EORTL Cycle Tourism Destination & Community Workshop - Smiths Falls
About this Event
Register to attend one of these free workshops hosted by Ontario By Bike, to learn about more about the developing Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop, the latest updates on this partnership project, and how businesses can be ready to benefit from the increase in cycle tourism.
The Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop (EORTL) is a visionary 320-kilometre continuous off-road loop trail comprised of the Frontenac K&P Trail, Renfrew K&P Trail, The Algonquin Trail, the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail and the Cataraqui Trail. In phased development across the counties of Renfrew, Frontenac, Lanark, and the Township of Rideau Lakes, the Loop is poised to become a signature tourism experience for the region. The initiative is led by the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization (OHTO), in partnership with regional partners.
When market ready, the EORTL will be a tourism experience that will attract a large number of overnight and day visitors, increasing visitor spending and tourism receipts across the area.
Community partners and tourism operators are invited to attend a workshop as the trails combined move towards a world-class trail experience that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike. When fully developed, the EORTL is projected to generate an estimated $65 million in direct annual economic impact and more than $100 million in total economic impact.
Attend a 2 hour in-person workshop to learn more about the EORTL, how welcoming cyclists can be good for your business, good for the region and how to get certified as bicycle friendly to maximize business opportunities.
The in-person workshops will feature guest speakers from local and regional tourism partners, plus have opportunities for discussion and networking with other tourism industry professionals. Limited spaces available. Refreshments will be provided.
Why Participate in an In-Person Workshop?:
- Cycling and cycle tourism are already popular across the region
- Become more familiar with cycle tourism market and find out how welcoming cyclists can be good for business
- Hear EORTL and other local cycling product updates
- Find out how to get certified as a bicycle friendly business
- Find out about the impact of comparable rail trail projects supporting cycling and the cycle tourism market in other jurisdictions
- Connect with other tourism industry professionals with networking and round-table discussions
- Uncover new business opportunities
- Refreshments will be provided
Who Should Participate in the Workshops?
- Local tourism stakeholders, organizations and contacts who are interested in tapping into the growing market of cycle tourism
- Staff, managers, owners of tourism businesses and locations interested in becoming certified as bicycle friendly
- Local community stakeholders
- This workshop is open to all stakeholders across the region, but of particular interest to businesses and locations in the tourism and service industry.
- All are welcome to join any workshop that is convenient to their location and availability, however content will be more tailored to hosting destination. Additional workshops will be available in November 2026 for Renfrew County and Lanark County.
About the Workshops:
- Free and easy to participate
- This in-person workshop will be 2 hours long and include presentations from Ontario By Bike plus local guest speakers, an opportunity for group discussion and networking.
Ontario By Bike Network Participation:
The Network is open to accommodations (roofed accommodations, camping), attractions (galleries, museums, wineries, breweries, etc.) food service providers (cafes, restaurants, etc.), business areas and other cycling-related businesses (bike shops, tours, rentals) wanting to attract cycle tourists to their location.
Certification is free. Certified locations appear on the Ontario By Bike Map and are on the business directory for the region: Frontenac County; Lanark County; Renfrew County/Ottawa Valley; Township of Rideau Lakes/South Eastern Ontario.
The following requirements must be met to become a certified bicycle friendly location and participate in the Network:
- Meet the minimum requirements as set out in the Ontario By Bike Network industry standards and criteria checklist
- Register location with Ontario By Bike online
- If you are already a certified business location, ensure that your information is up-to-date, by reviewing your listing on our website, and then making updates/edits.
Brought to you by:
Ontario’s Highland Tourism Organization / Regional Tourism Organization 11
Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
