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
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.