Northeastern Ontario is a preferred destination for snowmobilers—consistent snow, thousands of kilometres of groomed OFSC trails, and warm hospitality from family-owned lodges and businesses have made this an essential pilgrimage for riders in the know.
Regional snowmobile stakeholders came together in 2015, to become, and own the title of the World’s Best Snowmobile Destination. A snowmobile summit and a learning mission established the guidelines, and a plan was set to establish Northeastern Ontario as the World’s Best Snowmobile Destination. High standards are key—and only stakeholders that meet the criteria can display an Approved World's Best Snowmobile Destination badge.
Destination Northern Ontario, with funding support from FedNor, NOHFC and community partners, committed to the three-year project—squeezing the throttle and implementing the plan. Beginning during the winter of 2020, the way forward is now mapped, and the work is being undertaken with a plan that will require everyone’s high-octane effort to reach the goal of becoming the World’s Best Snowmobile Destination.
FAQ
The project's inaugural loop is Gateway to the North— serving as a best-in-class model for the region and establishing criteria to encourage operators to provide a world-class experience for snowmobilers. These criteria ensure the rider experience is enhanced, and gives snowmobile stakeholders the tools to focus on important details such as:
- Easily understandable, consistent signage and accessible staging areas
- Quality warm-up shacks and washrooms
- Memorable, high-quality customer service that exceeds expectations
- Enhanced connections from communities to trails
- Even better grooming consistency and quality
- Loops of various lengths and abilities
- Businesses that are recognized as snowmobile friendly
- A focus on creating a safe riding experience
Throughout the 3-year project process, stakeholders will be challenged to be even better. Options for improving infrastructure will be recommended and recognition will be provided for partners who are going the distance. Support will be offered by:
- Offering customer service training workshops
- Auditing, recommending and installing enhanced signage and wayfinding systems
- Determining how to enhance the on-trail experience even more
- Looking at staging and rider amenity enhancement
- Expanding the snowmobile story of the region and telling it to riders
- Determining how to be sustainable and creating a governance model
- Forward-looking snowmobile brand development
Want to Become a World's Best Approved Destination?
- Go to www.tourismexcellencenorth.ca
- Fill out the snowmobile market readiness checklist
- A WBSD representative will get back to you with your results, certificate and next steps
- Implement next steps to enable your business to become super snowmobile friendly.
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Contact us for more information on the World's Best Snowmobile Destination project.