One Year of Ontario 360° Tours: A Look Back, A Look Ahead Somehow, it’s already been a year since Ontario 360° Tours hit the road — or the trail… or the river… depending on the day. What started with one camera and a bit of “let’s see what happens” has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of: a collection of immersive, narrated video tours that give people a real feel for towns, trails, and tucked-away places across Ontario. It’s been a blast! The First Chapter We’ve wandered through charming downtowns, conservation areas, historic ruins, little laneways, and walking trails. We filmed inside a family-run restaurant that felt like a second home five minutes after walking in. We stepped into one of the most beautiful hat shops in the country — where a customer just sat down and started playing the piano. We stopped to chat with antique dealers, museum curators, and local legends who gave us stories we never expected. We’ve learned so much — not just about the places we visit, but about the people who bring them to life. We’ve met shop owners who pour their hearts into every detail, and locals who light up when they talk about their town. Every stop has a story, and every story reminds us why we started doing this in the first place. And in Hespeler, well… let’s just say it feels good to show off our hometown. The People Make the Places If you’ve been part of our journey this year — thank you. Whether you welcomed us into your business, shared a story, helped us find our footing in a new town, or simply said “sure, go ahead and film,” we’re grateful. Every conversation, every laugh, every curious onlooker who wandered over to see what we were doing — it has all added up to something that feels a lot more like a community than just a video project. What’s Next for Ontario 360° Tours? Year Two is shaping up to be even more adventurous! We’re planning to head further, film more often, and find those tucked-away places that are worth turning the car around for. You’ll see more nature, more towns, more local stories, and a few ideas we’ve been saving for just the right time. And while we’ve still got a long list of places we’re itching to visit, the heart of it all will stay the same: real places, real people, and a real sense of what it feels like to be there. One Year Down. So Many More Stories to Tell. Thanks for watching, waving, sharing, guiding, or just following along from your screen. Whether you joined us from the very beginning or only recently stumbled across one of our videos, we’re so glad you’re here. Every view, every message, every “hey, that’s my town!” has meant the world to us. It’s been an unforgettable first year — and we’re only getting warmed up. The Ontario 360° Tours Team Dave &...

Not sure what a 360° video is or how it works? Here’s a clear, no-jargon guide to how it helps people explore towns, parks, shops, and trails across Ontario—before they even leave home. What Is a 360° Video? If you’ve never seen one, a 360° video might sound like tech for tech’s sake—but it’s actually very straightforward. A 360° video is a type of video that lets you look in every direction, just like you would if you were standing in the middle of the scene. Instead of being locked into one camera angle like a regular video, you can turn your view left, right, up, or down while the video plays. It’s filmed using a special camera that captures everything around it at once—not just what’s straight ahead. The result is a video where you’re in control of where you look. You’re not watching from the outside. You’re inside the video, choosing your view, as if you’re really there. Not Just a Gimmick—Here’s Why It’s Actually Useful This isn’t about flashy effects. It’s about helping people get real, helpful insight before they decide to go somewhere. When you’re thinking about visiting a new place—whether it’s a downtown, a conservation area, a shop, or a restaurant—photos and written descriptions only show you part of the picture. You might wonder: What’s the surrounding area like? Does it feel busy or quiet? How far is the parking lot from the entrance? What’s the store layout like? Will this spot be a good fit for me or my family? A 360° video helps answer those questions because you see it as it really is—not filtered, not overly polished, not cropped down to a highlight reel. It’s especially helpful for people who prefer to preview a location before visiting—whether they have accessibility considerations, feel more comfortable planning ahead, or simply want to know what to expect. When you can check things out in advance, you make more confident and informed decisions about where to go and how to get the most out of your visit. You’re in Control One of the biggest differences between 360° video and traditional video is that you’re not stuck with someone else’s view. Want to pause and look around inside a shop? Want to see who’s sitting at nearby patio tables or what’s happening down a side street? Curious about what’s behind the camera—not just in front of it? You decide what’s worth looking at. That’s something regular video just can’t offer. With a standard video, you're limited to what the camera operator decides to show you. Anything behind them—or slightly off to the side—is completely missed. But with 360°, you get the full picture. This is especially useful when you’re searching for practical details: where are the benches on this trail? Is the water close to the picnic area? What’s written on the window of that shop? A 360° video gives you the freedom to explore and notice what matters to you. How Do You Watch a 360° Video? A lot of people assume you need a VR headset to watch a 360° video. You don’t. You can view them on almost any modern phone, tablet, or computer. Here’s how it works: On a phone or tablet: Move your device around, and the video moves with it. Or swipe your finger across the screen to turn the view. On a computer: Use your mouse or trackpad to click and drag in any direction. With a VR headset: If you have one, you can watch through YouTube or another compatible viewer for a fully immersive experience—but it’s completely optional. No special app or download is needed. All of Ontario 360° Tours' videos are uploaded to YouTube and available on our website, so you can explore anytime, from anywhere. Why We Use 360° for Ontario The idea for Ontario 360° Tours didn’t come from a business plan—it came from real experience. We were looking for new places to kayak, hike, and explore. We had a few weekends free, and we wanted to make the most of them. But even after Googling, searching Facebook, and checking Instagram, we kept finding out about great places after we’d already been nearby. That made us think: if we’re missing out on these places, there’s a good chance others are too. That’s where 360° video made sense. It shows you what it’s actually like to be there—what you can expect, how it feels, what you’ll see. It gives a full picture, not just a highlight. So instead of a single photo or a written description, people now get a narrated, immersive walk-through. That’s especially helpful for hidden gems—small towns, trails, local businesses—that deserve more attention than they often get. Real Reach, Real Results Our videos don’t just sit on a website and wait to be discovered. We actively promote them across: Our dedicated YouTube channel Hundreds of Facebook groups related to restaurants, day trips, hikes, local shops, and events—and more—not just in Ontario, but across Canada and beyond Instagram Our interactive website: www.ontario360tours.ca With a collective reach in the millions, our network ensures your business or destination gets seen—and remembered. The Future of Travel Promotion Starts Here 360° tourism is more than a tool—it’s a new way of exploring, connecting, and promoting Ontario. It helps travelers make informed decisions, and gives local businesses the spotlight they deserve. At Ontario 360° Tours, we’re proud to lead this shift. And we invite you to be part of it. Whether you're a business owner, a tourism office, or someone planning your next day trip—start exploring Ontario from a whole new perspective. Ready to Get Involved? If you're a business, local organization, or attraction and want to be featured in one of our upcoming 360° tours, we’d love to hear from you. Visit www.ontario360tours.ca to learn more, see past videos, and get...

At Ontario 360° Tours, safety on the water has always been non-negotiable—and finding the right gear to match our values has been a top priority. That’s why we’re proud to officially announce our new partnership with Salus Marine Wear, a leading Canadian manufacturer of premium personal flotation devices (PFDs) and water safety accessories. This partnership means more than just wearing a new vest. It represents our commitment to comfort, quality, environmental responsibility, and supporting local Canadian craftsmanship. We’ve tested dozens of PFDs over the years, and Salus stood out in every category that mattered—from how the gear fits to how the company operates. We’re excited to showcase their products in all of our kayaking videos and share their story with our community. About Salus Marine Wear Salus Marine Wear is a proudly Canadian company located in Waterloo, Ontario, specializing in premium personal flotation devices (PFDs) and marine safety accessories. Every product is designed, cut, sewn, and assembled on-site by a skilled team that knows the craft from start to finish. Their product range includes PFDs for infants, children, recreational paddlers, anglers, sailors, and commercial marine use. Salus also offers a lineup of water safety accessories, including dry bags, flotation belts, and throw bags—all designed and built with the same attention to detail and performance. What sets Salus apart is simple: local craftsmanship, tested safety, long-term durability, and a company-wide commitment to doing things the right way. Sustainability and Environmental Care Salus integrates environmental responsibility into every part of its operation. Their factory is partially powered by solar energy, and their processes are designed to reduce waste and conserve resources: Foam off-cuts are reused or repurposed into items like dog beds and flooring underlays Shipping logistics are optimized to reduce fuel consumption and avoid empty returns Packaging materials, poly film, and vinyl are recycled wherever possible At every level, Salus prioritizes environmental care, making sustainability a key part of their identity—not just a feature. Comfort and Quality That Make a Difference After testing dozens of PFDs from major outdoor retailers, we knew exactly what we needed—and what we didn’t. Many options rode up, restricted movement, pinched the skin, or felt bulky after just a short time on the water. Comfort was non-negotiable, and Salus delivered on every point. Internal harness systems prevent ride-up and distribute pressure evenly Contoured foam designs and deep-cut armholes allow full range of motion Lightweight, breathable materials provide long-term wearability without compromising safety Additional features—like mesh backs, fleece-lined pockets, and low-profile zippers—add comfort and functionality Salus offers specialized PFDs for every kind of user, from babies and kids to anglers and long-distance paddlers.  Our Partnership with Salus At Ontario 360° Tours, we’ve been searching for a PFD brand that reflects our priorities: comfort, safety, sustainability, and Canadian-made quality. Salus checks every box. We’re proud to announce that Salus is our official PFD partner, and we’ll be using their vests and accessories exclusively in all of our kayaking videos and on-water adventures. Beyond the gear itself, what impressed us most was the people behind the brand. Every employee at the Waterloo factory has the skill to build a full PFD from start to finish—something you don’t see in mass production. It’s that level of dedication and pride that made this partnership an easy decision. What Our Partnership Will Entail This is the start of a long-term relationship built on shared values. All of our videos will now feature Salus PFDs and accessories, and we’ll continue to highlight their gear as part of our commitment to safety and quality on the water. Coming soon: A dedicated 360° kayaking video featuring Salus gear in action A giveaway to let someone in our community experience Salus for themselves A behind-the-scenes factory tour to showcase the people, process, and pride behind every product We’ll also be incorporating Salus into upcoming water safety blogs and features—because the right PFD doesn’t just look good, it saves lives. Looking Ahead As we begin this partnership, we also want to give a special shoutout to Lauren—someone who has been incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about what we’re building together.  We’re truly looking forward to a long-lasting relationship with Lauren and the entire Salus team. This is more than just a partnership—it’s something we’re proud to be part of. Explore Salus Marine Wear To learn more or explore their full range of PFDs and accessories, visit: www.salusmarine.com Wear safety you can trust. Choose Canadian-made. Cho...