SDG COUNTIES, Ontario – The 2026 Cornwall-SDG Counties Tourism Summit was an unqualified success, bringing industry leaders and tourism professionals from across our region to learn best practices and network.
Held April 22 at the South Stormont Community Hall, the sold-out summit welcomed tourism operators, municipal partners, and community organizations for a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection. Building on the momentum of last year’s inaugural event, the summit focused on leadership development, innovation, funding opportunities, and the evolving digital landscape shaping the future of tourism in Cornwall and SDG Counties.
Participants enjoyed a morning networking breakfast, a regional tourism update, and engaging sessions led by industry experts, including discussions on authentic destination branding and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on visitor engagement.
“This summit continues to be an important opportunity for our tourism partners to learn from one another and grow together,” said Karina Belanger, Tourism Supervisor for SDG Counties. “By coming together in a collaborative space, we’re strengthening our region’s ability to deliver memorable, competitive, and resilient visitor experiences.”
Shauna Baggs, Supervisor of Arts, Culture and Tourism with the City of Cornwall, echoed that sentiment. “The energy in the room today was inspiring,” she said. “When we share ideas, tools, and perspectives, we create a stronger, more welcoming tourism sector that benefits our communities and our visitors alike.”
Organizers say the success of the 2026 summit highlights the shared commitment to collaboration and continued growth across Cornwall and SDG Counties.
The event served as the launch of the 2026 Cornwall & Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SDG) Counties Visitor Guide - now available, offering visitors and locals a fresh and easy way to explore the region.
Produced in partnership by Cornwall Tourism and SDG Counties Tourism, the Visitor Guide highlights the best of both the city and surrounding counties in one convenient publication. From food and festivals to trails, history, and small‑town charm, the guide is designed to help visitors plan meaningful experiences across the region.
This year’s guide introduces a few exciting new features that make exploring even easier—and more enjoyable.
New for 2026
One of the biggest additions is the launch of the Discover Cornwall and SDG Counties Podcast, a regional storytelling series created by Cornwall Tourism and SDG Counties Tourism and hosted by Todd Lihou. The podcast features relaxed, engaging conversations with local business owners, artists, historians, event organizers, and community builders who bring the region to life.
Podcast episodes are linked throughout the guide using QR codes, making it easy for visitors to listen while planning a trip or while out exploring the region.
Also new this year is a pull‑out, double‑sided map. One side highlights the City of Cornwall, while the other features the SDG Counties. The map was designed with the visitor experience in mind—easy to unfold at a table, comfortable to hold while walking, and compact enough to tuck into a bag or backpack.
“The Visitor Guide continues to be an important way to welcome people to our region,” said Shauna Baggs, Supervisor of Arts, Culture and Tourism with the City of Cornwall. “The new podcast and pull‑out map help visitors connect not just with places, but with the people and stories that make Cornwall and SDG Counties special.”
A guide to exploring the region
The 2026 Visitor Guide includes information on:
- Food and drink
- Festivals and events
- Outdoor recreation and trails
- Cycling routes and waterfront experiences
- Arts, culture, and local history
- Attractions and accommodations
Cycling and outdoor recreation remain a key focus, including the waterfront trail system, which continues to receive consistent praise from cyclists from around the world for its scenery, safety, and accessibility.
“Our region offers a great mix of urban experiences and rural escapes,” said Karina Belanger, Tourism Supervisor with SDG Counties Tourism. “This guide encourages visitors to explore both Cornwall and the Counties, showing how connected and easy it is to experience the whole region.”
Designed with care
The 2026 Visitor Guide was created with attention to how people actually use it—from flipping through pages at home to carrying it while exploring. Content development was led by Perch Communications, with design by Marriner Design, resulting in a guide that is visually engaging, easy to navigate, and enjoyable to hold, share, and revisit.
Where to find the guide
Tens of thousands of copies of the 2026 Cornwall & SDG Counties Visitor Guide will be distributed throughout Ontario, Quebec, and Northern New York. Guides will be available at visitor centres, accommodations, attractions, public buildings, festivals, events, and along major travel routes throughout the year.
Visitors can also listen to the Discover Cornwall and SDG Counties Podcast on major streaming platforms or online at:
Stream the Podcast: visitcornwallsdgcounties.ca/podcast/