Turn Your Accessible Tourism Idea Into Reality
$3,000 in funding. A mentor matched to your business. One application.
Aric Fishman, Outdoor Skills and Thrills, Northern Ontario "Spark" Winner 2021
Millions of people travel to experience Northern Ontario's lakes, trails, and wilderness every year. But for travelers with disabilities, older visitors, and families needing accommodations, too many of those experiences simply aren't built for them — the trail isn't rated, the dock isn't reachable, the tour doesn't accommodate.
That's not a niche market. People with disabilities in Canada represent an estimated $55 billion a year in discretionary spending — much of it going to destinations that made the effort to be reachable.
This round of "Spark" is dedicated entirely to closing that gap. Every idea funded this year has to make a Northern Ontario tourism experience more accessible — and in doing so, open it up to more visitors than ever before.
If you've got an idea that makes travel in Northern Ontario more accessible — a new experience, or a real accessibility upgrade to something that already exists — this program was built for you.
If you require assistance with or accommodations for the application, please contact [email protected]
Download the "Spark" program application quick-start guide!
GET IT HEREWe're Looking For Ideas That:
- Center accessibility as a core part of the experience — physical, sensory, cognitive, or otherwise
- Create high-quality visitor experiences for travelers currently underserved by accessibility
- Fill gaps in accessible tourism products and services in Northern Ontario
- Encourage longer stays and repeat visits
- Increase off-season tourism and spending
- Demonstrate genuine sustainability
You'd Be the First — That's Your Advantage
This is Ontario's first "Spark" program built entirely around accessible tourism. That means you'd be one of the first businesses in the region to claim this ground, with a funder and mentor network actively looking to back it.
Eligibility:
$3,000 and Expert Guidance
Funding — $3,000
A grant to get your idea off the ground.
A Matched Mentor
"Spark" pairs you with an industry mentor suited to your specific business, not a generic advisor. Past winners consistently point to the mentorship as possibly the most valuable part of their "Spark" experience!
Credibility
Winning "Spark" gives your idea a stamp of legitimacy with lenders, partners, and your own confidence.
What "Spark" Winners Say
The mentorship was amazing — being able to talk to industry-specific leaders and other women in the area who are thriving in it. The financing was essential to get a spot on the main beach and start participating in the community.
— iSUP Saugeen, 2022 Bruce County "Spark" Winner
The grant was really the "Spark" for moving into the shoulder season — I was able to winterize one of our bunkies and go from summer-only to open year-round.
— Dreamers Writing Farm, 2019 Bruce County "Spark" Winner
Four Steps
Apply
Sept 14–Oct 29. Tell us your idea.
Review
Our team reviews every application.
Pitch
Finalists pitch live on November 19.
Win
1 winner receives $3,000 and a matched mentor.
Download the "Spark" program application quick-start guide!
GET IT HEREFrequently Asked Questions
Fast, Easy Application
Answer
10 simple questions about your accessibility-focused tourism idea.
Record
A short, easy video of you explaining your idea.
Download the Quick Start Guide!
We designed this guide to take you step-by-step through the application process, as well as point out common reasons why some applications don't make the cut.
Follow along at your own pace, fill out the questions, then copy your answers into the official application (link at the end of the guide) when you're ready.
Fill out the info below to get your copy of the 2026 "Spark" Quick Start Guide!