Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards recognize region’s top attractions, events, and innovators

Photo supplied by the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association

The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association celebrated the people, businesses and events helping grow tourism across the region during its 2026 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards.

The awards were presented following the OVTA’s Annual General Meeting at Festival Hall in Pembroke, where tourism operators, business leaders and community partners gathered to celebrate excellence within the visitor economy.

Tourism Champion Award

Jamie Moody, General Manager of the Petawawa Quality Inn & Suites, received the Tourism Champion Award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to promoting tourism throughout the Ottawa Valley. Moody has helped lead the hotel to national recognition while actively supporting regional partnerships and community initiatives that showcase the Valley as a premier destination.

Business / Organization of the Year

Wilderness Tours was named Business of the Year. A cornerstone of Ottawa Valley tourism since 1975, the company continues to attract visitors through innovative outdoor experiences, including the expansion of its Mountain Bike Park, a new bike shuttle service and the ongoing popularity of Lazy River Tubing.

Event of the Year

The Ottawa Valley Buskerfest earned Event of the Year honours. The annual festival attracts more than 10,000 visitors to Pembroke with world-class street performers, family-friendly entertainment, cultural experiences and a spectacular drone show. The event continues to generate significant benefits for local businesses and tourism operators.

Sustainability Champion Award

Ottawa Valley Coffee Petawawa was recognized for its leadership in sustainable tourism. Through waste-reduction initiatives, partnerships with local farmers, support for local vendors and a strong focus on regional products, the business has become a model for responsible tourism in the Valley.

New Tourism Product Award

Dog House Brewing Company received the New Tourism Product Award for creating unique craft beers that connect visitors to local stories and heritage. Its High Flight Belgian Blonde and Centennial Juicy IPA celebrate Petawawa’s military history, natural beauty and community spirit while offering visitors a distinctive taste of the region.

New Tourism Experience Award

Dog House Brewing Company also earned the New Tourism Experience Award for its new taproom in Petawawa. Since opening, the taproom has become a community gathering space featuring live music, trivia nights, workshops and special events that bring together residents and visitors year-round.

Tourism Marketing Award

The Pembroke Business Improvement Area captured the Tourism Marketing Award for its successful digital marketing strategy promoting Downtown Pembroke. Campaigns supporting events such as Ottawa Valley Buskerfest, Soupfest, Fall Flavours and the Downtown Eras Party generated more than one million Facebook views and over 229,000 Instagram views during 2026.

“The Ottawa Valley is filled with passionate people and organizations that continue to create memorable experiences for visitors,” said OVTA officials. “These award winners represent the innovation, collaboration and community spirit that make the region a destination worth discovering.”

The Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across the tourism industry and recognize the businesses, events and individuals helping strengthen one of Ontario’s most vibrant tourism destinations.

(myFM News)