Experience Ontario Program for Tourism Festival and Event Support in Canada

Deadline: 16-Dec-2025

The Experience Ontario Program supports festivals and events that drive tourism, increase visitor spending, and boost Ontario’s cultural and economic profile. The 2026 intake offers funding through the Established Events Stream using a tiered model based on event expenses, with grants of up to 50% of eligible costs. This guide explains funding tiers, eligibility rules, application requirements, and common mistakes to avoid.

Experience Ontario Program 2026 – Funding for Tourism Festivals and Events

Overview

The Experience Ontario Program 2026 provides financial support to festivals and events that generate measurable tourism economic impact.

The program strengthens Ontario’s visitor economy by supporting programming that attracts travelers, showcases local culture, and stimulates spending across tourism, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.

Why It Matters

Tourism festivals and events are key drivers of:

Regional economic growth
Job creation in tourism, culture, and entertainment
Increased visitor spending
Broader awareness of Ontario’s destinations
Community revitalization and cultural celebration

Supporting event organizers ensures Ontario continues to offer high-quality, compelling experiences that draw both residents and tourists.

Program Focus Areas

Funding supports events that demonstrate:

Travel Encouragement: Programming that motivates people to visit destinations and attend in person
Tourism Impact: Ability to increase tourist spending and attract visitors
Partnership Development: Collaborations with businesses, community organizations, and industry partners
Job Creation: Employment opportunities for Ontarians in tourism and cultural sectors
Media Visibility: Promotional activities that enhance Ontario’s profile locally and internationally

Funding Streams and Tiers

The Established Events Stream uses a three-tier model based on actual festival or event cash expenses from the previous year.

Tier 1: Signature Tourism Festivals/Events

Event expenses: $1,000,000+
Funding: Up to 50% of eligible cash expenses
Maximum grant: $125,000

Tier 2: Emerging Tourism Festivals/Events

Event expenses: $250,000 – $999,999
Funding: Up to 50% of eligible cash expenses
Maximum grant: $55,000

Tier 3: Community Tourism Festivals/Events

Event expenses: Less than $250,000
Funding: Up to 50% of eligible cash expenses
Maximum grant: $20,000

Application Limits

Eligible organizations may:

Submit up to two applications for the 2026 intake
Include one application to the Established Events Stream and one to the Capacity Building Stream
Only apply for separate, distinct events
Have only one organization within an affiliated group submit applications

Affiliation Definition

Affiliation includes organizations with:

Shared ownership
Control relationships
Formal corporate links

(as defined in program rules)

Multi-Location Event Rules

Events operating across several locations qualify as a single event if:
Programming is marketed as one consolidated festival
Experiences span multiple locations
Activities occur over defined, consecutive days

Who Is Eligible?

Organizations must:

Be legally established and authorized to operate in Ontario
Organize festivals/events with tourism economic impact
Have verifiable event expense records
Meet stream-specific eligibility requirements
Submit applications for separate events when applying twice

Types of eligible entities typically include:

Non-profits
Municipalities
Indigenous communities
For-profit companies organizing tourism events (as permitted by program guidelines)

How to Apply

Follow these steps to prepare a compliant and competitive application:

Step 1: Review Program Guidelines

Understand definitions, funding eligibility, required documentation, and evaluation criteria.

Step 2: Determine Your Funding Tier

Use prior-year actual event cash expenses to identify the appropriate tier.

Step 3: Prepare Event Documentation

Include:

Budget and expense breakdown
Proof of past event expenses
Marketing plans
Tourism impact metrics (visitor counts, spending estimates)
Partnership and collaboration details

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

Ensure each application corresponds to a distinct event.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Double-check all documents and financials before sending.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting two applications for the same event
Misreporting or failing to verify event cash expenses
Applying under the wrong stream or tier
Ignoring affiliation rules between connected organizations
Lacking clear evidence of tourism impact or visitor engagement
Incomplete budgets, missing documentation, or unclear marketing plans

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the Experience Ontario Program fund?

It funds festivals and events that encourage travel, increase visitor spending, and enhance Ontario’s tourism profile.

How much funding can an event receive?

Up to 50% of eligible cash expenses, depending on the event’s expense tier, with maximums of $125,000, $55,000, or $20,000.

Can my organization submit two applications?

Yes. You may apply once to the Established Events Stream and once to the Capacity Building Stream, but each application must be for a different event.

What counts as an affiliated organization?

Entities with shared ownership, control, or corporate relationships, as defined in the program rules.

Is a multi-location festival considered one event?

Yes, if programming is marketed and delivered as a unified event occurring over consecutive days.

Do events need to show tourism economic impact?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate that their event attracts visitors and increases spending or travel activity.

Are new or first-time events eligible?

Yes, as long as they meet the criteria for the relevant tier and provide accurate expense projections.

Conclusion

The Experience Ontario Program 2026 offers significant support for festivals and events that strengthen Ontario’s tourism economy. By understanding the funding tiers, eligibility rules, and required documentation, organizations can apply effectively and secure valuable financial assistance. This program provides an essential opportunity to grow visitor engagement, enhance community celebrations, and elevate Ontario’s cultural and economic profile.

For more information, visit Government of Ontario.