Parry Sound District Tourism: Your Voice, Your Priorities

On May 29, Explorers’ Edge presented at the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association Spring Meeting, where 68 municipal representatives shared their tourism priorities through live polling and open feedback.

The results were clear. Shoulder-season events and visitation topped the list at 51%, followed closely by trails, waterfronts, and outdoor recreation at 46%. Communities also flagged workforce and accommodation gaps as barriers to growth, with many noting they are working around a lack of lodging and food service options to retain visitors longer. Infrastructure, rural transportation, and small business support were identified as the areas most in need of intergovernmental alignment.

Locally, participants highlighted untapped assets, the Seguin Trail, Algonquin Park, the Eagle Lake fishing derby, and an emerging graphite mine,  as anchors for stronger visitor experiences. Regional stay-and-play packages, a shared events calendar, and last-mile transportation solutions were among the most common opportunities envisioned.

These priorities align directly with Explorers’ Edge’s 2026–2027 plan, expanding the Regenerative Travel Agency, building shoulder-season product, and connecting operators to visitors arriving by rail, cruise, and air.