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2024 Year in Review: Whitby Tourism Highlights

As we reflect on 2024, the Town is excited to share some of the key accomplishments that have shaped another successful year for tourism in Whitby.


The third edition of the nationally award-winning Whitby Food Guide launched this year with an additional 12 pages of content. To “bring the Guide to life”, Whitby Food Tours were piloted from July to November, offering three unique experiences: the Downtown Whitby Walking Tour, Downtown Brooklin Walking Tour, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Food Tour. Nearly 500 attendees participated exploring over 40 local businesses including breweries, coffee shops, cultural eateries, and fine dining locations.


From hosting the Destination Development Networking event to more than doubling the growth of our @ExploreWhitby Instagram followers, we continued to partner on exciting collaborations. Our partnerships with social media influencers, content creators, and organizations like Durham Tourism, Downtown Whitby BIA, Culinary Tourism Alliance, Central Counties Tourism, Destination Ontario, and National Geographic expanded our reach with featured articles highlighting Whitby’s culinary offerings and vibrant tourism scene. Some featured articles included: Wander Whitby on a 2-day Culinary Adventure, Flowing through Ontario’s Many Wonders of Water, and most recently, 3 Holiday Adventures in Ontario’s Downtowns.


What’s on the go for 2025? We’re thrilled to share that Whitby has received funding for a transformative project at our waterfront. Starting in 2025, work will begin to enhance the area surrounding the James Rowe House and Shirley Scott Park, including a seasonal visitor center, new seating, lighting, accessible dock, public art and additional activations to draw more visitors to this scenic area.


As the year ends, we’d like to extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season. Here’s to another exciting year ahead, filled with opportunities to “Discover Something New to Enjoy!” in Whitby.

Whitby Tourism Website

Whitby Food Guide

Explore Whitby Instagram

Whitby Tourism Board of Directors Recruitment

Are you passionate about shaping the future of tourism in Whitby? The Whitby Tourism Development Corporation is seeking seasoned professionals and tourism-related business leaders to serve as a Director on the Board of Directors of Whitby Tourism Development Corporation (WTDC). Application deadline is December 30, 2024. 


View Eligibility Requirements and Application.

Whitby Tourism Spotlight: Aspire Climbing

Aspire Climbing has become a must-visit destination for climbers in Whitby and Durham Region. Co-owners Sarah, and husband Bob, both climbers for over 20 years, saw an opportunity to serve the growing demand for climbing facilities outside of downtown Toronto. As Sarah explains, “We’ve lived in Whitby for a while and were spending hours on the highway community into Toronto to climb. When we opened, there was nothing east of the city, and we knew this area needed a climbing gym.”


Located conveniently near Highway 401, the Whitby Entertainment Centrum, and neighbouring Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park and Reptilia Zoo, Aspire Climbing offers easy access for visitors and locals. The 15,000-square-foot gym features a range of climbing walls, a fully equipped fitness area, and is the second in Ontario to have a Ninja Warrior Program – a popular choice among youth many of whom are inspired by the TV show.


Aspire is a leader in Adaptive and Para-climbing initiatives. “We believe that everyone should have the right to climb,” says Sarah. The gym was the first in Ontario to host a sanctioned Para-climbing competition. It took a year of logistics and partnering with organizations like the Canadian Adaptive Society to make climbing accessible for individuals with disabilities. On the last Sunday of every month, Aspire sets up special equipment to allow climbers of all abilities to participate.


Looking ahead, Aspire Climbing aims to expand hosting larger scale climbing events. The gym is working to have its Para-climbing competition certified as a qualifier by the Ontario Climbing Federation, which would attract visitors from across Canada.


As a key player in Whitby’s growing tourism scene, Aspire Climbing plans to continue offering unique experiences that attract both locals and visitors, while strengthening the community's reputation as a destination for active, inclusive recreation.


Aspire Climbing Whitby


Whitby's Window QR Codes for Businesses

QR Code Window Cling Program continues...


To support Whitby's Food Guide and the Tourism website, vinyl window clings with QR codes are being distributed to businesses across Whitby. Diners, visitors and residents are able to scan the QR code and connect to the digital version of Whitby's Food Guide and Tourism website creating an interactive, easily accessible resource.


To get window clings for your storefront contact us at tourism@whitby.ca

Tools and Resources

Durham Tourism


Want to stay updated on the latest tourism business news in Durham Region? Sign up for the Durham Tourism Industry Report for the latest on events, stories, and tourism initiatives.


Did you Know?


Central Counties Tourism offers great webinars and education courses through their Learning Lab.


Featured courses include the Tourism Ambassador Program, Social Media Marketing Program, Tourism Grant Writing Ready, Tourism Now! and Include Me - Workplace Mental Health.

Tourism Funding and Support


ELLA Express

ELLA Express is an asynchronous program designed to support women entrepreneurs in the pre –revenue/early stage. Participants receive expert feedback and gain access to 6 workshops including Business model, Marketing Fundamentals, and Operations & Finance.

Are you Tourism Ready?


There are several tourism related certifications and education programs available to businesses and attractions that support members of the Ontario Tourism Industry:


Certificate in Reconciliation Training Program offered by Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), in partnership with Legacy Bowes, the Certificate in Reconciliation training program for the Tourism Industry is a hybrid virtual and in-person program that provides a safe space for staff and board members to learn more about Indigenous perspectives and explore their role in furthering reconciliation. Contact ITAC to learn more about this program.


Safe Travels Stamp

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in conjunction with the industry, including Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), has created a self-certified Safe Travels Stamp based on worldwide industry protocols.

Safe Travels Stamp Certification

 

Green Step Standard

Provides assessments, programs, and certifications to help tourism destinations and businesses measure and improve their sustainability performance.

Green Step Tourism Business Certification


Engage with us on Social Media

Want to learn more, have questions, or collaborate with us on social media?

Contact Whitby Tourism at tourism@whitby.ca


Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @ExploreWhitby


Instagram