Great Ontario Getaway Giveaway

by | Mar 31, 2021 | Tourism Industry News | 0 comments

Calling All Northern Ontario Lodges!

To help support Resource-Based Tourism operators, Fish ‘N Canada has developed the “Great Ontario Get-Away Give-Away” contest in partnership with Destination Northern Ontario (DNO), Destination Ontario, Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO), Sunset Country, Superior Country, Algoma Country, and Northeastern Ontario Tourism. Through this contest, we hope to increase awareness of the outdoor products that are offered in the North and encourage more domestic bookings at our lodges.

We are looking for a number of trips that showcase the variety of vacation types/styles in Northern Ontario through our camps, lodges, resorts and outposts.

It is important to note that tourism operators will not be donating these trips but will be paid in full for the package that they provide, if it is awarded through this contest. There will be 5 monthly winners (top 5 vote getters and 5 randomly selected lodges), over the course of 5 months (April 2021 – August 2021). Trip winners will be able to take their trips in 2021 or 2022.

It is preferred that trips are all-inclusive packages. That is not to say that housekeeping packages are not eligible. All-inclusive in this instance means that it includes the full range of services and amenities an individual tourism business can provide, for two individuals (the winner and their +1).

Here are the criteria that businesses must meet in order to qualify:

  • Must be located in Northern Ontario (RTO 13).
  • Must confirm that they are implementing COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols as required by the Ontario Government.
  • Must have successfully applied for the SafeTravel Stamp (view application).
  • Must be a Resource-Based Tourism business (lodge, camp, resort, outfitter that offers fishing, hunting, and/or other outdoor experiences).
  • Must provide the highest quality package available at their business (i.e., accommodations, housekeeping or American plan, rentals, fishing guide, etc.). Duration of trips may vary based on packages: 3-nights, 4-days for American plan/fly-ins, 7 days for housekeeping plans. Awarded trips will be for 2 individuals (winner and their +1).
  • Price must be listed in Canadian Dollars.
  • Must provide a 200-word story about your business (history, milestones, products, services, etc.).

Operators are encouraged to create special offers for Fish ‘N Canada members during this contest (this is not mandatory to participate). With all the traffic that will be generated through this promotion, we anticipate that some individuals will want to book trips outside of the contest.

PLEASE NOTE: There is a possibility that not all trips will be awarded. All participating operators will be given free advertising opportunities through Fish ‘N Canada’s platform over the course of this contest. All winning lodges will be selected via random draw. Awarded trips must be fulfilled in 2021 or 2022. For more information, please view contest details.

To participate, please complete the form by clicking on the button below and send completed forms to Kate at NOTO ([email protected]). All successful lodges will be contacted by the NOTO office and will be put into the draw. If you have any questions, please contact Destination Northern Ontario or NOTO staff.

Application Form


FAQ’s About the Contest

Q. What is the deadline to submit an application?
A. There is no deadline however we encourage all operators to get in their applications ASAP! The contest will open to individuals on April 1st and the first draw (5 winning individuals and 5 randomly selected lodges) will occur at the end of the month. Participating operators will also be able to take advantage of all the free marketing and exposure through Fish’n Canada’s platform as soon as the contest launches. Getting your application in early means you will maximize your exposure!
Q. Should we include HST in the price we submit with our application?
A. It’s not 100% necessary but please let us know if HST was not included in the price submitted ($ + tax). Remember, all prices should be listed in $CAD.
Q. Why do we need to have a Safe Travels Stamp?
A. The Safe Travels Stamp is a world-wide recognized emblem to show that your tourism business has implemented health and safety protocols and that your business is a safe tourism destination. As this stamp becomes the standard around the globe, we want to make sure our industry doesn’t get left behind.
Q. Will my Safe Travels Stamp application be denied if I’m still unsure if I will be able to open for the 2021 season?
Here is the clarification we received from TIAO: If an operator plans on opening this year, please have them submit an application. We know things are very fluid right now so the operator will not be penalized if they are unable to open this year. As long as they can show they are preparing for re-opening and implementing NOTO’s and/or their local public health unit’s protocols, they will be okay.
Q: Why do we need COVID-19 health and safety protocols and what protocols are deemed acceptable for this contest?
A. Under the current Government COVID-19 regulations, all businesses must have a “Safety Plan” which is basically a document or collection of documents which highlight the health and safety measures implemented in your business and your plan in the event someone was to fall ill at your business. NOTO’s health and safety protocols cover all of these points and have been vetted by Government.
NOTO’s health and safety protocols cover all aspects of the various types of resource-based tourism businesses. Other approved health and safety documents include WTTC protocols, your local public health unit’s protocols, and sector specific Government approved health and safety protocols.
Q. The form didn’t let me submit a 200 word story. Can I send it in a separate document?

A. Yes. We do apologize for this mistake. We acknowledge that the original form had a character limit that did not allow operators to submit a 200 word story. The NOTO staff have fixed this issue in the form linked above. If you have already submitted your application and wish to send in a longer story, please feel free to do so in a separate document. For qualifying lodges, these stories will be used on your business page on the contest website.

About Northeastern Ontario Tourism

Northeastern Ontario Tourism (NeONT) is a not-for profit organization dedicated to promoting the region as a premier travel destination with the goal of increasing tourism revenue for our Partners, and the region as a whole.