Selling Canada Winter 2023

2024 | TRAINING FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE

FALL STOPS Discover how and where to see Canada's true colours in the autumn

PLUS... CSP PROGRAMME . LETTER FROM SASKATCHEWAN . SUMMER TRENDS . ACCESSIBILITY . NORTHERN LIGHTS . AND MORE

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adventure d e s t i n at i o n YO U R

From Journey Behind the Falls, at the very base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, to a ride over the vibrant, teal-coloured waters of the Niagara River in the historic Whirlpool Aero Car, and the serene setting of the Butterfly Conservatory, there’s no shortage of adventure to discover at Niagara Parks.

Visit the all-new Niagara Parks Power Station, explore the century-old hydropower generating station with interactive exhibits, carefully restored machinery and captivating stories from the archives. Then travel 180 feet below to explore the 2,200-foot-long tunnel that leads to the edge of the Niagara River for a never-before-seen view of the magnificent Falls!

FOR BOOKING + INQUIRIES, CONTACT GROUPS@NIAGARAPARKS.COM

NIAGARAPARKS.COM

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GENERAL 04 Destination Canada 06 News to Use 10 Canada Specialist Training 12 13 14 18 20 22 48

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Cruising Interview: Air Transat Summer Trends 2024 Total Eclipse Winter Zen Accessibility Postcards from Canada Diversity

AUTUMN 26 A-Z Autumn

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34 Autumn in the Rockies 38 Talking Travel 40 Northern lights 42 Festival fun 43 Six adventures 44 Wildlife watching 46 Four drives with colour

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FRONT COVER: JULIE'S POND, HEMLOCK RAVINE PARK, NOVA SCOTIA ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SHAUNL PUBLISHED BY BMI PUBLISHING LTD, 501 THE RESIDENCE, NO.1 ALEXANDRA TERRACE, GUILDFORD, GU1 3DA • T: 020 8649 7233; E: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • W:BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • PUBLISHER: SALLY PARKER; EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: STEVE HARTRIDGE; EDITOR: JESSICA POOK, APRIL WATERSTON; DESIGNERS: CAITLAN FRANCIS, EMMA NORTON & STUART CROWHURST; PRODUCTION MANAGER: CLARE HUNTER; MANAGING DIRECTOR: MATT BONNER; CEO: MARTIN STEADY • WHILST EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BMI PUBLISHING CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.

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4 / Destination Canada

Join the race to Canada in 2024

DC update NEWS FROM DESTINATION CANADA

Platinum agents have pass to discover Canada I HOPE you have had a good year selling Canada.

The fabulous Race Across the World, which you can still catch on BBC Iplayer, provided a great boost to Canada Sales earlier in 2023. What I liked best about the show was the ‘hero destinations’ were some of our less travelled provinces and territories, like the Yukon, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Maritimes.

Our Canada Specialist Program (CSP) is now complete and I would encourage you to finish the course up to Platinum level.

That is the requirement to be selected for our FAM trips.

We had agents go on four in 2023, to the Maritimes, Ontario, Alberta and on Rocky Mountaineer.

We have even more plans for 2024, which we will be announcing soon.

And don’t forget our Canada Specialist webinars, which take place every other Wednesday at 16.00. If you cannot make them live you can catch the recordings at canadaspecialists.co.uk.

We have fixed dates for our 2024 Team Canada Roadshows: Liverpool (March 5), Leeds (March 6), Glasgow ( June 4), Edinburgh ( June 5), London (October 8) and Brighton October 9).

I do hope you can join us.

Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada

Help desk KEY CONTACTS: Adam Hanmer 0207 389 9985 EMAIL: Hanmer.Adam@ destinationcanada.com TRAINING: canadaspecialist.co.uk; keepexploring.ca

Secure an eTA for Canada clients

AGENTS who achieve Platinum status on Destination Canada’s CSP online training programme in 2024 will be eligible to claim a Discovery Pass offering them a host of discounts in several Canadian destinations.

For example, visitors to Toronto holding a VIP Pass will be able to claim a free ticket to the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Little Canada, amongst others.

Those in Québec City with a Privilege Card will be able to enjoy a free tour of Musée de la Civilisation, the Citadelle de Québec, The Huron-Wendat Museum and Tourisme Wendake’s Onhwa’ Lumina, an enchanting night journey to meet the Wendat people.

Banff’s VIP Alive Pass includes a half-day bike rental, a onehour canoe rental, a Banff Gondola ticket and a historic wagon ride with a barbecue.

The Winnipeg Attractions Pass gives access to the Manitoba Museum, exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Royal Aviation

Museum of Western Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, and FortWhyte Alive.

And agents in Montréal with a Passeport Decouvertes (Discovery Passport) will also enjoy free access to a host of city highlights.

Attractions have also signed up to the incentive. In Ontario, for example, Niagara Helicopters is offering a complimentary classic scenic flight, with a Friends and Family rate on offer for another guest.

Other participating organisations include Tourism Whistler, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Calgary, Destination St. John’s and Discover Saskatoon.

“We are so excited to share some incredible offers from our destination partners,” said Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada.

“When agents receive their Platinum status badge they will unlock passes from destinations across Canada that will give them access to some amazing attractions and experiences.”

AGENTS are reminded that all British 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 costs C$7 (£4.50) and you should allow at least three days for it to be approved.

It is valid for five years, or until the passport expires, and allows multi-entry. 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.

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

New MD joins DC’s UK team RACHEL McQueen has joined the Destination Canada UK team as its new Managing Director. She has more than 20 years of experience in promoting destinations and prior to joining Destination Canada was Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire, a strategic place promotion agency working to promote Lancashire as a place to live, visit, study, work and invest.

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Saskatoon is a destination of discovery — discovery of self, discovery of one another, and the discovery of new experiences. Here you will find peace and serenity alongside thriving culture and history.

THE PERFECT PLACE TO RECONNECT.

For Inspiring Itineraries Contact Anahi Soria!

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6 / News to use

New canoe museum

* ONE of Calgary’s newest hoels is inspired

by Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Dorian’s 137 rooms all have a copy of the book.

There’s also a rooftop restaurant, The Wilde, and guests can ask for a bathrobe for their dog. thedorianhotel.com

New in Halifax * Canada’s first Moxy hotel is due open in winter 2023 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Guests at the 160-room boutique style property will be handed a cocktail when checking in. Key features include a vibrant communal space, art installations and weekend DJ’s. discoverhalifaxns.com

More Canada from Crystal * CRYSTAL Ski Holidays has added a Monday departure to its ski programme to Canada for the 2023/24 winter season. Available across all its packages to Vancouver, Calgary and Montréal, the Monday flight complements its existing Wednesday and Saturday departures. crystalski.co.uk

First Class for agents Canada specialist First Class Holidays has expanded its trade team in response to rising demand from agents.

Recruiting up to 18 new staff to its team before the annual ‘peaks season’ in early 2024 will mean quicker turnaround on quotes for agents and a more seamless service throughout the year, says Daniel Gathercole, the operator’s Managing Director.

Among the new appointments are Lorna Curry, who joins as Product Manager for Canada and America, and Claire Green, who is tasked with helping the brand grow in Northern Ireland.

“Canada is selling extremely well for us, and our recruitment drive means we can offer sameday quotes for agents for all our destinations,” said Gathercole.

“The operator is planning to again run its First Class Agent Escapes to Canada in 2024, after the initiative proved successful in 2023. In partnership with Destination Canada, it offers agents the chance to visit Canada with a friend or partner for a heavily discounted price.

Added Gathercole: “In 2023 we ran trips to Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal for just £399pp, including flights, transfers and accomodation.

“Building on from our big Canadafest agent experiential training this year, where we had over 40 agents in Toronto, we plan to do something very similar in September 2024....so I would advise agents to watch this space.” fcholidays.com

Ottawa Pass offers discounts A NEW Visit Ottawa Pass is available for travellers, with a one-day ($42-$59) and a three-day ($69-$94) option both offering significant discounts on admission to museums and city tours.

The low-cost pass covers entry to six popular experiences in Ottawa, namely The Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal

Canadian Mint and Haunted Walks. The easy-to-use pass is mobile-exclusive and is instantly delivered to the purchaser’s phone via text and email for immediate use, with no app required.

The pass must be activated within 60 days of purchase. This is done by using it at one of the seven experiences.

Some attractions on the pass may require holders to select a date and time to visit. visitottawapass.ca

THE new Canadian Canoe Museum is due to open in winter 2024.

The two-story,65,000-squarefoot facility and its five-acre lakefront campus is located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, along Little Lake in Peterborough, Ontario.

The museum’s unveiling was due to take place in autumn 2023 but was delayed by construction industry issues.

When it opens the museum will feature more than 600 watercraft and opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich histories and diverse cultures of the canoe and kayak.

The museum is promising programming that will offer hands-on indoor and outdoor experiences that connect visitors to the land, water, and canoe. They will be able to explore exhibits featuring stories from around the world at their own pace or on a guided tour, peek into the integrated Collection Hall to witness the diversity of the collection, learn new skills in an artisan workshop, and enjoy food and drinks from the Silver Bean Café.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is a desginated cultural asset of national significance. canoemuseum.ca Margo-Pfeiff

Dorian Calgary

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GroundTruth Exploration

Yukon’s second UNESCO Heritage Site THE Tr’ondëk-Klondike, located in Canada’s northwestern Yukon Territory, has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, joining Kluane National Park as the Yukon’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site and becoming the Yukon’s first cultural World Heritage site. The Tr’ondëk-Klondike tells part of the story of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation’s experiences during the Klondike Gold Rush in Dawson City, between 1874 and 1908.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in is a self-governing First Nation, with a population of around 1,300 citizens.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a serial property comprised of eight distinct heritage locations throughout the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, with Dawson City at the heart.

Dawson City, itself a national historic site, has dance halls, wooden boardwalks and buildings that hark back to the late 1800s when 100,000 prospectors sought their fortunes during the Gold Rush. rivieratravel.co.uk

Operators head to the far north THE Yukon is bookable with several UK Canada specialist tour operators.

For example, the territory can be explored with Windows on the Wild, which offers a 14-night package that is priced from £2,485pp. The deal includes accommodation, international flights and car rental. windowsonthewild.com.

First Class Holidays has a 13day Whitehorse round-trip deal that is priced from £3,229pp.

This package includes international flights,10 nights in a C-Medium motorhome rental, CDR coverage, convenience kits, RV preparation and unlimited mileag0e and twonights’ hotel accommodation. fcholidays.com

Dis cover Banff and Lake Louise The beating heart of the Canadian Rockies - home to not one but three world-class ski resorts. The combination of a long ski season, friendly locals and the scenic backdrops of the Canadian Rockies makes this place a must visit destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. banfflakelouise.com

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History museum’s sporting chance canadian museum of history

THE Canadian Museum of History has aquired a major new collection that will appeal to fans of all Canada’s sports, but particularly those interested in ice hockey.

The acquisition of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame collection “marks a pivotal milestone in preserving and showcasing Canada’s vibrant sports history”, the museum says.

Known as the Order of Sport Collection and representing more than 100 years of Canadian sporting history, it contains around 100,000 objects and 60,000 archival records, featuring a diverse array of objects encompassing legendary athletes, broadcasters, coaches, teams, iconic sporting events and more.

It adds to the existing sports collection at the Museum, which has long been renowned for its comprehensive representation, notably in hockey, contemporary sports and games.

The faciliy is located in the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec. historymuseum.ca

Air Canada lines up top Dreamliners AIR Canada will have an upgraded fleet by early 2027 that features 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, the largest model in the Dreamliner family.

Deliveries of the aircraft are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the fleet completed in the first few months of 2027.

Air Canada currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner but the new Dreamliner jets will replace those older, less efficient wide-body aircraft.

“Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of the aircraft,” said CEO Michael Rousseau. aircanada.com

Immerse yourself into warm West Coast luxury at Fairmont Waterfront. Nestled on Vancouver's harbour and offering stunning water-views of Stanley Park, the coastal mountains and sparkling city skyline, the Fairmont Waterfront is your perfect weekend get-away.

EXPERIENCE FAIRMONT MOMENTS OFFER

get ready to be enchanted by Fairmont, book by March 29, 2024 and save up to 15%

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VALID FOR TRAVEL THROUGH APRIL 2024 BOOK BY PHONE AT 1 866 540 4509 ONLINE AT HTTPS://BIT.LY/WATERFRONTMOMENTS OR FAIRMONT.COM/WATERFRONT-VANCOUVER PROMO CODE: PNAM

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10 / Canada Specialist Programme

Specialist agents offer

HIGH VALUE

Destination Canada’s popular training vehicles are winning plaudits from agents who are lining up some weighty bookings and commission earnings, says Steve Hartridge

A

gents across the UK are boosting their Canada sales by signing up to Destination Canada’s (DC) online training programme and tuning into DC’s new series of webinars.

The tourist board relaunched the CSP in 2022, with a raft of fresh content and with improved digital access.

It is made up of 40 modules, with essential features that include audio visual components, interactive questions, shareable content and the chance for agents to move up through tiers – from Bronze to Platinum.

Agents start off on the four Foundation Modules: Welcome to Canada, Vibrant Cities, Wide Open Spaces and History and Culture, earning Bronze status when completed.

Those hoping to graduate to Silver status level must navigate six Experience modules: Food and Drink, Indigenous Tourism, Wildlife Watching, Adventures and Activities, Winter Wonderland and Legendary Canada.

Thirteen modules offer a deep dive into Canada’s Provinces and Territories and agents need to complete 10 of these to progress to Gold status.

The top level is Platinum, featuring 16 Cities and Resorts and agents must take 12 of these. A ‘Retain’ section condenses product knowledge from training into a resource which can be accessed whenever needed – for example, for an impromptu sales presentation with clients.

New for 2024 is an incentive for agents who attains ‘Platinum’ status, who will qualify for experience passes for key destinations across Canada (see story on page 4).

And there will be more to come in 2024 when DC launches a new Elite level that will recognise the most dedicated and successful agents training on the CSP. “We will be looking for our top 20 UK travel agents, based on revenue of bookings to Canada made in 2023,” says Adam Hanmer, Travel Trade Mnaager, Destination Canada.

“To qualify agents will need to submit their bookings stats at the end of 2023.

The qualification will last for two years.

“Added benefits for Elite agents will

include a bespoke overnight training event and access to two unique Fam trips.”

Currently, over 1,600 registered CSP agents are reaping the benefits of their enhanced destination knowledge and a raft of incentives that include places on Fams. The content is highly user friendly and also presented in an-easyread mobile format.

“Agents who get to grips with selling Canada coast to coast to coast and across four seasons can look forward to healthy commissions and happy clients,” adds Hanmer.

One agent who says she benefitted from the CSP training is Amanda McKinlay (pictured above), who works for Thorne Travel in Ayrshire. Amanda credits “insight gained from the training” for landing a £14,000 booking that included stops in Toronto, Vancouver, Banff, as well as flights, tours and the Rocky Mountaineer.

Says Amanda: “The training gave me the confidence to guide the customer through the different elements of their booking.

As a result, I was able to secure another

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Canada Specialist Programme / 11

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW!

booking worth £8,500 the following week.

“The CSP modules are presented in a clear and organised manner and the content is also engaging and informative, which kept me interested throughout. Additionally, the self-paced format was just perfect for me,” adds Amanda.

Sue Lindsay, a Personal Travel Specialist for Brilliant Travel, is a Gold level CSP agent who is “on her way to Platinum status”. She says she finds the training “inspiring”. Of one recent training event she comments: “It was a great event and it was fabulous having so many provinces and territories to learn about. I really enjoyed it and now just need to get out there to sample Canada for myself!”

Luxury Travel Counsellor Debbie King says Canada’s training is among the best that the industry offers.

“Nearly every destination in the world has some kind of training, so I do a lot, but Canada’s is always fab! The training and webinars are really good.”

Independent agent Julie Hendrickson comments: “I recently booked an itinerary featuring Toronto, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Montreal, Québec and Prince Edward Island. It was fun putting it together and the training helped me a lot.”

Destination Canada’s regular webinars – currently being run every fortnight – cover a wide range of Canadian tourism experiences and, says Hanmer, have “been receiving great feedback”.

One agent who gives the webinars a positive review is Ewa James, Travel Director for Corporate & Leisure at

Impress Travel, who says: “The webinars are really helpful and I keep a copy of them as reminders.

“The Platinum training also helps me when talking to my clients and I am pleased to say that I have confirmed an extended Canadian itinerary for June 2024 for two couples, with a booking value of £17,000 – and we will be upgrading their flights.”

“I’m excited that we will be able to support our top bookers in 2024 with added value and more opportunities to expand their Canada knowledge”, adds Hanmer, who says the agent fam trips which recommenced in 2023 will continue in 2024.

“We prioritise taking as many qualified agents out to experience Canada as we can. Working with industry partners we are making it (Canada) as accessible as possible. One initiative this year (2023), in association with First Class Holidays, saw us take several agents out to Toronto and Niagara, which proved very popular.

The aforementioned agent Debbie King says she has “sold loads of Canada” since being one of the agents on that trip.

“The DC and First Class Holidays incentive gave me the Canada bug! I have put myself in for their Vancouver trip too, so have my fingers crossed!” she adds.

Hanmer says DC is also planning a quarterly competition for agents which will see them win flights with Air Canada and stays at Marriott hotels across Canada (with details to be announced).

Agents can sign up to the training content at canadaspecialists.co.uk •

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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12 / Cruising

Big Ships/small ships

Water way to go For clients who like to explore different destinations at a leisurely pace, a Canada cruise might just float their boat, says Peter Ellegard

sailing to vancouver island

Pacific coast cruises Canada is a popular destination for the big cruise lines

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etting out on the water is not a difficult ambition to achieve in Canada: not only is the country framed by three oceans - Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic – it is literally dotted with lakes, rivers and canals.

From coast to coast to coast, there are numerous options to choose from, whether sailing on a large luxury ship or on a smaller, more intimate vessel. Between them, they ply Canada’s coasts, its inland waterways and the Northwest Passage in the Far North.

Eastern Canada Cruise companies operating sailings in Canada’s easternmost regions include Ponant, Viking, Windstar, Silversea, Seabourn, American Queen Voyages and Cunard.

Cruises go between Montréal and U.S. ports such as Boston, New York and Portland (Maine), sailing into the St Lawrence Seaway.

Some sailings head from Montréal to Toronto and vice versa.

Cruises make stops in places such as Nova Scotia’s Halifax, Lunenburg and Sydney, Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island and Saguenay, Sept-Iles, Trois-Rivieres, the Magdalen Islands and Québec City in Québec. New Brunswick’s St John is the start and end point for nine-day Boston cruises.

Cruise ships tend to be small expedition-type vessels, carrying a few hundred passengers, not the goliaths that sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

A 19-night Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada cruise aboard Cunard’s 2,700-capacity Queen Mary 2 spends a week in Canadian waters, visiting Halifax, Sept-Iles, Saguenay, Québec City and Sydney.

Rivers, lakes, canals Multi-day cruises operate along the St Lawrence Seaway by St Lawrence Cruise Lines on its 66-passenger ship Canadian Empress, based in Kingston, Ontario.

Seven-night sailings retrace the route of early Upper Canada explorers, between Kingston and Montréal, with other voyages starting in Québec City and Ottawa.

Among cruise itineraries through the Great Lakes by American Queen Voyages on its twin 200-passenger ships are MontréalChicago, Toronto-Chicago and MontréalDetroit, from 11 to 15 days. Stops include Ontario’s Thunder Bay, Manitoulin Island and Port Colborne, for Niagara Falls.

The Rideau Canal, spanning 202 km of the Rideau and Cataraqui rivers from Ottawa to Kingston Harbour on Lake Ontario, is popular among novice and expert boaters alike.

Vancouver is the start point for Alaska and West Coast cruises on small to large ships by cruise lines including Princess, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea and Celebrity.

Small ship adventures A cruise on a small vessel takes you close to wildlife. Bluewater Adventures offers cruises along the British Columbia coast on its two sailing vessels, with a limit of 12 passengers.

Cruises to the Great Bear Rainforest sail from Vancouver and give passengers the chance to see whales and rare, white Spirit bears, black bears and grizzlies.

Maple Leaf Adventures operates three vessels – a catamaran cruiser taking 24 passengers, a converted tugboat sleeping 12 and an eight-passenger sailing yacht.

Itineraries includes Vancouver Island, the Great Bear Rainforest, Gulf Islands National Park and Desolation Sound.

Northwest Passage Cruises through the wild and beautiful Northwest Passage into the Arctic Circle start from Greenland but visit stops in Nunavut that include Pond Inlet, sailing the wildliferich waters and rugged landscapes of Baffin Bay. Companies offering Northwest Passage cruises include Viking and Hurtigruten, aboard expedition cruise ships. •

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Flying to Canada

“43 SUMMER FLIGHTS” Sonia Kurek, Commercial Director UK, Ireland and GSA Markets, Air Transat Which cities does Air Transat fly to and from which UK airports?

This winter, from November to April, we will fly daily from Gatwick to Toronto and up to twice a week from Glasgow and Manchester to Toronto. There will be up to three weekly flights from Gatwick to Montréal. Next summer, our schedule will see up to 43 direct weekly flights across the UK and Ireland. From May to October, there will be up to 14 weekly flights from Gatwick to Toronto, and up to seven a week from Glasgow, Manchester and Dublin. Plus seven direct flights a week from Gatwick to Montréal and a weekly Gatwick-Québec City service.

Is there anything new for agents to know?

Our connections and codeshare with Porter via Toronto open up the rest of Canada. Air Transat also has connections via Montréal and Canada to Cancun and Punta Cana, enabling a two-centre holiday. We also have an updated training course with OTT, where agents can learn about our routes, onboard experiences and latest updates. onlinetraveltraining.com/free-courses/providers/ airtransat-2022

Tell us about the onboard product.

We operate two cabin classes on our growing fleet of Airbus aircraft. Passengers can anticipate spacious and comfortable surroundings across both classes and there is a range of fare options – from the Eco Budget fare to Club Flex for those looking for extra comfort and flexibility. Cabin baggage is included with all of our fare options. In Economy Class, there’s a choice of two hot meals, served with a salad, sweet treat and a glass of wine or soft drink, and snack. In Club Class, in our exclusive 12-seat premium economy cabin, passengers relax in more spacious and larger reclinable seats (the widest premium economy seats to Canada), have a choice of three gourmet meals served with a salad, dessert and drink and can check in two pieces of baggage (23kg each).

What are your best “Canada memories’?

The variety of cultures, food and wine, scenery and landscapes in Montréal and Québec City was a real eye opener, as was the warmth of the locals. Another highlight was skiing in Alberta, Lake Louise and Sunshine. The snow was fabulous and there are other winter activities such as snow-shoeing and husky dog rides.

On my bucket list is a road trip in British Columbia, which I am planning to do in 2024. I would also love to see polar bears. • SELLING CANADA 2024

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THIS ISN’T HIKING AS YOU KNOW IT

Photo by Katie Goldie

• Multi-day trips to experience Canada’s vast wilderness in comfort • Includes transportation from Calgary, Alberta • Accommodation at remote, helicopteraccessed luxury lodges. 3 lodges to choose from • Daily helicopter flights into the high alpine for scenic hikes with qualified guides • Via Ferrata climbing routes available for the adventurous • Enjoy chef-prepared meals (included) • Lodge amenities include spa facilities, massage, wine cellars, and more • More than 55 years of safety and experience.

4, 7, 8 & 9-day trips available.

Suitable for most abilities and ages.

LEARN MORE View our sales guide

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14 / xxx Summer trends

In demand....

What’s hot?

west coast wilderness lodge, british columbia

Tour operators are advising agents to “book early” for 2024. Charlotte Flach rounds up their top tips and points to early booking trends

fairmont chateau lake louise

F

rom Vancouver’s cosmopolitan streets to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the smalltown charm of the Atlantic provinces, Canada offers a huge range of holiday experiences – but which are shaping up as best sellers for summer 2024?

Seeing wildlife in natural settings, the great outdoors and Indigenous experiences are all in demand, according to specialist Canada operators, with bear viewing, whale watching and hiking near the top of the wish list of many visitors.

Clients will be looking to get the most out of their time wherever they visit in Canada and will opt for longer stays with a typical duration of 18 nights, says Denise Hunn, Director, Canada Tour Programme at Prestige Holidays.

“We are also seeing clients looking for lodge-type accommodation in more remote settings for a couple of nights during their holiday,” she adds.

Switching from those major tourist

destinations that draw the crowds, such as Lake Louise and Banff, to quieter places like Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and around 15 kilometres from Lake Louise, will also be popular, says Meg McBroom, Senior Product Executive for Canada at Audley Travel.

“The Rockies remain ever-popular and Alaska land arrangements twinned with the Yukon are also both selling well,” she adds.

“Western Canada is in strong demand for summer 2024, particularly amongst families seeking adventure and the outdoors,” says Keir Ashely, Tailor Made Specialist at First Class Holidays.

“Also, there has been huge interest in escorted touring, and again particularly in the west for the summer months.”

Cruise trends Cruise enquiries for 2024 are also on the rise, especially west coast cruises out of Vancouver, and the Eastern routes such as Boston to Montréal or Québec via Canada’s

hiking in the canadian rockies

maritime provinces. “Both Holland America and Celebrity cruises are really popular. for their round-trip Vancouver-Alaska sailings, with some great deals to be had, but we are also seeing increased interest and bookings for adventure-style cruising and the luxury end of the market such as Silversea and Regent,” says Ashley.

Lure clients in with inclusions, says Hunn, such as drinks packages and wi-fi paid for in advance so that there’s no big expenditure whilst on the cruise.

Selling tips As always, a top tip for Canada is to book early, says Carolyn Addison, Head of Product for Black Tomato, adding: “Many of Canada’s most popular lodges are small in size and always fill up so fast.”

2024 is going to be back to “pre-pandemic booking levels,” predicts Prestige’s Hunn.

“There is already limited availability with some experiences, such as bear viewing in September, which is the prime viewing

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Bateaux de croisière - ONTARIO

haida gwali, British columbia

time for seeing them feasting on salmon,” she recommends “Book early for in-demand areas such as Vancouver Island and once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as bear lodges and Rocky Mountaineer to ensure that itineraries can include multiple experiences for clients,” suggests First Class Holidays’ Ashely.

“We have some great exclusive experiences with outfitters like Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, which offers multiday kayaking with whales, and Coastal Rainforest Safaris, which operates a wolf tracking multi-day adventure. Both are in British Columbia and we expect them to sell well,” says Audley’s McBroom.

Luxury trends Luxury clients are focussing more on bucket list trips, whether that be wildlife experiences such as bear viewing lodges or trips to Manitoba for polar bears and belugas. “These are even being combined with Rocky Mountaineer and high-end

momme halbe

serene scene in Newfoundland and labrador kamil bialous photographer

families will be seeking adventure activities in 2024

a black bear feasting during ‘salmon season’

cruises, putting all elements into the one holiday rather than splitting them over two or more trips,” says Ashley.

Luxury cruise lines such as Regent offer 11- or 12-day east coast cruises that start in Boston but end in Québec City, along the way taking in Saint John and the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia, Corner Brook in Newfoundland, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay in Québec.

Popular accommodation choices for those with bigger budgets include Nimmo Bay and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia, says Addison.

“One of our new favourites is the Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge, set in five million acres in a remote part of the province. It is great for families and groups and one we get amazing feedback on.”

Going big Upgrades and exclusivity are also resonating with clients, says Hunn, with

more requests for higher-end rooms and lodges and resorts in unique settings.

“More customers are requesting upgraded room categories and SUVs rather than standard vehicles... and are also favouring small group or private excursions rather than full coaches,” she says.

But value for money is also important, she notes, adding: “Although more (clients) are putting aside a healthy budget for their holiday they want reassurance that they will be getting good value.”

And more luxury clients are joining larger groups, booking with other couples and taking longer trips, says McBroom.

“Many holidays we are booking are of three weeks-plus, with several elements such as road, train and cruise.

“Plus clients are booking more combinations, for example wilderness and bear lodge experiences, often with either two wilderness lodges or one bear lodge and one wilderness lodge or wildlife experience in their itinerary.” •

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Typically Canadian

Saskatchewan From spotting bison on the open plains to canoeing through the forests and tundra, Saskatchewan offers endless opportunities for discovery, says Charlotte Flach Why sell it

Who to sell to

Tourism Saskatchewan Dave Reede Photography

Nowhere is more typically Canadian than the stunning province of Saskatchewan, with its vast, mystical northern forests, and rolling prairies carpeting its southern reaches. Saskatchewan is home to some of the most beautiful national parks in the country which show off its varied landscapes: Prince Albert National Park in the northern boreal forest, and Grasslands National Park in the hills of the southwest.

Travellers seeking solitude in nature will be captivated by its wide-open spaces and the never-ending verdant vistas.

Big Muddy Badlands area

The province is a great sell for families and repeat customers, who will always find new places to explore in this massive territory.

Adventure seekers will relish the chance to immerse themselves in all the outdoor activities available on tap, such as hikes through unspoiled wilderness, kayaking on one of more than 100,000 lakes and rivers, or spending a night stargazing and spotting constellations in the clearest of night skies.

Meanwhile, history lovers will be charmed

by Saskatoon, a vibrant city nestled in the midst of nature, where 11,000 years of Indigenous history merges with contemporary culture.

workshops, traditional dinners and music and dance performances.

What to sell Take advantage of Saskatchewan’s iconic cowboy culture by booking clients into a ranch. La Reata Ranch sits on the shores of Lake Diefenbaker, with daily horseback rides across rolling hills and scenic prairies.

The Historic Reesor Ranch, a family-owned operation since 1904, is tucked away in the beautiful Cypress Hills.

While at Wanuskewin Heritage Park – a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site – visitors can experience over 6,400 years of Indigenous culture, participating in art

How to sell Its vast wildernesses make the province ideal for a road trip that covers a lot of ground quickly and easily, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Travellers can stop off in Regina, a queen among cities despite its small population of just 249,000, and Saskatoon, nicknamed ‘The Paris of the Prairies’, to take a leisurely stroll along the South Saskatchewan River.

Saskatchewan can easily be twinned with neighbouring Manitoba or Alberta.

Bison have been reintroduced at Wanuskewin Heritage Park

South Saskatchewan River

destination canada

Tourism Saskatchewan

What’s new Check out a guided tour of the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Canada’s only basic training academy for the next generation of Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers.

As 2023 marks the 150th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the centre is planning to become Canada’s newest national museum, telling the important stories behind the RCMP from a range of different perspectives. tourismsaskatchewan.com •

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The Tunnels of Moose Jaw: In the small town of Moose Jaw, located along the Trans Canada Highway, visitors can travel back in time to the Prohibition era. Tour guides recreate the gangster mentality from the 1920s on the interactive Chicago Connection tour through the catacombs and corridors below the city streets.

scott prokop

In Saskatchewan

RCMP Heritage Centre: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023 with year-round festivities across Canada. More than 1,000 cadets are trained at the academy in Regina each year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the training camp or delve into the history of the Mounties at the RCMP Heritage Centre.

Tourism Saskatoon Carey Shaw

4 Wheatland Express Excursion Train: Running between Cudworth and Wakaw, northeast of Saskatoon, is the Wheatland Express Excursion Train. The themed journeys last two to three hours and pass scenic vistas of wheat and canola fields in the heart of the Canadian prairies.

Remai Modern: Considered one of the most innovative contemporary art museums in North America, Remai Modern in Saskatoon houses the world’s largest collection of linocut prints and ceramic works

by Pablo Picasso. Explore the impressive modern and contemporary art exhibits.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Located north of Saskatoon, Wanuskewin Heritage Park is the longest operating archaeological site in Canada and a National Historic Site. Visitors learn about the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Plains and the cultural importance of bison here.

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18 / Total eclipse

Under the path

reach for the moon Visitors to parts of Eastern Canada on April 8 2024 could be moonstruck – that is if they time it right and are in the right location, says Peter Ellegard

A

swathe of Canada will be directly under the path of a rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

The eclipse – that is when the moon passes in front of the sun and completely obscures it – will trace a path north-east across the U.S. from Texas, before crossing over southern Ontario and Québec and the western part of Prince Edward Island.

It will then head across the centre of New Brunswick, clipping the northern tip of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton before cutting through the middle of Newfoundland.

It will last between two and three minutes, depending on where you are viewing it from.

The full total eclipse is easier to see in clear weather, but an eerie daytime darkness is still perceptible with cloud cover.

In total, the total eclipse will be over Canada for 34 minutes, starting at Pelee Island in Ontario just before 15.13pm.

Toronto will experience only a partial eclipse as it is marginally outside the totality path, while Montréal will be just inside the path and viewers there will be able to see the spectacle for about a minute.

Niagara Falls, Belleville, Kingston and Cornwall will be perfect spots to watch the total

eclipse from in Ontario. Those in London, Toronto, Oshawa and Ottawa may be just out of the total eclipse’s path, but will still have great views.

However, Niagara Falls will be close to the sweet spot and will experience three and a half minutes of total eclipse, from around 15.18pm. Hotels there are already gearing up for a big influx of visitors and events are being planned to coincide with the solar spectacle, including by Niagara Parks, with specific details to be announced.

“Niagara Falls will be the premier destination for viewing the eclipse in Canada.

Not only will you get to see the celestial wonder that is the total solar eclipse, you will get to do it while gazing at one of the natural wonders of the world,” said Janice Thomson, president and CEO of Niagara Falls Tourism.

“There is nowhere else on earth where you will get to do that. This is truly a double bucket-list opportunity.”

Quebéc’s Eastern Townships will experience totality, with Sherbrooke in the dark for almost three and a half minutes.

Dany Gareau, director of Mont-Megantic National Park, 85km east of Sherbrooke, is excited by the prospect. “The total solar eclipse will generate widespread media

interest and draw visitors from around the world to the Eastern Townships,” he said.

“This is one of the few times in history that a solar eclipse will occur directly above a famous astronomical observatory and within an International Dark Sky Reserve!”

Covering 5,300 square kilometres, MontMegantic Dark Sky Reserve was the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the world when it was designated in 2007. Near Sherbrooke, Mont-Orford National Park is planning a ticketed event for the eclipse.

The sun’s shadow will also pass directly over Québec’s Magdalen Islands, giving more than three minutes of darkness.

In New Brunswick, Fredericton will enjoy just over two minutes of totality and most of Newfoundland’s south-west coastline will also be under the path. • Book it with... Canada As You Like An eight-night Solar Eclipse package to Ontario is priced from from £1,195pp, from April 1, 2024. The package includes return GatwickToronto flights, four nights’ room-only in Toronto, two nights B&B at Niagara-on-theLake and two nights’ B&B at the Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls in Niagara Falls plus five days’ fully-inclusive car hire. Family packages are also available. canadaasyoulikeit.com

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Say Bonjour to

WINTER IN QUÉBEC Each season has its own unique colour and vibe in Québec. Winter is a time for playing in the snow, diving into traditions, and marvelling at the beauty of a land covered in white QUÉBEC CITY AND AREA©TQ S.DESCHÊNES

Winter carnival Québec City’s famous winter carnival is the largest in North America, running for 10 days each February. This year it will be celebrating its 70th Anniversary and is sure to bring a programme that wows with even more activities including snow and ice sculptures, canoe races, colourful night parades and musical evenings!

IglooFest & Montréal en Lumière From January 18 to February 10, 2024, Igloofest will take over Montréal. Dubbed ‘the coldest festival in the world’, it celebrates all things winter through music, visual performances, games, workshops, and plenty of food and drink. New for 2024, ‘Igloofête’– the music chapter of the festival – will take place across four Saturdays instead of just one, and will no longer just feature electronic music.

What's more, the Montréal en Lumière Festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024.

From February 22 to March 3, 2024, hundreds of activities will be offered in the Quartier des Spectacles and its Place des Festivals. It's the perfect place to let your inner teenager relive an all-nighter under the stars.

in the Laurentians, is offering a new mountain skiing experience at Mont Catherine, as well as their incredible winter zip-line experience!

There's a tipi with a warming fire waiting for you after flying over the forest.

Christmas Markets & Ice Hotel

Sugar Shacks

Off-Piste Skiing For best-in-class skiing adventures, take a trip to the ski resorts of the Laurentians: Station Mont Tremblant which features four slopes and 102 trails. The new Club Med in Charlevoix offers a unique skiing experience with panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River at Le Massif. Whats more, Tyroparc in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts,

BAIE-JAMES © TQ M.DUPUIS

TAKE TO THE SNOW ON A SNOW MOBILE

QUÉBEC CITY & AREA©TQ G.LEROYER

A much-loved staple of the yuletide season, Christmas markets begin in November. A popular choice is the Christmas Market in the heart of Old Québec. Expect delicacies such as bratwurst, mulled wine and traditional gingerbread. Complete your day by relaxing by the firepace or enjoy a treat at the Aroma spa at Hôtel de Glace, located just outside Québec City in the Village Vacances Valcartier.

VISIT A CHRISTMAS MARKET FOR SOME FESTIVE FUN

When the colder months come to an end, nature offers us one last winter warmer to bring people together: maple syrup! Visiting a sugar shack, which produces the sweet treat, is one of the most emblematic Québecan activity you can experience. These sugar harbours come alive all over the province to celebrate Québec's natural sweetner. La Sucrerie de la Montagne is a great place to start and live this unique experience.

Book it with...

SPEND A NIGHT IN THE HÔTEL DE GLACE

Book the Montreal and Québec City short break package with Canadian Affair from £841pp.

For the full itinerary visit: canadianaffair.com/ holidays/canada/city-breaks-holidays/east-coastcity-breaks/montreal-and-quebec-short-break Check out the QR code to see Winter in Québec come to life! • SPONSORED FEATURE

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20 / xxx Winter zen

TIME TO

snow down Winter is a time for enjoying Canada’s crisp air and beautiful scenery – and to let the majesty of the season dissipate any worries and heighten the senses, says Rupert Parker Snowshoes in Silence Strap a pair of snowshoes to your feet and see the imagined boundaries of winter just drift away. No matter your age or fitness level it is a fun activity that’s easy to learn – and you’ll be enveloped in a world of silence broken only by the sounds of nature.

With its stunning mountain scenery, Alberta’s Banff National Park has several trails that vary in length. Head to Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise for some diverse snowshoeing experiences amidst towering peaks. There are plenty of places around Banff and Lake Louise that offer snowshoes and equipment for rent.

In Québec, Gatineau Park (just a short drive from Ottawa) has an extensive network of trails that explore frozen lakes and dense forests that lead to stunning lookouts.

Scandinavian Spas Immerse yourself in the cosy rejuvenating and health-giving experience of a Scandinavian spa. Inspired by the Nordic tradition of hydrotherapy and relaxation, these tranquil oases offer an escape from the cold and a chance to embrace the serenity of winter. In the heart of the Laurentians, the Scandinave Spa in Mont-

Tremblant allows you to soak in a woodfired hot tub while snowflakes fall around you. Alternate between warming up the body in one of the hot installations, such as a dry Finnish sauna or a Norwegian steam bath, before rinsing in cold water or taking a cold plunge (there is year-round access to the river).

In the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Nordic Spa has outdoor hydrotherapy pools, steam cabins, and saunas with views of snowcapped peaks.

Ice Yoga In Central Canada, Yoga on ice is gaining traction among Winnipeggers. Performing the ‘downward dog’ on a frozen lake is something that most people haven’t tried but provides the ultimate Instagram moment — except you might be feeling too ‘Zen’ to pick up your phone.

FortWhyte Alive, a reclaimed wildlife reserve in the south of the city, runs classes on frozen Lake Cargill and has a cosy cabin on the shores where you can enjoy an afternoon of yoga and mindfulness.

Aurora Close Encounters Canada is one of the best places in the world

to see the Northern Lights. The country’s northern location, clear skies and low light pollution make it ideal for viewing this natural phenomenon.

The best time is during the Autumn and Winter months, from September to April, when the nights are long and dark.

Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and Churchill in Manitoba are renowned for their clear skies and aurora borealis displays.

Gazing up at those unforgettable dancing lights in the frigid northern air is an unforgettable and perhaps even spiritual encounter with the natural world.

Hot Springs Soak Canada boasts numerous natural hot springs tucked away in picturesque settings.

These include Banff Upper Hot Springs in Alberta and Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia, which offer an opportunity to relax in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

Soaking in a hot spring is a great way to relax and rejuvenate.

The waters help to soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and boost the immune system and is the perfect way to unwind and de-stress during the colder months.

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Dog’s Life

The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, one of the world’s most scenic drives, showcases exquisite and otherworldly scenery as it takes you along the 230-kilometre stretch between Lake Louise and Jasper.

Witness incredible snow-peaked mountains, ancient glaciers, ice-covered lakes and winter wildlife. From Lake Louise, head north along Highway 93 to savour such sights as the mirror-like Herbert Lake, the sweeping Athabasca Glacier and doublebarrelled Sunwapta Falls. At journey’s end, hang your toque at the cosy Chateau Jasper in Jasper National Park.

Imagine being whisked away on a sled by a team of enthusiastic and well-trained huskies, racing through pristine forests, over frozen lakes under the crisp, clear skies of the Great White North.

Dog sledding is a serene and almost silent way to explore the winter landscape.

The only sounds are the soft padding of paws on snow and the occasional jingle of harnesses. Follow in the footsteps of the Klondike gold miners on a journey through the rugged wilderness of the Yukon. You’ll develop a strong bond with your four-legged teammates and their energy is contagious.

Winter Rail

Fat Biking

Canada is connected coast to coast by train.

VIA Rail links Toronto with Vancouver on an incredible journey through Ontario’s northern lakes, prairies and Great Plains before arriving at the Rocky Mountains.

A private transfer from Banff to Lake Louise allows you to soak up the beauty of your surroundings on a magical evening sleigh ride. Enjoy a helicopter snowshoe adventure to the trapped methane ice bubbles at Abraham Lake. From Jasper, the final stretch takes you overnight to Vancouver.

Despite its curious name, fat biking is just mountain biking with oversized tires that grip the snow. This means you can cycle winter wonderlands like Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale, Prince Edward Island, on its trio of single-track routes and trails designed especially for fat bikes.

Or, on the east coast of New Brunswick, pedal through the Acadian snow-shrouded forest at Kouchibouguac National Park.

Groomed fat-bike trails wind among seven warming huts stocked with firewood – but bring your own thermos of hot chocolate or something stronger.

Storm Watching In Tofino, British Columbia, winter storm watching draws countless visitors each year from November to late February.

Ferocious pounding rain, loud winds and huge waves are fun to watch from the comfort of your hotel.

There are usually 10 to 15 storms every month, with around a dozen featuring extreme conditions. It all began at Chesterman Beach in 1996 when the McDiarmid family enjoyed storm watching so much that they built the Wickaninnish Inn – and more properties followed suit.

TIME FOR COFFEE DURING A BREAK FROM SNOWSHOEING

ROAM CREATIVE

Icefields Drive

CHASING THE LIGHTS IN MANITOBA

Where to book it FRONTIER SKI An eight-night package that includes two nights in Kananaskis, three nights in Lake Louise, three nights in Banff, car hire, and flights from London-Heathrow to Calgary with Air Canada starts from £1,880pp.

Extras can include a four-hour snowshoeing tour from Banff, for £112pp, or a twohour (two man) dog sledding experience from Canmore (near Banff) for £210pp. frontier-ski.co.uk; 020 8776 8709 •

WINTER ZEN AT METIS CROSSING, ALBERTA

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22 / Spotlight on

Mixed abilities

Canada for all Canada’s tourism sector is taking great strides to ensure it is a destination for every body and every disability, reports Julie Baxter Canada ahead of the curve As Canadian Paralympian Tony Walby puts it: “More people are waking up to the abilities everybody has. It’s no longer ‘you have a disability, you can’t do this’ it’s ‘you have a disability and you’ll be able to adapt to do what you want to do’.”

Canada seems ahead of the curve. Many winter sports have been adapted to address physical and cognitive impairments, and all destinations should be relatively easy to navigate as all public buildings are required to be wheelchair accessible and provide suitable toilet facilities. Almost all street corners have dropped curbs, and public transport is increasingly user–friendly.

The Canadian Paraplegic Association produces a free guide on the most easilyaccessed sights, and provincial tourist offices collate information too. Parks Canada details the many accessible outdoor trails, and by the water, buoyant beach chairs, mobility mats, accessible kayaks and even submersible wheelchairs for use in the hot springs are increasingly available.

Mountains learn to adapt For those drawn to the slopes, adaptive equipment can be found in key resorts to support skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, snowshoeing and skating, with specialist training instructors, supportive volunteers and programmes for newer challenges such as skate skiing, fat biking, curling, winter frisbee and winter camping too.

Vancouver-based Canadian Adaptive Snowsports is among organisations on a mission to eliminate barriers and create fun, inclusivity for individuals with visual, physical and cognitive impairments or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

British Columbia has a network of 15 adaptive clubs operating in Whistler, Revelstoke, Fernie and Silver Star. There are also skiing, sit-skiing and snowboarding programmes at Grouse and Cypress

blind ski, kimberley, british columbia

Mountains. Mountain resorts in Alberta, like Winsport Canada Olympic Park, Marmot Basin, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, have a wide range of facilities, while the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Center at Sunshine Village offers learn-to-ski programmes and private lessons.

In Ontario, Blue Mountain Resort, Snow Valley Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort all offer adaptive opportunities and have trained guides to assist visually impaired and blind skiers and snowboarders.

In summer many of accessibility programmes turn their attention to sports such as kayaking, wheelchair accessible paddleboarding, biking and camping.

And many national parks feature accessible campsites and oTENTiks – a cross between a tent and cabin – with accessibility ramps.

Working with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Parks Canada has created a travel package for those with ASD, limiting stress and challenges when visiting Gros Morne National Park. Purposedesigned Rustic Cabins in Berry Hill include sensory-aware home comforts. Lake Louise’s

Summer Sightseeing Gondola is now 100% wheelchair accessible and Alberta’s cultural destination Métis Crossing was designed to be fully accessible with a lodge offering six accessible suites.

At Sainte-Anne Falls, Québec, there are three wheelchair-accessible suspension bridges for accessibility to the 74m tall falls.

Stanhope Beach on Prince Edward Island and Inverness Beach in Nova Scotia offer buoyant wheelchairs and mobility mats.

Information is at hand Travellers with disabilities need information and reliable services. See useful sites such as QuébecforAll.com, detailing snow and touring opportunities at Mont Tremblant, Mont Sainte-Anne and Le Massif de Charlevoix. Québec’s Destination for All scheme certifies accessible tourism facilities.

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, famed for its lighthouses and picturesque coastline, has become the first tourism site in Atlantic Canada to receive the Gold rating thanks to measures like an accessible viewing deck and accessible washroom. •

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Sun Peaks BC, Canada

MENUS in the MOUNTAINS High above the confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers lays the easily accessible mountain community of Sun Peaks, where the air is comfortably cooler—with a note of adventure.

Meet locals and sample nearly 50 boutique shops, restaurants and cafés lining the pedestrian village.

Honeyberry Farm

Ohana Deli Market & Meals

Vertical Café

At Honeyberry Farm you’ll find berries, jam, eggs, honey— even ice cream! Owners Mary Marchuk and Glenn Johnson take pride in their ethical approach to raising chickens and growing spray-free produce. Their farm sits just a few minutes down the hill from Sun Peaks, and you can’t miss the farm’s road sign.

Long-time Sun Peaks resident Bobbe Lyall opened Ohana in 2019 with a business vision grounded in sustainability, community, nourishment, and local products. She visits the farms who supply her market, overseeing the local cattle and organic crops that stock her shelves and keep locals and guests returning each week.

Café owners Rob and Tania O’Toole prepare delicious, healthy, made-from-scratch menu items with a strong commitment to sustainable practices and locally-sourced food. They’re committed to sustainable practices and using locally sourced food in their establishment to bring guests healthy and tasty food.

Cahilty Creek Kitchen & Taps

Quick Eats

Sweet Tooth

Unwind with a cold pint of local beer at Cahilty Creek Kitchen and Taproom. Serving over 10 taps of regional brews from Revelstoke to Fernie, and Kamloops to Vancouver, the Cahilty patio is the place to quench your thirst with BC wine, cider, and craft beers.

Indulge in one of Tod Mountain Café’s specialty crepes, with sweet and savoury options.

Head to the famous Mountain High Pizzeria and grab a slice, or order a fresh pie for home.

Find Canadian fries at their finest with Chez Joe Poutine.

Try their unique variations or go with the Québécois classic.

Try Bolacco Café’s famous made-in-house pastries with your favourite specialty coffee.

Or pick up some of Baby Doh’s freshly-made mini donuts, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for a delightful dessert or pick-me-up any time of day.

Learn more about Sun Peaks menus: www.SunPeaksResort.com/Travel-Trade

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NEW BRUNSWICK Kayak the world’s highest tides, sip unique craft ales, or take the road trip of your life. Charlotte Flach explores the diversity of New Brunswick

Kayak the rocks: Head over to The Hopewell Rocks Park to experience ‘the highest tidal paddling experience on earth’. During the tour sea kayakers will discover the sea stacks at the giant “flowerpot” rock formations, steering their vessel through the small tunnels and narrow passageways of the Bay of Fundy’s giant tides. Baymount Outdoor Adventures offers this 1.5 to 2-hour experience between June and September, with a rare opportunity to paddle in the midst of tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds in mid-August.

Baymountadventures.com Explore endless coastline: The Bay of Fundy has thousands of miles of coastline ready for exploration. To feel the full effect of the highest tides in the world, return at low tide to stroll along the ocean floor and view the full extent of the magnificent rock formations. There’s over 5,500km of pristine and rugged coastline to

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explore, perfect for taking in the marvels of nature. While the Acadian Shore is known for the warmest salted water in Canada, with endless sand dunes and sandy beaches. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/outdoor-adventures Go exploring: Hit the road in a campervan or an RV to best explore Canada’s vast landscapes. New Brunswick has eight suggested road trip routes, which take in the best food, friendly villages, buzzing cities, and breathtaking landscapes at the road-tripper’s own pace. Trips include the famous Fundy Coast or Acadian Shore routes, Hops and Harvest for craft beer enthusiasts or historic riverside communities along the Saint John River. While Hub City favours avant-garde foodies and urban explorers. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/roadtrips Immerse yourself in culture: Despite being best known for its abundant nature, New Brunswick has a multifaceted cultural fabric made up of

indigenous peoples, French influences, and its British, Scottish and irish settlers. Crosscultural influences have only grown with italian, Greek, Lebanese, Asian, indian, Pakistani, Syrian and African Canadian communities established over the past century in the major cities. There are a multitude of festivals and events annually, such as the Harvest Music Festival and New Brunswick spirit festivals – Canada’s oldest whisky (and spirits) festival. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/our-roots Marvel at the wildlife: Wildlife watching is a bucket list experience in Canada, and New Brunswick is the home of some of the best whale-watching in the world. Some of the rarest species of whale come to give birth, feed, and rest in The Bay of Fundy, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. There are also finbacks- the second largest whale in the world- humpbacks, minkes, plus porpoises,

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seals, and seabirds. Sailing vessels are guided by experts who have the utmost respect for the wildlife. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/whale-watching Hike through nature: Mountains, parks, rivers, and waterfalls are around every turn in New Brunswick. The Fundy Trail Parkway is a paradise for hikers, with plenty of lookout points. The trail connects the four top natural attractions for a region collectively called the Fundy Coastal Drive. There’s also Mount Carleton provincial park, home to more animal species than any other part of the province; and Kouchibouguac for stargazing and constellation spotting after the sun goes down. Fundytrailparkway.com Discover vibrant cities: Galleries, museums, spas, shopping malls and family-friendly attractions of all kinds make New Brunswick’s cities of Saint John, the only city on the Bay of Fundy, Fredericton, the

Capital City and Moncton, the Hub of the Maritimes, infinitely exciting. The vibe is often laid-back, with a good mixture of indoor and outdoor fun to keep the whole family busy. Shopping and restaurants range from the traditional local favourites to distinctive and trendy new offerings. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/cities-regions Sample the freshest seafood: The province is most renowned for its plentiful seafood. The town of Shediac is considered the Lobster Capital of the World due to its giant specimens, with thousands of visitors flocking every year to sample the unmatched crustaceans. Taking the concept of farm to table to the next level, everything from oysters to salmon have a short journey from sea to plate, making the seafood some of the freshest travellers will taste. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/food-and-drink Brew up a storm: New Brunswick is home to a staggering 50 plus craft gnb.ca

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breweries, and also has the highest concentration of microbreweries in Atlantic Canada. Ales, lagers, and Pilsners are crafted by brewmasters, often using just a few ingredients and especially locally-sourced products like wild blueberries or maple syrup. These microbrewery brands are often inspired by local folklore and housed in unusual locations such as a historic community church or former auto garage. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/breweries Scope out unique stays: Why stay in a ‘normal’ hotel with so many unique properties on offer? Mangata Mactaquac features a-frame cabins nestled in the woods directly beside Mactaquac Provincial Park. While Balsam Ridge Forest Domes sit tucked among the treetops, just a 35-minute drive from the city of Moncton. Or Creekside RnR’s Mirror Cabins allow guests to see nature up close with its two-way mirrors. tourismnewbrunswick.ca/accommodation • sponsored feature

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A-Z of a canadian

Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful and rewarding time of year to visit Canada. Its foliage takes on fiery tints, its roads are less travelled and its wildlife gets up to all kinds of wondrous pranks. Stuart Forster offers 26 reasons to fall for Canada

bald mountain viewpoint

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istockphoto.com/ Andre Erlich

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polar bears are spotted in autumn

A is for Aurora Borealis

C is for Colours

E is for Embrace

As the night sky above the northern hemisphere becomes darker with the onset of autumn, the northern lights are frequently seen glimmering above Canada.

The country is home to between 80%90% of accessible land beneath the northern aurora oval, the region around the geomagnetic pole that experiences the most vibrant and most frequent auroral displays.

Skies free from light pollution help make Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and the Yukon leading destinations for viewing the aurora borealis.

The autumn colours of Canada are bold and vibrant, making it a particularly rewarding time of year to view the country’s landscapes.

Foliage in the country’s east tends to turn in mid- to late-September, with the leaves on maple trees turning through fiery orange to deep red. Oak leaves turn russet and copper while birch and elm leaves blaze yellow.

Further west, the golden larch and aspen catch the eye from roads and during hikes.

Mid- to late-September is typically also an ideal time to view the fall colours in the Canadian Rockies.

Visiting Canada during the autumn brings opportunities to embrace the joys of the season: soak in the colours, make the most of the daylight hours to participate in

B is for Bears

D is for Dark Skies

Autumn is ideal for viewing bears. Salmon runs peak in September and October, drawing grizzlies to gorge at the country’s rivers. British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is a top destination for viewing the bears. Each September, thick-coated grizzlies converge to fish in the river at Bear Cave Mountain, Yukon. The bears exit the water into freezing air – thus the name ‘ice bears’.

And during October and November guests at remote lodges north of Churchill, Manitoba, often view polar bears waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze over.

With vast swathes of land free from human settlement, Canada has huge areas devoid of the light pollution that is common in and around urban settlements.

Areas of rural Canada offer remarkable opportunities to view constellations and other celestial bodies shining in the night sky, including the Milky Way arching overhead.

In a country with numerous opportunities to experience viewing the northern lights and outstanding stargazing, Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is renowned as Canada’s darkest Dark-Sky Preserve. selling canada 2024

“Travelling out of the summer season enables visitors to maximise value for money. Autumn offers great deals on accommodation”

red is for autumn

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monTreal

watching the northern lights

outdoor activities and use nights for stargazing. It’s an optimal time of year to sample to bounty of the land and embrace chances to appreciate the culinary skills of chefs working with local seasonal produce.

Foraged mushrooms and freshly hunted game feature on menus, while artisanal jams and preserves made from local fruit and berries are ideal to take home as gifts.

F is for Festivals Autumn offers visitors to Canada numerous opportunities to participate in festivals.

In September movie buffs can attend Toronto International Film Festival screenings. Meanwhile, the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Festival is a ‘shellebration’ combining culinary and musical talents.

In October, the Celtic Colours International Festival, held on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, showcases Celtic music and heritage amid a backdrop of bold autumnal hues.

November’s Cornucopia, in Whistler, British Columbia, sees talented chefs preparing seasonal produce ahead of the opening of the winter sports season.

G is for Going South

rocky mountaineer

A vast amount of animal movement can be witnessed in Canada during the autumn, making it a rewarding time of year for wildlife lovers. Sightings of brown, black and grizzly bears peak ahead of their winter torpor.

And many smaller mammals – including squirrels, chipmunks and groundhogs – are sighted foraging. Birds, meanwhile, can be seen going south for winter. Hummingbirds, cranes and V-shaped flocks of geese depart.

Point Pelee National Park, mainland Canada’s southernmost spot, is among the best places for birders to view the migration. selling canada 2024

maple leaf

H is for Hockey Hockey (ice) fans look forward to the autumn because early October sees the return of the National Hockey League (NHL). The nation’s favourite sport has a passionate following and attending a game is a true Canadian experience. Canada’s seven professional teams are based in Montréal (Canadians), Toronto (Maple Leafs), Vancouver (Canucks), Edmonton (Oilers), Calgary (Flames), Ottawa (Senators), and Winnipeg (Jets). Winnipeg is one of the smallest cities with a professional sports team in North America.

However, visitors to Canada can experience the sport’s thrills in many other cities that have teams playing in the ‘minor leagues’.

I is for Indigenous activities Indigenous experiences offer a way for travellers to learn to story of the land’s original inhabitants from their perspective.

But they are also a way of embracing the season. In Churchill, Manitoba, Beyond Boreal Expeditions leads tours to view polar bears, while on Victoria Island, British Columbia, the Tagwàgi (Autumn) Festival promises a programme of authentic Indigenous experiences, including chances to

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meet Ojibwe Spirit Horses. In the Northwest Territories, several Indigenous experiences are accessible from Yellowknife, including aurora hunting with North Star Adventures.

J is for Journeys by Train Leaves on the track delaying departures?

Leave off! In Canada, sitting by a train window means being able to unwind while rolling through autumnal landscapes.

The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, brings opportunities to view the countryside on a multi-day journey between Vancouver and Toronto. Yet spectacular train rides in Canada don’t need to cover epic distances.

The Montreal-Jonquière route is one such journey, and the Agawa Canyon Train Tour in Ontario is a popular autumn day trip through landscapes that inspired the famous Group of Seven artists. Then there is the luxury Rocky Mountaineer, which travels through the resplendent Rocky Mountains.

city that was called Berlin until 1916. Expect to see Bavarian-style dirndl dresses and lederhosen at the beer festival, which takes place in festhallen (festival halls) across the city. Kitchener also hosts a popular Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring colourful marching bands and floats.

L is for Large The sheer size of Canada presents myriad opportunities for autumn visitors.

The country sprawls north into the Arctic Circle and nearly 4,700 miles east-west, from Cape Spear in Newfoundland and Labrador to the Yukon’s border with Alaska – which inevitably means that autumn arrives at varying times across the country.

Whitehorse, in the Yukon, and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories typically receive their first snowfalls in September or October – but snow may arrive in August. Pack layers and be prepared for any kind of weather.

K is for Kitchener

M is for Maple Leaf

The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, begins in September and continues into October.

The event celebrates the German heritage of the region around Kitchener, Ontario – a

Canada’s national symbol and instantly recognisable icon is depicted red on the country’s flag and could have been designed with autumn’s changing shades and vibrant

reds in mind. Québec is famed for producing maple syrup and is ideal for viewing maple leaves’ autumnal hues, typically from midSeptember to mid-October. Hiring a vehicle and driving to the Eastern Townships or the Laurentian Mountains provides spectacular viewing opportunities as part of a road trip with numerous sightseeing opportunities.

N is for Nature Nature is embraced by most Canadians and is a key draw for international travellers.

“Hockey (ice) fans look forward to the autumn because early October sees the return of the National Hockey League (NHL) ” Overnighting in Parks Canada’s oTENTik accommodation, a comfortable cross between a cabin and a tent, offers glampingstyle experiences. Staying in an oTENTik removes the hassle of transporting heavy camping gear to experience national

Destination Vancouver/Coast Mountain Photography

hockey is a favourite canadian pastime

blue rocks, nova scotia

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Tourism Nova Scotia Photographer Tom Cochrane

30 / A-Z Autumn

parks and all that they offer in terms of wildlife, dark skies and autumnal scenery.

Visits to provincial parks across the country can be easily added to touring itineraries.

Suggest for second- or third-time visitors.

O is for Openness Canadians take pride in being ‘open to the world’ and for having ‘open hearts’ and ‘open minds’ that embrace diversity and inclusion.

With all travel-related restrictions to the country removed Canada is again welcoming travellers from around the world.

Moreover, it is Canada’s open spaces that most travellers now crave in an evermorecrowded world.

P is for Pumpkin Patches Pumpkins are ready for harvesting in the autumn. When carved into lanterns they are celebrated as a key symbol of the Halloween festivities, which are embraced with gusto in Canada. Pumpkins are also enjoyed in soups, pies and, of course, seasonal spiced coffees. Pumpkin patches across the country invite visitors to pick their own while enjoying

family-friendly activities and entertainment.

That may include an opportunity to seek an exit in one of the corn mazes that are created on many Canadian farms each autumn.

Q is for Quietude Autumn is a season for taking time out to pause, breathe deeply and appreciate the aromas during forest walks or even forest bathing. In fact, enjoying the quietude can be a transformative way of embracing your inner peace. Or, for a very different ‘Q’, the historic sites of Québec City, including the Citadel fortress and Place Royal, along with its city parks, are spectacular in autumn.

R is for Road Trips The autumnal colours mean that road trips between mid-September and mid-October provide a wealth of gorgeous backdrops for keen Instagrammers and photographers.

The circular Cabot Trail, looping 185 miles in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, is especially pretty in the autumn. So too is the Fundy Coastal Drive, a near 300-mile scenic route between Sackville and St Stephen, via selling canada 2024

the spectacular Hopewell Rocks. Rewarding routes are found across the country.

S is for Shoulder Season Travelling out of the summer season enables visitors to maximise value for money on accommodation. Hiking and mountain cycling trails remain open well into the autumn - and without the summer crowds.

Resorts known for winter sports, such as Whistler and Sun Peaks, hold a different allure in the autumn, with hiking and mountain bike trails popular at this time.

T is for Thanksgiving The second Monday in October is Canada’s Thanksgiving, a celebration of the harvest.

Many Canadians use the holiday to spend time outdoors hiking: that means heading to the campsites and trails. Sports fans look forward to a Canadian Football League game, with the culmination of the national Grey Cup (Canada’s ‘FA Cup Final’) just weeks away.

U is for Urban pleasures Canada’s cities and towns have plenty to

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wonderful seafood

scenic drive in atlantic canada

offer in autumn. World-class museums and galleries, shops and craft breweries, Michelin-Star restaurants and even food trucks warrant visits. So too do the farmers’ markets brimming with seasonal produce.

In well-maintained urban parks – such as Edmonton’s River Valley, Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Regina’s Was Cana Park – quality outdoor experiences are on offer within view of the city skyline.

V is for Vineyards Vineyards and wineries across Canada are at their busiest in the autumn when the grape harvesting, pressing and wine production is in full swing. Visitors can attend events such as September’s Niagara Grape and Wine Festival or, in British Columbia, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival which is held on weekends in October and November. Grapes remain on the vines in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Québec and elsewhere long after the autumn harvest in order to produce icewine.

W is for Whale-watching The whale-watching season in the waters

autumn is pumpkin season

blue mountain resort, ontario

Y is for Yellowhead Highway

surrounding British Columbia continues well into the autumn, with Vancouver and Victoria among the popular places for departing tours. Orca sightings are common around the Gulf Islands and in the Strait of Georgia into October, as the leviathans gather to feed on migrating salmon. Humpback whales can be seen between April and November, with some staying year-round. Minke and fin whales are also sighted into October while grey whales are seen from March into June.

Road-trippers with time on their hands looking for an alternative to driving across Canada on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) should consider the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which runs between Winnipeg and Masset on Haida Gwaii in British Columbia. They will view the harvested prairies of Saskatchewan and leaves turning golden. Stops along the way include Stony Plain, Alberta, and Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia.

X is for Xenodochial

Z is for Zen

Being ‘xenodochial’ means ‘being friendly to strangers’, a characteristic that is noticeable and in abundance across Canada.

Canadians are known for their sincere friendliness. That translates into being hospitable to visitors and is a factor why so many travellers form positive memories of the interactions they have, and connections they make, during their Canadian journey.

Autumn is a time of dwindling daylight hours, but it is also a time for the warmest of welcomes.

Autumn offers opportunities to unwind while enjoying some zen-like reflection. Guides in British Columbia offer forest bathing or forest therapy. Known to Japanese Buddhists as shinrin-yoku, it involves ‘purposeful walking in’ and ‘engaging the senses to absorb the woodland’. Or spend time in outdoor pools at Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia, and Jasper National Park’s Miette Hot Springs, Alberta, for soaking among the sounds and aromas of the season. •

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Fall activities in

Visit polar bears in Churchill: During the autumn months, the frontier town of Churchill, Manitoba becomes the place to be. October and November see the shores of Hudson Bay transform into a hotspot for wildlife watchers to witness the annual migration of polar bears onto the sea ice. Nicknamed ‘the polar bear capital of the world,’ Churchill is the most accessible place on the planet to view these typically solitary bears as they head to the shoreline when cold weather descends. Tours range from day trips to multi-night tundra stays.

Check out Winnipeg’s world class museums: Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, has a multitude of museums ready to be explored, with an eclectic range of topics from history to Indigenous cultures.

The unmissable Canadian Museum for Human Rights is known as ‘The Cloud’ for its curved exterior made of 1,335 pieces of glass which reflect the sky. It is the only museum

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TRAVEL MANITOBA - KOPIE

Manitoba is a magical place year-round, but fall is an extra special time to visit. Charlotte Flach checks out the best things to do as the autumn chill sets in

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MANITOBA

in the world dedicated to its topic, with exhibits on Indigenous perspectives and the Holocaust among other historic moments.

There’s also the Qaumajuq, an Inuit art centre and the Royal Aviation Museum.

Sample culinary delights: Typical, traditional Canadian grub is known for being hearty and warming the perfect combination for when colder weather starts to set in. Foodies can head down to The Forks, a National Historic site of Canada, which has been a site of significance for Indigenous peoples for over 6,000 years.

Alongside numerous attractions, The Forks Market Food Hall has a variety of eateries.

Tall Grass Bakery serves delectable pastries, while Fergie’s Fish and Chips offers a local taste with its pickerel- a freshwater fish.

Watch the waterfowl migration: More wildlife migration viewing opportunities come from the different types of waterfowl which can be spotted at

locations across the province, such as Oak Hammock Marsh, a well-known migration hotspot. The local Harry J. Enns Wetland Discovery Centre runs a programme of events to both celebrate and educate visitors around this time of year. Other great spots include Hecla Island, Alfred Hole Goose sanctuary, and Fort Whyte Alive.

Luxuriate at a spa: When the weather outside is frightful, a day at the spa seems extra inviting. Thermëa has a reputation for being one of the destination’s premium spots, with its outdoor Thermal Experience featuring hot pools, a Polabër cold pool and Icebër waterfall. The Elkhorn Resort’s brand new Nordic spa presents a steam sauna, a dry sauna, a relaxation pavilion, two hot tubs, a temperate pool and a cold plunge. While outdoor lounging areas will be warmed by fireplaces.

Discover Indigenous experiences: With many Indigenous peoples calling

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DennisFast-Courtesy of Travel Manitoba Travel Manitoba

Travel Manitoba

Whiteshell Petroforms Authentic Indigenous Tours

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Manitoba home, there are plenty of learning opportunities open to travellers. Borealis Beading invites guests to try two-needle beading, quilt-making and finger weaving through workshops in the traditional circle style. As the crafts take place, stories are shared around the table. Or take a stroll at Bannock Point Petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park with Whiteshell Petroforms Authentic Indigenous Tours, where a Anishinaabe knowledge keeper reveals the forms of humans, snakes, birds and turtles on the rocks.

Experience fall in the Whiteshell: Autumn is ideal for road trips through Whiteshell Provincial Park, with numerous opportunities for stops to enjoy nature’s colourful fall display. One of Manitoba’s most popular wilderness trails, Hunt Lake Trail, is a challenging five hours, while the Dragon Fire Trail is an easier trek with rewarding views of West Hawk Lake. The scenic trails

around Falcon Lake are ideal for a horseback riding excursion with Falcon Beach Ranch, cantering through the beautiful boreal forest.

The ranch also gives tours which recount the eerie ‘Falcon lake Encounter’.

Marvel at Northern Manitoba’s Waterfall Alley: Northern Manitoba boasts several waterfalls, giving rise to an area coined ‘Waterfall Alley’. Easily accessible, as well as impressive, is Pisew Falls which is set among pine, spruce and tamarack forest.

Two viewing platforms allows the site- where the Grass River drops 13 metres and plunges into a gorge - to be taken in. Wekusko Falls is also an offshoot of Grass River, dropping 12 metres through a series of rapids. Two bridges get close enough for photos, and to witness the spray from the rushing water.

Enjoy the colours at Riding Mountain: Riding Mountain National Park is arguably one of the best places to enjoy the reds, golds and browns of autumn travelmanitoba.com

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in Canada. Crisp air, blue skies and vivid sunsets combine to create an atmospheric backdrop for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Friends of Riding Mountain National Park and Clear Lake Marina rent out e-bikes, while the Brûlé Trail is ideal for an intermediate hike. Elk, moose and deer can be spotted on an early morning drive, or head to the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure at dusk or dawn to see the bison when they are most active.

Rent a cosy cabin: After a jam-packed day, retreat to a cosy eco-cabin in the woods or a cottage with views over the prairies. These unique stays are embedded in nature and resorts often offer activities such as yoga as well as ski equipment or canoe rentals. Recommend clients cabins in Whiteshell Provincial Park (Falcon Trails Resort, Falcon Beach Ranch, Pinewood Lodge) or Turtle Village at Riding Mountain National Park. travelmanitoba.com • sponsored feature

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34 / An autumn road trip

TURN A

New leaf Bella Falk takes a road trip in Jasper, Alberta, and finds herself falling for the many joys of the season

Hiking without the crowds Spanning over 4,200 sq ms and reaching 3,782 metres at its highest peak, Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and heaven for outdoors enthusiasts.

The park is overflowing with jaw-dropping landscapes and alfresco activities: from easy sightseeing paths around Athabasca Falls and the dramatic Maligne Canyon to hiking to Mount Edith to mountain biking through the Valley of the Five Lakes to kayaking on Pyramid Lake.

In summer, more than a million visitors

throng Jasper’s hotels, trails and car parks, and temperatures can top 30 degrees.

In autumn, however, guests can enjoy milder weather, bright days and cosy evenings, with none of the heat, crowds and potential wildfires that can occur in the peak season.

Many tours and services close for the winter, but most stay open until midOctober, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s autumnal splendour in peace.

Boat cruises across the vivid green Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most photographed places and a spiritual site for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, run until early October, while the switchbacked road up to the glaciated face of Mount Edith Cavell stays open until the first week of October or the first snowfall.

Autumn wildlife Another great reason to visit Jasper in autumn is the wildlife.

The park is home to more than 50 mammal species, including grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, cougar, and bighorn sheep.

While guests may stumble across animals by simply exploring the park, the best way to see Jasper’s fauna is to take one of Sundog Tours’ wildlife trips.

“Fall is amazing for wildlife,” says our guide, Ben. “It’s elk rutting season; at this time of year they’re everywhere, even in the town.

You have to be careful though, as they can be very aggressive! There’s also a good chance to see moose and bears, as they’re actively feeding and preparing for winter.”

On our three-hour drive around the park, we spot dozens of elk, the males sporting

magnificent antlers, as well as bighorn sheep perched precariously on a cliff face, and my highlight, a glimpse of a black bear and her cub as they disappear into the forest.

Dark skies, night photography By the time I meet Mike Gere, who runs Jasper Photo Tours, I already know what he’s going to say. “Fall is best!” he grins.

“Best for the colours, the misty mornings, the more civilised sunrise and sunset times, and the dark skies. For astrophotography it’s perfect: night-time temperatures are still above freezing, and you may even catch the Aurora Borealis,” Mike enthuses.

As well as being the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is the world’s second largest Dark Skies Preserve, where light pollution is strictly controlled to protect the region’s pristine views of the heavens.

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs for two weeks in October, with photography tours and astronomy talks, telescope sessions at the Jasper Planetarium; and on selected BELLA FALK / PASSPORT & PIXELS

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s the taxi winds through Jasper National Park, bright sunshine illuminates the fresh dusting of snow on the mountaintops.

On both sides of the road, silver-trunked aspens crowd the verges, their leaves radiant in shades of amber and gold.

I sigh with frustration. “It’s too much!” I complain to Heather, my driver. “Please can you stop?”

She obligingly pulls over so I can stand in the middle of the road to take some photos.

It’s midday, but there are few other cars.

“Fall is the perfect time to come to Jasper,” she tells me. “Not only do you get these incredible colours, but there’s less traffic.”

From taxi drivers and receptionists to guides and waiters, everyone says the same thing: autumn is hands-down the best time to visit Jasper. In fact, I hear it so often that I’d think they’ve all been briefed – except I can see for myself.

With crisp mornings and mild days, glowing foliage and surprise wildlife encounters, Jasper in autumn is the best of all worlds.

jasper’s reD OctOBer

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patricia lake, jasper

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10 Reasons to sell the Rockies in Autumn Changing colours. The Rockies are beautiful year round, but autumn colours make them spectacular.

Snow-capped peaks. The mountains get their first dusting of snow, adding to the photo opportunities.

Milder weather. Cooler temperatures are much better for hiking and biking, with less risk of wildfires.

Dark skies. With longer nights, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy Jasper’s world-famous stargazing.

Northern Lights. Darker skies also bring a chance to see the stunning Aurora Borealis.

Autumn wildlife. Rutting season means elk are out in force, while bears are busy fattening up for hibernation.

Fewer tourists and families.

Schools have gone back, so prices fall and places are less crowded.

Less traffic. Summer roads are busy with sightseers, but driving in autumn is a breeze.

Wellness. On grey days Jasper’s spas offer the chance for cosy relaxation.

Autumnal ingredients. Jasper’s excellent restaurants serve seasonal local produce like pumpkins, mushrooms and apples.

MaliGNe lake, jasper NatiONal park

evenings in September and October the Jasper Skytram offers late stargazing experiences.

Jasper Photo Tours run bespoke wildlife, landscape and night photography workshops to suit all skill levels. Mike takes me to Pyramid Lake for an astrophotography lesson – showing me how to set up my camera for the best star images and giving me tips on how shoot the Milky Way. It feels almost spiritual to be alone in such a peaceful location, with the mountains reflecting off the mirror-calm water and not a sound apart from the occasional splash of a fish. But the heavens don’t want to play ball: it’s overcast and there aren’t many stars.

Undeterred, Mike teaches me the art of light painting – filling in the trees and bridge on Pyramid Island with an eerie glow from his torch. And when the bright four-fifths moon rises we capture that too, every crater and valley crisp through his 800mm lens.

Indigenous experiences That same moon watched over Canada’s Indigenous communities for thousands of

‘WarriOr WOMaN’, Matricia BrOWN

elk are OUt iN FOrce DUriNG rUttiNG seasON

BELLA FALK / PASSPORT & PIXELS

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36 / An autumn road trip

“Many tours and services close for the winter, but most stay open until midOctober, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s autumnal splendour in peace” years before white settlers arrived. Today Indigenous tourism – that is, tours owned and operated by Indigenous people, not those simply about them – is growing, with many guests keen to learn about Canada’s diverse First Nations cultures.

One of Jasper’s leading lights is Matricia Brown from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in northern Alberta – her Indigenous name is Isko-achitaw waciy (She Who Moves Mountains). Matricia runs Warrior Women, offering Indigenous cultural experiences including fireside chats, workshops and the one I do – a medicinal plant walk.

Tours are tailored to the seasons and since, it’s October, Matricia teaches us about the autumnal plants we find.

There are tiny white snowberries, which can be used to treat eye infections, and rose hips, which bloom after the first frost and are made into a tea with anti-inflammatory properties. “Many modern medicines contain the same active ingredients as these plants,” she explains, “but they focus on the symptoms, not the cause. We want to treat whole package - body, mind and spirit - so we use the whole plant.”

After only a few days, I’m convinced. With mild weather, vivid colours and fewer people, autumn in Jasper has won me over.

My only problem is this: getting places took me ages as I kept having to get the taxi to stop for another photo. •

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Highlights in oak bay Located on Vancouver Island in BC, Oak Bay inspire visitors with its coastal charm kick back at OAK BAY Beach hotel: Nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Oak Bay Beach Hotel provides the perfect base to explore the area. A focus on wellness complements the property’s natural surroundings, with sunrise yoga sessions held in the garden. oakbaybeachhotel.com

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indulge in afternoon tea: Demitasse Cafe, Kitchen and Garden Centre is a cornerstone in Oak Bay, combining passions for delicious coffee, local food, and a love of rare and unusual plants, gardens and garden design. demitasse.ca

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take a tour of salish sea: A visit to Oak Bay isn’t complete without taking to the sparkling waters. Whether it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or a boat trip to a private beach, there’s a tour to suit all water enthusiasts. Oak Bay Tours reveals the area’s history whilst looking for sea birds, seals, otters and playful sea lions. oakbaytours.com head for the beach: From the craggy rocks of McNeill Bay to the sandy haven of Willows Beach, Oak Bay is blessed with accessible beaches year-round. Visitors can enjoy barefoot beach strolls, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing and gentle paddling along the shoreline. oceanriver.com go exploring: Oak Bay is steeped in history. Wander the streets and admire heritage designated homes. Nature enthusiasts can hike around Anderson Hill Park for panoramic ocean views. Other ways to explore include boat tours, walking tours and bicycle rides. sightseeingvictoria.com

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38 / Travel talk

Places to experience

“FOOD IS A WAY OF LIFE, A PATH TO TRUTH, A MEDICINE THAT CONNECTS US WITH NATURE”

T

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he Feast Café Bistro in Winnipeg’s West End is the brainchild of Christa BruneauGuenther, a proud member of the Peguis First Nation who was born and raised in Winnipeg.

After she became involved with community gardens and learning to cook with locally sourced ingredients, friends and colleagues encouraged Christa to open her own restaurant.

She wasn’t confident at first, and was concerned her “tough upbringing” – she started working at just ten years old – and “education” would not be valued, but working with her community and helping to care for its plants, herbs and vegetables changed her mind.

Since opening Feast Café she has been in demand for television, radio and print interviews and many now travel big distances to dine at her restaurant.

She says she has come to see food as a “way of life, a path to truth, a medicine that sustains us and connects us with nature.”

When I asked about her favourite seasonal autumn ingredients served at the restaurant she didn’t

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Christa Bruneau-Guenther, Owner, Feast Cafe Bistro, Winnipeg hesitate. “Autumn is definitely our squash season, and squash is one of that we call the three sisters – beans, corn, and squashes – which feature regularly in Indigenous dishes.

“People often assume Indigenous Canada’s First Nation people consumed mostly meat. They did in certain terroirs, but a large part of their diet would have been beans, corn and squash as these have a ton of Vitamin C, complex carbohydrates for energy, magnesium, minerals, and are high in protein,” she says.

The Feast Café has a range of dishes with heritage squashes, which are sourced from local gardens and Indigenous communities. They feature in the restaurant’s soups, stews and pasta dishes. Wild rice pasta is another staple on the autumn menu as well as braised bison with squash.

I tried her Coconut Squash Curry, which was loaded with fresh taste and was delicious. Bison is also a favourite at the restaurant and available year round.

“It pairs really well with autumn vegetables,” says Crista. Another regular is Bannock Pizza with Bison sausage – the meat is tender and delicious!

“Pickerel and Walleye fish from the Great Lakes is more in-season in September, October and November and something we serve, she adds. We are surrounded by freshwater lakes and access to Pickerel is plentiful; it is a staple for many communities, for both their livelihood and for culturally significant reasons.

“Water is the blood of mother earth, and we honour and respect everything from these waters”.

Christa says that Covid ”altered everything”, with many forced to go back to the land and back to gardening. Canning and preserving practices were resurrected as well. “I now spend a lot of time in my traditional Indigenous garden. It is therapeutic to garden barefoot and to forage. “We always remember to give thanks for what has been provided for us,” she says. feastcafebistro.com •

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Autumn wellness escapes in

Atlantic Canada Atlantic Canada’s raw natural beauty is arguably at its best during Autumn months, making it perfect for a wellness break in nature. Charlotte Flach discovers the top spots

I

Derek Deredin

ncreasingly, travellers are seeking reflection and relaxation on holidays to soothe the stresses of everyday life.

Atlantic Canada’s lush landscapes, fresh sea breezes and mountain vistas, coupled with its remoteness, can act as a tonic.

The region is also renowned for its laid back attitude, ideal for leisurely trips to rebalance and revitalise. From outdoor saunas set against the backdrop of towering cliffs, to brisk hikes through picturesque trails, autumn is one of the best times of year to enjoy a wellness break in nature.

New Brunswick With its cleansing sea air and dense forests, New Brunswick has all of the ingredients needed for a wellness escape. Clients can enjoy the seasonal health benefits associated with ‘leaf peeping’, with studies showing that viewing fall colours can actually boost your mood and beat seasonal blues. Colourful forest displays range from golden hues to deep oranges to fiery reds. Turtle Mountain near Grand Bay-Westfield displays some of the most stunning fall colours thanks to its unobstructed view points. A hike of moderate difficulty takes seven-hours and is rewarded with views of forest, lakes and grassy bogs.

Hay Island lighthouse, New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

East Coast Trail, newfoundland & Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador Discover the 29,000 kilometres of coastline hugging Newfoundland and Labrador, with its rugged cliffs, glistening waters and fresh sea air. Embrace the wild coastline by walking one of the many hiking trails such as the East Coast Trail that includes towering cliffs, fjords, sea stacks, rock arches and even a wavedriven freshwater geyser called the Spout.

Or explore the beautiful rocky beaches of Codjacks Cove, Spillers Cove and French Beach whilst rambling the Rockcut Twillingate Trails, a system of picturesque hiking trails located along the coast of Twillingate Island. The trails offer lengthy “point-to-point” hikes plus shorter “loop back” options.

Tantalising seafood, refreshing ciders, and uncrowded coastal roads make Nova Scotia a solid choice for rest and relaxation. Sample succulent lobster paired with a glass of Tidal Bay, Nova Scotia’s signature wine, surrounded by the Annapolis Valley vineyards. After exploring Peggy’s Cove and its lighthouse, unwind and recharge oceanside at the new Hydrothermal Spa at Oceanstone Resort. This outdoor spa features hot and cold baths, saltinhalation Hammam, an aromatherapy sauna and revitalising treatments.

Prince Edward Island

Oceanstone Resort, nova scotia

Trout River, prince edward island

Head to the smallest province in the Atlantic Canada region, Prince Edward Island, for a true away-from-it-all experience with the help of friendly locals. A popular wellness activity here is Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, a Japanese activity developed in 1982 to improve health. Clients will enter a tranquil forest, breathing in substances called phytoncides.

These essential oils have multiple benefits including antimicrobial compounds emitted from trees, such as a-pinene and limonene.

This technique has been said to reduce stress, anxiety, sleeplessness and more. atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk • sponsored feature

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40 / Northern xxx Lights in Canada

seeing the

lights

Canada is the ideal place to see the northern lights, with viewings across the country from October to March, says Stuart Forster

L

ike the spectacle we’re hoping to view tonight, the campfire flames dance, flicker and warm our souls. Members of our small group gaze expectantly upward from high-backed Adirondack chairs ringing the fire while the rest of us set cameras onto tripods.

Tonight’s conditions are ideal for viewing the northern lights and, excitedly, we’re willing the phenomenon to appear.

Here in northern Manitoba, as with other destinations across Canada, the aurora borealis can be seen for much of the year. The exception is midsummer, when daylight’s enduring brightness makes

sighting the northern lights as tricky as watching a feature film screened outdoors under the midday sun. Now that it’s late August, and autumn is fast approaching, the aurora puts on a near-nightly show.

Wrapped in layers, and wowed by the occasional distant howls of wolves, we’re ready to follow a day of bountiful fishing at Gangler’s Sub-Arctic (ganglersadventures. com) with a lengthy session of aurora viewing. The sky is clear – a prerequisite for seeing the northern lights.

Well over 600 miles north of Winnipeg, this remote fly-in lodge is far removed from the light pollution which makes seeing

the aurora borealis tricky in urban areas.

Aurora hunting is a way of appreciating the beauty of the northern wilderness as well as the star-swathed night sky whose full magnificence is rarely seen by city dwellers.

“There!” points one of our group. Heads bob and turn, seeking a first glimpse of the northern lights.

A gloved finger points out a low cloud scudding above treetops. Dismissive groans and laughter express collective disappointment as the search continues.

“Look!” utters a wonderstuck voice minutes later. High in the sky, a white, ghost-like swirl gains intensity. “I thought

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Northern Lights in Canada / 41

the northern lights were green or even red, yellow and purple,” says one of our party.

“This is just the beginning of the show,” comes the answer as a glimmering band grows and takes a greenish tone that’s even more pronounced when viewed through my camera’s lens.

After what seems like initial shyness the aurora rolls and twists, fanning out and shimmering in bands across the night sky.

Aurora borealis and Canada Canada is home to between 80% and 90% of the accessible land inside the northern auroral oval, the region around the geomagnetic pole that experiences the most frequent and brightest auroral displays. Vast swathes of the sky are free from light pollution.

The phenomenon is caused by charged particles emitted from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere, mainly over the magnetic poles.

Oxygen causes particles to grow green or red while purples and blues are the result of interactions with nitrogen.

Solar activity rises and falls in multi-year cycles and will be peaking until 2026.

Consequently, experts are predicting frequent and intense auroral displays, making the coming years ideal for planning a holiday to view the northern lights.

LOOKING FOR THE LIGHTS IN MANITOBA

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS GLOWS GREEN ABOVE CLOUDS

NIGHT SKY APPEARS TO GLOW GREEN DUE TO THE AURORA BOREALIS

THE SKY BURNS BRIGHT ABOVE THE GAZE OF CAMPERS

First Nations experiences Indigenous legends surround the northern lights. Travellers may hear some of these during First Nations aurora viewing tours.

In the Northwest Territories, B. Dene Adventures bdene.com invites guests to experience storytelling with Dene elders, traditional drumming and eat fish cooked over a fire while waiting for the aurora.

With Northstar Adventures northstaradventures.ca, holidaymakers can hunt the aurora with a Dene guide while listening to stories and legends.

The Indigenous-owned Aurora Village auroravillage.com has 21 traditional teepees and offers viewing experiences along with daytime activities including snowshoeing.

Heated outdoor seating pivots to present 360-degree views of the night sky.

Where to visit Crisp, clear nights are common from midNovember into April in Alberta, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and The Yukon, making them among the most popular aurora viewing destinations. Aurora Pod nathab.com and Aurora Domes auroradomes.ca are designed to maximise northern lights viewing experiences in Churchill, Manitoba.

In the Northwest Territories, low humidity is one factor in the northern lights being

visible up to 240 nights a year.

Across Canada, 17 dark sky preserves present opportunities for visitors to appreciate star constellations in addition to the northern lights.

Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, in Alberta, hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival jasperdarksky. travel every October.

Numerous aurora-viewing tours depart from Whitehorse. Staying at Mount Logan EcoLodge mountloganlodge.com near Haines Junction in the Yukon presents opportunities to view the northern lights by the warmth of a fireside.

On Canada’s east coast, head to Newfoundland and Labrador. The best chances for good viewing are remote spots away from light pollution. Popular gathering spots include the coast, the national parks and the northern reaches. The province’s large tracts of wilderness, accessible with a guide, are also worth the effort to get there.

Where to book it FIRST CLASS HOLIDAYS The seven-day Vancouver and the Yukon’s Northern Lights holiday starts from £2,449pp. Included are return flights from the UK, six nights’ accommodation, winter clothing rental, sightseeing, transfers in Whitehorse and three aurora viewing sessions. fcholidays.com 0161 888 5606 •

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42 / Spotlight on

In the mood for

some seasonal fun There’s plenty to keep visitors entertained during the autumn months in Canada.

April Waterston highlights five events that are worth planning a visit around

A

utumn is undoubtedly a magical time to visit Canada. As leaves transform to rusty hues and hats, gloves and scarves come out of summer storage, a new warmth can be found rooted in both community spirit and celebration.

From coast to coast, festivals and events feature the best of Canadian food and culture.

Here are a few to plan a visit around.

Celtic Colours Showcasing the musical culture of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the annual Celtic Colours festival has become one of Canada’s premiere musical events. For nine days in October, visitors can discover hundreds of events and activities taking place in communities across the Island. Cape Breton’s best singers, dancers, actors and story-tellers take to the stage in venues that range from community halls and churches to schools and theatres. In 2024 the festival will take place October 11th–19th. celtic-colours.com

getting ready for shellfish tying in charlottetown

Up, up and away

Vancouver Fringe 2024 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, where local stages in and around Granville Island come alive with theatre, comedy, dance, drag, spoken word and music talent from across the world. vancouverfringe.com

Lights, camera, action celtic sounds in nova scotia

Shellfish Festival, PEI

DESTINATION TORONTO

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) brings an annual buzz to Toronto as worldclass international and Canadian filmmakers and movie buffs descend upon the city.

And 2024 will mark the 47th edition of TIFF, as well as the 47th People’s Choice Award, as voted for by ticket holders of the event.

The festival takes place for around 11 days each September, but film fanatics can visit the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto all year to catch a movie on one of five big screens and learn about TIFF’s impactful work. tiff.net

In High River, Alberta, take to the skies in a hot air balloon during the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, next taking place in late September 2024. Tickets are available to go up for a ride, but just as much magic can be felt from the ground.

Get up close and personal with the gentle giants as they are inflated but anchored to the ground during the night-time ‘Balloon Glow’.

Feel the heat from the flaring burners as the balloons light up against the dark sky. heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com

The Toronto International Film Festival

Seafood lovers should head to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in September for the annual Shellfish Festival. Expect a wide array of shellfish-related competitions – from oyster shucking to mussel tying – plus live cooking demonstrations and celebrity chef sightings. In the evening, dance the night away with some of Atlantic Canada’s finest entertainment. peishellfish.com

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Memorable

AUTUMN ADVENTURES Canada’s provinces and territories provide an attractive choice of adventure playgrounds during the crisp and colourful months of autumn, says Charlotte Flach

Head to Montréal and saddle up to take on some of the more than 435 miles of bike paths that wind their way through the city’s many neighbourhoods.

Among the options offering stunning views and green spaces, the Lachine Canal is a main cycling artery, the waterside route stretching for 13.5km. It is suited to all abilities due to its flat paths and roads.

Lovely year-round, autumn draws bikers and walkers but not the large crowds.

Fishing British Columbia is known for its phenomenal fishing scene – and none better than Sooke on Vancouver Island.

Salmon runs too are a photographer’s favourite. All five species of Pacific Salmon pass through these rich waters, with Chinook (Blackmouth) available year-round.

Coho (Silver) salmon can still be fished in October, while Chum is on offer in both October and November – at a time when most other fish are not as eager to bite.

Whale Watching Summer and autumn are the best seasons for whale watching in Nova Scotia. Dedicated whale watching tours feature plenty of local stories which eulogise over the 12 species of whales, including the rare North American right whale, that inhabit these waters. Cape Breton and the Bay of Fundy, in particular between the town of Digby and Brier Island, are among the best bets.

Several tours head out from here.

Hikes & sites Home to numerous national parks and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberta is a hiker’s paradise. Banff National Park is the country’s first, and arguably the flagship, of Canada’s park system. As the summer heat fades and autumn sets in, the stunning jewel tones of the season take the breath away, providing a backdrop to long hikes and walks among the foliage.

Autumn’s cooler weather is also a bonus.

Kayaks, rafts and canoes KEVIN ARNOLD

Bikes

With over half-amillion lakes, rivers, waterways and thousands of miles of coastline, Ontario is a magnet for water sports fans. One of the world’s great freshwater destinations offers top canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Choose autumn to explore the quiet inlets and lagoons of The Toronto Islands, the rich biodiversity of The Grand and Nith Rivers, or Killbear Provincial Park with Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands.

Camping With just 20% of Canada inhabited, pretty much any region has room for pitching a tent and gathering around a crackling fire. Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland feels like a set from the Lord of the Rings, with its peaks and verdant plains. Its Tablelands area is one of the few places where you can see the earth’s mantle. Make camp and view wildlife returning from a summer on the mountains to enjoy the last of the snow-free conditions.

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44 / Wildlife in autumn

Where the

wild things are With its vast tracts of wilderness, which includes the Boreal Forest and millions of trees, Canada is the place to be during Autumn for natural beauty and a feast of wildlife viewing, says Lynn Houghton Whale Watching

destnation canada

Humpback Whales spend from April to October in the North Atlantic waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. Early fall is an excellent time of the year for whale-watching as this is when the whales migrate from the Caribbean to warmer seas.

Humpbacks are often seen breaching or jumping out of the water – a behavioural pattern that always draws gasps from onlookers.

The whales can often also be seen from land on many viewpoints on Canada’s eastern coastline, or even by sea kayak, while several vessel operators offer tours.

Minke, Fin, Blue, Sperm, Pilot whale and Orca (technically a large dolphin) are all found in abundance; however, the North Atlantic Right Whale is now considered near extinction: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says only about 450 of these whales remain along the Atlantic coast of Canada and the U.S. For whales, dolphins and porpoises species that are neither endangered nor threatened, a general minimum approach distance of 100 metres applies.

Polar Bears of Churchill Manitoba is well known for an annual wildlife event that takes place each autumn in late September, October and early November.

The King of the Arctic, the Polar Bear, congregates in and around the southern coast of the Hudson Bay as well as around the town of Churchill, a tiny community of just 900 residents.

While here the bears scavenge and build up fat stores as they wait for the water to freeze. These amazing marine mammals then move out onto the sea ice from where they spend the rest of the year hunting seal and fish.

These Megafauna are viewed from the safety of a tundra buggy which can hold up to 40 people. The enclosed vehicles are propped up on extremely large tires with some even having an outdoor viewing platform.

Depending on conditions, it can be a tight timeframe to experience this phenomenon for as soon as the bay freezes over the bears leave.

Those that come back to shore are mostly pregnant mothers seeking icy dens to give birth in the spring.

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Caribou of Northern Canada

Hudson Bay’s Kaska Coast Autumn is the ideal time to visit Manitoba’s Hudson Bay lowlands, with a strong possibility of seeing Cloud Wolves.

One unique feature of this region is that the Boreal Forest (a forest biome) butts up against the Arctic biome which begins at Hudson Bay, frozen for many months of the year.

The wolf pack’s range encompasses this coastline and also the area’s gorgeous forests and heathlands, which are ablaze with vivid colours in the fall.

Cloud wolves are thought to be a subspecies of Canis Lupus (Grey Wolf), and the pack, which numbers about 13, is named Opoyastin (Big Wind in Cree), that runs alongside the Nanuk Lodge. The lodge in this remote place is only reachable by flying in, with the final leg on a prop plane flight from Churchill or Thompson.

During their stay at Nanuk, guests go out on the icy salt marshes in snowmobiles accompanied by expert guides.

They study the behaviour of the wolves and other forest animals such as fox and moose, using camera traps, collecting scat for forensic review and listening out for wolf howls. Data gathering is critically important when there are no other scientists, researchers, or facilities to speak of in an area. In fact, there are almost no people living in a region twice the size of Switzerland, but it has been home to the Swampy Cree and Moose Cree for at least 6,000 years, who have lived in harmony with nature in this unforgiving land.

arcticwild.et

Autumn is a fabulous time of year to spot caribou as huge herds migrate from the north to spend fall and winter in Canada’s forests.

Caribou herds roam across the vast open spaces of the north during warmer months, and one of the largest is the Qamanirijuaq Caribou herd, thought to number 350,000.

This herd moves to the northern tundra of the Nunavut province in spring and then, in the autumn, returns to the Boreal Forest. Migration is the time to see these incredible ungulates and there are specific places on route, such as Baker Lake in Nunavut, where guides will take guests to see the animals. A First Nation-run lodge is nearby and offers very comfortable accommodation.

Another example of a migratory group is the Pen Island herd of northern Ontario, thought to number at least 10,000. As the eastern part of Pen Island is in the Northwest Territory, this is part of its range, as is northern Manitoba. Migratory caribou are often of a specific type known as barren ground caribou, but it is thought that the Pen Island herd is woodland caribou or perhaps even a unique subspecies.

There are also caribou tours in British Columbia, in the most northern areas in the Rocky Mountains or to the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, a significant area of wilderness and wildlife known as the Serengeti of the North.

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46 / Spotlight on

Autumn

Drives with colour Canada’s resplendent natural colours are at their vivid best during the Autumn months. Here are four scenic routes that frame the very best of the season Cape Breton’s wonders

Destination Cape Breton Association

Cape Breton in Nova Scotia is home to an array of natural wonders: winding rivers, pristine lakes, rollicking hills and ethereal waterfalls. In Autumn the landscape blooms, transforming into a kaleidoscope of vibrant warm shades.

Just off the Trans-Canada Highway, St Ann’s Bay is made for an autumnal drive. The road here winds past waterways and up and down the small hills. Visit Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall, North River Falls, and stop for a picnic lunch at North River Provincial Park. Meat Cove is an area that is just as picturesque from the comfort of a car as on a hike. The road reveals a side of Cape Breton that shouldn’t be missed, with incredible views over the valley.

Quebéc’s scenic drives

Cabot Trail, Cape Breton

be done in 24 hours, the vibrant colours and scenery are best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace over several days. Or for island-hopping by car, the Long Sault Parkway skirts over 12 islands between the towns of Ingleside and Long Sault in the St Lawrence River.

Discover ontario / Justen Soule

Canada’s largest province is criss-crossed with scenic drives, with both lengthy journeys and shorter day-trip and weekend options.

Travelling the Fjord Route – a 235-kilometrelong road trip between Petit-Saguenay and Tadoussac – is an enchanting way to see the Autumn foliage. Crossing both shores of the Saguenay Fjord, it takes drivers on a route where they are surrounded by 300-metre cliffs and a multitude of quirky and historic towns and villages.

Or there’s The Gaspesie Tour, a 10-day drive that is home to stunning sea and mountain scenery. Photo-worthy throughout the year, Gaspésie offers a riot of colours in the autumn.

Yellowhead Trails

On thE road to toronto

For an iconic experience in Ontario, road trippers should take the route around the world’s largest freshwater body of water, the aptly named Lake Superior. Lighthouses, waterfalls, cliffs and Indigenous markers including the famous Agawa Rock, a sacred Ojibwe site covered in pictographs next to Lake Superior, make this a drive to remember.

By late September, the hardwood forests surrounding the Agawa Canyon light up with crimsons and golds. Although the drive can

Northern BC Tourism/Michael Arnold

Ontario’s body perfect

on two wheels in british columbia

The Yellowhead Highway is a 2,859- kilometre route that runs from the Pacific Coast of British Columbia through Alberta and Saskatchewan into Manitoba, finally ending in Winnipeg.

It is the gateway to a multitude of Indigenous attractions, events and experiences and also traverses the lands of the First Nations, Metis, and First Peoples of Canada.

Notable stops along the way include Metis Crossing in Alberta, where travellers can hear Indigenous stories; Duck Lake Interpretive Centre, Saskatchewan; and Haida, known as ‘the Galapagos of the north’.

Drive some of the highway and expect the meadows, colourful forests and valleys to be ablaze with seasonal colours - and all framed by majestic snow-capped mountains. •

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Introducing / 47

Authentic Indigenous Experiences

Métis Crossing, Alberta At a cultural centre and wildlife park in Alberta, visitors can participate in hands-on interpretive programming designed and run by Indigenous people

Métis Crossing was designed, built and is operated by Métis people to tell their story in their own way. Lilyrose Meyers, the Elder and Knowledge Holder at Métis Crossing, hosts cultural and interpretive programmes, imparting knowledge, teaching traditions and sharing culture – such as the traditional art of moose-hair tufting.

Wildlife watching At Métis Crossing’s new wildlife park, visitors can spot rare bison – believed by many Indigenous people to be the most sacred living being on earth. In 2021, bison were reintroduced to the land after being wiped out of this region in the 1860s. Percheron horses, elk, white elk, wood bison, plains bison and white bison can all be found

Indigenous-inspired cuisine Guests can enjoy a hearty meal at the onsite restaurant serving Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Menu options include bison burgers served on bannock buns, bison stew, three

bison are sacred to the Métis people

sisters vegetarian soup, wild rice coconut pudding and Saskatoon berry lemonade.

Overnight accommodations Choose between an equipped trapper’s tent, a boutique guest lodge, or even sleep beneath the stars in one of Métis Crossing’s new sky-watching domes. Transparent ceilings provide a perfect view of the sky, stars and constellations that once served as guiding lights for the Métis people.

When to visit Métis Crossing There is something special about every season at Métis Crossing. In the spring, baby bison can be seen in the wildlife park.

Summer is a time for canoeing, camping and more extensive interpretive programmes.

Fall is the season for berry picking and stunning autumn foliage. Skating, crosscountry skiing, sledding and snowshoe adventures are available in winter. Whenever one chooses to visit, Métis Crossing is a special spot that helps guests appreciate the distinct culture of the Métis people. •

participate in authentic experiences

hubert kang

Authentic experiences

roam creative

M

étis Crossing, located northeast of Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, sits on the original river lots of some of the first Métis settlers in Alberta. During the fur trade, these settlers used rivers as highways and often arrived at Métis Crossing in canoes. Visitors can relive that journey today with the “Paddle into the Past” voyageur canoe experience.

Métis Crossing is a historical voyage that fuses Indigenous and European ancestry, with roots dating back to the 18th century.

The Métis Nation began in Canada’s early years when French and Scottish fur traders married First Nations women. Over time, their descendants developed their own language and culture. For those who want to experience the uniqueness of Métis culture, this cultural site is a good place to start.

Sleep in a sky-watching dome sponsored feature

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48 / Postcards from Canada

Saskatchewan

PRAIRIE DAYS Nim Singh, Media and PR Manager for Destination Canada UK, “jumped at the chance” to explore Canada’s first Indigenous corridor route in Saskatchewan. Here’s her Postcard from Canada

‘S

aska where?’ was a common refrain when I mentioned I was heading to Saskatchewan.

Located in central Canada, landlocked yet with over 100,000 lakes, this prairie land is home to the Grasslands National Park and serves a unique place in Canada’s geography and history.

I flew direct from Heathrow to Calgary with Westjet, then transferred to Saskatoon. Calgary airport has grown since my last visit but Saskatoon remains a small city airport where your luggage appears on one of only two luggage belts.

On my first morning in Saskatoon I opened my hotel curtains at the downtown boutique Alt hotel and caught my first glimpse of the autumn colours and the early morning sun glinting across the South Saskatchewan River which carves it way across the prairies from the Canadian Rockies.

Ah, Canada! It always delivers on a view.

The river has long acted as a ‘gathering point’ and today attracts water- skiers, anglers, paddle-boarders, canoe groups and rowing teams.

Paris of the Prairies With eight bridges, Saskatoon its often

NIM ON ONE OF SASKATOON’S EIGHT BRIDGES

AUTUMN’S COPPER TONES OVER THE SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER

referred to as ‘Paris of the Prairies’, a fact revealed to me as I dined at the relaxed POP (Paris of the Prairies) wine bar, which serves natural wines from around the world, New Brunswick Oysters, inventive tomato dishes from the chefs’ own gardens and Pickerel, a local lake fish.

Ancient remains The Indigenous Corridor starts in Saskatoon and offers a variety of ways to experience the province’s mix of cuisine, culture, history, wildlife, views and people.

I headed to Wanuskewin, an Indigenous gathering site for over 6,000 years.

Remains older than the Egyptian pyramids have been found here.

Visitors learn about the Tipi Teachings gifted to the site by Elder Mary Lee, and what the 13 or 15 poles represent, with the plains tipi being a portable conical structure that is covered with bison hides.

I walked down onto the valley floor, which is cut into a deep rift. Through the eyes

of an Indigenous guide I learnt how the trembling aspen provides sunscreen and a baking powder substance, whilst its leaves can forecast weather. Hawthorn serves as sewing needles; the bull rush provides flour and medicine; Rosehip is a major source of Vitamin C and Wolf Willow seeds can be dried and used for adornment.

The topography here is suited to the ‘bison jump’, which in times gone by saw families and communities gather to see Bison herded over a cliff. Women and children waited at the bottom of the cliff to ‘process’ the meat, bones and hides.

Bison culture One hunt would supply foods and material to survive the long winters. But first settlers decimated the bison, reducing a 30 million population down to just 1,000 by the late 1800s – and in the process separated Indigenous peoples from a vital food source and part of their heritage.

Visit today for a glimpse of how Plains

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Postcards from Canada / 49

Indigenous people lived. The newly introduced bison herd in the paddock is among the initiatives designed to reunite Indigenous people with their bison culture.

The galleries explain the history and traditions and also showcase modern Indigenous works by young artists.

Indigenous packages

Batoche is a site of the Métis resistance of 1885 and explains what happened between Louis Riel and his men, and the Canadian government soldiers (you will need to Google that!). The church and rectory are still there and open to visitors and you get a good sense of life out on the plains in 1885.

The migrating geese were starting their annual journeys down south and were gathering out on the river; we strolled around the nearby graveyard, sensing the hand of history on this site.

Indigenous history is not easy to take on board and takes a fair brain bandwidth to take in. The treaties that were signed are not all the same across the country (the Canadian government recognises 70 historic treaties signed between 1701– Dakota Dunes Resort 1923). Some communities didn’t sign, and Dakota Dunes Resort is owned and run to this day Indigenous peoples must carry by the Dakota White Cap First Nation; it a driving licence type card identifying their is designed in a more contemporary style Indian status should and with a Chief they wish to reap the White Cap graphic benefits the status on its walls.

“I hope I can play my own bestows.

From here I small part in helping New local had a go at some travellers understand the joy Indigenous games, operators are of meeting Indigenous developing packages which were first – like Pêmiska crafted to help hone people and learning their Tourism which offers the skills needed culture and history” ATV trails across out on the plains.

Indigenous land and Our young host six cute A-frame winterized cabins for four, Wyatt taught me some basic lacrosse skills with fat bikes, canoes, snowshoes and and later danced for our group by the light cross-country skies available. of the full moon in his full regalia, his face At Fort Carlton, a replica of a former marked with red lines and bursting with Hudson Bay Fort, I enjoyed Indigenous and pride for his culture and traditions.

Métis dancing and a dinner of goose bites, elk and Bannock bread pudding.

Reconciliation Day Wrapped up in bison blankets and next My stay coincided with Canada’s National to an open fire, we listened to story telling Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which against a backdrop of coyote howls – a falls on September 30. In Saskatoon the welcome moment for some calm reflection. event is marked with a march through the

Métis you ask?

Métis are the bloodline from the ‘first contact’ Europeans who married Indigenous wives. They have their own language, called Michif, which is a cross of Cree and French, and also learnt to dance with steps lifted straight from a Scottish Highland fling.

Watching enthusiastic youngsters jigging to a frenzy of footwork and frenetically fast fiddle music put a smile on my face.

Driving out on to the plains to the National Historic site of Batoche I felt as if I was in a 180-degree snow globe: one minute clouds bubbled up at the periphery on the horizon and the next they loomed like a space ship directly the river view.

city (with everyone wearing orange t-shirts) before ending in Victoria Park on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.

Indigenous elders, the city mayor and locals of all ages, gathered to mark the day.

Later, out at the SaskTel Stadium, I visited the Pow Wow and watched and heard the joyous jingle jangle of all different types of colourful regalia, from the traditional to the more modern Jingle Dress.

The Inter-tribal dance was a feast of patterns, colours, ribbons, and feathers.

As for reconciliation? It is challenging and an imperfect journey. However, I hope I can play my own small part in helping travellers understand the joy and pleasure of meeting Indigenous people and learning something of their culture and history.

BATOCHE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

BISON ARE AGAIN ROAMING THE PLAINS IN SASKATCHEWAN

TRIBES GATHER AT SASKTEL STADIUM

COLOURFUL REGALIA AT THE POW WOW

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50 / Spotlight on

Celebrating Canada’s

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver are three cities that wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate Canada’s diversity, says Rupert Parker

Montréal, Québec’s largest city, is renowned for accepting and celebrating diversity woven into the fabric of everyday life. It has one of the largest gay villages in the world and the annual Fierté Montréal Pride Festival is one of the country’s most colourful.

It takes place over a 10-day period in August and most of the festivities happen in the Gay Village. The highlight is the annual parade, which winds through the city’s downtown core, featuring extravagant floats and colourful costumes. Don’t miss Community Day where you can experience LGBTQ+ culture, music, and food at the Parc des Faubourgs.

Montréal is also known for its popular drag scene: catch a show at Cabaret Mado or any of the city’s LGBTQ+ bars.

“Traveling to celebrate Pride is a unique way to experience a destination. Members from

across the LGBTQ+ community can participate in parties and events that take place only during Pride,” says Rainbow Getaways’ Scott Wismont.

© EVA BLUE-EN CREDIT © EVA BLUE.JPG

Montréal

CROWDS GATHER FOR TORONTO PRIDE

Vancouver

MONTRÉAL IS A VERY INCLUSIVE CITY

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Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a forerunner when it comes to establishing a thriving LGBQT+ community. One of the biggest draws is the Church Wellesley Gay Village with its epic nightlife, inclusive community centre, and fabulous restaurants. Multiple gay districts include the edgier Queer West Village.

Gay Pride Toronto, one of the largest Prides in the world, has become a major Canadian arts and cultural event and a huge economic earner for the city’s coffers.

The first Pride Toronto parade took place in 1981, and has since grown to include a variety of events, including the Pride Toronto Streetfair.

Visitors will find several stages with live performers and DJs, a large Dyke March, a Trans March and the Pride Parade. The 2024 festival takes place in late June, with the parade on the final weekend of the festival.

“Canada Pride features some of the best Pride celebrations you will find anywhere and illustrates how inclusive and progressive Canada is as a nation,” says Charlotte Clifton of luxury holidays specialist OutOfOffice.com

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Toronto

VANCOUVER PRIDE IS A COLOURFUL AFFAIR

The city is home to two lively gay villages.

Davie Village offers a variety of gay bars, clubs, restaurants and gay shops while Commercial Drive (The Drive) is home to Vancouver’s thriving lesbian community.

Vancouver Pride, at the end of July and beginning of August, is “an amazing celebration of inclusiveness and love”, says Clifton, who adds: “It truly feels like every person in the city is involved with the festivities. The streets come alive and there’s nowhere else like it!”

Notable events include the East Side Pride, a family friendly event in Grandview Park, near Commercial Drive, and The Picnic in the Park at Stanley Park. The next Pride Parade takes place on Sunday August 5 2024.

“It’s not just a celebration, it’s an immersion into a welcoming and progressive culture that embraces diversity with open arms. I felt like a part of something truly extraordinary,” says Renato Gagliardi of the International Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association (IGLTA). •

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SUPER HUB NOW LIVE Visit sellingtravel.co.uk/hubs From the Yukon’s glittering gold rush history to the remote coastal communities of Atlantic Canada to the French flare of Québec, Canada is a vast and diverse country that tempts visitors with its endless wilderness, cosmopolitan cities and year-round festivities. Not sure where to start? Let us inspire you with our dedicated Canada hub…

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