Ottawa Valley tourism champions recognized for innovation and impact

(backrow, L to R) Elijah McEown on behalf of the City of Pembroke for the Tourism Marketing Award, Jill McLellan on behalf of Hell or High Water for the Event of the Year Award, Jason O’Brien with Lioutsia O’Brien in front of him from Whitewater O’Brien Winery for the New Tourism Product Award, Richard McNish from Dog House Brewing Company for the Sustainability Champion Award, (front row, L to R) Lana Cole and Scott Fawcett from Ottawa Valley Air Paddle for Business of the Year Award, Lioutsia O’Brien and finally, Meghan James of Somewhere Inn Calabogie for Tourism Champion Award

The Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Ottawa Valley Tourism Awards. The awards were presented at the OVTA’s Annual General Meeting on April 29, held at the Neat Coffee Shop in Burnstown. The event brought together local tourism leaders, community partners, and supporters of the region’s growing visitor economy.

Each year, the awards recognize individuals, businesses, and events that help make the Ottawa Valley a must-visit destination. The 2025 recipients stood out for their creativity, leadership, and commitment to community and tourism development.

Meghan James, General Manager of Somewhere Inn Calabogie, received the Tourism Champion Award, which honours OVTA members who lead by example. Meghan’s leadership as Vice Chair of the OVTA board and her work on major projects like the Tourism Awards and Ontario’s Highlands Travel Trade Program have made a lasting impact on the region.

Ottawa Valley Air Paddle (OVAP) in Arnprior was named Business of the Year for its innovative approach to outdoor tourism. Through guided paddling tours, equipment rentals, and popular events such as PaddleFest and Light at Night Kayaking, OVAP has attracted hundreds of visitors and supported tourism throughout the year.

Hell or High Water, a volunteer-run whitewater festival in Petawawa, was awarded Event of the Year. The event celebrates river culture and unites paddling enthusiasts from all over. It has also raised close to $50,000 for local causes and promotes community spirit and environmental stewardship.

Dog House Brewing received the Sustainability Champion Award for its strong focus on environmentally friendly practices. The brewery uses local ingredients, recycles water, and has created a welcoming space that attracts both locals and visitors.

The New Tourism Product Award went to Whitewater O’Brien Winery, a growing destination that blends wine-making with community connections. The winery offers tastings of eleven different wines and has helped promote the Ottawa Valley’s emerging wine culture.

The City of Pembroke earned the Tourism Marketing Award for its rebranding efforts under the Visit Pembroke campaign. The launch of the new tourism website, visitpembroke.ca, helped increase online visits from 2,500 to over 37,000. Targeted digital ads and updated print materials also contributed to the city’s growing reputation as a travel destination.

Joel Kowalski, Chair of the Tourism Awards Committee, said, “It’s always amazing to see the passion and hard work that goes into making the Ottawa Valley a great place to visit. This year’s winners truly go above and beyond.”

The OVTA thanked all nominees and supporters for helping to highlight the people and organizations building the future of tourism in the Ottawa Valley. Representing over 250 tourism businesses, the OVTA continues to promote the Upper Ottawa Valley as a top destination in Ontario.

For more information, visit www.ottawavalley.travel.

(Written by: Emma Butler)