Tourism and Agri-Tourism

Ottawa Rural Tourism Council
Directional farm signage program
Savour Ottawa
Buy local food guide
Rural events and attractions listing

It is estimated there are well over 200 rural tourism businesses within the City of Ottawa. Most visitors that frequent rural attractions are urban residents or tourists looking for opportunities to connect with the rural lifestyle.

Agri-Tourism is a growing market niche in the City of Ottawa. It has become a way to diversify and increase the sustainability of the family farm. In addition to providing on farm jobs for family members and local residents, it is also a great educational opportunity to give visitors an understanding of where their food comes from. Getting up close and personal with a dairy cow, winding through a corn maze, or tasting an apple fresh from the tree, brings home the reality and importance of agriculture.

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Ottawa’s countryside

Ottawa’s Countryside, an initiative of the Ottawa Rural Tourism Council is a grass roots organization whose goal is to effectively market and promote one of Ottawa’s fastest growing industries - the rural tourism industry. Some of the benefits of being part of a larger network of tourism operators include the ability to cost effectively market the tourism industry as a whole, as well as develop projects and initiatives such as a Web page devoted specifically to rural tourism in Ottawa.

Learn more by visiting www.ottawascountryside.ca, where all roads lead to adventure.

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Directional farm signage program

The Directional Farm Signage Program is a unique initiative that provides distinct city-sanctioned signage that will assist the public in locating rural farm based businesses.

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Savour Ottawa

Savour Ottawa develops and promotes Ottawa and area as a premier, year-round culinary destination, with robust offerings of local culinary products and experiences for both locals and visitors to the area. Savour Ottawa local food is grown, raised and harvested in Ottawa, the counties of Prescott Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Leeds and Grenville, Lanark, Renfrew, Frontenac and the Outaouais.

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Buy local food guide

Just Food works with farmers and all those involved in the food chain by focusing on connecting people, and creating infrastructure that encourages the sourcing and selling of food locally. One initiative undertaken in partnership with the City of Ottawa is the development of a Buy Local Food Guide.

The Buy Local Food Guide allows people to link with local farms and markets, and develop ongoing relationships with farmers in Ottawa. Refer to the Just Food Web page for more information on their program initiatives.

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Rural events and attractions listing

The City of Ottawa has developed an online calendar for not-for-profit rural and agricultural groups in Ottawa to promote their community events. A convenient online submission form is available. This site also features attractions such as Ottawa’s farmers markets, agricultural fairs, museums and other destinations of interest.

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