Destination Canada Unveils Four New Tourism Corridors to Boost Industry and Enhance Visitor Experiences

Destination Canada is building on the success of its pilot Tourism Corridor Strategy Program by launching four new tourism corridors in 2024. This ambitious initiative is a key part of Destination Canada’s 2030 Tourism Strategy, which aims to propel Canada back into the top 7 global tourism destinations. These corridors are designed to enhance the nation’s tourism infrastructure, fostering cross-border collaboration between provincial and territorial tourism organizations, and creating iconic travel experiences for visitors while boosting local economies.

The first new corridor,

The Great Canadian Bike Route

, links existing bike routes in Ottawa, Cornwall, and Montreal, while developing new paths in partnership with local communities. Cycle Ontario and Quebec will emphasize connecting local businesses, artisans, and Indigenous groups to ensure that the benefits of tourism are widely shared. This initiative promotes year-round, bike-friendly routes, providing accessible opportunities for physical activity, mental wellness, and reduced environmental impact. Cycling tourism continues to thrive in Canada, especially in Quebec, where Velo Quebec data reveals a significant increase in cycling participation.

The

Field to Fork Corridor

highlights Saskatchewan and Manitoba’s position as global leaders in agritourism, located in one of the world’s largest agricultural regions. This corridor, the first with a culinary focus, is supported by the Culinary Tourism Alliance and features major cities like Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon, and Regina. Visitors will enjoy farm-to-table experiences, Indigenous agritourism, and educational workshops that connect them to Canada’s agricultural heritage. Field to Fork also offers a unique opportunity for business travelers attending conventions to explore industrial processes and their societal and environmental impacts. Destination Canada’s research indicates that tasting local food and drink is the most desired travel activity among global travelers.

Connecting Edmonton, Alberta, to the Northwest Territories, the

Northern Sky Corridor

celebrates the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Canada’s north. As demand for Indigenous and northern experiences outpaces supply, this corridor aims to address gaps by developing new itineraries, forming transportation partnerships, and identifying infrastructure needs. Destination Canada’s Global Traveller Research shows that 67.7% of international visitors to Canada are highly interested in experiencing Indigenous cultural tourism.

The

Juan de Fuca Corridor

, crossing into the United States, is a collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). This initiative focuses on increasing economic well-being for residents and enhancing the natural environment. As the first tourism corridor to link Canada with its largest international market, this partnership creates new opportunities to engage with U.S. travelers. According to Destination Canada’s 2024 USA Market Highlights, 16.2 million U.S. travelers are expected to visit Canada in 2025, contributing $13.7 billion to the economy.

The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program is designed to strengthen Canada’s tourism industry by creating new travel routes that stimulate local economies and enhance visitor experiences. Key benefits of the selected corridors include job creation, Indigenous inclusion, local community engagement, and the potential to attract significant investment.

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