Turning a Small Team into a Big Tourism Win

You don’t always need new attractions to make your destination feel fresh. Sometimes, it just takes a better way to tell the stories you already have.

That was exactly the case in Brockville, Ontario. Known for its waterfront charm and heritage buildings, Brockville wanted to connect with a new generation of visitors—without relying on printed maps or big infrastructure budgets.

Here’s how they used a tour guide app to make that happen.

Like many tourism teams, Brockville doesn’t have a huge marketing department. Their challenge was simple: how do we make it easier for visitors to explore our city without more staff or expensive tech?

The solution came in the form of the Driftscape tour guide app, which lets visitors take GPS-guided, self-paced tours right from their phones. Using existing content and some creative storytelling, the Brockville team built interactive guides to:

• Showcase historic sites

• Promote local businesses

• Replace paper brochures with an app-based experience

“Unlike with printed guides, we can add information to Driftscape in minutes, adjusting to things happening in the area.” —Katherine Hobbs, Tourism Brockville

What Changed for Visitors?

Proof in Numbers: Since launching their tour guide app with Driftscape, Brockville has seen over 2,600+ point-of-interest (POI) views across their city, with top attractions like Canada’s First Railway Tunnel drawing hundreds of visitors. Regional analytics also showed that travelers came from more than 28 different postal zones, with many exploring for 30 minutes or more—even without downloading an app. That’s measurable engagement without extra staff or signage.

With Driftscape’s tour guide app, visitors can now:

• Discover Brockville’s highlights on a self-guided walking tour

• Get real-time updates and pop-up facts

• Access it all without downloading anything (browser-friendly!)

This created an always-on visitor experience that worked whether someone arrived at 10am or 10pm.

Why It Matters (Especially to Smaller Teams)

Tourism pros working with lean teams or limited budgets can learn a lot from Brockville:

• Digital doesn’t have to be complicated. Driftscape made it easy to launch and manage.

• Flexibility is everything. Events change. Shops open and close. Driftscape lets you update content instantly.

• It fits every visitor. No app download required = wider access.

Key Takeaway: You don’t need more staff or printed brochures. You just need a tour guide app that lets you tell better stories, faster.

FAQ: A Tour Guide App for Skeptical Tourism Pros

1. Do people actually use self-guided tour apps? Yes. Driftscape partners like Carleton Place saw over 1,300+ scavenger hunt completions in one month. Visitors want flexible, low-pressure ways to explore.

2. What if I don’t have tech skills? You don’t need them. The Driftscape team provides setup support and training. If you can write a caption or upload a photo, you can use the app.

3. Isn’t this just for big cities? Not at all. Brockville, Blind River, and Carleton Place are all small towns using Driftscape successfully.

4. Does this replace our paper brochures? It can. Or it can complement them. Some towns still use print for backup, but visitors love having the mobile option.

5. Can we promote local businesses through the app?

Absolutely. Driftscape lets you highlight shops, restaurants, and attractions through points of interest, maps, and even loyalty programs.

See Brockville in Action (And Picture It in Your Town)

Brockville’s approach proves that even the most historic towns can offer modern, tech-friendly visitor experiences. Whether you're managing tourism for a small city or rural community, there’s a way to meet your audience where they are—on their phones, on their terms.

Explore how your town can do the same with a tour guide app, Book a Demo