| There are over 3,300 cottages located on
the lakes in North Hastings. There are also approximately 12-15 hunting
camps, over 30 tent & trailer parks with 1236 sites, 34 resorts and
over 187 cabins in North Hastings.
Tourism is extremely important in North Hastings and accounts for a significant
portion of income. Most visits to the area are categorized as weekend,
vacation, or day-based. Each type affects the local economy differently
in terms of the type of accommodation required and the activities in which
visitors engage.
In North Hastings the population swells during the summer to approximately
30,000 with our seasonal cottagers. They are an important market for our
local businesses. Our local convenience stores and gas bars benefit greatly
from the swelling population. The distribution of available services and
new businesses engaged in cottage maintenance and renovation could top
this market.
Vacationing visitors have the greatest impact on the economy. Since the
length of stay in the region is longer, vacationers are inclined to spend
more for food and beverages, gas, amusements, recreation and souvenirs.
The highest percentage of these dollars accrues to the local food and
beverage industry.
Spending by day-trippers is considerably lower than that of weekend or
holiday visitors, but the frequency of occurrence is higher, so that this
type of visit is still an important element in the total revenues generated
by tourism in North Hastings.
In North Hastings our local resort and cottage rental industry is well
established and very successful at occupancy while catering primarily
to family vacationers. All other resorts and tent & trailer parks
are also successful although they only provide basic amenities such as
water frontage and beaches with safe swimming and boating.
There are 5 major special events in North Hastings and these are: The
Rockhound Gemboree, Frosty Frolics, Dog Sled Races, Maynooth Madness &
Logger's Games, and The Coe Hill Fair.
Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree
The annual Bancroft Rockhound Gemboree, usually held in early August,
attracts dealers from Canada and the United States, who sell, trade, or
buy mineral samples and handicrafts. It is the largest mineral show of
its kind in Canada. This event attracts anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000
visitors from all parts of Canada, the United States and some from as
far as Europe.
The considerable economic impact of the Gemboree benefits the entire
community. Accommodations are at a premium during the 3 to 4 day event
and there is a significant increase in the consumption of food and beverages
and the sale of crafts and souvenirs. The spin-off of repeat visits continue
throughout the spring, summer and fall.
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