Discover NOTO
The Voice of Northern Ontario’s Outdoor Tourism Operators
NOTO represents lodges, camps, outfitters, municipalities, and industry partners across Northern Ontario.
We bring operator concerns directly to government and keep members informed about issues affecting their business.
What Issues Are Impacting Your Business?
NOTO maintains an extensive library of resources designed to support tourism operators. If you have a specific question or an issue you’d like to discuss, don’t hesitate to reach out to NOTO staff. We’re here to help!
Big Game Allocations
Forestry
Regulations and Policies
Funding & Grants
LUPs & Leases
Work Permits
Saving on Operating Costs
Additional Resources for Operators
Still have questions?
NOTO’s Advisory Roles
FOR GOVERNMENT:
NOTO is the trusted voice connecting government decision-makers with Northern Ontario’s outdoor tourism sector.
✔ Government turns to NOTO first for outfitter perspectives on potential regulation and policy changes.
✔ NOTO staff and members hold seats on key government advisory committees and working groups, ensuring the outfitting sector has a direct voice in important discussions.
✔ NOTO generates the data the Government needs to make good policy decisions and better understand our sector.
✔ With more than 90 years representing outfitters, NOTO brings credibility and trusted expertise.
FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES:
NOTO helps tourism operators navigate regulations, solve problems, and run stronger businesses.
✔ We advise business owners on a wide variety of topics and issues (LUPs, work permits, Federal and Provincial regulations, funding, to name a few).
✔ If we don’t have the answer, we connect you with the people who do.
✔ Coming to NOTO can save you time and money.
FOR THE INDUSTRY:
NOTO works to protect and strengthen the long-term success of Northern Ontario’s outdoor tourism sector.
✔ We advocate for policies that support sustainable, competitive tourism businesses.
✔ We ensure the voices of outfitters are heard before important decisions are being made.
✔ By bringing operators together, NOTO strengthens the collective voice of the sector.
✔ NOTO provides a welcoming, safe, and supportive community where operators can connect, share knowledge, and collaborate.
Have any questions?
We want to hear from you.
Bear Management
NOTO works directly with the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure tourism operators are represented in discussions around bear allocation systems, policy changes, and wildlife management.
CURRENT ADVOCACY
✔ Hosting operator webinars with MNR on proposed allocation systems
✔ Representing operator concerns around appropriate hunter pressure & management decisions
✔ Advocating for phased policy changes that protect outfitter businesses
✔ Working with government to mitigate impacts on operators if allocations change
Is Bear Management Affecting Your Operation?
We want to hear from you.
Moose Allocations
NOTO works with government and industry partners to ensure tourism operators are represented in moose population research, allocation discussions, and policy decisions.
CURRENT ADVOCACY
✔ Collecting operator data through province-wide moose surveys
✔ Presenting economic impact data to government decision makers
✔ Hosting operator sessions and webinars with MNR
✔ Advocating for fair allocation policies that consider tourism operators
Are Moose Allocation Cuts Affecting Your Business?
We want to hear from you.
Forestry & Crown Land Use
Forestry activity and land use planning can directly affect access, guest experience, and the long-term viability of tourism businesses.
NOTO works to ensure tourism operators are represented in discussions around forestry planning, Crown land use, and major development projects.
CURRENT ADVOCACY
✔ Helping operators navigate forestry impacts through Resource Stewardship Agreements
✔ Facilitating discussions between forestry companies and tourism operators
✔ Raising concerns about unauthorized Crown land use and access issues
✔ Advocating for stronger Crown land tenure for tourism operators
Is Forestry Impacting Your Operation?
We want to hear from you.
Regulations & Policy
NOTO works with provincial and federal governments to ensure regulations reflect the realities of running a resource-based tourism business.
CURRENT ADVOCACY
✔ Representing operators on regulatory consultations and working groups
✔ Advocating for practical fuel storage regulations for seasonal operators
✔ Monitoring regulatory reform initiatives affecting tourism businesses
✔ Ensuring tourism operators are represented when new policies are developed
Concerned About Regulatory Changes?
We want to hear from you.
Funding & Industry Programs
Tourism operators depend on access to funding programs and government support to invest in their businesses and grow Northern Ontario tourism.
NOTO works to ensure tourism operators are considered when funding programs and economic development initiatives are created.
CURRENT ADVOCACY
✔ Working with government on tourism funding programs
✔ Sharing grant opportunities with members
✔ Advocating for policies that strengthen tourism businesses
✔ Representing the industry in economic development discussions
Tourism has re-emerged as one of Canada’s fastest-growing sectors. Even modest government investments in tourism operators can go a long way in helping businesses remain competitive, attract visitors, and grow local economies.
Looking for Funding Opportunities or Industry Support?
We want to hear from you.
& More!
NOTO staff are here to support and represent you so you can focus on your business.
Schedule a chat with our staff to learn more!
Strong membership ensures that voice continues.
- There are 1000+ outdoor tourism operators in Ontario.
- Yet only 200 operators are currently carrying the responsibility for the industry.
- If tourism operators aren’t at the table, decisions will be made without us.
Be part of the solution!
$480/year helps fund the advocacy that protects your business.
Strong membership = stronger advocacy.
About NOTO