OHTO's regional brand that represents Ontario's Highlands is Come Wander, a brand that reflects the authentic character of our communities and the variety of incredible experiences available across the region. This brand is been built on the following position:

“Exploring Ontario’s Highlands with an openness to wander – both physically and mentally, allows for a spontaneous unfolding of events, activities and people throughout a visit, and delivers a sense of authentic discovery that nourishes the soul.”

Come Wander is the foundation of OHTO's consumer marketing program and is an approach that uses authentic storytelling to reveal the depth behind our tourism offers – our beautiful lakes, trails, scenic lookouts, activities, charming communities and businesses – to highlight who we are, what we are, and our unique character.  OHTO brings to life these stories in marketing messaging as a way to inspire visitation to Ontario’s Highlands and not only meet but exceed the visitor's expectations.

Come Wander has been developed as an adaptable platform that allows our tourism partners and operators to share their brand message and reach new audiences through a content marketing approach. This approach allows us to be in constant connection with consumers and to focus on inspiring visitors to Come Wander Ontario’s Highlands.

A digital-first, content marketing approach, tourism operators have the opportunity to align with Come Wander through content features, social media posts, website features, newsletter distribution and influencers.  Operators are encouraged to contact the marketing department to learn more about how to engage with OHTO. 

I Want to Partner!

If you are an active OHTO member, you are eligible to partner with OHTO on a marketing project. Verify your membership and/or become a member of OHTO by registering in our online Member Portal (it’s free!) by clicking here.  

If you are interested in partnering with OHTO on a marketing partnership, please see the opportunities available below:

Host a Local Wanderer

Host a Photo Shoot

OHTO is excited to announce a partnership between OHTO and Tourism Technology Company (TTC) for the launch of a brand-new online booking platform, aptly named “Booker.”

Booker is a digital booking pathway to enhance the online booking process for both consumers and operators, to help businesses turn “just looking” into actual bookings on their own website and on destination marketing websites. 

The Booker platform will simplify the booking process for both consumers and operators, leading to an increase in revenue for operators as more consumers move from trip planning to purchasing. In addition, one of the perks to Booker is the digital tool can be used through the operator's website or directly through OHTO’s consumer website, Comewander.ca.

Booker is available to tourism business members of Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization. Funding is available to cover the set-up charge for a limited number of members to join (on a first-come, first-served basis up to a maximum of 30 operators). 

OHTO members interested in learning more about the Booker platform can schedule a call directly with a member of the TTC team to discuss their options and the integration process. 

With some of Ontario’s most picturesque scenery, well-paved winding roads, and roadside eateries and attractions, Ontario’s Highlands is a true motorcycle tourism destination. Seeing the potential for this, OHTO initiated the Ride the Highlands program in 2013.

Ride the Highlands is a niche activity promotional program geared toward the motorcycle enthusiast. Marketing efforts are directed at increasing engagement with the digital platforms associated with this product, including RidetheHighlands.ca.

Promotional activities for this program include the production and distribution of a map, print advertising, media relations, content marketing, digital and social media advertising, and consumer shows.

Efforts to support the program focus on delivering great content to showcase Ontario’s Highlands as a motorcycle destination, and entice both new and previous riders to the region. Ride the Highlands stands out from other riding destinations in the province as it goes the extra mile to engage specific riding markets, try new innovative marketing tactics and help riders with planning needs to create the perfect motorcycle trip.

A non-repayable contribution of $250,000 was received from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) to expand motorcycle tourism and routes within Ontario’s Highlands. This project will lead to developing and marketing four new motorcycle routes in the region, including three adventure/gravel routes. This Ride the Highlands program expansion will further build on the region’s reputation as a premier motorcycle destination, drawing visitors across Ontario, the United States and Quebec. Read the full media release here for the funding announcement for this project expansion.

In partnership with the Counties for Renfrew, Frontenac and Lanark, OHTO is establishing a new signature tourism experience in Eastern Ontario by capitalizing on recent capital trail investments by local municipalities resulting in a 350-kilometre off-road loop of rail trails (The Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop or EORTL). Through this project, a market readiness assessment of the trails will be conducted while also supporting the development of partnerships, policies, investments and marketing to support a new signature trail experience, as well as a series of industry engagement sessions to increase awareness of the economic and social impact trails have on our communities.

This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Read the full media release here for the funding announcement.

Learn more about this partnership project and to subscribe from project updates here.