This smoochy Waterloo Region attraction won a tourism award
Posted Oct 30, 2025 03:25:24 PM.
Last Updated Oct 30, 2025 03:30:04 PM.
Kissing, holiday cheer, and a creative way to explore the region is now an award-winning tradition.
Explore Waterloo Region’s 2024 edition of the Mistletoe Trail won the Tourism Marketing Campaign Award (under $50,000) at the Ontario Tourism Award for Excellence.
The festive, art-meets-holiday experience allowed visitors to explore the region through seven mistletoe installations. Each piece was created with local artists and helped transform some of the region’s most iconic locations into “Instagrammable” moments.
Last year’s involved more than 46 businesses and attractions on an interactive map, encouraging people to explore, shop local and visit places in the area.
“We’re thrilled to be recognized for this campaign,” says Ashley Lansink, Director of Marketing at Explore Waterloo Region. “The Mistletoe Trail was designed to spark curiosity and connection across our seven municipalities. Seeing visitors and residents embrace it so wholeheartedly was incredible! This award is really a win for our entire community.”
The awards celebrate innovative ideas across the province to help recognize people and organizations aiming to “elevate” Ontario as a destination through expereiences, marketing and partnerships.
The winners are selected by an independent committee of industry professionals.
The press release notes that Mistletoe Trail is returning this year, and will feature “fresh artistic creations, new experiences, and even more ways to explore, connect, and share a little holiday magic.”
Explore Waterloo Region, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2007 to bring tourism and events to the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, and the townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, and Woolwich.
