Explorers’ Edge 2026/27 Partnership Program February 19th Information Webinar

By jennifer

January 28, 2026

Co-Invest. Collaborate. Create Regional Impact.
Information Webinar February 19, 10:00am

The Explorers’ Edge Partnership Program is a strategic co-investment opportunity designed to support tourism planning, marketing, product development, and the creation of bookable, high-quality visitor experiences across the region. Click here to register

Program Overview

The Explorers’ Edge Partnership Program is a strategic co-investment opportunity designed to amplify tourism development in the region. We match stakeholder contributions to support initiatives that drive visitation, enhance experiences, promote regenerative tourism, and foster workforce and product innovation.

Important: This program is not a grant. It is a shared-delivery initiative, subject to approval of our Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Board of Directors and Senior Staff.

New for 2026

Experience Creation & Travel Co Integration

As part of the launch of the Explorers’ Edge Travel Co, the 2026/2027 Partnership Program places a strong emphasis on experience development and collaboration. Priority will be given to projects that:

Pilot new or evolving visitor experiences
Package or bundle experiences across multiple operators
Test bookable products that can be incorporated into the Explorers’ Edge Travel Co
Demonstrate collaboration between businesses, operators, or communities
Align with co-investment models that grow regional value, not just individual promotion

Successful projects may be supported not only through funding, but also through experience design guidance, testing, and potential integration opportunities. Upon completion of the partnership, a consultation with Explorers’ Edge Travel Co. will be coordinated to evaluate the success of the experience and explore opportunities for integration into regional sales and distribution channels.

Sustainability, Inclusivity & Accessible Experience / Enhancement

The Explorers’ Edge supports Inclusivity & Accessible Experiences as a program stream. This stream supports projects that remove barriers to participation and create welcoming, respectful, and accessible experiences for visitors of all abilities, backgrounds, and identities.

Funded initiatives may focus on accessible experience design, inclusive storytelling and marketing, culturally respectful partnerships, and operational practices that ensure visitors feel represented, safe, and welcome. By embedding inclusivity into experience development, this pillar strengthens the region’s appeal, broadens market reach, and ensures tourism growth benefits both visitors and communities.

As part of the application process, participants will be asked to demonstrate their commitment to these principles by referencing initiatives such as the District of Muskoka Climate Hero program, the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Declaration, the Rainbow Registry for 2SLGBTQi+ inclusivity, and Indigenous-led initiatives that honor the principles of Truth and Reconciliation. This requirement reflects Explorers’ Edge’s ongoing dedication to responsible tourism development, ensuring that funded projects not only support economic growth and visitor experiences but also foster environmental stewardship, community well-being, cultural respect, and welcoming, inclusive spaces for all.

What we Fund: Program Streams

Experience Creation and Travel Co Integration
Pilot projects aligned with the Explorers’ Edge Travel Co
Sustainability, Inclusivity & Accessible Experiences and enhancements
New or enhanced visitor experiences
Communication, Marketing & Advertising Campaigns
Trade Shows, Direct Marketing campaigns and social media campaigns, wayfinding and signage projects)
Image Development
In partnership with our Agency of Record (AOR), Explorers’ Edge will support the creation of high-quality photo and video assets that help operators tell their stories and market new or evolving experiences.
Workforce developing and training
Research and product validation

Program Benefits

Matching Investment
Leverage Explorers’ Edge funds to offset the costs associated with the partnership – up to 50%.
Expert Guidance
Collaborate with professionals to ensure strategic alignment and quality execution.
Regional Focus
Projects must support tourism within the district of Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, South Algonquin and the district of Parry Sound.
Flexible Support
Multiple streams for marketing, product development, workforce support, and infrastructure.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

Established businesses or organizations (with all required operating permits)
Legally registered to operate in Ontario, with all necessary permits in place (federal, provincial, municipal), and there must be no outstanding legal issues that would affect the processing and outcomes of this project and collaboration with Explorers’ Edge.
Tourism operators (private and non-profit)
Destination Marketing Organizations and tourism associations
Municipalities and Indigenous communities
Economic development offices

Applicants must:

Located within the Explorers’ Edge RTO12 region
Demonstrate the ability to co-invest (cash match required)
Have a current online presence and public-facing tourism offering

Key Dates & Requirements

Webinar Sign-up: February 19, 2026
Application Period: February 27, 2026 – March 27, 2026 @ 5.00pm
Project Completion Deadline: March 31, 2027
Partner Match: Must be cash only (no in-kind or government program stacking)

Please note: Applicants are required to contact Explorers’ Edge staff in advance to confirm project eligibility and alignment with strategic priorities.

Of note: The application process is competitive, and funds are limited. Thoughtful planning of your project ensures it aligns with Explorers’ Edge strategic priorities and enhances your chances of approval. Explorers’ Edge reserves the right to limit the number of programs/funds that one stakeholder may receive per year.