PORTER AIRLINES LANDS DEAL TO FLY INTO MUSKOKA FOR SUMMER

GRAVENHURST — Explorers’ Edge is very pleased to have partnered with Porter Airlines to introduce a 10-week summer service into the Muskoka Airport starting June.
Flights will have an air time of approximately 20 minutes, operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Mondays between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Muskoka Airport, from June 27 to Sept. 3.

A one-way flight on Porter’s website advertises a price of $153 one-way.

Summer air service returns to Muskoka this year with the addition of Porter Airlines, starting weekends June 27 to Sept. 3.

On long holiday weekends, the Monday flights will run Tuesdays instead.
Bus shuttle service to and from tourism accommodations across the entire region (Algonquin Park, Almaguin, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka and Parry Sound) will be offered by Explorers’ Edge (details to be announced in early April).

Car rental is also available at the Muskoka Airport.
For complete schedule, rates and booking details, visit www.flyporter.com.

Connecting flights are available via Toronto for numerous Porter destinations in the U.S. and Canada.

“Muskoka is an inspiring destination that attracts travellers from near and far,” said Robert Deluce, president and CEO of Porter Airlines said in a release Monday. “This new route serves as a great opportunity to link Muskoka to our North American network.”

“Explorers’ Edge is thrilled to be partnering with Porter Airlines to bring seasonal service to the Muskoka Airport this summer,” said James Murphy, executive director of Explorers’ Edge. “As the regional tourism organization for Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park, it is our intent to leverage this service to increase international visitation across our entire region.

“Our thanks to the District of Muskoka representatives for their efforts to ready the airport, including working with Transport Canada and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.”

“A new summer service between Toronto and Muskoka is great news for all Ontarians,” added Michael Tibollo, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport in the release. “Through this partnership, Porter Airlines and the regional tourism organization are opening a new route that will boost local business and make this stunning part of our province an easy-to-access vacation destination. Ontario is truly open for business in Muskoka.”

Schedule details are as follows:

Day of week Toronto departure time Muskoka departure time
Thursday 1:10 p.m. 2:20 p.m.
Monday* 9:20 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

*Tuesday departure during long weekends.

As part of an exceptional visitor experience in Muskoka and surrounding areas, Explorers’ Edge will also introduce a seasonal shuttle bus service at the airport to deliver Porter passengers to accommodations across the region. The organization will also offer a traveller incentive for tourists who book a flight and accommodation, to the tune of $100 in spending vouchers.

Flights are currently available for booking on Porter’s website and through travel agents. For complete schedule and booking details, visit www.flyporter.com.

RTO12 is one of thirteen regional tourism organizations funded by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Mandated to build the regional tourism industry in Algonquin Park, South Algonquin, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka and Parry Sound, Ontario, the agency was established in 2011 and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors composed of tourism business owners. RTO12 is also known by its consumer-facing branded identity, Explorers’ Edge.

RTO12 recently commenced its five-year Regional Tourism Strategy, which includes increasing visitation from and spend by international travellers.

For more information, visit rto12.ca or explorersedge.ca (domestic audiences), or www.thegreatcanadianwilderness.com (international audiences