Tourism booms in Simcoe County with the changing seasons
Tourism operators in Simcoe County say the leaves aren't the only thing changing this fall, as an increase in tourists improves their fortune.
In what's been a difficult two years for the tourism industry, an interest in visiting the region this year has helped in its recovery.
"We're definitely seeing lots of travel this season to see the colours, something about the fall and this area, it kind of creates a sense of warmth," said Tara Lovell, public relations manager at Blue Mountain Resort. "The colours themselves are really unique to our area, and we kind of forget that sometimes. People will travel from all over the world to come and see the colours change."
Lovell noted that Americans, Europeans and visitors from Asia are particularly keen on seeing the fall leaves from atop the mountains. The resort uses its chairlift to bring guests to the top, where they can take in the colours on their hike.
Blue Mountain Resort also incorporates a nighttime walk with a lighted path down the mountain.
"You can see all of the colours start to change over Georgian Bay and the region here," Lovell added. "It's not peak season winter, of course, but we definitely see a lot of people coming through, whether it's for a hike or coming through the village."
Christie's Mill Inn and Spa is a popular spot in Port Severn. The new owner is preparing for her first fall season and said Americans have been coming to the area in particular.
"We actually just had someone leave us today from Buffalo," said Sharon Hales. "Even on their way here, they said they'd never seen colours quite like the ones we get up here, and we're not even in peak season."
Hales said she's booked with guests until November and expects that fortune to continue into the winter.
"We're certainly getting bookings, but I think we might see more traffic than what's anticipated," Hales added.
Tourism Simcoe County said fall is an important season for operators, with agriculture an important part of the region's history.
"Agricultural tourism and fall trees are mainly what brings people to the region," said Brianne Harris, Experience Development coordinator. "Our regular in-province and out-of-province visitation have bounced back to pretty much pre-pandemic levels, which is wonderful to see."
Harris added that there are numerous self-guided tours people can look for on Tourism Simcoe County's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
'Trees going up like Roman candles' as wildfire season starts early in B.C.
Susanne Langan first noticed the Burgess Creek wildfire from her home in British Columbia's Cariboo region on Saturday afternoon as a distant, thin column of smoke.
3 children injured after truck and school bus collide in Russell, Ont.
Three children and a driver were taken to hospital after a school bus and a truck collided on Route 400 in Russell, Ont.
Indian national sentenced in US$150M Canadian, U.S. dark web drug enterprise
An Indian national has been sentenced in the United States to five years in prison in connection with a dark web drug enterprise that stretched as far as Canada, an American Department of Justice release says.