Last week, the United States received the welcome news that by May it would have enough COVID-19 vaccine for all 328 million citizens. This means the United States is likely to enjoy a more regular summer and all of the travel and tourism that comes with it.

On our side of the border, however, things are a little different. The federal government’s most recent goal is to have enough vaccines for every Canadian by Canada Day. That said, after getting all of these shots in everyone’s arms, it will likely be mid to late September.

We in Canada will likely have a similar summer to 2020. In other words, stay close to home. Cornwall and SD&G, our home, have a lot to offer in terms of tourist activity all year round.

Before this pandemic, in the past, I was one of those people who thought a vacation meant going somewhere to see something “new” and to try “new” things.

In fact, I traveled away every year that I went on vacation, be it to PEI, New York City, or the Bruce Peninsula on the other side of Ontario. If travel really means “getting where we started and knowing the place for the first time,” to quote TS Elliot, then traveling through the experiences of the past year has really taught me, and I think we all, what our home is for the very first time.

Cornwall, Akwesasne, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry are really beautiful places with lots to offer and do. For the first time in many years I went ice skating. My girlfriend and I went to Moose Creek to skate on Country Side Adventures several times this winter season. I had never been there before and was deeply impressed when I walked through the forest on this winding ice path at night, lined with white Christmas lights.

Another premiere this winter season was hiking the Summerstown Trails. Unfortunately the rental was not open on the day of my departure due to COVID-19, but the parking lot was still full of hikers.

Closer to Cornwall, in the last few weeks some readers have written me how wonderful their experience on the Cornwall trails in Guindon Park was.

The city of Cornwall really got into in-home tourism in 2020 and this first part of 2021. During the summer we saw more restaurants on the street to support dining and the beautifully painted pop-up shops outside Cornwall Square.

This winter, the city built more ice rinks this year, including one behind the clock tower.

Tourism opportunities for residents are something the city will continue to focus on this year. On Monday evening, Cornwall’s Strategic Planning Coordinator, Katherine Wells, presented the Council with an update on the Strategic Plan 2019-2022. Two pillars of the plan take local tourism into account: economic development and waterfront development.

Wells’ report cites the new welcome signs along the highway. 401, the plaques for historical walking tours in the city center and along the waterfront, as well as improvements to the local parks such as more lighting in Lamoureux Park and upgrades to the washrooms.

Summer 2021 could be similar to summer 2020. We may need to be near our home for our safety and the safety of others, but the good news is that we have another opportunity to enjoy what we are here to do At home and there is a lot to discover right in our own backyards.

What local tourism opportunities do you enjoy as a reader? Email me a letter to the editor at nseebruch@seawaynews.media

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR