Meet the Board: Barrie Martin, founder of Yours Outdoors

If there is one tourism stakeholder known for his unfailing commitment to tourism, embrace of innovation, and trail blazing spirit, it is Haliburton Highlands’ Barrie Martin. 

Recognized in the tourism world of Haliburton Highlands and beyond, Barrie Martin has been a pivotal figure in the Ontario tourism industry since 2006. Known for his innovative approach to experiential tourism and commitment to community engagement, the impact of Barrie’s efforts in tourism will continue to be felt in the community and Ontario for years to come. 

It was from Barrie’s interest in showcasing the unique experiences available in Haliburton Highlands that Yours Outdoors was born in 2006. Yours Outdoors is an outdoor adventure company that offers a range of pre-curated experiences to introduce visitors to the outdoors, history, and culture of the Haliburton Highlands region. 

Today, Yours Outdoors has been incorporated into the umbrella of Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve and continues to celebrate art, nature, history, and outdoor recreation at Haliburton Forest. For Barrie, the acquisition of Yours Outdoors by Haliburton Forest was not just a business deal; it was the fusion of two visions to expand and enrich tourism offerings for visitors while cementing Haliburton Forest’s role as a community pillar.

“For me it was a good succession plan because to try and bring someone else into my business was challenging, so to come into Haliburton Forest was a benefit to both businesses,” Barrie said. “Haliburton Forest was able to open up a bigger market and we were bringing new experiences to Haliburton Forest.”

Despite his retirement from Yours Outdoors, Barrie is not fading quietly into the night. His passion for tourism continues today as he remains involved in the Haliburton community and through his new role as an Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization board member. 

“One reason I wasn’t on the board sooner was I did a lot of experience development workshops with OHTO to help operators develop their own experiences,” Barrie said. “OHTO has given me a lot of support for Yours Outdoors and I wanted to give back and stay engaged in the tourism community.”