network of roads, rail lines, international airports and waterways. We’ve got it all!
"After spending many years in the area as a tourist myself, it was a dream come true to be able to purchase a resort on one of the best fishing and boating lakes in Eastern Ontario."
George Offshack, Owner, Limerick Lake Lodge & Marina
Visitors to Ontario East enjoy year-round activities such as: sailing in the Great Lakes; skating the Rideau Canal; fishing the Land ‘O Lakes; hiking and camping in national and provincial parks; enjoying world-class fine dining and entertainment. We have the Thousand Islands and over a thousand lakes.
Among the numerous popular destinations are several cultural and heritage sites including:
- Canada’s longest national park, the Trent-Severn Waterway, with 286 km of locks and canals;
- The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 202 KM of lakes and rivers that link the Ottawa River - and Canada’s Capital City - with the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway;
- The 1,000 Islands which embraces communities on both sides of the Canada-US border;
- Algonquin Park and other world-renowned provincial parks such as Sand Banks and Bon Echo;
- The National Capital Region, featuring an exciting nightlife, Parliament of Canada and Canadian National Museums;
- Fort Henry National Historical Site of Canada, a 19th century British garrision, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
- Upper Canada Village, where heritage buildings and actors transport visitors to the 1860s;
- Culinary Tourism opportunities in Ontario’s newest designated viticultural area; and
- Seventeen of Ontario’s finest inns and spas and an abundance of bed & breakfasts, to the delight of visitors.
“Our family has been in the Tourist Business in Renfrew County for the past 65 years. I’m proud to live and be in business in this region. We have always had wonderful support and co-operation from our Municipal Council and County Council over the years.”
Donald Dunn, Owner, Chippawa Cottage Resort, Barry’s Bay
Skilled and Experienced Workforce
The workforce in Ontario East includes graduates of local college programs that train students for work in tourist-related businesses. Government programs are also available to develop and provide customizes training to suite the specific needs of tourism businesses. With 6 universities, 7 community colleges, proven life-long learners and a large bilingual capability, our people here make Ontario East the right choice for a wide range of businesses.
Location and Transportation
Ontario East is between international destinations Toronto and Ottawa. It is bounded by Highway 401, connecting Toronto and Montreal, the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Trans-Canada Highway.
Our roads, rail lines (VIA passenger service) and airports offer superb access. More than 50 million people, including 62% of Canadians, live within 800 KM (500 miles) of our borders. U.S. visitors choose between three effivient land border points.
"Who wouldn’t want to do business in Eastern Ontario? The scenery is breathtaking, the people are friendly and the area is ripe for expansion. For us, choosing our location was an easy decision to make: we’re at the corner of two major highways right in the middle of an area that has seen the tourist/cottage market grow rapidly in the last few years.”
Charlotte Gebhart & Niall McArdle, Owners, Serendipity on the River, Eganville
- Ontario East connects three of Canada’s Economic drivers: Toronto, Montreal and our nation’s capital, Ottawa with three access points in to New York State, and is within a day’s drive of 150 million consumers.
- Ontario East offers serviced land with access to four- and six-lane freeways at an average price of $30,000 an acre. Land assemblies greater than 400 acres are ready. Also available are industrial buildings from 20,000 sq. ft. to 500,000 sq. ft.
- Be a part of a strong economic region with a highly-skilled and motivated workforce with innovative college programs and training centres.
- We are accessible with highways, international airports, water systems, broadband internet connections and rail.
- Eastern Ontario has an inventory of available properties and market ready land, offering lowering operating costs.
- Ontario East is located in one of Canada’s most picturesque regions. The area boasts clean lakes, rivers and streams; lush forests and outdoor wilderness with active communities, many with vibrant arts and culture centers.
- Premier access to huge, multiple domestic and US markets; skilled workers; well-developed trucking infrastructure; lower operating costs
- In Eastern Ontario, you can choose an urban centre, small town, village or rural setting - all with affordable housing. Our communities strongly support new investment.
Download Ontario East's Investment Tourism Brochure