Destination Canada announces new tourism corridors

Destination Canada has announced the launch of four new tourism corridors for 2024, building on the success of last year’s pilot Tourism Corridor Strategy Program.

The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program aims to contribute to a more resilient tourism industry through accelerated destination development of multiple corridors across Canada.

It crosses provincial and territorial boundaries, bringing together tourism organizations to develop iconic new journeys for travellers to explore, and is a key initiative of Destination Canada's 2030 Tourism Strategy, with a goal of propelling Canada back into the top 7 global tourism destinations.

“Tourism contributes to the wealth and wellbeing of all of Canada and community is at the heart of the Tourism Corridor Strategy Program,” said Marsha Walden, president and CEO of Destination Canada. “Alongside our regional partners, we work directly with local, grassroots organizations to create long-term destination development strategies, and identify the products, services, workforce, access, infrastructure and experiences required to both delight visitors and enrich the lives of locals.”

The new tourism corridors are:

 1. Cycle Ontario and Quebec (Ontario, Quebec)

• This corridor will connect existing bike routes within Ottawa, Cornwall and Montreal and develop new routes in collaboration with local organizations to highlight tourism offerings.
• Cycle Ontario and Quebec will connect local businesses, artisans and Indigenous groups, ensuring the benefits of tourism reach everyone involved.
• The corridor will offer accessible year-round routes, bike-friendly amenities and opportunities for physical activity, all while promoting mental wellness and reducing environmental impact.

 2. Field to Fork: Saskatchewan Manitoba Agritourism (Saskatchewan, Manitoba)

• As Destination Canada’s first-ever corridor that includes a culinary focus, Field to Fork will be developed with support from the Culinary Tourism Alliance with major gateway cities including: Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon and Regina.
• Visitors can gain a greater understanding and awareness of where our food comes from in Canada through farm-to-table culinary experiences, educational workshops, Indigenous agritourism and festivals. Agritourism also provides an opportunity for those attending business related meetings or conventions to learn about industrial processes, their impact on society and the environment, and their role in shaping the economy.

 3. Northern Sky Corridor (Alberta, Northwest Territories) 

• This corridor connects Edmonton as the gateway to the Northwest Territories, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage, art and experiences set amongst expansive natural beauty.
• This corridor connects to Canada’s north, where the demand for experiences exceeds supply. The development of this corridor will identify product gaps, explore transportation partnerships, and identify infrastructure needs to support the creation of new itineraries.

 4. Juan de Fuca Corridor (British Columbia, Washington State, U.S.)

• This corridor area is a partnership with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), which focuses on increasing economic well-being and quality of life for residents while maintaining and enhancing the natural environment.
• Juan de Fuca Corridor capitalizes on destination development strategies that have been completed and focused on required investment for future attraction and resiliency.
• This is the first corridor to cross into the U.S., offering new opportunities to engage with Canada’s largest international market.

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