Recommendations from tourism insider, Emma Rowley

Emma is a close friend of mine from high school, where we met for the first time in grade 9 woodshop (so random, I know). We connected over shared interests and ended up pursuing similar education and career paths related to sustainability.

Emma recently earned her Master of Science in Responsible Tourism Management through Leeds Beckett University, a program focused on ensuring that travel destinations are enjoyable for both visitors and residents. Her thesis explored how residents in Southwestern Ontario perceive tourism, emphasizing their important role in contributing to local culture and supporting the regional workforce. Putting her research to good use, Emma is the Tourism Development Manager at Ontario's Southwest Regional Tourism Organization. Her job involves developing and promoting programs that support businesses and organizations in the region.

In summary, you could say Emma is kind of an expert in Southwestern Ontario tourism, making her a great person to ask about the best food and experiences in the area. Below, Emma provides her top food and experience recommendations in Southwestern Ontario and her best tips for sustainable travel.

Best places to eat in Southwestern Ontario

1. Covent Garden Market - London, Ontario

2. Yaya's Kitchen - London, Ontario

3. The Mule - London, Port Dover, Hamilton, & Cambridge, Ontario

4. Arrowwood Farm (get the blueberry pie squares) - Melbourne, Ontario

5. Udderly Ridiculous (get the pumpkin goat milk ice cream) - Bright, Ontario

Best things to do in Southwestern Ontario

1. Harvest Brunch Experience at Thames River Melons - Innerkip, Ontario

2. From Tree to Table Experience at Ottercreek Woodworks - Tillsonburg, Ontario

3. Victorian House Guest Experience at Cottonwood Mansion - Selkirk, Ontario

Sustainable travel tips

When travelling to a new destination, keep in mind that you’re visiting someone else’s home. Emma wants us to remember that our actions affect the places we visit, and we have a responsibility to respect other communities as well as minimize our impact.

1. Support local - purchasing from local businesses while travelling directly supports the community you’re visiting and helps prevent economic leakage (when money leaves an economic system instead of staying within it)

2. Take a slow tourism approach - spending more time immersing yourself in a single destination rather than quickly moving from place to place helps reduce the environmental impact of frequent transportation

3. Be mindful of the resources you use and the waste you generate - the "I'm on vacation" mentality often motivates unsustainable behaviours such as using more water and wasting food