Summer tourism surge fuels strong season for local resorts

As summer winds down, travelers are going through Simcoe Muskoka this weekend for their last-minute getaways, giving local resorts yet another boost.

As summer winds down, travelers from near and far are going through Simcoe Muskoka this weekend for their last-minute getaways, giving local resorts yet another boost.

That made for a busy Friday at Fern Resort in Ramara Township, as large groups and families were returning home and arriving, which included longtime guests.

“We have a number of guests who come back year after year. But this year, we have introduced so many guests who have been looking to come and stay here in Ontario,” said Mark Downing, Fern Resort owner and president.

Resorts in the region and across the province are reporting that it has been another successful summer, with occupancy numbers continuing to increase compared to previous years.

“Their occupancy seems to be 80 to 90 per cent occupancy midweek as week as well as weekends,” said Shane Bage, Resorts of Ontario marketing communications manager.

“We are about as close to full occupancy as we can get,” added Downing. “(Guests) really want to get out and make sure they’re enjoying the sun and all the great experiences that Ontario resorts have to offer.”

With just over a week left in August, local resorts are looking to end the season on a high note thanks to the end-of-summer rush.

“They’re looking at August as kind of that mark of ‘Oh, we’re getting close to back to school; we need to make sure we fill the summer as much as we can,’” said Tara Lovell from Blue Mountain Resort.

That momentum is expected to continue with Blue Mountain and Fern’s outdoor activities going on into September and beyond.

Resorts of Ontario recommends planning trips in advance as resort occupancy continues to fill up fast.