Investing in Tourism in Ontario’s Great Canadian Wilderness

By james
March 16, 2026

Business, Tourism & Investment Resources for Muskoka, Parry Sound and Almaguin Highlands

Ontario’s Great Canadian Wilderness is one of the province’s most recognized tourism regions — a place where natural assets, entrepreneurial communities, visitor demand, and year-round experience development create strong opportunities for tourism and business investment.

This resource page connects investors, tourism operators, entrepreneurs, municipalities, and community partners with the organizations and programs that support business growth across Muskoka, West Parry Sound and the Almaguin Highlands.

Whether you are starting a new tourism business, expanding an existing operation, developing a visitor experience, exploring site selection, looking for funding, or seeking regional market intelligence, these resources can help you take the next step.

Regional Tourism & Investment Supports

Explorers’ Edge / RTO12

Regional tourism development, product development, partnership programs, operator resources, business confidence research, workforce development, regenerative tourism strategy, and travel trade support.

Destination Northern Ontario

Tourism development, investment attraction, training, research and industry resources for Northern Ontario.

FedNor

Federal economic development support for Northern Ontario businesses, communities, tourism projects and organizations.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

Provincial funding programs supporting business expansion, start-ups, community development, tourism infrastructure, workforce initiatives and economic growth across Northern Ontario.

Muskoka Business & Investment Resources

Regional Muskoka Supports

Muskoka Municipal Economic Development Supports

Muskoka Chambers & Local Business Networks

West Parry Sound Business & Investment Resources

Regional and Municipal Supports

Business Financing, Start-Up and Advisory Supports

Chamber and Business Network Supports

Almaguin Highlands Business & Investment Resources

Regional Almaguin Supports

Chamber and Business Network Supports

Almaguin Municipal Supports

Tourism Investment Opportunity Areas

Across Muskoka, West Parry Sound and Almaguin Highlands, tourism investment opportunities are emerging in several priority areas:

  • Four-season outdoor recreation
  • Accommodations and nature-based lodging
  • Culinary, agri-tourism and local food experiences
  • Indigenous-led and Indigenous-supported tourism pathways
  • Cycling, e-bike, motorcycle and trail-based tourism
  • Waterfront, marina and boating experiences
  • Wellness, spa, sauna and retreat-based tourism
  • Arts, culture, events and downtown visitor experiences
  • Transportation-connected packages and car-free itineraries
  • Shoulder-season and winter visitor experiences

Business Investment Successes

Akuam Spa — Huntsville/Utterson

A major new wellness tourism investment is underway in Utterson, where Akuam Spa — formerly announced as Muskoka Nordik Spa — is planned as a 50,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor Nordic spa near Highway 11 and Highway 141. The project will bring new year-round wellness, hospitality and management jobs to the region, while positioning Muskoka as a stronger destination for spa, retreat and shoulder-season travel.

Floathaus — Gravenhurst

Floathaus has opened at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, bringing a Nordic-inspired lakeside sauna and cold-plunge experience to one of Muskoka’s most visible visitor hubs. As a women-led, grassroots wellness business, Floathaus fills a growing demand for accessible, year-round thermal experiences and has earned province-wide visibility through Destination Ontario.

Muskoka BeerSpa & Clear Lake Brewing Co. — Torrance

Muskoka BeerSpa has grown into a distinctive four-season tourism destination that combines craft brewing, outdoor spa experiences, food, accommodations and community stewardship. With multiple revenue streams on one property and Silver certification through GreenStep Sustainable Tourism, it is a strong example of regenerative, experience-based investment in the region.

Forest of Light at Sandhill Nursery — Huntsville

Forest of Light at Sandhill Nursery demonstrates how a beloved local business can evolve into a four-season tourism anchor through strong partnerships and smart reinvestment. Reimagined from the former Eclipse Walk With Light, the immersive winter experience invites visitors to explore illuminated pathways and artistic light installations through the Muskoka forest. Supported by the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association, Explorers’ Edge, Sandhill Nursery and FedNor, the project extends Sandhill’s established seasonal appeal into winter while helping drive visitation, overnight stays and spending in downtown Huntsville.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites — Huntsville

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Huntsville has reinvested in its property with refreshed amenities including a renovated indoor pool, meeting space, fitness centre, business centre and on-site shop. Located at the gateway to Algonquin Park and near major employers, the hotel supports both leisure and business travel while strengthening Huntsville’s year-round accommodation base.

Muskoka Bay Resort Expansion — Gravenhurst

Muskoka Bay Resort has completed a major expansion that includes new resort accommodations, rooftop dining, enhanced amenities and the broader Residences at Muskoka Bay Resort development. This investment adds high-quality visitor capacity, supports year-round resort operations, and demonstrates the continued strength of private hospitality investment in Gravenhurst.

The Return of the Northlander Train — Muskoka Corridor

The planned return of the Northlander passenger train in late 2026 represents a major transportation investment for the Muskoka–Almaguin corridor. With proposed stops including Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and South River, the service will improve car-free access, support shoulder-season visitation, and create new demand for accommodations, attractions, restaurants, spas and packaged visitor experiences.

Start Here

Not sure where to begin?

Explorers’ Edge can help direct tourism operators, entrepreneurs, municipalities, and potential investors to the appropriate business support, tourism development, funding, and local economic development contacts across the region.

Contact Explorers’ Edge
James Murphy, CEO 705-706-1649