History of Tourism in Niagara, pre-1969
Item
Title
History of Tourism in Niagara, pre-1969
Description
Tourism is a key sector in Niagara’s economic policy today and the region’s development as a world-class destination dates to the 1800s. Tourist attractions include physical wonders like Niagara Falls, feats of engineering like the Welland Canal and hydroelectric generating stations, agrifood tourism associated with Niagara’s wine and tender-fruit industries, and historical attractions such as the military forts.
The Niagara tourism sector has also been purposefully nurtured with the establishment of cultural attractions such as the Shaw Festival, sports events like the annual Henley Regatta, and nature tourism along the Bruce Trail which traverses the Niagara Escarpment and its conservation areas. All these sights and more draw more than 13 million visitors each year to the region, thus requiring transportation infrastructure and accommodation. At the same time, these attractions provide jobs and income to people and businesses in the region.
This paper will focus on three significant aspects of Niagara’s tourist industry from its earliest days until 1969: transportation, accommodation, and attractions. Each category will explore important developments and highlight how the tourist industry changed over time.
The Niagara tourism sector has also been purposefully nurtured with the establishment of cultural attractions such as the Shaw Festival, sports events like the annual Henley Regatta, and nature tourism along the Bruce Trail which traverses the Niagara Escarpment and its conservation areas. All these sights and more draw more than 13 million visitors each year to the region, thus requiring transportation infrastructure and accommodation. At the same time, these attractions provide jobs and income to people and businesses in the region.
This paper will focus on three significant aspects of Niagara’s tourist industry from its earliest days until 1969: transportation, accommodation, and attractions. Each category will explore important developments and highlight how the tourist industry changed over time.
list of authors
Kimberly Monk
Publisher
Brock University
Date Issued
January 2024