Selling Canada Australia 2022

2022 | TRAINING FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE

CANADA'S INVITING

Open spaces Room to breathe on empty roads and crowd-free wilderness areas

NEW TRAINING

Sign up to the refreshed CSP and sell more of Canada in 2022

INDIGENOUS TOURISM

Authentic experiences that tap into cultures, traditions and landscapes

AWAKEN YOUR SENSES

How Canada's cities and wild places test, challenge and refresh

PLUS... CANADA'S ARCTIC . BUCKET LIST . PARKS . ISLANDS . LUXURY . WINTER FUN . WHITEHORSE . AND MORE....

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SELLING CANADA (AUSTRALIA) 2022

42

NEWS 05 Destination Canada 06 News to Use 08 The new Canada

Specialist Program

FEATURES 10 Canada 101: Essentials 13

Sustainable Canada

20 Top 10 Bucket List 22 Awaken Your Senses 26 Indigenous Experiences

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28 Canada's Islands 30 Winter Activities

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34 Transport Options 36 Canada's Arctic 40 Luxury in the

Gateway Cities 42 National Parks

QUICK READS 12

Calgary

33 City Profile: Whitehorse 39 Second-visit cities:

Ottawa, Halifax, St, Johns, Victoria.

45 My Canada Calm

20 FRONT COVER: KLUANE NATIONAL PARK, YUKON

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Contents Winter AU V4.indd 18

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Destination Canada: Welcome /

Hearts glow fonder for Canada in 2022

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DC update NEWS FROM DESTINATION CANADA AUSTRALIA

Agent famils, road shows – and more I AM delighted to be writing my first-ever column for Selling Canada! Produced by our UK team, we think the publication will really resonate with the Australian market.

Never has the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ seemed more appropriate, and the past two years have certainly made my heart grow fonder for Canada.

Make sure you’re fully up to date with the latest requirements for entry via the official government site at travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/ travel-restrictions/exemptions.

Our new Canada Specialist Program (CSP) is now live at canadaspecialist.com.au. We have brought this program bang up to date to support agents selling Canada. Find out more about the CSP and its benefits on pages 6 and 7.

I cannot wait to return to Canada with some FAM trips later this year, and to give agents the chance to experience Canada’s open spaces and epic adventures.

We’ve brought you this bumper issue of Selling Canada, together with all our industry partners, and hope the following pages will inspire you to ‘Think Canada’ and also help inspire your clients to book Canada in 2022 and beyond!

Nathan McLoughlin, Account Director – Trade, Australia, Destination Canada GSA

AS we all adapt to a ‘new normal’ we’re excited to see the return of the exceptional perks that make the Canada Specialist Program so popular.

Travel agent famils are at the top of our list and we plan to host multiple famils to diverse destinations across Canada in all seasons.

Our pre-COVID agent famil program included phenomenal small group journeys, from British Columbia to Ontario and everywhere in between.

Our renowned ‘Mega-Fams’ facilitated larger numbers of agents split into small groups to explore various destinations, culminating with a meet-up in Vancouver where they shared their stories and adventures.

From skiing the powder snow of Alberta to witnessing the iconic Niagara Falls, our travel

agent famils are much sought after. For your chance to be part of the 2022 journeys, simply sign up to the new CSP platform and complete the training modules in your own time.

Famil announcements will be made via the CSP newsletters and private Facebook page.

We will also resume inperson training events and agent roadshows in 2022, in partnership with our key travel wholesalers.

Our virtual program will continue, including CSP Webinars, More To Explore eDMs and monthly newsletters.

As a Canada Specialist Agent, you gain access to our CSP Facebook group, where you can network, view exclusive content and share selling tips for Canada. keepexploring.com.au

RVC+ live in Toronto in 2022 CANADA’S premier travel trade show, Rendez-Vous Canada, will be a hybrid live/virtual event when it takes place in Toronto from May 24-27, Hosted by Destination Canada

and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, RVC+ 2022 will build on the successful virtual-only show in 2021.

Toronto was also the host of the last live RVC, in May 2019.

Visitors need eTA for Canada AGENTS are reminded that all Australian visitors to Canada who arrive by air must be in possession of an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) – which should be obtained before the purchase of air tickets.

An eTa usually takes around three days to approve.

Apply online at Canada.ca/ eTa. Any website charging more than C$7 is not an official government site.

eTa: what you need to know • An eTA costs C$7 (£4.15).

• An eTA is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever is first.

• With an eTA travellers can fly to Canada several times without reapplying as long as their eTA and passport remain valid.

• The online application form requires a credit card and an email address.

• Travellers can only apply for one person at a time. For example, for a family of three they would need to complete and submit the form three times.

Help desk KEY CONTACT: Nathan McLoughlin TEL: 0407 897 814 EMAIL: nathan@dcaworldwide.com TRAINING: canadaspecialist.com.au WEBSITE: keepexploring.com.au

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6 / News to use

New in Jasper

Sky high on Vancouver Island

New in Québec

* SET between the St. Lawrence River and soaring mountain peaks, Med Québec Charlevoix is Canada’s first Club Med village. In winter, allinclusive ski stays feature lessons, dog sledding, ice skating, fine dining and après-ski entertainment. clubmed.ca/r/quebeccharlevoix/w

Malahat SkyWalk-Hamish Hamilton

* PURSUIT is developing a new wilderness-inspired hotel within Jasper National Park, Alberta.

Expected to open in June 2022, the hotel’s 88 guest rooms will feature kitchenettes and patios ‘that seamlessly bring the outdoors in’. pursuitcollection.com THE new Malahat SkyWalk is now providing the ultimate natural high on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Located 35 minutes north of Victoria, the attraction immerses visitors in nature along a 600-metre-long elevated walkway through an Arbutus and Douglas Fir forest that leads to a 10-storey, architecturallyinspiring spiral tower lookout.

Rising 250 metres above sea level, the SkyWalk offers 360-degree views of both Canada and the USA, including Finlayson Arm, Saanich Inlet, Saanich Peninsula, Gulf Islands,

San Juan Islands, Mt. Baker and the Coast Mountain range.

Guests can return to ground level by taking an exhilarating ride on a 20-metre spiral slide.

They can forge a connection with nature by learning about the trees, birds, animals and marine life of a coastal region unique to British Columbia.

Malahat SkyWalk is located on the traditional territory of the Malahat Nation, whose Indigenous stories are a key element of the experience.

Malahat SkyWalk is open 365 days a year. malahatskywalk.com

Reconnect at Niagara Falls

New in Vancouver

* Greater Vancouver’s first new luxury boutique hotel in years, and the first hotel of its kind in the city of Richmond, opened in summer 2021.

The 100-room Versante is appriximately 20 minutes from Downtown Vancouver and just minutes from Vancouver International Airport. versantehotel.com

A NEW tour telling the ‘untold’ Indigenous story at Niagara Falls will launch in spring 2022.

Niagara Living Museum Tours will feature animated encounters and engagements with Indigenous peoples, cultural interpreters, historians, food specialists, and artisans.

The tour will reveal the intrinsic connection between the famous waterfalls and the livelihood and traditions

Queen’s welcome awaits in Halifax QUEEN’S Marque, a dynamic ‘new’ neighbourhood on the waterfront in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is set to be completed in September 2022.

Housed in the area known historically as Queen’s Landing, Queen’s Marque bills itself as “a community destination inspired by the historic, cultural and natural forces that have shaped this place and its people”.

The waterfront development, with its striking architecture, features private residences, 12 food and beverage destinations, bespoke shopping and event spaces and offices.

A centrepiece of Queen’s Marque is the Muir hotel, a member of the Autograph Collection Hotels, which opened in November 2021.

Queen’s Marque is also a showcase for local artists and feature works include ‘Tidal Beacon’ by Ned Kahn, a 40foot installation rising above the Halifax harbour, and ‘Sail’

by Edoardo Tresoldi, a 21-foot high art installation sitting on the edge of the boardwalk.

Queen’s Marque is set to become an iconic destination for both Halifax and Canada and a spectacular place for both locals and travellers. queensmarque.com

of the Haudenosaunee. It will also ‘shine a light on what’s not in history books’, such as the role of Indigenous people in the War of 1812, when 300 Mohawk fought with the British at the Battle of Beaver Dams, defeating 500 Americans. ”Guests will never think of Niagara Falls the same way after the tour,” said a spokesperson. niagarafallstourism.com

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travel manitoba

New electric frontiers in subarctic

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FRONTIERS North Adventures and Red River College have unveiled the first zero-emission electric buggy for traversing the tundra.

Called EV Tundra Buggy, it provides guests with a silent experience amongst wild polar bears and beneath the northern lights in Churchill, Manitoba.

While polar bears are used to the presence and sounds of the diesel-powered buggies, these generate sounds that carry long distances over the quiet tundra.

Development of the buggy was partfunded through the province’s Conservation and Climate Fund, part of the Manitoba Government’s commitment to green energy.

Guests of Frontiers North Adventures dine beneath the northern lights, sing alongside beluga whales and lock eyes with wild polar bears. Direct flights are offered from Calgary or Montréal on Subarctic Discovery trips. frontiersnorth.com

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Cape Breton trip to the top in 2022 THE new Ingonish Tree Walk, in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, is on track to start welcoming visitors in 2022. Blending in with the landscape it will offer ‘education, entertainment and adventure’.

Access will be by trail or an eight-person gondola which will take riders from the bottom of Cape Smokey 320 vertical meters to the top in four minutes. Visitors, including wheelchair users and parents with baby strollers, will be able to explore Cape Breton’s nature, learn about the history of the Mi’kmaq people, and enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

The project was due to open in June 2021 but was delayed by the pandemic. cbisland.com

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8 / Canada Specialist Program

Become a special

AGENT FOR CANADA Do clients ask for white-water rafting, a city foodie tour or an indigenous cultural experience? Destination Canada’s new agent training programme has all the answers, says Charlotte Flach

W

hether you’re looking to sell Northern Lights experiences, iconic train journeys or where to walk amongst flora and fauna, Destination Canada’s new Canada Specialist Agent (CSP) training programme will put you head and shoulders above your competitors.

The refreshed training platform, which will go live in November, features modules built completely from scratch with content designed to enlighten agents and help them cash in on the wave of interest in Canadian holidays following the travel lull caused by the pandemic.

“We are thrilled to be bringing a new approach to training Australian travel agents in selling Canada,” said Nathan McLoughlin, Account Director – Trade, Australia, Destination Canada GSA. “We hope even those who have engaged in previous training modules will participate and refresh their knowledge.

We know Canada is in demand and we want to make sure the industry is equipped and has the right tools to convert the enquiries into meaningful bookings with happy clients.”

Canada is on or near the top of those

destinations Australians want to travel to post-pandemic, and the CSP allows agents to capitalize on that by showcasing their expertise to clinch sales.

“We have built up a loyal group of Canada Specialists who consistently deliver high-value bookings to Canada. Agents who get to grips with selling Canada coast to coast and across four seasons will enjoy healthy commissions and happy clients,” added McLoughlin.

The destination’s Elite programme is also still very much in operation and will be expanded.

“We are always looking to identify top selling agents to join our Elite programme, and will support them with bespoke training and exclusive FAM trips.”

What is it?

Over 40 modules will eventually go live, providing agents with an interactive learning experience to learn in-depth about Canada. Key elements will be audio visual components, interactive questions,

shareable content and the chance to move up special tiers as they progress.

Agents can learn directly from experts – and, importantly at this time of new working arrangements – at their own pace, with 24/7 access to the platform on tablets, phones or through a browser.

The ‘Retain’ section condenses product knowledge from training into a resource which can be accessed whenever needed – for example an impromptu sales presentation with clients.

Once the modules have been completed, a downloadble certificate illustrates the agent’s qualification.

Share the Experience More experienced agents can move into modules that include Food and Drink, Wildlife Watching, Adventure and Activities, Winter Wonderland, Indigenous Tourism, Legendary Canada and Trip ideas.

From indigenous food trucks to seafood fare, they will discover how visitors are spoilt for choice, with vintage wines and

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Canada Specialist Program /

9

Learn!

When selling to travellers who want to see as much of Canada as they can on a single trip, agents can tap into a module for suggested regional, multiprovince and cross country multi-destination itineraries

modern craft brews to wash it down with. There are tips on wildlife bucket list activities such as whale and bear watching, plus ideas for adventure activities in the different seasons.

Canada doesn’t shirk away from winter, which is why an entire section will focus on skiing, winter sports and Northern Lights spotting. While a module on Indigenous tourism will detail the cultural heritage of Canada’s first inhabitants.

Agents will also be equipped with detailed summaries of lodges, unique accommodation (such as castles of the north), and how to access the more remote locations in style by helicopter and float plane.

When selling to travellers who want to see as much of the country as they can on a single trip, agents can tap into a module for suggested regional, multi-province and cross country multi-destination itineraries.

Provinces and Territories To really showcase their in-depth expertise, agents can drill down into specifics with an introduction to culture and history highlights, followed by Getting Here and Getting Around, City Sights, Urban Stays, Outdoor Adventures, Countryside Stays, Favourite Itineraries and Working With Us. Modules will break down into areas such as time zones, air and transport options including regional city links, sightseeing and attractions, and neighborhoods travellers should have on their radars.

There are suggestions for both urban and countryside retreats, with a look at popular outdoor activities and which companies they can be booked with, and suggested 24- and 48-hour itineraries to appeal to a variety of interests.

A sales support section will offer trade events and resources for each province.

Module teasers The Foundation: The ‘building bricks’ and base knowledge of any agent’s Canada selling power, these modules will include sections that include Welcome to Canada, Vibrant Cities, Wide Open Spaces and Culture and History.

Helpful overviews of the regions and cities, from Newfoundland and Labrador to Vancouver and Victoria, will explore all the key iconic sights and attractions to mention to clients.

Canada’s abundance of vast and wild open spaces make it a top destination for visiting national parks and marine conservation areas.

Agents will learn what unique attractions each park or conservation area has to offer – such as sightings of rare birds – and how to advise clients to get there.

Lastly, they can learn about some of the nation’s three groups of Indigenous peoples, each with their own distinct cultures, arts and sciences.

Find out the best spots for your clients to relive history, including museums and UNESCO World Heritage sites. There is also a section detailing festivals and events celebrating both traditional life and modern interests.

Register here: canadaspecialist.com.au

Why would I benefit from becoming a Canada Specialist?

Differentiate yourself and your agency from others by becoming a Canada expert Earn a qualification to add to your CV Increase your commission through learning how to upsell and suggest ‘add ons’ Receive priority access to Canada FAM trips, training incentives and both live and virtual events Engage with other agents who are Canada experts Gain confidence in how to sell the right trip to the right client

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e

10 / Canada essentials

CANADA 101

the essentials Canada is in demand and ready to meet the expectations of clients in 2022. Below are our essential starting pointers as to why Canada is perfectly positioned to fulfil that dream trip

Flight options There are non-stop, direct flights available between Sydney and Vancouver on Air Canada and Qantas. Air Canada’s direct flight between Brisbane and Vancouver is slated to restart in 2022.

Time difference The flight time between Sydney and Vancouver is around 14 hours. Time difference between Australian Eastern Standard Time and Pacific Standard Time (in Canada’s west) is 19 hours during Daylight Saving Time: 09.00 on a Monday in Vancouver is 04.00 on the following Tuesday in Sydney.

Languages Canada is both an English- and French-speaking destination – an interesting cultural mix for visitors. French is the mother tongue of 7.2 million Canadians (about 20% of the population), with most of these living in Québec.

Infrastructure Canada boasts both a modern health system and a well-developed road, transport and tourism infrastructure – which makes travelling around the country easy and a pleasure.

Driving is relatively stress-free – and very scenic! Many highways are framed by mountains, forests or oceanic views.

Australia/Canada Australians and Canadians share the same friendly demeanour and selfdeprecating sense of humour.

Visitors are guaranteed a warm and genuine welcome – and this will be more evident than ever after many missed months of tourism due to the pandemic.

Indigenous tourism A burgeoning Indigenous tourism industry makes for unique and authentic experiences. In every province and territory, festivals, events and immersive experiences showcase the culture and history of Canada’s First Peoples through a unique and authentic Indigenous lens (for more on these, see pages 26/27).

Unique culture However, Canada is still a unique country with its very own diverse history, traditions, sports – such as hockey, curling and lacrosse – and activities, culture, cuisine and, most importantly, people.

Typically Canadian

Road trips From iconic mountainous highways in the west to meandering picturesque lighthouse routes in the east, Canada’s breathtaking road trips take Eye-Spy to a whole new level!

These cultural traditions are also illustrated in major annual events. These include the Calgary Stampede, a celebration of the Canadian West and its pioneering spirit featuring rodeos, parades, concerts and more, and the

New France Festival in Québec City, which celebrates the arrival of the first Europeans and includes costumes artistic, and culinary events. Across the country, world-class museums feature arts and crafts that pay homage to Canada’s nature, sweeping landscapes and mosaic of cultures.

Fabulous food Lobsters, halibut, bison, wild foraged mushrooms, Alberta steak, French Canadian maple syrup, oysters, scallops, and berries all contribute to an exciting culinary scene being driven by internationally trained chefs. Then there is some of the best Chinese, Japanese, and Korean food outside of Asia.

For something more homely, warm up with a hot chocolate and a beavertail (a type of donut) or tuck into a plate of poutine (cheese curd and gravy served over chips).

Room to move Canada offers space –

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“As indigenous experiences are so often tied to the land, they’re inherently sustainable and healthy for the environment too” Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

lots of it! It is the second-largest country in the world, with 10 provinces and three huge territories – many of them several times the size of an average European country – to explore, it is very easy to get off the well-trodden tracks and tourst trails and take yourself far away from the crowds.

The population density in Canada is as low as four people per km2 .

Bucket list Canada is a Bucket List Destination that features several ‘must do’ experiences such as the Northern Lights, Dark Sky reserves, icebergs, iconic train journeys, natural wonders (such as Niagara Falls and The Canadian Rockies) and more (see pages 18/19).

Go on safari Canada lays claim to some of the world’s greatest untamed lands and wilderness areas which provide a shelter to a range of impressive

animals. Think black, brown (or grizzly), and polar bears, and whales species including Orca, Humpback and Narwhal.

Great outdoors Within just an hour or less of most major cities and towns, Canada’s great outdoors awaits, with its abundance of fresh air, the scent of trees, lakes, rivers and oceans and pritine beaches. It’s a country where it is easy to enjoy all four seasons – whether the backdrop landscape is coastal, prairie, mountain or Arctic.

Adventures Canada is an adventurers’ outdoor playground. In summer, enjoy road and mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, white-river rafting, angling, golf, surfing and more. In winter indulge in world-class skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, husky dog rides – even ice fishing and ice climbing (see pages 32/33/34 for winter

suggestions). In autumn wonder at the riot of colours in Atlantic Canada, Ontario and Québec.

Cruise the country Several cruise companies operate itineraries that provide a great introduction to the country’s regions and highlights.

Cruise the east coast, perhaps on a fall colours cruise, taking in Nova Scotia and Québec, or sail the waters off British Columbia up to Alaska’s Inside Passage.

Canada specialists Canada-specialist tour operators offer a wide range of packages and tailor-made holidays to suit the occasion or client – whether that’s a bucket list trip, milestone visit, solo adventure, romantic getaway or a celebratory family multigenerational trip.

Covid regulations Be fully up to date with the latest requirements for entry via Canada’s official government site: travel.gc.ca/

travel-covid/travel-restrictions/ exemptions.

Entry rules Australian visitors to Canada must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) in advance of travelling. Once obtained, it remains valid for multiple entries for five years.

Apply online at Canada.ca/eTA. It is also mandatory for passengers to provide information before and after arrival into Canada via the ArriveCAN app or web-based platform canada.ca/ArriveCAN. The app simplifies the process of providing information and is available via the Apple Store and Google Play.

Become a specialist To become a Canada Specialist agent and qualify for benefits and possible fam trips, sign up to Destination Canada’s new CSP training platform is now live at canadaspecialist. com.au. For more information on the CSP see pages 8/9.

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12 / Calgary

Local flavours

IN CALGARY Visitors can discover the city’s chefs, brewmasters, distillers and local ingredients making Calgary a must visit ‘new’ culinary destination Food Tours Sign up for a tour that reveals Calgary’s ‘hidden’ culinary gems. Calgary Food Tours Inc. offers a variety of tours that range from an urban hike up 17th Avenue, dropping in to unique dining spots, to a guided tour of the Calgary Farmers’ Market with a professional chef. albertafoodtours.ca/food-tours-calgary

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Rouge transports you to France’s wine country - just minutes from downtown Calgary in trendy Inglewood neighbourhood. Chef Paul Rogalski showcases the foods of local producers and growers – and food is the medium for his art, where textures, colours and flavours combine with delicious results. rougecalgary.com

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JINBAR Named one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants in 2021 by Air Canada’s enRoute magazine, the inspiration for JINBAR comes from Chef Jinhee’s childhood memories in Korea of her dad coming home with fried chicken and ice cream each payday. For Jinhee, fried chicken and pizza are the ultimate comfort foods. jinbar.ca

The Establishment Brewing Company

Common Crown Brewing Co. Canada’s ‘Brewery of The Year 2020’ at the Canadian Brewing Awards, Common Crown Brewing Co. reflects the owners’ love of wellcrafted beers. Whether through music, the arts, or beer, they strive to bring people together. Try

the brewery’s award-winning Andy’s Wee Heavy and Coppersmith Brown. commoncrown.ca

Brewery Districts With more than 40 breweries Calgary is a brewery-hopping hotspot.

Beer-lovers flock to areas of the city, where clusters of small breweries are growing into communities of their own and offering rewarding adventures for beer hunters. visitcalgary.com/things-todo/stories-from-calgary/ tour-calgarys-brewerydistricts

JOIN A ROUGE CALGARY FOOD TOUR

Winners of the 2021 Canadian Brewery of the Year at the Canadian Brewing Awards, the company combines great beer with friendship.

The taproom has a warm welcoming vibe, with tunes, house plants and beer snacks. Try beers like Erlton Street and Ruby My Dear. establishmentbrewing.ca

Bridgeland Distillery Crowned 2021 Alberta Distillery of the Year, Bridgeland opened in 2019 with a bar and tasting area offering handcrafted brandy, whiskey, limoncello, grappa, wine and spirits. bridgelanddistillery.com

Eau Claire Distillery Located 30 minutes from Calgary in Turner Valley, Eau Claire Distillery offers a range of outstanding handcrafted premium whisky and spirits that are created in line with the distillery’s philosophy of innovation and quality. eauclairedistillery.ca

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Sustainable Canada /

13

kayaking on the yukon riVer

TREADING

lightly Wonderful wilderness, eco-friendly resorts and exciting humanpowered adventures make Canada the perfect choice for a sustainable escape, says Lauren Jarvis

M

y epic two-week journey down the Yukon River begins in the territory’s capital, Whitehorse, when five canoes launch into the wild, Jack London-style, and set off for Dawson City, 450 miles to the north.

Paddling eight hours a day, we tread lightly – bubbling along with the current as silt fizzes against the bow, and powering our way across glassy Lake Laberge, leaving nothing but silver ripples in our wake.

Each night, we will wild camp beside the river, where beavers build their dams and grizzly tracks mark the banks.

Collecting firewood, we will cook in the midnight sun and – wonderfully wifi-free – tell stories as the timeless waters roll by, before sleeping under canvas, answering calls of nature like bears in the woods.

By the village of Carmacks, our hands are blistered and our muscles ache.

Another week of paddling, wild camping and white water lies ahead, as the infamous Five Finger Rapids rumbles downriver.

Running through town, The Klondike Highway offers a tempting escape: to civilisation, Starbucks and a comfortable bed and pillows.

finding a Balace in canada’S great outdoorS

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14 / Sustainable Canada

Soaring aBoVe Sun peakS, BritiSh columBia

“The work of B.C.’s tourism industry is built on a foundation of sustainability and considers the benefits of tourism growth along with its environmental impact” Yvonne Chow, Marketing Coordinator for Europe at Destination British Columbia

cape Breton, noVa Scotia

wildlife aBoundS in the yukon

A crossroads. A choice. I pick up my paddle, climb into the canoe and ride the mighty river to Dawson.

Eco-escapes With its stunning landscapes, epic mountain ranges and mighty rivers, Canada has always attracted adventurers, nature lovers and those seeking a deeper connection to earth’s wild places.

Responsible stewardship and sustainability are in the country’s DNA, from the Indigenous peoples’ age-old respect for the land to the long-established national park service, which protects vast swathes of wilderness, wildlife and some of the most precious ecosystems on the planet.

As more travellers seek to lighten their carbon footprint, Canada’s already ahead of the curve, with endless opportunities to hike, sail, ski, pedal and paddle, while resorts, suppliers and operators offer exciting options for an eco-friendly escape.

As the aviation industry continues its search for a more planet-friendly way to fly, Canadian seaplane operator, Harbour

Air (based in Vancouver), has been blazing a cleaner trail since 2007, when it became North America’s first carbon-neutral airline, offsetting 100% of its emissions.

North America’s largest seaplane airline runs flights from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland to Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Gulf Islands.

Vancouver is also the birthplace of environmental organisation, Greenpeace.

Now in its 51st year, Greenpeace is one of the world’s most recognizable environmental activism groups: what began with a small group of Canadians and Americans protesting a nuclear bomb has become a global phenomenon.

“Canada is a very environmentally aware destination,” says Julie Thompson, Product and Marketing Manager for Frontier Travel, which encourages customers to offset their flight emissions through Climate Care.

“Many resorts and hotels have green programmes in place, such as the intimate and family-owned Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, which is showing an incredible commitment to

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Sustainable Canada /

sustainability with all accommodation sustained by solar power and all ingredients used in our meals locally sourced”.

A spokesperson for Siwash Lake said: “We are the right choice for those seeking authenticity, a commitment to sustainability and impactful, life-enriching experiences.”

Meanwhile, across the country, visitors can seek out find fabulous, eco-friendly restaurants serving menus featuring a range of farm-to-table options.

Eco-trips Known for its world-class wineries, British Columbia’s Thompson Okanagan region has become one of the world’s most sustainable destinations, with plenty of opportunities for human-powered exploration amidst its mountains and lakes.

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations, residents, businesses and visitors are encouraged to commit to the ‘Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations’ pledge, which honours the Indigenous idea that everything we do in

Backcountry fun at tyax wilderneSS reSort,Bc

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our lifetime will have consequences for seven future generations.

Also in British Columbia, Sun Peaks Resort offers a range of low-impact activities including hiking, horse riding and biking across its three mountains, which wrap around a pedestrian-only village.

And all-inclusive safari-style Clayoquot Wilderness Resort on Vancouver Island invites guests to get involved with wildlife rehabilitation through its Coastal Ambassador Programme.

“The work of B.C.’s tourism industry is built on a foundation of sustainability and considers the benefits of tourism growth along with its environmental impact,” explains Yvonne Chow, Marketing Coordinator for Europe at Destination British Columbia.

“In addition, our marketing efforts are focused on lesser-known attractions and destinations with capacity to disperse visitation around the province.”

Off-season travel ‘The Road Less Travelled’ is a key focus for Travel Alberta in 2022, a tagline that hopes to encourage visitors to explore more of the province and experience its diverse landscapes and attractions.

In summer, as an alternative to the popular Rocky Mountains, Alberta is pushing the cities of Calgary and Edmonton (both home to lots of green spaces and perfect for cycling), the Badlands, the Cowboy Trail, Crowsnest Pass and Elk Island National Park, the cornerstone of Canada’s bison conservation story.

Atlantic Canada is also focussed on protecting its natural wonders.

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“We’re encouraging travellers to explore our many national parks and coastline on foot or by bicycle,” says Kelley Keefe, The Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT) UK Program Manager.

Walkers can ramble the rugged East Coast Trail in Newfoundland, while cyclists can bike the historic Rum Runners Trail in Nova Scotia (WorldExpeditions.com offers guided tours for both).

Eco-friendly lodgings include Newfoundland and Labrador’s Fogo Island Inn, glamping domes and cabins at Ridgeback Lodge in New Brunswick, ‘TreePODS’ at Prince Edward Island’s Treetop Haven and luxurious rooms at Trout Point Lodge in the UNESCO Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve.

Going green Canada’s cosmopolitan capital is increasingly catering to green travellers.

“Ottawa has a variety of eco-friendly options for visitors ” says Julia Thomson, Corporate Communications Specialist

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at Ottawa Tourism. “Skating along the incredible Rideau Canal Skateway, cycling on the 500-plus miles of bike paths, hiking in Gatineau Park and rafting along the Ottawa River are all sustainable ways to experience Canada’s capital and its surrounds.

“Our compact downtown allows visitors to walk to most major attractions.”

The country’s breathtaking landscapes always look spectacular through the panoramic windows of the Rocky Mountaineer, which runs through the Rockies, stopping at Whistler, Kamloops, Jasper and Banff.

Travelling by VIA Rail is another easy, relaxing and exciting way to explore the country. The Canadian travels from Toronto to Vancouver and the train company also operates services around the eastern provinces of Ontario and Québec.

Wild things When it comes to wildlife, you can’t beat getting out on foot to find it. Canada offers a genuine safari-type experience and although the ‘big three’ are bears – grizzly, black and polar – there are multitude other ways to enjoy the country’s wildlife.

For example, In south Saskatchewan, you’ll find Grasslands National Park, which is best

known as being the only place in the country that is home to the comical black-tailed prairie dog.

In summer, around 50,000 beluga whales come to the western side of Hudson Bay, Manitoba, where the Churchill River empties into the Bay. The best time to see them is from the last two weeks of July to the first two weeks of August.

Used by First Nations peoples for centuries, canoes are a clean and healthy way to spot the country’s wildlife. In the Yukon, where nearly 80% of the territory remains pristine wilderness, canoeing winding waterways is a fantastic noninvasive way to get up close to animals and birdlife. The relatively sparse human population makes the territory a haven for species like caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, lynx, coyotes, foxes and millions of migratory birds.

Living off the land Across Canada, some 1,500 indigenousowned tourism operations now invite visitors to discover more about Canada’s First Nations people.

From herbal medicine walks in Saskatchewan with a Cree/Métis guide to camping in teepees, foraging for herbs and

“As indigenous experiences are so often tied to the land, they’re inherently sustainable and healthy for the environment too” Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

berries used in teas and medicines and celebrating the culture of the Anishnawbek people on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, authentic traditional experiences are available for visitors “Supporting sustainable, Indigenous tourism means bringing benefits and employment to communities and keeping cultural traditions alive,” notes Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

“And as most Indigenous experiences are inextricably tied to the land, they’re inherently sustainable and healthy for the environment too.”

experience authentic indigenous culture

Bison in the snow, Elk Island National Park

Seeing the northern lights is an emotional experience for many

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Interview /

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Talking Canada with

marsha walden CEO, Destination Canada You started your current role in August 2020, an interesting time to head an organisation promoting travel to a country that was effectively closed to foreign visitors. How did you manage to keep Canada ‘front of mind’?

To ensure that Canada stayed front of mind during this time, we worked closely with our in-market teams globally to remain active in key markets, including the UK, our largest overseas market, and Australia.

We tried to support our global travel trade and travel media partners and to be ready for the travel rebound by building a deeper understanding of Canada – from our lively cities immersed in nature to our spectacular wilderness and coastlines to our unique mosaic of Indigenous and global cultures.

Despite the obvious challenges of the past two years, what would you point to as your key ‘achievements’?

In my mind, there have been several big wins for Destination Canada since the start of the pandemic. For starters, we’ve set a higher aspiration for the industry and redefined our yardstick for success. We are striving to enhance the quality of life of Canadians while enriching the lives of visitors.

While economic measures remain important to gauge the vitality of our industry, we are shifting to holistically measure the net benefits that tourism brings to Canadian communities – socio-culturally, environmentally and economically.

Why should Canada be on everyone’s “book now“ list for 2022?

After such a long travel pause, people want to explore the world again. In Canada, they will discover a renewed sense of wellbeing.

They can feel confident about their health and safety. They will want to explore our vibrant cities immersed in epic nature, our mosaic of global cultures and our unique Indigenous experiences. UK travellers can find both adventure and rejuvenation within a six- to nine-hour flight.

With its parks, vast landscapes, open roads and more is Canada ideally placed to tempt post-pandemic visitors?

We certainly think so. People will be looking for deeper connections with the destinations they are visiting, perhaps staying longer, doing more and connecting more closely with locals – which makes Canada an attractive destination for travellers.

Whether someone has resolved to eat fresher and better, to maintain their 10,000 steps a day or just to try something new, like wild swimming, Canada’s outdoors are great places to push oneself a bit further amid unrivalled beauty.

Do you think the profile of the ‘types’ of visitors to Canada in 2022 and beyond will be different from previously?

I do. Travel and travel values have changed in a material way. At Destination Canada the importance of improving the quality of life for all Canadians is underscored in our new strategy. As travel comes back we will focus on attracting high-value travellers who stay longer and seek to truly connect with people and places on their travels through our beautiful, natural, landscapes and cities. Tour operators are telling us that there is also a spike in those prioritizing Canada to achieve their bucket list experiences.

Do you have a memorable Canadian travel experience you could share?

There are too many extraordinary experiences to count! But a beloved travel experience for me is Québec City, for its important historical significance, warm Francophone lifestyle, and wonderful cuisine.

It’s a charming, culture-rich experience and I love its amazing architecture, with some of the oldest buildings in Canada and strong references to European styles. Though English is widely spoken, my visits there have even encouraged me to try my French!

I have an upcoming visit to Iqaluit and our partners at Travel Nunavut have asked the skies to put on a good show for my – I am hoping they will cooperate!

Marsha in Nova Scotia

“I believe that people now understand that travel is so much more than sightseeing, and that tourism is critical to supporting many of the community amenities that locals enjoy too” Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination Canada

QuÈbec city

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10 iconic experiences to build a bucket list Arctic itinerary

Discover untouched Canada

The Northwest Territories Canada’s arctic region of the Northwest Territories is raw and untouched, encompassing remote landscapes, forests, mountains, rivers, arctic tundra and undoubtedly the best Aurora viewing in the world. The gateway city Yellowknife is the starting point for discovery in the Northwest Territories, and is only a two hour direct flight north of Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton. From Yellowknife local service providers, many who are indigenous, are ready to welcome visitors from around the world to showcase this vast land with unique tales of their history and ancestors along the way.

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Marvel at the Northern Lights staying in downtown Yellowknife, with an evening tour to a nearby viewing station at a teepee site or cozy cabin

Join a small group tour to Nahanni National Park with a scenic flight over Virginia Falls, twice the height of Niagara Falls

View the Muskox of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve with Indigenous Guides from Frontier Lodge

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Tour the ice roads on a multi day arctic circle adventure or a short day ice road experience from Yellowknife

Go off grid by bush plane from Yellowknife and stay in one of many wilderness lodges and eco lodges to view the Aurora. Lodges vary in creature comforts, some are rustic B&B style others are all inclusive with personised chefs on location.

Add to your winter Aurora experience with the thrill of guiding your own sled dog team.

Visitors can go high north to arctic town of Inuvik for winter combination tour a tour or a try short day experience in the gateway town of Yellowknife

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Winter (Dec-March) or Summer/autumn (Sept-Oct)

Do you have any questions about travelling to the Northwest Territories?

Please contact local travel trade representative Lizzie Doyle lizzie@pr-marketing.com.au

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BOOKINGS SPECIALIST CUSTOM BUILT ITINERARIES Adventure Destinations www.adventuredestinations.com.au Adventure World www.adventureworld.com.au Entire Travel Group www.entiretravel.com.au

Enjoy a guided expedition canoe or kayak adventure on iconic rivers like the Keele, Mackenzie and Nahanni or a combined canoe/hike expedition

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Combine two Territories with a Self drive journey on the Dempster Highway in the Yukon connecting to the Northwest Territories Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway to reach the arctic ocean. Or take the journey on a small group tour

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Momento Travel www.momentotravel.com.au Natural Focus Safaris www.naturalfocusaustralia.com.au

GROUP TOURS Great Canadian Trails www.greatcanadiantrails.com Intrepid Travel www.intrepidtravel.com My Cruises www.mycruises.com.au Luxury Escapes (Commission offered via Travel Managers, i-Talk, Express Travel Group + House of Travel NZ) www.luxuryescapes.com/au

Take an scenic flight with Canadian North or from Air North to the arctic town of Inuvik and enjoy multi day experience with Tundra North Tours including the remote town of Tuktoyaktuk highlighting the only road in North America that leads to the chilly waters of the Arctic Ocean

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Dine in the local pubs and restaurants of Yellowknife or enjoy an indigenous culture and local flavours tasting tour

APT www.aptouring.com.au Travelmarvel www.travelmarvel.com.au

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Bucket List Canada For clients starved of enriching bucket list travel experiences, here are 12 memorable options sure get their pulses racing, says karl Cushing

Rocky Mountaineer/The Canadian Rocky Mountaineer is a luxury rail experience that offers a combination of fine dining and a window on the passing wondrous scenery. The train’s glass-domed observation carriages provide a prime seat to view British Columbia and Alberta’s epic landscapes. Choose between Silver or Gold Leaf service and four memorable routes.

Another classic rail journey sees Via Rail’s historic The Canadian travel from Toronto to Vancouver, a four-night/three-day adventure. rockymountaineer.com; viarail.ca/en Driving ambitions: Whether taming the all-season Dempster Highway linking Dawson City with Inuvik in the Arctic Circle or driving among Ontario’s Niagara wine country, Canada’s scenic highways are made for road trippers. British Columbia’s scenic ‘Sea to Sky’ highway from Vancouver to Whistler is classic drive while Alberta’s iconic ‘Icefields Parkway’, dissecting Banff

and Jasper National Parks, is a 232km stretch of double-lane highway that winds through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and sweeping valleys. In autumn, vibrant colours provide the backdrop to drives in Atlantic Canada, such as the coastal Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island. caen-keepexploring.canada.travel/things-todo/best-road-trips-in-canada.

Make like a Voyageur: Grab an oar and follow the intrepid FrenchCanadian voyageur traders who crisscrossed Canada’s interior in their wooden canoes. Options range from quick lake paddles to multi-day excursions in replica multi-person canoes, as on British Columbia’s Fraser River or the Yukon’s Big Salmon and Yukon rivers. Resort options include BC’s Murtle and McGillivray lakes (the latter is an excursion offered by Sun Peaks resort), and Ontario’s Ottawa River. In Algonquin provincial park, enjoy wildlife

viewing, fireside cook-ups and storytelling. destinationontario.com; travelyukon.com Canada’s Galapagos: Tours of British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii archipelago centre on Haanas National Park Reserve, with guided hikes, kayaking excursions and scenic seaplane flights over photogenic landscapes. The unesco World Heritage Site of SGang Gwaay tells the story of the Haida Nation. At Skidegate, visit the Haida Heritage Centre and hike the Spirit Lake Trail. gohaidagwaii.ca Get high in the Canadian Rockies Drink in the majestic Canadian Rockies in British Columbia and Alberta, encompassing the National Parks of Banff, Jasper, Yoho, kootenay and Waterton. The peak summer months bring optimum hiking and rafting conditions, while winter sees snowsports lovers swell the popular resorts in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. hellobc.com; travelalberta.com/ca

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Jessica Burtnick

Northern Tales Travel Services Inc.

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Soar over Niagara Falls Experience Canada’s most famous natural wonder via a scenic helicopter flight.

The 775-feet-high Skylon Tower also offers lofty views over the falls from its observation decks, or drink in the panoramic vistas from Queen Victoria Park. Visitors can tour the historic Niagara Parks Power Station – there’s an immersive, illuminated night-time experience – introduced in summer 2021, niagarafallstourism.com Gaze at the Northern Lights Northern Canada’s dark skies showcase the Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis). Viewable for much of the year, options range from two-hour excursions to multi-day packages. Top spots include Nunavut, Alberta, and in the Northwest Territories, Great Slave Lake and Aurora Village near Yellowknife. At Takhini Hot Springs, Yukon, visitors can soak up the celestial light show in their swimwear.

travelyukon.com; spectacularnwt.com; travelmanitoba.com; destinationnunavut.ca Snap polar bears on safari Each October and/or November hundreds of polar bears gather close to the town of Churchill, Manitoba, accompanied by a secondary migration of snap-happy tourists who flock to capture this phenomenon from open-air viewing vehicles. The world’s polar bear capital offers accessible experiences, with specialists such as Churchill Wild ensuring visitors get close to the action. More exclusive packages are offered by remote, fly-in Manitoba lodges. travelmanitoba.com; churchillwild.com Whale watching: killer opportunity From zodiac boat excursions to kayaking tours, whale watching is available on both coasts. In British Columbia, humpbacks, orcas (killer whales), grays and minkies are the levitahan stars, with Victoria and Vancouver two of the biggest bases

for boat trips. In central Canada, operators such as Lazy Bear Expeditions showcase the massing of Beluga whales in Hudson Bay and the Churchill River each July and August. In the maritime reaches of Québec’s St. Lawrence river, up to 13 species of whale are often found between May and October. lazybearlodge.com; bonjourquebec.com Track wild animals - bear essentials Glimpse grizzly, black and brown bears in the wild: the animals begin to appear in the spring, as they emerge from hibernation. Between August and October, look for them foraging and hunting salmon.

Popular viewing spots include Vancouver Island, Great Bear Rainforest and the Cariboo and Chilcotin Mountains in British Columbia, where the lodges are served by floatplanes.

At Bear Cave Mountain, Yukon, the grizzlies become ‘ice bears’: the thermal waters and freezing conditions sees ice form in their fur. bearcavemountain.com; hellobc.com

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Push those

boundaries Whether you want to learn a new skill, be at one with nature or leap from your comfort zone, Canada will test, challenge and refresh, writes Stuart Forster

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he inquisitive polar bear peers directly into my eyes, sniffs at my camera then exhales. To my surprise the billowing cloud of condensed breath is neither meaty nor fishy.

The animal-loving side of me wants to reach out and touch her cuddly ears but the logical side prevails — she looks placid but I need to stay wary.

Viewing wildlife was on my wish list when I flew north to Churchill, the Manitoba town known as ‘the polar bear capital of the world’.

Here, 60 kilometres further north at the Seal River Heritage Lodge, I have seen bears

every day since arriving. This morning I’d arrived in the lodge’s lounge well before breakfast and the other guests, who were probably having a lie-in after viewing the Northern Lights last night.

Terry, one of Churchill Wild’s bear experts, told me a lone female was approaching the building. I had my camera ready so stepped outside, gulping in the bitter cold air.

As I opened the wooden door the bear hissed. Terry advised me to move away slowly. I squatted by the security fence, whose wire acted like a reverse zoo, and moments later the bear lumbered to check me out. Being this close to a wild polar bear was beyond my wildest expectations. Her paws were enormous. I was clicking photos and thrilled to be observing her.

Destination Canada’s slogan is ‘For Glowing Hearts’ and, as I stared back at the bear, my heart was thumping hard and fast. I felt as alive as I ever have.

Bearing up to the wild During October and November Churchill Wild (churchillwild.com) operates polar bear safaris near the shore of Hudson Bay. Aimed at keen photographers, they feature guided walks on the tundra and provide opportunities to see creatures such as Arctic foxes and hares.

The Tundra Buggy (frontiersnorth.com), an all-terrain vehicle specially adapted for viewing wildlife and Northern Lights, visits locations around Churchill. It makes polar bear viewing accessible during the peak autumn season and operates in July and August, when the wildflowers bloom.

Between May and October, grizzly bears can be observed from boats and hides operated by Great Bear Lodge (greatbeartours.com) near Port Hardy in British Columbia.

Having a whale of a time During July and August white beluga whales swim in the Hudson Bay’s shallows and you can paddle amongst them in a kayak.

Alternatively, Sea North Tours (seanorthtours.com) operates tours led by experienced guides in whale-friendly boats.

The Bay of Fundy attracts humpback, finback and minke whales. Whale-watching tours in high-speed Zodiac boats are offered by the likes of Fundy Tide Runners (fundytidetunners.com) in New Brunswick, and Ocean Explorations (oceanexplorations. ca) in Nova Scotia.

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close encounters of the polar bear kind

British Columbia’s whale-watching season runs from April to late-October. Vancouver Island is a particular hotspot for viewing orcas, also known as killer whales. Orca Spirit (orcaspirit.com) operates out of Victoria, and Prince of Whales (princeofwhales.com) leave from Vancouver.

Take an uphill challenge Canada’s vast wide open spaces and accessible mountains are ideal for hiking.

In addition to exploring those remote wilderness areas, visitors can rack up their steps on tours of cities and towns.

For example, set within an urban park, Mount Royal (lemontroyal.qc.ca/en) offers outstanding perspectives of Montréal.

In Vancouver, the 2.9 km Grouse Grind on Grouse Mountain is nicknamed ‘Mother Nature’s Stairmaster’ and microchipped cards are available for those wishing to register their time.

Rossland (tourismrossland.com), a former mining town in BC, is known as the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada. With more than 200 kilometres of trails it caters to bikers of all levels. Open from July into October, the 36-kilometre Seven Summits Trail is a remote and tough route with spectacular views.

Reaching for new heights There are plenty of ways visitors can enjoy an adrenaline boost by taking themselves out of their comfort zone.

In Toronto, they can lean over the city from a height of 1,168ft during a CN Tower EdgeWalk (cntower.ca).

A rush, in its literal sense, is on hand at the Zipline to the Falls (niagaraparks.com) races to the base of the iconic Horseshoe

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dog sledding in quebec

Falls at Niagara Falls. Those with a head for heights will appreciate mountain scenery on the new Golden Skybridge (goldtourismgolden.com). The country’s highest suspension bridge is just a few minutes from the Trans-Canada Highwa, and easily reached on a road trip.

The Canadian Rockies are renowned for world-class ice climbing. Based in Canmore, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures (yamnuska. com) operates tours for experienced climbers and introduces the activity to beginners between December and March.

The Sasquatch (whistler.com) in Whistler is the country’s longest zipline. And new is Canada’s first ‘interprovince zip line’, Interzip Rogers (interzip.ca/en), which opened in Canada’s capital in 2021, crossing the Ottawa River between Quebéc and Ontario.

For stunning yet more sedate views, take a ride on Whistler’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Squamish’s wheelchair-accessible Sea to Sky Gondola (seatoskygondola.com). Along with the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, the latter offers giddying views of the Howe Sound.

Over on Vancouver Island the Malahat SkyWalk (malahatskywalk.com) is another new attraction. The immersive nature

take a tour to baffin island

experience presents coastal and forest views on a spiralling ramp.

Discover hidden gems The little-known Arctic Cordillera, a 1,900mile mountain range between northern Labrador and Nunavut, offers four national parks. Arctic Kingdom (arctickingdom.com) operates tours to more remote destinations, including Auyuittuq National Park on Baffin Island in Nunavut.

At Alberta’s Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park (albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writingon-stone-pp/), interpretative programmes introduce the hieroglyphs carved into rocks in a park with backcountry hiking and camping in pre-erected tents.

Neighbouring Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park is one of the quietest places on the planet and for stargazers its remoteness means the darkest of all the dark sky preserves in Canada.

Near Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park’s (wanuskewin.com) exhibitions and interpretive programme provide opportunities for visitors to delve into the heritage and lifestyles of the Northern Plains’ indigenous peoples.

In the Yukon, the Long Ago Peoples Place (yukonfirstnationculture.com) is open yearround, allowing travellers to spend time with representatives of the Southern Tutchone nation to learn about hunting methods and traditional cooking.

Lake Kelowna (tourismkelowna.com) in the Okanagan Valley, a region known for wine production, is now established as one of Canada’s wild swimming locations.

“New is Canada's first 'interprovince zip line', Interzip Rogers, which has opened in Canada’s capital, crossing the Ottawa River between Quebéc and Ontario” participate in cooking experiences and return home with new skills to use in the kitchen.

Chef Brad Smoliak (kitchenbybrad.ca), whose long table dinners champion the Prairie Provinces farm-to-fork culture, plans to run three-hour cooking demonstrations in his Edmonton kitchen in 2022.

In the Maritime provinces, the gourmet bent tends to be on seafood. TV’s Kilted Chef (kiltedchef.ca), Alain Bossé, offers a ‘Lobster 101’, providing insights into preparing and cooking the crustaceans.

Attending Nova Scotia’s month-long South Shore Lobster Crawl (lobstercrawl.ca) – planned for February 2022 – is a great way to experience the province outside high season and take part in activities such as a trip on a fishing boat.

Prince Edward Island’s International Shellfish Festival (peishellfish.com), held each September, introduces visitors to the practice of foraging for mussels, clams and oysters.

The festival offers an opportunity to stretch your food choices and remove any doubts about consuming shellfish!

Upskill in the kitchen step to the edge in toronto

Increasingly, Canada is evolving into a culinary destination where foodies can selling canada 2022

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Many of the 700 Indigenous communities in Canada now offer visitors the opportunity to connect with their traditions, cultures and landscapes. Lauren Jarvis suggests 10 authentic experiences to offer clients

Dine under the Northern Lights One of the world’s best places to see the Aurora Borealis, Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories sees the spectacular display dance across the sky on more than 200 nights every year. The Indigenous family-owned Aurora Village provides the perfect cosy spot to view the phenomena.

Guests can dine in a traditional teepee before watching the cosmic show and learning about the myths and legends linked to the Northern Lights. auroravillage.com Take a thrilling dog-sled ride Indigenous Peoples have been using dog sleds in Canada for hundreds of years and today there’s no more thrilling way for visitors to whiz through a winter wonderland than on a sled pulled by a team of huskies.

Based in Churchill, Manitoba, the family-run Wapusk Adventures offers dog sledding tours through the boreal forest and cultural talks about the Métis People. wapuskadventures.com

Seek out a spirit bear British Columbia’s Great Bear Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, along with several hundred ghostly-white Kermode bears, which have shared the Kitasoo Xai’xais traditional territory for aeons. Believed to have magical powers, these cream-coloured animals have become known as ‘spirit bears’. At Indigenousowned Spirit Bear Lodge you can join a guided safari to find them. spiritbear.com Go on an Arctic adventure Their deep connection to their traditional lands makes Indigenous Peoples fascinating guides. Inuit-owned Arctic Bay Adventures offers a memorable immersive Indigenous experience. Set within the Arctic Circle on the northwest corner of Nunavut’s Baffin Island, Arctic Bay is one of the world’s most northerly communities and the gateway to glacial valleys, red rock cliffs and Admiralty Inlet, the longest fjord on Earth. arcticbayadventures.com

JESSICA BurTNICK

DESTINATION CANADA

Authentically Canadian

DESTINATION CANADA

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26 / Indigenous experiences Experiences

Watch out for whales Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours offers voyages in the Salish Sea, off British Columbia, in search of whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters and eagles, and interpretive explorations of Orford Bay, a winter gathering place for the Xwémalhkwu or Homalco of Bute Inlet, known as the ‘People of Fast running Waters’. Visitors learn about traditional plants, medicines, shelter and clothing from an Indigenous guide – and might spot grizzly bears feasting on salmon. homalcotours.com Explore Indigenous traditions Wendake in Québec offers an immersive journey into the culture of the Huron-Wendat People. The HotelMusée Premières Nations is home of the Huron-Wendat Museum, while the Huron Traditional Site, on the Huron-Wendat reservation, offers canoe rides, tours of a Yänonhchia’ (long house), dance displays and Indigenous cuisine. tourismewendake.ca/en/

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Keith Henry President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC),

Jessica Burtnick

Wanuskewin

How do Indigenous experiences deepen visitors’ understanding of Canada? They allow Canadians and tourists alike to experience the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures from coast to coast. Visitors can connect with the Elders, cultural knowledge keepers, storytellers, artists, chefs and others. This encourages visitors to ask questions and deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture.

Destination Canada

Tell us about are some of these diverse Indigenous experiences.

There are so many! Such as dogsledding in Manitoba, watching the Aurora Borealis in the Northwest Territories and searching for the elusive Spirit Bear in British Columbia. Indigenous-owned resorts include Klahoose Wilderness Resort near Desolation Sound in BC and Dakota Dunes Resort near Saskatoon.

Herd reindeer across the tundra Join Indigenous herders on an epic journey by snowmobile, guiding thousands of reindeer to their spring calving grounds, and enjoy Inuvialuit hospitality in Tuktoyaktuk on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.

This authentic experience offers the option of building and sleeping in an igloo, dining in a teepee and watching the Northern Lights.

Guests can also visit an igloo church, go on a snowshoe hike and enjoy local cuisine and cultural activities. tundranorthtours.com Uncover Indigenous treasures Known as ‘Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig’, Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan protects precious archaeological sites, some older than the Egyptian Pyramids. This modern cultural centre, which honours the 6,000-year history of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples, has a gallery showcasing Indigenous artists, an Indigenous restaurant and a bison herd. wanuskewin.com

Escape to the islands Off the northern Pacific coast of Canada, Haida Gwaii is an archipelago with two main islands – Graham Island and Moresby Island – along with 400 other isles. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Haida People, who have lived in the region for 13,000 years, and experience their warm hospitality with a stay at Haida-owned accommodations, including the boutique beachfront Ocean House and the lodges and cabins at Haida House. haidatourism.ca Join a Pow Wow These large ceremonial gatherings are a celebration of Indigenous heritage, preserving ancestral traditions and displaying the skills and crafts of Indigenous communities. The summer months sees First Nations Peoples from Yukon to Québec come together through dance, storytelling and food, and are ready to welcome nonIndigenous guests to join the party. canadianpowwows.ca

Q: How can visitors ensure they receive a truly authentic Indigenous experience? It’s important to support Indigenous businesses directly and not folks that are appropriating Indigenous culture for profit. Buying authentic ensures that our culture is shared in a respectful manner and supports local Indigenous communities – which is why we launched The Original Original brand mark. This mark signals businesses that have been vetted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and that they are Indigenous-owned and led.

Q: Why is it important for Indigenous Peoples to shape the Canadian tourism experience?

Indigenous Peoples in Canada are at a point of cultural reclamation and rejuvenation, using tourism to rediscover and share their culture with the world. It also provides a chance for them to be proud of who they are and share their history in their own voice.

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28 / Canada’s islands

Islands made for

EXPLORING Framed by Newfoundland in the east, Vancouver Island in the west and Baffin in the north, Canada is home to a diverse collection of islands, says Rupert Parker

I

start my journey on Prince Edward Island, which lies off the east coast of New Brunswick and wasn’t accessible by road until the eight-mile Confederation Bridge was completed in 1997.

In its tiny capital, Charlottetown, I explore Victoria Row, a pedestrianised street whose red brick buildings house several bars and restaurants. Fresh seafood is on the menu as the waters around here are stacked with lobster, mussel, oysters and tuna.

The island is picture-postcard beautiful and its lush green gentle hills are surrounded by some of the best beaches in the world.

Author Lucy Maud Montgomery set her forever-famous 1908 children’s book Anne of Green Gables here and not much has changed since.

You can still see her typewriter in the restored 19th century farmhouse, Green Gables Heritage Place.

I follow the East Coastal Drive, which is light on traffic, and stop at Greenwich National Park to see the largest sand dunes in PEI as well as rare plants and animals.

Greenwich has a long history with connections to Mi’kmaq and Acadian culture, and an ever-evolving tale of the shaping and

re-shaping of its landscapes through wind and waves.

I carry on to the beaches on the far side of the island. Red Point Provincial Park has the winning combination of red cliffs, emerald green forest and cobalt ocean.

Nearby are the ‘Singing Sands’, which squeak as you walk along the beach.

My final stop is the charming Victoria-bythe-Sea. Once a busy port but now a sleepy but fishing village with colourful clapboard houses, it has plenty to offer visitors who can stroll the tree-lined streets that were laid out in the 1860s, dine in a sea captain’s house, sample handmade chocolates in one of the former general stores, attend a play in the historic community hall (now home of the Victoria Playhouse Festival) or watch the lobster fishers land their catch on the wharf.

Here are some other Canadian ‘islands’ to recommend to clients

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia On Canada’s Atlantic coast, Cape Breton is crammed with meandering rivers, rolling hills, waterfalls and lakes. It’s the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people and home

to bald eagles and migrating whales. In the 19th century, Scottish migrants arrived with their Gaelic traditions and today Celtic music remains the island’s soundtrack. Don’t miss the 300-kilometre Cabot Trail, which winds and climbs around the northern coast.

Newfoundland & Labrador Newfoundland is the most easterly point of North America, blocking the mouth of the Saint Lawrence River, creating the world’s largest estuary.

The island has miles of untouched coastline, where the stars are often breaching whales and majestic icebergs.

St. John’s, the oldest city in Canada, has plenty of lively restaurants and bars that hop to the chords of folk music.

From here, head out to explore tiny fishing villages – some only accessible by boat – and try hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing or even hunting. Across the Strait of Belle Isle, Labrador has a strong sense of ancient Inuit and Innu traditions.

Baffin Island, Nunavut The largest island in Canada, Baffin is the homeland of the Inuit – and all steep fjords,

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MANITOULIN ISLAND, ONTARIO

spectacular glaciers and high mountains.

This vast Arctic wilderness is populated by snowy owls, caribou, narwhal, belugas and polar bears. Ski amid the peaks of Auyuittuq National Park or travel by dog sleds or snowmobile across ice floes into Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park. Baffin is also a renowned centre for Inuit art.

Thousand Islands, Ontario The name is a misnomer as more than 1,800 islands sit in the St. Lawrence River, stretching about 50 miles downstream from the mouth of Lake Ontario.

In the late 19th century, the islands were the fashionable retreat for the rich and famous and today are still home to elaborate island mansions such as the German-style Boldt Castle on Heart Island, and Singer Castle on Dark Island, with its Gothic windows and secret passageways.

For visitors they are mostly a playground for fishermen, hikers and outdoors enthusiasts with around 30 miles of walking trails which are open to the public all year round. They are also home to two UNESCO designated sites: the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve and the Rideau Heritage

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NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

CAPE BRETON ISLAND

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

FLOWERPOT ISLAND, GEORGIAN BAY, ONTARIO

Route, an historic canal running over 200 kilometres from Ottawa to Kingston.

Manitoulin Island, Ontario In Lake Huron, Manitoulin has over 100 inland lakes, some with their own islands.

White quartzite and granite outcrops are split by spectacular waterfalls.

Six different Indigenous groups account for 40% of the population of just 12,000 – and they are developing a range of experiences for visitors. Encourage clients to explore the Great Spirit Circle Trail with an indigenous guide. Options include a sunset canoe voyage, a torch or drum-making workshop and a tobacco or smudge ceremony.

“Visitors should sample the quality food and wine in the verdant Cowichan Valley farm region of Vancouver Island”

Vancouver Island, BC Residing in the Pacific Ocean, the island is home to logging and fishing communities and divided by a range of snow-capped mountains, with wilderness to the west and sheltered lowlands to the east. Visitors are attracted by its parks and the chance to marvel at orcas and black bears.

Hike the long-distance West Coast Trail, relax on a beach at Parksville Bay and Quailicum and explore BC’s capital, Victoria.

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30 / Winter activities

WE DON'T HIBERNATE,

we celebrate!

World-class skiing With ski resorts in Western Canada benefiting from usually reliable snowfall and world-class powder, it’s small wonder they are a magnet for British skiers and snowboarders.

The village at Whistler in British Columbia sits next to the slopes and combined with Blackcomb offers an outstanding choice of runs as well as off-piste activities from bobsleighing to a lively nightlife.

In the same province, Sun Peaks is Canada’s second-largest ski area (after Whistler). With terrain on three mountains there is a huge number of runs and space aplenty. The resort has a host of beginner and intermediate skiing, making it a great choice for families.

In Alberta, Banff town, with its restaurants and shops, makes an excellent base

with regular buses taking skiers and snowboarders to the local slopes at the local Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, which comprise SkiBig3.

For a more laidback vibe, the town of Jasper is half the size of Banff and offers excellent skiing at Marmot Basin, which has received several upgrades in recent years.

Enticing winter lovers out east are Québec’s picture-perfect Laurentian Mountains, northwest of Montréal. Here, Mt. Tremblant’s Francophone character makes for an exciting world-class ski alternative to the resorts out west.

Snow much fun off the slopes Snowshoeing, dog sledding and snowmobile tours just some of the popular and easily accessible options that are alternatives to skiing and snowboarding.

Another signature Canadian experience, Ice fishing trips, see visitors venture out onto frozen lakes to huddle around holes in the ice, possibly sheltered in a heated hut– this is as much about learning about local culture as hooking fish.

Québec resorts such as Mont-SainteAnne, Stoneham, Bromont and Sutton offer excellent cross-country skiing trails while the province’s auberges are a good bet for off-piste multi-activity packages.

Properties like the Le Baluchon Eco Resort offer guests the use of electric fat bikes, which make light work of the snowy conditions, alongside timeless options such as horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Wellness is also to the fore. In Québec options include the Nordic Spa-Nature in Chelsea, Mt. Tremblant’s Scandinave Spa and at Club Med's Mountain Resort in the

DESTINATION CANADA

Winter doesn’t stop play in Canada – if anything it gives it the green light! Karl Cushing offers seven compelling reasons why clients should keep it Canada for their winter holidays

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Winter activities /

Winter fun in toronto

‘Winter Lite’ for families Overnight options don’t come cooler than Québec’s ice hotel – or, as the locals say, Hôtel de Glace – a unique overnight experience that is usually bookable from January to March.

Other quintessentially Canadian 'alternative' accommodation options include a ‘Winter Log Cabin Adventure’ in Algonquin Park, Ontario, and a yurt stay, which can be added into multi-activity packages such as those offered at Cabot Shores Wilderness Resort, Nova Scotia, which promises a holiday fuelled by campfire hot chocolate and ‘s’mores’.

Ice-skating is one family-friendly option readily enjoyed in Canada’s cities. Ottawa’s Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest rink from January to early March, while Toronto has its Evergreen Brickworks rink and Montréal’s Old Port area draws crowds to its themed skating nights.

And try to find your way out of the world’s largest snow maze, in St. Adolphe, just south of Winnipeg. Usually open to visitors from late January to mid-March, it features five special theme rooms made of snow.

For the more adventurous Serious seasonal swells draw the most intrepid winter surfers to Nova Scotia where Lawrencetown Beach is home to the East Coast Surf School. Out west, Tofino in British Columbia offers a different type of

ice fishing in sun Peaks

cool. From October through April the Pacific Ocean packs an extra-powerful punch – so much so that storm watching is a celebrated attraction: enjoy it surfside or fireside from beachfront resorts like Pacific Sands in Cox Bay. It is quite a show.

Research suggests that outdoor swimming in the winter offers a range of health benefits. This is available in many places in Canada where groups gather at sites such as Toronto’s Cherry Beach, Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Halifax’s Chocolate Lake and even the Yukon, where hardy residents take a frigid dip through holes cut in the ice.

Winter kayaking and SUP are available for those with a wetsuit but for a truly iconic Canadian pursuit watch or try ice canoeing along Québec’s St Lawrence River.

In the Canadian Rockies winter conditions are ideal for ice climbing, with hundreds of challenging routes available. Trips are arranged out of bases such as Banff – and you needn’t be Bear Gryls either, with family options and taster days on offer.

Unforgettable events Canadians love their outdoor winter events and visitors will too, insulated by hearty local fayre such as hot chocolate, coffee from the local Tim Horton’s, a steaming plate of poutine or a hot apple cider.

Calendar highlights include January’s Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival, which takes place over two weekends. The town’s heritage district sets the stage with Ice wine from local wineries, ice-wine-inspired cuisine and live music. Tastings are offered at the region’s award-winning wineries.

Montréal’s three-week musical Igloofest

ELIZABETH TRAN

Charlevoix region, where hot and cold treatments alternate to soothe and rest the body and an outdoor whirlpool bath offers views of the St Lawrence River.

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finD your Way out of the snoW maZe near WinniPeg

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Festive markets, winter lights

many other Winterlude activities – indoors and outdoors – highlight Canada's cultural, artistic and culinary diversity. Urban sites, museums and events present opportunities to connect with Indigenous culture.

Other winter draws in February include Edmonton’s Silver Skate festival and Québec City, where event mascot Bonhomme emerges from his ice palace each year to lead the magical Québec Winter Carnival, with parades, snow sculptures and ice canoe races.

The nearby pretty and atmospheric Laurentian villages really get into the seasonal mood too, with their Christmas illuminations.

Kids love exploring the illuminated Niagara Falls during the Winter Festival of Lights, which runs from mid-November to mid-February, and Yellowknife’s Snow castle, the centrepiece of the Snowking festival each early March.

‘Tis the season for city breaks…

Canada’s cities are at their enchanting

destination canada

Toronto gets in the festive mood early with a huge Santa Claus Parade on the third Sunday in November, before embracing the season with its Cavalcade of Lights, Fair in the Square and Christmas Market.

Vancouver's big draws include the Bright Nights Christmas Train ride in an illuminated Stanley Park, and a German-themed Christmas Market featuring a carousel, music, arts and crafts and Alpine Haus, a heated tent which was extended in 2021 to ensure more distance between visitors.

Ottawa and co-hosts Gatineau will look to welcome back the popular Winterlude festival in February 2023. Aside from outdoor activities like a gigantic snow playground called Snowflake Kingdom,

fat tire biking near canmore, AlberTa

Winter comforts at chateau lake louise, alberta

family fun in Quebec’s Laurentian mountains comforts

destination canada

(which was cancelled for 2022), draws thousands of electronic music fans to the Old Port of Montreal each January/February.

Other winter events mark local culture, such as February’s Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a 10-day affair with the tagline 'We don't hibernate, we celebrate!'

It pays homage to the first inhabitants of European origin (French) to settle at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers and the many Francophone voyageurs of the fur trade who followed them.

The festival includes a live presentation on the life of the voyageurs, music, dance, a snow sculpture contest and a parade.

In British Columbia, the Rossland Winter Carnival has roots stretching back to 1897.

Signature events include a carnival parade with fire spinners, an ice palace, beer gardens and snow sculptures.

For sheer irreverence March’s Griz Days in Fernie, BC is hard to beat, with lumberjack shows, leg wrestling and axe throwing.

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32 / Winter activities

“Festive draws include Edmonton’s Silver Skate festival in February and Québec City where event mascot Bonhomme emerges from his ice palace each year to lead the magical Québec Winter Carnival" best in the colder months. In Ottawa illuminations, seasonal foods and festive entertainments add a seasonal lustre to a visit while in Toronto’s shopping areas deck themselves in bells, holly and more, with Eaton Centre, Yorkville and Queen Street popular retail spots.

Ontario Place’s rejuvenation includes a winter lights exhibition along with skating fire pits and food vendors. The city also has Theatre District, where Broadway performances at venues such as the Ed Mirvish theatre (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child arrives May 31 2022) and the Prince of Wales Theatre are cozy winter options.

Montréal takes winter in its stride, with daily life going on seamlessly in its ‘underground city’. For a two-centre winter break, Montréal twins well with Québec City whose historic architecture and riverside setting are at their beguiling best under a blanket of snow and ice.

Vancouver and Calgary (with its multiattraction WinSport Park), were respective hosts of the 2010 and 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Both are excellent city stay options that can be added to the front or back of a ski or winter activities holiday.

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33

Whitehorse

call of the wild Established during the Gold Rush, Whitehorse is the gateway to Canada’s true north and offers a ‘frontier experience’, says Stuart Forster

T

he territorial capital of the Yukon is much more than just a staging post for self-drive holidays.

Established as a provisioning hub for miners during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s, its downtown district's frontier-ofcivilisation feel is today a draw in itself.

The pastel facades of stores on Main Street look much like those from the sets of Western movies.

Refreshingly remote, Whitehorse has the best air quality of all Canada’s cities and it’s easy to explore the broad streets of its compact core on foot.

Star Struck A bust of Jack London, the author of The Call of the Wild – a tale that was told in the 2020 movie of the same name, starring Harrison Ford as John Thornton, who ventures north with his dog, Buck - stands at the corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue.

Similarly, a bronze statue of a gold rush prospector and his dog also resides in the heart of the city.

Dog sledding and northern lights viewing count among winter activities popular in and around Whitehorse.

Close to the city, the aurora glass chalets at the Northern Lights Resort and Spa is a popular accommodation option.

When it comes to activity excursions, several local operators offer a raft of exciting

Paddle steamer S.S. Klondike

adventures: for example, Yukon Heli Ski offers day trips from Whitehorse and promises “deep snowpacks, rugged Northern beauty, bonfires under the northern lights, cozy tiny home accommodations, outdoor barbecues and five-star meals.”

Buses operate in Whitehorse but to explore the wilderness beyond visitors will need to hire a vehicle – motorhomes are a good choice – or join a group tour.

Nearby highlights include the country’s tallest mountain, Mount Logan, and the world’s largest non-polar icefield in Kluane National Park, two hours’ drive west along the Alaska Highway.

The Carcross Desert, the smallest in the world, is less than an hour south of the city.

Served by Air Canada and Air North, Whitehorse is a two-hour-and-20-minute flight from Vancouver.

Top Experiences

OLd Log Church

Museums: Get the lowdown on the Klondike Gold Rush and First Nations’ stories in the MacBride Museum, which is built around a cabin-like telegraph office. The summer-only MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum is a few miles out of town.

The White Pass and Yukon Railway: The narrow-gauge system was built in

1898 to connect Whitehorse with Skagway in Alaska. Coaches now run to and from Fraser, in British Columbia, for the return trip over the White Pass Summit to Skagway.

Winter fat biking: Terra Riders operate three-hour guided fat biking tours. Guests pause to appreciate the landscape – and maybe the northern lights.

The Robert Lowe Suspension Bridge: Just outside the city, this provides outstanding views of the steep basalt walls of the Miles Canyon.

Drinking holes: Lovers of craft beers can mosey into the likes of the Dirty Northern Bastard pub, the Gold Pan Saloon and the Winterlong Brewing Co’s taproom.

Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre: This modern riverside building showcases the arts, crafts and heritage of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation, hosting artists in residence, interpretive events and dance acts.

SS Klondike: Goods and people once travelled between Whitehorse and Dawson City on this paddle steamer, now a National Historic Site on the Yukon River.

Yukon Beringia Interpretative Centre: This attraction near the airport explores the human settlement of North America and the Ice Age wildlife that used the land bridge linking Asia.

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34 / How to sell...

Getting a

move on Canada is a vast nation but there’s an array of transport options to discover it. Choosing how to get about plays an integral role in holidaymakers’ experiences, says Stuart Forster Flight paths.

All travellers to Canada, whether entering by air, land, rail or marine vessel, must use ArriveCAN unless they are exempt from this requirement due to an accessibility need.

This information must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival in Canada.

Air Canada (aircanada.com), and Qantas (qantas.com) operate flights from Australia to Canada.

Once in Canada, visitors can also fly domestically with Air Canada and a range of other airlines. Air Canada’s budget subsidiary, Air Canada Rouge (flyrouge.com), and Porter Airlines (flyporter.com) count among the options for travel within Canada.

Another option is WestJet (westjet.com), which flies to around 25 destinations in Canada, and Air North (flyairnorth.com), Calm Air (calmair.com) and Canadian North (canadiannorth.com), airlines that serve destinations in the country’s north.

Carbon neutral Harbour Air (harbourair. com), based in Vancouver, aims to be the world’s first commercial airline to operate only all-electric aircraft.

Cars and Rvs: On the road The experience: Excellent highways and country roads, usually with little traffic, make Canada ideal for road trips in a rental car

travelling british colombia on the rocky mountaineer

A kayak excursion during an expedition cruise

or motorhome. Self-drive holidays provide a framework for travellers to explore independently, with motorhomes known as recreational vehicles in Canada, a term commonly abbreviated to RV. These vehicles present holidaymakers with a ‘freedom option’ to explore the country at leisure during road trips, negating the need to book hotels.

With sleeping quarters for between two and seven people, RVs allow travellers to overnight in the countryside - perhaps a national or provincial park – before setting out to explore the cities.

Typically, drivers aged from 21 years of age can get behind the wheel of an RV. Fir those new to an RV holiday, stress that once outside of the cities traffic is often light in much of Canada, making driving a relatively stress-free experience.

Best for: Touring the Yukon (and neighbouring Alaska). Western Canada between Vancouver and Calgary. Exploring Québec, from its cities to the Laurentians.

Driving between the small towns,parks and waterways of eastern Canada.

When: RVs are ideal for summer travel (June until September in the Yukon; May until September in the west; May until October in eastern Canada).

Key markets: Couples; families (specially those with young children); groups of friends; holidaymakers with time to explore.

What it doesn’t offer: The security of a guided group and someone else taking the strain of doing the driving and map reading.

Trains: Stay on track The experience: Travelling by rail enables holidaymakers to sit back, relax and enjoy the country’s wondrous landscapes and passing wildlife. In some regions the network covers ground not linked by roads, such as northern Manitoba between Winnipeg and Churchill.

Canada is not short of ‘must do’ train journeys. Top of the bill is perhaps The Canadian, which connects Toronto and Vancouver in three-and-a-half days, covering 4,446 km, which takes about 86 hours.

The train rumbles through boreal forest, prairies and mountains on what National

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35

take the ferry and bike across to totonto’s Islands

Geographic called one of the best train trips in the world. It first heads into central Ontario, with its lakeside communities, fishing lodges and villages, before crossing the prairies into Manitoba – with a stop in Winnipeg – and Saskatchewan and on to Alberta, stopping in Edmonton and Jasper and then British Columbia.

The luxury Rocky Mountaineer offers some of the world’s iconic rail journeys. Carriages – a choice of Gold or Silver service – offer unparalleled views of fast-flowing rivers, rugged scenery in the Canadian Rockies, wooded areas, arid plains and the central prairies and farmlands. Stops include Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, all in Alberta.

Heritage railways, in some cases operating restored steam trains, are also popular. The South Simcoe Railway (southsimcoerailway. ca) and the White Pass and Yukon Route (wpyr.com) provide holidaymakers opportunities to take trips on scenic routes.

Where: Several regions of Canada.

When: VIA Rail operates services throughout the year. The Rocky Mountaineer runs from April until October Key markets: Environmentally aware travellers; Rail aficionados; 50+ travellers and those with time on their hands looking to explore the country beyond the main roads.

Key players: Rocky Mountaineer (rockymountaineer.com), VIA Rail (viarail. ca/en) What it doesn’t offer: Timetabled departures limit spontaneity.

Cruising The experience: With more coastline than any other country, Canada has destinations in the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans which are served by cruise ships.

This is also a land of lakes and rivers that can often be experienced on popular

suggest clients see canada at their own pace by travelling in an RV

sightseeing tours. Expedition cruise ships journey along the Northwest Passage to remote locations such as Baffin Island.

And cruising is a way for holidaymakers to call in at some of Canada’s more remote settlements, many showcasing a unique heritage – such as Haida Gwaii (formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands), the British Columbian archipelago that is nicknamed ‘the Canadian Galapagos’ due to its diverse nature.

Cruising is also a mainstream way of exploring Québec City and Montréal, which are both accessible along the Saint Lawrence River, and other coastal and riverfront cities.

Self-drive boats (leboat.com.au) offers even non-sailors a way of gently touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal between Ottawa and Kingston.

Where: Maritime Canada; Arctic Canada, Central Canada, Western Canada When: June to October Key market: Mature clients; adventurers; those looking to do a cruise ‘add on’.

Key players: P&O Cruises (pocruises.com), Princess Cruises (princess.com), Viking Cruises (vikingcruises.com.au) Crystal Cruises (crystalcruises.com) What it doesn’t offer: Opportunities to explore inland scenery, unless booked as

part of a holiday itinerary.

And don’t forget... Cycle hire is a means to exploring Canada’s cities and more rural areas – for example, by following the likes of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail in the Okanagan Valley.

Alternatively, pull on a helmet and jump on an electric-scooter (eskoot.com) and tour vineyards and other attractions around Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Winter transport options include exploring the frozen countryside while sitting on a sled pulled by dogs or powering along groomed snowy trails on a snowmobile.

cruising offers a great introduction to canada

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36 / Canada’s Arctic

GREAT

Explorations

Pond inlET, nunAvuT

O

nce the preserve of remote indigenous communities, whalers an intrepid explorers, the natural wonders of Canada’s vast Arctic region – which spans more than 40% of its landmass – are more accessible than ever before as they’re now served by airports such as Iqaluit and small ship expedition cruises. even the fabled Northwest Passage through the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific, which eluded explorers such as Sir John Franklin, a British Royal Navy officer and Arctic explorer, now lies open.

Best tackled during August, sailings in 2022 include Quark expeditions’ 17-day Northwest Passage: epic High Arctic, aboard Ultramarine, departing Toronto on August 30, and Hurtigruten’s 26-day In the Wake of the Great explorers aboard MS Roald Amundsen, departing Vancouver on August 23.

MICHeLLe VALBeRG

MICHeLLe VALBeRG

MICHeLLe VALBeRG

From visits to Inuit villages and walking with polar bears to intrepid cruises and ice road journeys, there’s much to explore in Canada’s Arctic region, says Karl Cushing

ZodiAC boATS in buCHun gulF

Learn the ropes Arctic Kingdom’s website (arctickingdom. com/for-travel-agents) is a good starting point for agents looking to get to grips with available options. As well as showcasing its roster of trip options – including yearround polar bear viewing – it features a raft of handy advice and useful information to get agents up and selling.

Highlights among the 36,000 islands of Canada’s Arctic region include Baffin, home to Auyuittuq National Park and wildlife like Arctic foxes, polar bears and caribou.

The island stars on many tours, including Swoop Arctic’s (swoop-arctic.com) sevenday Narwhals, Bears and Ice, which spends five nights at Arctic Camp and one in Pond Inlet, and includes snowmobile safaris and kayaking. Prices start from £12,493pp, with departures in May and June.

Baffin combines naturally with nearby islands such as Beechey, which houses

SEE THE CAnAdiAn ARCTiC by SnowmobilE

the graves of some of Franklin’s doomed expedition crew, plus tours of Greenland — as offered by the likes of Chimu Adventures.

Other stand-outs include Prince Leopold, its cliffs alive with birdlife, while beluga whales and narwhal are among the prized sightings when sailing Lancaster Sound.

Longer, more comprehensive voyages are likely to be in big demand, such as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ sold out 18-day ‘From Kangerlussuaq to Kangerlussuaq’ cruise aboard Hanseatic Nature, departing August 25, 2022 (hl-cruises.com).

Other Canadian Arctic explorations departing from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland include Ponant’s 13-night Baffin Bay Secrets, from £13,380pp, departing July 27, 2022, and 16-night expedition to the Thule Region, from £13,490pp, departing August 25, 2023 (ponant.com).

“It’s the combination of wildlife, culture

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“The Canadian Arctic offers everything you could wish for on an Arctic expedition: Inuit culture, rich history, breathaking scenery and amazing wildlife” Simon Evans, Tailor-Made Manager, Intrepid Group

and scenery [that sets such sailings apart],” says Stephen Winter, Ponant’s International Sales Director. Highlights include the stellar wildlife watching opportunities and the interactions with local Inuit.

“They will share with guest their millennial old techniques for surviving in this very harsh environment and bring home the reality that our actions can have a very direct effect on their lifestyle and livelihood, reinforcing that we are all connected,” Winter adds.

Another operator leveraging the popularity of Canadian Arctic cruises is Intrepid Group (intrepidgroup.travel), whose polar and tailor-made manager Simon evans enthuses: “The Canadian Arctic offers everything you could wish for on an Arctic expedition: Inuit culture, rich history, breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife” He adds: “Voyages along the Northwest

Passage see clients following the footsteps of famous explorers such as Franklin and Amundsen and encounter many of the islands and channels in the archipelago, and their splendours.

“With wildlife including walrus, beluga whales, polar bears, musk ox and the elusive narwhal for the really lucky ones, the High Arctic provides a complete Arctic experience.”

Hit the road Yukon’s Dawson City is the starting point for road trippers striking north on the Dempster Highway to Inuvik, in the Northwest Territories (NWT), which along with Nunavut province comprises the bulk of Canada’s Arctic.

While it offers an all-season highway link to the region, most tackle the Dempster between May and September. Operators advise taking at least four or five days to

make the return journey, exploring spots such as eagle Plains along the way.

Inuvik is a great place to learn about Inuvialuit culture. Plus, from the Western Arctic Visitor Centre and photogenic igloo church to the golf course and year-round Boot Lake Trail there’s much to do, with calendar highlights including January’s Sunrise Festival.

Those who don’t fancy the drive can fly in from destinations such as Dawson and Yellowknife. Once there, local operators such as Tundra North (tundranorthtours. com) offer everything from wintertime Dempster day drives to trips along the all-season highway to the Inuvialuit community of Tuktoyaktuk.

A two-hour flight from Winnipeg, Manitoba’s provincial capital Churchill, may lie below the Arctic Circle but it’s still the world’s undisputed polar bear capital.

Come October or November and a

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See the light

FRANK BERGDOLL

During the long winter nights the region’s dark skies provide the perfect stage for the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights.

Arctic areas offering accessible viewing include Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, from where clients can follow in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and fly into the high-end Blachford Lake Lodge. Activities on offer a pick-up game of pond hockey, broomball or curling More pocket-friendly options include the Indigenous-owned Aurora Village, with its 28 Aurora cabins that offer a spectacular panoramic view to the Northern sky from the comfort of your bed. (auroravillage. com).

Offering a shuttle service from

near arctic bay, an Inuit hamleton Baffin Island, Nunavut

Yellowknife’s hotels, its Aurora viewing experiences are offered from midNovember to mid-April and feature comfortable heated teepees.

Clients can upgrade to the ‘V.I. Teepee’ experience or add activities such as dogsledding and snowmobile tours in winter, or hikes and cruises on Great Slave Lake from mid-August to mid-October.

With its photogenic floating houseboats the picturesque lake is one of Yellowknife’s big draws, while Slave River Rapids offer world class whitewater.

in nearby Hay River.

Great Slave Lake is also one of the North West Territories’ premier angling spots, including ice fishing excursions in winter.

Nunavut province is awash with prime, year-round fishing hotspots, with excellent fly fishing in the warmer months.

But whether your clients go fishing or not, the chances are they will definitely be hooked on Canada’s Arctic region and the once-in-a-lifetime set of memories and photographs it will provide.

Festivals and fish Visit Yellowknife in March and you can join the locals as they celebrate the Snowking Festival — or alternatively experience the Katlodeeche First Nations’ K’amba Carnival martina gebrovska

number of hungry polars head towards town by padding across the freshly frozen Hudson Bay – which offers visitors superlative photo-calls from their secure, open-air viewing vehicles.

Local polar bear safari specialists include the award-winning Churchill Wild (churchillwild.com), whose popular lodges are featured by several operators.

Another major draw are the beluga whales. These fascinating cetaceans mass in Hudson Bay every July and August to give birth.

Close-up encounters with belugas are possible in the Churchill River on kayaking or ‘AquaGliding’ tours.

Offered by Lazy Bear Expeditions (lazybearlodge.com) the kayaking experience involves donning a wet-suit, snorkel and mask and lying face down on floating mats, peering into the ocean, while being towed by zodiac boats. A three-hour trip costs around $250pp, plus tax.

michelle valberg

38 / Canada’s Arctic

“Inuit share with guests their millennial old techniques for surviving in this very harsh environment and bring home the reality that our actions can have a very direct effect on their lifestyle and livelihood” Stephen Winter, International

FRESH CATCH: ice fishing

Sales Manager, Ponant

best foot forward: snowshoeing

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Second-visit cities /

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Make time for Canada’s

supporting stars Canada’s ‘alternative’ cities pack a punch with their array of attractions and should be recommended to second-time visitors, says Peter Ellegard

Halifax Steeped in maritime history, Nova Scotia’s provincial capital is dominated by the starshape, hilltop Citadel fort, one of Canada’s most popular national historic sites. Open

ice SKATING ON OTTAWA’S RIDEAU CANAL

year-round, the best time to visit is from May to October, when all exhibits are open and special events and activities are staged.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canada’s largest maritime museum and featuring a permanent Titanic exhibit, is located in the historic waterfront. Almost a million immigrants landed here from 1928 to 1971 and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 highlights the story of d how the newcomers helped shape Canada. The Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is adjacent.

Suggest clients take a harbour cruise, visit Georges Island on a shuttle boat or by kayak, and take a day trip out to several nearby wineries. discoverhalifax.com

St. Johns The capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, St John’s belies its small size with its vibrant cultural scene, music, shops, galleries and its many seafood restaurants serving up fresh-from-the-boat catches.

North America’s most easterly city has a history dating back 500 years – Its harbour was settled by the British in the 1600s –

Signal hill, st. johns

and its colourful heritage neighbourhoods, such as the brightly-painted clapboard houses of Jellybean Row in downtown, are eye-catching. Top sights include Signal Hill, where the first transatlantic wireless signal was received, and rugged Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America.

See the world’s largest concentration of humpback whales, Atlantic puffins and towering icebergs on guided boat tours from the heart of St John’s. destinationstjohns.com

Victoria British Columbia’s graceful capital is a blaze of floral colour in spring and summer, notably at the celebrated Butchart Gardens.

By day, the city’s harbour buzzes with activity in front of BC’s Parliament Buildings, which are open for free tours. In the evening the Inner Harbour comes alive with its microbrew pubs, clubs and the waterfront restaurants of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Enjoy afternoon tea in the Fairmont Empress Hotel and take to the water on a guided boat tour to see humpback, minke and orca whales. And explore the Royal BC Museum’s collections of natural and human history including BC’s indigenous heritage.

Half an hour north of Victoria, the Malahat Skywalk opened in July 2021, offering stunning views over the Saanich Peninsula, Mt Baker and the Coast Mountains. tourismvictoria.com

ORCA WHALES OFF VICTORIA, BC

reuben krabbe

Canada’s capital city offers a wealth of great architecture and some of the country’s most important cultural institutions, including seven of the nation’s nine national museums. The ‘must-visits’ are the Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum and the glass-walled National Gallery of Canada.

Among notable landmarks, the imposing Gothic-revival buildings of Parliament Hill are the seat of government: the daily ceremonial, Changing of the Guard will return in 2022.

The Rideau Canal is full of pleasure craft in summer, while in winter it morphs into the world’s longest ice rink and is the setting for some of the Winterlude carnival activities.

Other must-sees include foodie hub ByWard Market and the Canadian Tulip Festival, which will see its 70th running in May 2022. ottawatourism.ca

destination canada

Ottawa

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40 / Luxury in gateway the gateway cities cities

HOW TO SELL

comfort zones After an extended unwanted hiatus not being able to travel to Canada, many travellers have cash to splash and are ready to ‘upgrade’ their next holiday, says Peter ellegard

C

anada’s leading gateway cities – Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and Halifax – really know how to lay out the red carpet for visitors looking to enjoy themselves with the type of glamorous stay that would be fitting for rock stars or royalty.

And with pent-up ‘holiday money’ ready to be spent, 2022 is the perfect time to upsell top-end accommodation and experiences.

But what is on offer for those looking to pimp their stay with the best money can buy?

Vancouver Fairmont Gold suites are the height of luxury for many, but at the Fairmont Pacific Rim guests can top that by staying in the property’s grand two-storey Chairman’s Suite, nicknamed the ‘Rock Star Suite’.

Spread over 2,250 sq ft, it includes two living rooms, an eight-foot-long Swarovski crystal chandelier, kitchen, master bedroom featuring a fireplace and en-suite marble bathroom with hand-carved soaker tub, plus an outdoor patio that includes a private gazebo, meditation pond and fire pit, and a rooftop tented terrace with a private lift.

Clients can also be high-flyers on a backcountry helicopter and Fraser Valley wine and culinary adventure with BC Adventure Company.

The experience will see them taking a private helicopter flight over mountains and lakes before landing for Champagne beside a river, followed by a chauffeured drive in a luxury vehicle through the Fraser Valley to visit two wineries.

Or they can take off on a West Coast craft beer flight tour with Sky Helicopters, flying over the Coast Mountains to sample local craft beers in a forest clearing before returning to Vancouver.

Other upscale Vancouver area experiences include breakfast with bears and a seaplane and whale watching tour excursion.

Toronto If size matters, Toronto’s Four Seasons Hotel weighs in with the Presidential Suite, with up to three bedrooms spanning over 3,300 sq ft, or the even larger Royal Suite, again offering up to three bedrooms and measuring 3,820 sq ft. Both offer panoramic views over the city from their top-floor corner locations.

For a cool C$16,000 per night, Royal Suite guests get fantasy granite bathrooms, a private office, private bar, dining area for eight people, multiple plasma HD TVs and 24/7 room and concierge services.

The 2,900-sq-ft bi-level Penthouse Suite at the new Hotel X Toronto offers skyline city vistas and views of the CN Tower from every room, its guests enjoying exclusive access to the hotel’s Library Club Lounge.

For an indulgent epicurean experience, the Cheese Cave in Toca restaurant at Toronto’s Ritz-Carlton reputedly has one of the world’s best cheese collections.

Meanwhile, the iconic and very central Fairmont Royal York is marking its 90th anniversary by celebrating a major makeover imagined by the Rockwell Group.

At the heart of the hotel’s metamorphosis is an elevated food experience. For example, its REIGN restaurant has private dining rooms where its traditional afternoon teas include a Royal Champagne experience.

Montréal Book clients who want a true rock star experience into the 17th floor John Lennon

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Luxury Luxury in the in gateway cities /

and Yoko Ono Suite at Montreal’s Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.

This is where The Beatles legend and his wife famously staged a week-long Bed-in for Peace in 1969, supposedly getting up only to record the now timeless (and festive) Give Peace a Chance with visiting celebrity friends.

A 2017 renovation of the hotel included refurbishing the suite with a 1960s’ theme inspired by the couple’s life and their work promoting peace.

Opened in summer 2021, the Humaniti Montréal boutique hotel – a Marriott Autograph Collection property – is described as Montréal’s first-ever ‘Live-Well’ hotel.

Billing itself as “a brilliant combination of human inspiration and innovative architecture that celebrates the art and grace of sophisticated living in all its forms,” the hotel offers a tranquil sanctuary and perhaps the city’s ultimate luxury.

Key features include the ultra-chic 1,200 sq ft Hero Suite and Maison Boulud, one of the city’s best restaurants.

Celebrating in style its 110th anniversary in 2022 the Ritz-Carlton, on downtown Montréal’s popular Sherbrooke Street, is offering an exclusive Royal Experience stay from C$6,000 per night in its Royal Suite.

The deal includes a C$2,000 food and beverage credit per night valid at its restaurants and for in-room dining.

Away from the city’s hotel scene, wouldbe sailors and yachtsmen can charter the Ohana yacht for a three-hour private sailing tuition experience in the heart of the city.

The yacht’s experienced crew will introduce them to the world of sailing on the iconic St. Lawrence River.

Alternatively, take to the air with Helicraft for a private fly-over of Montréal before landing at the Trois Tilleuls restaurant for a three-course dinner.

Or enjoy a Thermal Experience before arriving at the lake-side Balnea Spa for a four-hour spa session after an aerial city tour, returning to Montréal via flying over the Eastern Townships.

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the new Humaniti Hotel Montreal

Halifax Guests at the new opulent waterfront Muir, another Marriott Autograph Collection hotel that opened in December 2021, can really push the boat out by sailing on the hotel’s 36-ft yacht, Little Wing, or getting an adrenalin rush on Reach, its 24-foot motorboat that takes them out to explore the bays and coves throughout Halifax’s historic harbour.

A chauffeur-driven hybrid Range Rover is also available for guests.

The Watch, Muir’s top-end suite, offers a discreet guest entrance and a private tasting room with vintage spirits and ocean views.

The hotel, located in the new Queen’s Marque district and jutting out over the waterfront, is packed with bespoke interiors and furniture and features an ultra-premium fitness and vitality centre and an exclusive guests-only art gallery.

In addition, its ‘secret speakeasy’ has quickly become one of Halifax’s most mustbe-seen-at waterfront terraces.

luxury for Mind and body at the Muir, halifax

fairmont gold lounge

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42 / Park National life Parks

NOT JUST A

pretty picture From mountains and plains to boreal forests and tundra to lakes and glaciers, Canada's national parks protect natural landscapes – and offer a host of exciting experiences for visitors, says Stuart Forster

FUNDY NATIONAL PARK

On New Brunswick’s south shore, overlooking the Bay of Fundy, this park is open year round. Kayaking and canoeing are available on water which boasts the world’s highest tides. A nine-hole golf course is open from May to October.

Marked trails suitable for mountain biking – ride through native Acadian forests – and hiking vary from short easy loops to challenging stretches with backcountry camping. The Fundy Trail Parkway unveiled six new additional lookouts in 2021. Visitors can book yurts, cabins and prepitched tent-cabin crossovers known as oTENTiks.

The park also hosts regular music performances. tourismnewbrunswick.ca

GROS MORNE NATIONAL PARK

Located just north of Rocky Harbour in Newfoundland and Labrador, Gros Morne National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the rare places where the earth’s mantle is exposed, enabling visitors to see evidence of how tectonic plates shift. Even those uninterested in geology can appreciate the rugged beauty of a landscape also shaped by the movement of Ice Age glaciers. From mid-May to midOctober boats sail on Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord, providing views of its waterfalls and steep cliffs. Six challenging unmarked hiking routes cut through the Long Range Mountains’ spectacular terrain. newfoundlandlabrador.com

BEST OF THE REST Bruce Peninsula National Park National Park - Hike past ancient cedar trees to dramatic cliffs that rise from the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.

Kejimkujik National Park - Sitting within Nova Scotia’s dark sky preserve, Keji is a National Historic Site due to its rock art.

Kootenay National Park - This British

Prince Edward Island National Park -

Columbia park features mountains topped by glaciers and mineral-rich hot springs.

Overlooking the Gulf of St Lawrence, nature lovers are drawn to its dunes and beaches.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve -

Yoho National Park - Also in British Columbia, this park has jaw-dropping scenery on the west side of the Rockies plus fossils to find in the Burgess Shale.

Sandy beaches, gigantic waves and First Nations' cultural experiences draw people to this coastal reserve in British Columbia.

For more on Canada’s national parks see pc.gc.ca

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National park Parks life //

KLUANE NATIONAL PARK AND RESERVE

In the Yukon's southwestern corner, Kluane spans an area larger than Israel. Along with adjacent parks, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dramatic, diverse landscape takes in forest, alpine tundra and the world’s largest non-polar icefield.

Sightseeing flights by operators, including Icefield Discovery, provide aerial views of the crevasse-pitted St Elias icefield and a mountain range with 17 of Canada’s 20 highest peaks, including its tallest, Mount Logan. Hiking, mountaineering and rafting the Alsek River allow visitors to see wildlife like caribou, dall’s sheep and grizzly bears. Camping at Kathleen Lake in oTENTiks is available from mid-May to mid-September. travelyukon.com

LA MAURICIE NATIONAL PARK

In the Laurentian mountains, just over two hours’ drive west of Québec City, this national park turns 50 in 2020. Its forest is dotted with more than 150 lakes, where visitors can swim or hire stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes from the Lac Edouard, Wapizagonke and Shewenegan picnic areas.

Cyclists can pedal the park’s 55 kilometre-network of trails, ranging from family-friendly circuits to 'intermediate', or stick to the parkway’s tarmac. During the summer, anglers can take advantage of daily fishing permits. In addition to camping and oTENTiks, there are dormitories in two historic lakeside cabins. quebecoriginal.com/en

43 43

RIDING NATIONAL MOUNTAIN PARK

In southern Manitoba, three hours’ drive northwest of Winnipeg, Riding Mountain National Park is home to the Manitoba Escarpment’s hills. As its name hints, horse riding is a way of exploring, including along the Ochre River.

And horse-drawn wagons, of the type once used by the prairies’ pioneers, is a way of experiencing the Strathclair Trail. Golfers can book a tee time at the 18-hole Clear Lake Golf Course. Visitors participating in geocaching will be guided to sites such as the twin towers of the park’s eastern gateway, the last remaining Parks Canada gate from the 1930s. travelmanitoba.com

ROUGE NATIONAL URBAN PARK

Less than a 40-minute drive northeast of downtown Toronto, this park offers both the natural beauty of a park and proximity to urban amenities. It has free entry and is accessible by public transport. Glen Rouge Campground is currently closed for renovation but other parts of this wilderness within Canada’s most populous city remain open.

Woodland trails and wetland boardwalks attract walkers, while bird-watchers have 225 species to spot, including killdeers and belted kingfishers. Visit the sandy beach of Lake Ontario. A downloadable app points visitors to other highlights including ancient sites of human settlement. ontariotravel.net

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44 / Park National life Parks

BANFF NATIONAL PARK

TORNGAT MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Among the jagged peaks and vast glacial valleys of Newfoundland and Labrador, polar bears and caribou roam. This is the homeland of Inuit, who today welcome visitors to experience a dramatic landscape where nature and culture meet.

There are no roads, trails, or signs in the park but there are unmarked hiking routes and traditional Inuit travel routes. Visitors can explore on guided/ unguided day hikes and interpretive walks, overnight camping trips, multi-day backpacking treks, and technical rock-climbing excursions.

Parks Canada offers a range of day trips and overnight hiking opportunities tailored for different skill and fitness levels. newfoundlandlabrador.com CANADA PARKS

Founded in 1885, Banff is Canada’s first national park and a flagship attraction that will be on most wish lists. With its soaring peaks, emerald lakes, roaming wildlife and picture-perfect town and village, this Rocky Mountain park attracts millions of visitors every year. Activities on offer including hiking, biking, skiing and camping. Take your pick of over 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) of maintained trails, with many of the park’s most famous hikes easily accessible from the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise. The Lake Louise and Icefields area of the park, where walkers can 'feel the breath of glaciers' has the moniker of the “hiking capital of Canada”. travelalberta.com

Canada’s

Discover historic and natural wonders!

The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is your clients’ gateway to Canada’s history, nature and adventure in over 80 Parks Canada administered places.

• Faster entry • Greater convenience • Adult, senior, and family/group options • Net rates available

Order today! tourisme-tourism@pc.gc.ca parkscanada.gc.ca/traveltrade-discovery

Découvrez les merveilles historiques et naturelles du

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La carte d’entrée Découverte de Parcs Canada est la porte d’accès de vos clients à l’histoire, à la nature et à l’aventure dans plus de 80 endroits administrés par Parcs Canada.

• Entrée plus rapide • Plus grande commodité • Options pour adultes, aînés et familles/groupes • Tarifs nets disponibles

Commandez dès aujourd’hui! tourisme-tourism@pc.gc.ca parcscanada.gc.ca/voyagistes-decouverte

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My Canada Calm /

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Where I found.....

my Canada calm Greg Mangos, Travel Utopia I found my Canada Calm in the Eastern Townships of Québec, as I stood on the shores of Lac Massawippi, which was framed by autumn foliage and gentle rolling hills. This destination is quintessential French-Canada at its best! The picturesque chocolatiers, wineries and lavender farms, and the welcoming Francophones with their delicious accents, made it a very hard place to leave!

Kristy Prince, Adventure World Travel One of my favourite Canada Calm moments came on a November morning during a guided hike in Banff National Park. This turned into a snowshoe adventure, complete with maple taffy made in the fresh snow. At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise we walked around the iconic lake. It was mostly unfrozen but surrounded by freshly fallen white snow and very few people – an experience I’ll never forget.

Jo Oldfield, Travel Designer (affiliate of Savenio) I found my Canada Calm dog sledding with the finest husky dogs in the Yukon. These handsome canines barked with excitement as they were harnessed in front of our sled. Sliding down snowy trails and winding through the woods, as we brushed past snow-laden trees while those huskies sprinted on ahead, was incredibly exhilarating.

They were happy, happy doggies!

Sam Treby, Entire Travel Group I found my Canada Calm on the floor of Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park, Alberta, with a depth of more than 50 metres at certain points. Being surrounded by frozen waterfalls, snow-covered trees, ice caves and incredible ice formations left me speechless. It made me realise how happy I feel when surrounded by pure nature – a truly memorable experience to last a lifetime.

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