Meet Explorers’ Edge: Your Regional Partner in Tourism & Economic Development

By james
November 11, 2026

Connecting Communities. Creating Opportunities. Strengthening Our Regional Economy.

As municipalities welcome newly elected and returning mayors and councillors following the 2026 municipal elections, we invite you to learn more about Explorers’ Edge, who we are, what we do and how we can work together to support your community.

Explorers’ Edge, also known as Regional Tourism Organization 12 (RTO12), is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. Since 2010, we have worked alongside municipalities, tourism operators, businesses and community organizations to advance tourism and economic opportunities throughout Muskoka, Parry Sound, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Algonquin Park and South Algonquin.

Visitors know our region as the Great Canadian Wilderness just north of Toronto, but our work extends well beyond destination marketing.

We are a connector, collaborator and catalyst for regional development, bringing partners together to build stronger communities through tourism.

Get to Know Explorers’ Edge

Hear from CEO James Murphy as he introduces Explorers’ Edge, shares examples of our work across the region and highlights opportunities for municipalities to collaborate with our organization.

More Than Destination Marketing

Tourism is an important economic driver, supporting local businesses, employment, investment and community vitality.

At Explorers’ Edge, we work to turn that potential into measurable opportunities through initiatives focused on:

  • Transportation & Regional Connectivity: Developing partnerships such as our year-round FlixBus service to improve access between Toronto and communities throughout the region.
  • Destination Development: Working with municipalities and tourism operators to develop new experiences, products and opportunities that encourage visitation and local spending.
  • Workforce Development: Supporting initiatives that connect tourism businesses with workforce solutions, training and future talent.
  • Visitor Intelligence & Research: Providing municipalities, chambers and BIAs with valuable visitor insights, economic intelligence and research to support informed planning and investment decisions.
  • Indigenous Tourism & Inclusive Growth: Building meaningful partnerships that support Indigenous tourism entrepreneurship and more inclusive visitor experiences.
  • Travel Trade & Packaging: Creating opportunities through our regenerative travel agency to connect visitors with local businesses, experiences and communities.

Let’s Work Together

Every municipality has its own priorities, challenges and opportunities. Our role is not to duplicate the work already happening in your community, but to bring regional knowledge, partnerships, resources and expertise to the table.

Whether you’re exploring new tourism opportunities, looking for visitor intelligence to support local decisions or considering how regional partnerships can advance economic development, we welcome the conversation.

To our newly elected and returning municipal leaders: we look forward to working with you.

Let’s connect, share ideas and explore what’s possible for your community and the region.

Connect with James Murphy, CEO, Explorers’ Edge

Email: [email protected]