Explore Ontario – Tourism and Culture Spotlight

There has never been a better time to explore local attractions across Ontario. 

Ontario Municipalities have been using the CCBF to build up tourist attractions and cultural landmarks that bring fun adventures close to home.

Strengthening culture and tourism is just one part of how the CCBF builds strong, sustainable, and vibrant communities.

Tourism

With thousands of lakes, endless wilderness, bustling cities, and hundreds of charming towns, there’s something for everyone in Ontario. 

Municipal investment of the CCBF is helping Ontario’s tourism sector and other small businesses rebound from the pandemic, grow into the future, and inspire community pride.

CCBF projects improve aquariums and ski hills, breathe new life into waterfront spaces and scenic lookouts, renovate tourism information centres, and erect signs to identify tourism destinations. They encourage residents to get outdoors, appreciate natural beauty of the environment, and promote novelty and excitement close to home.

One great recent project is the Rehabilitation of a Marina in the Town of Spanish that is a major employer in the Town.

Culture

Ontario is home to about 400 municipal museums, archives, and art galleries, as well as 12,000 designated heritage properties. These sites celebrate the history of our communities and fostering a sense of belonging. 

Many municipalities have invested the CCBF to expand or restore these cultural institutions. A total of 31 museums, art galleries, heritage sites, and memorial buildings were built or renovated with the CCBF between 2014 and 2023 – preserving local history and revitalizing historical structures. In that time 16 libraries were also built or renewed, contributing to lifelong learning through 239,000 annual programs province-wide. 

Ontario’s cultural institutions create spaces for people of all ages to learn and grow. One recent project was the Upgrade of a Historic Community Centre in Tweed which is an important social gathering place for residents.
 

Learn more about tourism and culture projects on our Impact Page or in our Ten-Year Outcomes Report.