by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
FORESTERS FALLS — Wilderness Tours, located near Foresters Falls, is a finalist in the Brewster Travel Canada Adventure/Outdoors Award.
This is one of several awards in The Canadian Tourism Awards presented by Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).
“The Canadian Tourism Awards are an annual event to celebrate excellence in Canada’s travel and tourism industry,” said Rob Taylor, vice-president, public and industry affairs of TIAC.
Awards are handed out in 13 categories including the Brewster Travel Canada Adventure/Outdoors Award, he said.
“This is a brand, new category reflecting the growing popularity and quality of outdoor/adventure experiences available in Canada,” Mr. Taylor said.
Joe Kowalski, owner of Wilderness Tours, is pleased with being a finalist.
“The recognition of Wilderness Tours is very gratifying, considering we have a fabulous partnership with Algonquin College, we’ve hosted the world kayak championships three times, we have been the incubator for Horse Country Campground and Whitewater Village and great help to Whitewater Brewery,” he said.
“We have a lot of fabulous local people working for us,” Mr. Kowalski, adding, “When the company is recognized, they’re recognized.”
Mr. Taylor noted there is five judging criteria for this award: Promotes visitor participation and personal challenge; Provides outdoor experiences that showcase and promote regional tourism; Contribution to or enhancement of the tourism industry; Commitment to visitor/participant satisfaction and product development; and Fosters an appreciation and enjoyment of the great outdoors.
Wilderness Tours has 41 years of experience in outdoor adventure, he said. It provides a wide array of quality adventure products on the Ottawa River, Lachine Rapids and the Niagara River, he added. The company works with Algonquin College to provide education and the employees provide conservation efforts to protect shoreline along the Ottawa River, Mr. Taylor said.
The other two finalists in this category are Northern Edge Algonquin from South River, Ontario and Churchill Wild from Churchill, Manitoba.
The winners will be announced at the Canadian Tourism Awards gala at et Hilton Lac Leamy conference centre on Wednesday, November 30.
