Community Tourism Plan

Background

Located less than 40km from downtown Toronto on the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario, Pickering is a rich and diverse community with many experiences to enjoy, including:

• arts & culture
• recreation and entertainment opportunities
• shopping and dining
• waterfront activities (fishing, surfing, kayaking)
• hiking and cycling trails
• enchanting hamlets

Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here.

As such, the City of Pickering will be developing a three-year Community Tourism Plan, which will highlight the unique attractions that make Pickering a popular destination to visit and serve as a guide for staff as the City continues to drive tourism, cultural services, and economic development to Pickering.

The visitor economy, driven by the tourism industry, contributes to local economic growth and job creation. In 2019, Ontario hosted 144 million visitors, generating over $34 billion in new spending. The tourism industry generated $12 billion in tax revenues and employed more than 391,000 individuals in over 188,000 businesses. In the same year, Durham Region welcomed 3.6 million visitors, generating $321 million in new spending. Pickering is a significant contributor to tourism in the Region, welcoming visitors to enjoy its many attractions including the vibrant waterfront, greenspaces, arts and culture sites, and new world-class casino with entertainment and accommodation facilities.

Have Your Say

We want to hear from you! If you're a resident, visitor and/or business owner in Pickering, please complete the survey below. Your feedback will help shape the City's Community Tourism Plan.