​Bruce County’s Explore the Bruce Rewards app earns Marketing Canada Award

Bruce County has announced that its Explore the Bruce Rewards app has earned a prestigious Marketing Canada Award under the category, Social Media/App, from the Economic Developers Association of Canada.

Launched in 2024, this innovative app highlights tourism destinations, activities, culinary experiences and local shops to explore across Bruce County, while incentivizing users to collect points. 

The app invites both residents and visitors to discover Bruce County in an interactive and rewarding way. By visiting destinations across the county — including trails, parks, restaurants and shops — users collect points that can be redeemed for rewards. The app’s goal is simple: the more destinations visited, the more points earned, and the more rewards unlocked.

The association, which represents economic developers nationwide, attracted award submissions from across Canada. It recognized the Explore the Bruce Rewards app and related social media promotions for the innovative approach to promoting tourism and supporting local businesses.

“Bruce County has so much to offer, and this app showcases it in an engaging and interactive way,” says warden Chris Peabody. “It’s exciting to see our efforts recognized on a national level. This initiative not only encourages exploration but also supports our small businesses and fosters community pride.”

In addition to enhancing visitors’ experiences, the app aims to achieve several key goals for Bruce County:
 

• Increase the number of visitors and lengthen their stays
• Encourage visitation throughout all seasons 
• Disperse visitors to less-trafficked areas
• Promote local tourism destinations, attractions and businesses

Developed in collaboration with Driftscape and supported by local tourism operators, businesses, and municipalities, the app plays a crucial role in Bruce County’s tourism strategy by boosting awareness and increasing visits. The app has been proven successful through the social media campaign results and 1,341 app downloads for 2024 so far, surpassing the 750 downloads goal in the second quarter.

The Explore the Bruce Rewards app and related tourism initiatives can be accessed at explorethebruce.com. Start exploring Bruce County and earn rewards today!