Seeing the forest through the trees: using GIS to identify potential ecotourism sites in Northern Ontario

This chapter explores the scope of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) as a methodology to identify regions that have the mix of characteristics, both natural and built that when combined have high levels of suitability for certain types of tourism. In the case of the chapter, the suitability of ecotourism within the forested region of Northern Ontario is explored and the methodology developed is presented. The results of the study revealed that with the overlaying of a mix of criteria used to describe a regions 'naturalness' it was possible to identify what is termed 'type 1' and 'type 2' ecotourism regions. The methodology presented in the chapter sets out areas that can be mapped for ecotourism after which it is the decision of the industry and the various stakeholders involved to decide if they wish to explore this further and establish ecotourism opportunities, businesses and activities in these regions.