Selling Canada Winter 2018/2019

WINTER 2018/19 | TRAINING FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE

Just for fu n!

Wor

dsea Differen rch, Spot the ce, Tr Test you ue or False... r knowle PAGE 35 dge

IT'S WINTER, SO GET YOUR

skates on!

GIFT WRAPPED IDEA

Suggestions for spending a Christmas break in Canada

REASONS FOR SEASONS Why Canada is the perfect year-round destination

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Look up and down for scenery, marine life and starry nights PLUS... NEWS. VIP ELITE FAM. ARCTIC ADVENTURE. THE OCEAN TRAIN. CRUISING... AND MORE

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Canada starts here

London Gatwick Toronto

Manchester Toronto

Glasgow Toronto

Direct flight

Direct flight

Direct flight

Starting at

348

£

Starting at

358

£

pp rtn

Starting at pp rtn

358

£

pp rtn

With connections to Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary or Edmonton

Club Class >

Why not upgrade to Club Class and experience an exclusive 12 seat cabin with wide leather seats and generous legroom, two pieces of checked baggage, priority services at the airport and our gourmet Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina.

airtransat.co.uk Available to book via your GDS

Prices are per person based on flying on selected dates between November 2018 and April 2019. Prices for other routes may vary. Correct at time of going to print and can change at any time. Other routes available with Air Transat. See online for more details and prices.

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NEWS SELLING CANADA WINTER 2018/19

04 Destination Canada Update 06 Canada's at WTM 07 News to use

FEATURES

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Christmas in Canada Canada out of season Beyond the ski hills Night and day

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Atlantic Canada Ontario Alberta Saskatchewan My Journey: One Ocean cruise Canada experiences: Cruising the east Manitoba Elite Fam trip Canadian journeys Québec Question time with: First Class Holidays Social Media Just for fun

FRONT COVER: LAKE LOUISE, BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA PUBLISHED BY BMI PUBLISHING LTD, SUFFOLK HOUSE, GEORGE STREET, CROYDON, SURREY, UK, CR9 1SR • T: 020 8649 7233 E: ENQUIRIES@BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK • W: BMIPUBLISHING.CO.UK PUBLISHER: SALLY PARKER; EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: STEVE HARTRIDGE; JOURNALIST: JESSICA POOK; CREATIVE DIRECTOR: MATT BONNER; DESIGNER: ZOE TARRANT; PRODUCTION MANAGER: CLARE HUNTER; MANAGING DIRECTOR: MARTIN STEADY • WHILST EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE ACCURACY, BMI PUBLISHING CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.

Ski-i Selling Canada Panorama.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 11:21 Page 1

Save up to 30% on Panorama lodging and 50% on lift passes and transfers Book by 15 November

0131 243 8097 www.ski-i.com

Contents Winter 2019.indd 18

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4 | destination canada weLcoMe

Another great year for trade

DC update neWs From destination canada

Elite night for best sellers i AM writing this column in October. It's a time of the year I love, as we discernibly shift through the gears from summer to autumn.

Autumn in Canada is a very special season. The colours are spectacular and, for those looking to dodge the summer crowds, it is the perfect time to travel.

The temperatures are still comfortable and, of course, there is an explosion of natural colours - no Instagram filters required!

Looking back to earlier this year, June now seems a long time ago but it was great to see so many of you turn out for our Destination Canada roadshows.

Also this summer, our first intake of Canada Specialist Programme (CSP) Elite agents got to experience a fabulous VIP FAM trip which took them from Québec to Nova Scotia, with a brief stop in St John's, Newfoundland, on the way home.

We are encouraging our agents to offer their clients the whole breadth of Canada, from coast to coast to coast, and to suggest destinations and experiences that take travellers beyond the usual crowd pleasers.

We will be out in force at World Travel Market in November (Stand No. NA400) with a record number of stand partners. If you are coming to WTM do stop by and see Roger and me.

Happy Selling and Keep Exploring!

Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada

ELiTE Agents attended an exclusive dinner hosted by Destination Canada and Fairmont Hotels, at the renowned Simpson's-in-theStrand, London.

The agents enjoyed a sumptuous three-course meal of classic Canadian ingredients designed by John Quilter - also known as The Food Busker - a chef and YouTube star who shared his passion for Canadian cuisine.

Quilter described Canada as "a country which absolutely delivers every time."

He told agents: "The food

scene in Canada gets me so excited! The quality of ingredients is quite unbelievable, from Atlantic cod to west coast salmon, and the range of ethnic cuisines you can enjoy in Canada's cities is off the scale!"

Elite Agent Anneka Bones from Southern Cross Travel said: "It was wonderful to be reminded of yet another fantastic attraction that Canada has to offer – food! And it is great to be recognised for our achievements and efforts in promoting and selling holidays to such a magnificent country."

'Customers trust top-tier Canada agents' ELiTE agent Anneka Bones said agents should follow her lead and aim for the top.

"Becoming an Elite Agent has given me a status which my customers recognise and trust. "It means that they know I will give them the best Canada holiday thanks to my insider knowledge and personal hints and tips. We all value how much effort Adam (Hanmer) and Roger (Harris) put in to promoting us.”

Agents urged to join the Elite DESTiNATioN CANADA'S Elite Specialist Agent programme is designed to encourage and reward its top sellers.

“The aim is to develop a closer working relationship with our very best independent travel agents so they can sell Canada coast to coast to coast,” said Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade at Destination Canada.

“To qualify for Elite Agent status agents need to meet our criteria: they must have been to Canada during the last three years, must have completed the CSP programme and must have exceeded Destination Canada’s minimum threshold of sales to Canada in the last two years,” he added.

Agents who make the grade are rewarded with a place on a VIP fam.

Added Hanmer: “Our intention is to take our Elite Agents on a very special fam every two years.”

The first of these trips took place in June this year, to Montréal, Québec City, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

It also included a night on the Ocean Train. Read all about this trip on page 24.

“We are always looking at how we can support our Elite Agents more.

"That’s why we hosted a VIP event for them in London on October 10, an evening that included an overnight in a very nice hotel (see story above),” added Hanmer.

Elite Agents also benefit from an Elite window sticker and being identified as Elite agents on the Canada Keep Exploring consumer website which provides referrals.

SelliNG CANADA WINTER 2018/19

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destination canada news | 5

Agents can advise on eTA

Destination Canada has added three Arctic adventures to its Canadian Signature Experiences (CSE) programme.

Travellers can now herd caribou with locals in the Northwest Territories, learn about the Klondike Gold Rush as they cross the Arctic Circle on Yukon’s Dempster Highway or build an igloo and travel to Inuit hunting grounds in Nunavut.

“I’m excited to welcome Inukpak Outfitting, Nature Tours of Yukon and Tundra North Tours to our CSE collection,” says David F. Goldstein, Destination Canada’s President and CEO. “These new experiences inspire travellers to experience the wildlife, scenery and rich culture of Canada’s North.”

Joel Boily

Arctic thrills

AGENTS should put the onus of securing an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA) firmly onto their clients, says Destination Canada.

All British visitors to the county arriving by air must be in possession of an eTA, which should be secured before any holiday arrangements are confirmed or paid for.

A spokesperson for Destination Canada said: “If for some reason the traveller is inadmissible (to enter Canada), all they will lose is C$7, rather than any money spent on the holiday itself.

"We advise that agents tell clients to apply for the eTA themselves. If there are problems with the application

it can be very time consuming to resolve."

Once issued, an eTA is linked to a specific passport. If that passport is changed within the five-year time frame of validity, or the holder loses their passport before travelling and a new one is issued, a new ETA must be secured.

An eTA usually takes a maximum of three days to obtain, but any applicant with a ‘record’, such as for a drink-driving offence, will have their applications put into a ‘different pool’, which will likely lengthen the process.

Note: avoid any website charging more than $7 as it is not an official government site. canada.ca/eTA

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

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

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

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

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

• The Government of Canada website – canada.ca/eTA – is the only valid site to apply for an eTA.

Help desk Key contacts: Roger Harris Trade Helpline: 020 7389 9984 Email: destinationcanada trade@gmail.com Training: canadaspecialist.co.uk; keepexploring.ca

A view to thrill

Niagara Helicopters Flightseeing Tours

Niagara Helicopters 905 357 5672 niagarahelicopters.com

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6 | news to use: canada at WorLd traVeL MarKet

Vicky Dowdeswell

Canada's best at WTM

ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS

Q: How many times have you attended WTM? A: We’ve been at WTM for 10 years - since the inception of OOE. WTM has been vital to the growth of the company.

We have been on the Destination Canada stand for the last six years.

Q: What do you hope to achieve from the show?

A: Meeting and sourcing new agents and partners is always high on our list of aims. We also promote our new products to our existing partners.

Q: Tell us about OOE A: We are a Canadian small-ship company that specialises in polar cruises.

We take passengers to Canada's east coast and high Arctic areas.

Q: What is new for OOE? A: Our focus will be the launch of our newest fivestar vessel, RCGS Resolute, and some new itineraries which include our South Baffin Explorer – Arts Culture & Wildlife voyage and our golfing expedition to Canada’s east coast.

CANADA will be out in force at World Travel Market (WTM), which will be held at London’s ExCel Centre November 5-7.

“Canada’s popularity among UK travellers is booming and I am delighted that a record number of Canadian partners (33) will be present on Destination Canada’s stand (NA400),” commented Adam Hanmer Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada.

These include Indigenous Tourism, Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism, Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, Calgary Stampede, Chelsea Toronto, Niagara Falls Tourism, Ottawa Tourism, Québec Original, Tourism Sun Peaks, Tourism Yukon, Travel Alberta

Days Inn Canada and several others.

First-time exhibitor Destination Nunavut, one of Canada’s northern territories, will be presenting Canada’s Arctic tourism experiences while Air Canada will be showcasing a virtual reality 'experience' of its onboard product. Westjet will be talking up its new Dreamliners.

Also attending will be Niagara Helicopters, whose VP and GM, Anna Pierce, commented: “I have been to WTM more than 20 times. Always the main goal is to connect with potential new business while keeping a solid working relationship with our key operator partners."

Taking a stand AGENTS who drop by Destination Canada's stand at World Travel Market this year will notice a brand-new design that reflects the open spaces that Canada is so known for.

"The new design concept was first used at ITB in Berlin and is a more open working concept alongside the upper deck for more discreet business discussions," said a DC spokesperson.

"We are inviting visitors to the Canada Stand to Instagram or tweet their Red Chair and Fire Pit break.

"The red Muskoka Chairs form part of a Parks Canada campaign to capture significant moments from visitors to our National Parks system. We want them to photograph and share images of themselves in the iconic red chairs which are dotted across the nation," the spokesperson added.

destinationcanada.com

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For more information about VIA Rail visit www.viarail.ca or contact info@viarail.co.uk

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Vancouver gets Wow factor

Polar opposites from Travel 2 TRAVEL 2's 2018/19 Canada and USA brochure features new touring and rail options in Canada.

The operator says bookings to Canada are up by around 7% over the last year and to meet demand have added six new escorted, independent and self-drive tours and improved rail tours.

The new 'Canadian Big Five Safari' small group tour explores the wildlife of Manitoba, tracking down moose, black bear, bison, beluga whales and polar bear.

The brochure also features a 15-day Canada Wildlife and Vancouver Island small group tour.

Priced from £3,789pp it will depart Heathrow on June 19 2019. travel2.com

on the route is priced from £129, valid on select dates.

Skúli Mogensen, Founder and CEO of WOW air, said: “We're delighted to be adding Vancouver to our route network alongside Toronto and Montréal, bringing our total destinations in Canada to three.”

“Vancouver has long been a popular choice for British holidaymakers, but airlift has traditionally been dominated by the legacy carriers.

"As the first low-cost, long haul airline to Vancouver, we hope this route will open up new opportunities for budgetconscious travellers and adventure seekers to experience this striking part of the world.”

CANADA specialist operator Canadian Affair has embarked on a major travel trade sales initiative. The company, until now a direct-sell operator owned by Air Transat, introduced sales to the trade in October and in November will unveil an online portal specifically created for its travel trade partners.

The portal will offer realtime availability on flights and ground-only arrangements.

Canadian Affair is also planning a wide range of activities for the trade, including roadshows across the UK and a series of fam trips to different parts of Canada.

Managing Director Chris Hedley said: “It’s a natural evolution for Canadian Affair to broaden its distribution strategy and offer our expertise to the travel trade."

wowair.co.uk

DISCOVER THE WONDER NOVEMBER 5 - APRIL 15

uk

15 17:08

THE first low-cost flights between the UK and Vancouver will begin flying next summer after WOW air announced a new seasonal route out of Gatwick.

The Icelandic-based airline’s inaugural flight will depart Gatwick en route to Vancouver International Airport, via Reykjavík, on June 6.

The service will operate six times per week, from JuneOctober, with the transatlantic leg of the journey serviced by the airline's A321neo aircraft.

The total flight time from Reykjavík to Vancouver will be seven hours and 55 minutes.

The total journey time from Gatwick will be around 14 hours, including the stopover.

WOW air's introductory fare

Canadian affair with the trade

TO PURCHASE YOUR PASS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT NIAGARAPARKSTRAVELTRADE.COM News to use.indd 7 Untitled-1 1

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8 | news to use: canadas top stories

Rideau’s a Great Canal trip

to Kingston, on Lake Ontario, the 125-mile Rideau is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America.

Le Boats Horizon vessels have been designed with couples and families in mind. They feature a large forward stateroom, generous headroom, a roomy top-deck area and a high comfort level throughout.

No boating licence nor experience is required and holidaymakers, who can cruise at their own pace, are taught how to drive the boats on arrival.

NEW this winter at the BC Sports Hall of Fame in Vancouver is an exhibit celebrating and recognizing indigenous athletes who have made an impact on British Columbia’s sport history.

The Indigenous Sport Gallery features information about traditional Indigenous games; artifacts and memorabilia from First Nations and Métis athletes in all levels of sport; a feature on the North American Indigenous Games; and a dedicated space, the Circle of Champions, which honours the indigenous athletes that have been formally inducted to the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

Located in BC Place, the facility also features a 2010 Vancouver exhibit, which allows visitors to relive the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games – they can even stand on a real medal ceremonies team podium.

Visitors can also break into a sweat in the interactive 'Participation Zone' by taking part in activities such as a rotating climbing wall, a 14-metre timed running track, bubble ice hockey, and plenty more.

leboat.co.uk

bcsportshalloffame.com

Prestige Canada PRESTIGE Holidays' 2019 programme is the operator’s most comprehensive to date, featuring a greater range of hotels, more excursions and special interest tours and more self-drive itinerary suggestions.

There’s a bigger focus on Atlantic Canada, with more ‘special places to stay’ options in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the introduction of three hotels in Yukon with two new city tours of Whitehorse.

Wildlife viewing excursions include a whale-watching adventure from Vancouver, an eat at the castle experience in Banff and an Old Montreal walking tour.

There’s also a new bear- watching ‘Adventure Cruise’ along the Khutzeymateen Inlet, one of British Columbia’s most northern glacial fjords. prestigeholidays.co.uk

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THE new series of Great Canal Journeys, scheduled to show on Channel 4 from April 2019, will feature an episode that sees Prunella Scales and Timothy West travelling on the Rideau Canal aboard the new Le Boat.

Le Boat, the largest operator of self-drive boating holidays on the waterways of Europe, unveiled its first North American base, in the small town of Smiths Falls on the picturesque UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, in May. Opened in 1832 and stretching from Canada’s capital, Ottawa,

Gallery for indigenous athletes

Westjet links Calgary and Gatwick WESTJET is to operate three new direct flights to Europe from Calgary International Airport, including a non-stop service to Gatwick.

The service will be introduced on April 28 2019, with new flights to Paris and Dublin coming onboard on May 17 and June 1 respectively.

Westjet's President and CEO Ed Sims said the three new flights could bring more than 150,000 visitors to Calgary each year.

All three routes will be served

by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.

Westjet has 10 of these aircraft on order, the first of which will arrive early in 2019. westjet.com

10/26/18 03:10 PM

Air Can

news to use: canadas top stories | 9

Nova Scotia upgrades its top five NOVA Scotia has embarked on a new $sixmillion-dollar infrastructure programme which will improve the visitor experience at five of the top tourist attractions in the Atlantic province.

Peggy's Cove, which is home to Canada’s most photographed lighthouse, is to receive $2 million; the Halifax waterfront, which is being transformed by developments featuring new hotels, restaurants, bars and other facilities, is to receive $1.5 million and the spectacular Cabot Trail in Cape Breton a further $1 million.

The Bay of Fundy, including Annapolis Royal, and the UNESCO town of Lunenburg are to each receive $750,000. The programme is being administered by Tourism Nova Scotia, which is working with local partners to identify the best plan for each site.

The number of UK arrivals (7,600) into the province for the first half of 2018 increased by 22% over the same period last year. novascotia.com

Canada on track RAILBOOKERS, a provider of independent, tailor-made rail holidays, has launched its 20192020 VIA Rail Vacations programme to the UK. It features over 20 rail itineraries across Canada, including Grand Circle of the Canadian Rockies, TransCanada and Rockies Adventure with Rocky Mountaineer, Ultimate Canada Coast to Coast and Montréal, Québec and the Canadian Maritimes.

“Clients can take advantage of multi-destination Canadian holidays, cross-country journeys and true overnight rail experiences, short stays, and the utmost flexibility when it comes to tailormaking any trip,” said Peter Traynor, Managing Director of Railbookers UK. railbookers.co.uk

INTRODUCING AIR CANADA SIGNATURE SERVICE – AN ELEVATED WAY TO FLY • Air Canada Signature Service is our new endto-end premium travel experience featuring the Air Canada Signature Class cabin, formerly known as International Business Class. It is offered exclusively when flying to and from Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America on board our mainline Boeing 787, 777 and 767 aircraft and our Airbus A330 aircraft.

• Air Canada Signature Service ensures a seamless airport experience with dedicated check-in counters, expedited security clearance, lounge access, exclusive boarding lanes, priority baggage handling and more. Onboard, Air Canada Signature Class customers are treated to exclusive service and amenities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT AIRCANADA.COM

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Whales given more space in Canada DESTINATION Canada is advising travel agents that as of June 22 this year there are new laws that apply to whale watching and interacting with whales in Canada.

In a nutshell, swimming with or interacting with a marine mammal is considered disturbance and is prohibited and may be subject to a fine of up to $100,000.

The rules state that for whale watching and approaching marine mammals, vessels and people must remain 100 metres for most whales, dolphins and porpoises, to legally protect these animals from human disturbances. Also, the distance requirement is greater for certain marine mammals, including killer whales in B.C. and belugas in the St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga in Québec, because of the threats they already face.

“We recommend that agents and operators check that brochure pictures and images on their websites reflect the new law, so that clients are not left disappointed,” said a Destination Canada spokesperson.

APT's highlights APT'S 2019 Canada and Alaska programme has Canada’s Rocky Mountains, east and west coast and Alaska’s Inside Passage as the key highlights.

Two different touring styles are available: (1) fully-inclusive luxury holidays with five-star accommodation, top dining experiences and Canadian Signature Experiences (CSP) and more, and (2) APT Essential tours, featuring hand-picked accommodation, local insights, meals and exploring.

The luxury 20-day Rockies Explorer and Alaska Cruise is priced from £7,845pp.

It includes the Rocky Mountaineer (Gold Leaf), coach travel to Lake Louise, then Jasper, Sun Peaks and Whistler, and a seven-day Holland America Line cruise. aptouring.co.uk

INN & TEA HOUSE

In the centre of Victoria overlooking the Inner Harbour • 113 Guestrooms (kitchens on request) • Hunters Restaurant serves breakfast daily • Pet-friendly rooms 330 Quebec Street, Victoria, BC huntingdonmanor.com | 250.381.3456

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Overlooking the Inner Harbour on an acre of landscaped gardens, ponds and cobblestone pathways • Nine Victorian-style guestrooms with complimentary breakfast • Pendray Restaurant featuring traditional high tea seven days a week 309 Belleville Street, Victoria, BC pendrayinnandteahouse.com | 250.388.3892

10/26/18 03:10 PM

ATLANTIC CANADA

Atlantic Encounters Head to the dramatic shorelines of Atlantic Canada to observe whales, moose and passing icebergs in their natural habitat

W

ith over 43,000 kilometres of rugged coastline stretching across four provinces, Atlantic Canada is a unique coastal retreat. Where else can you experience the highest tides in the world, see an endangered North Atlantic Right Whale breach from the surface, and visit a beach with unique 'singing sands'?

NEW BRUNSWICK When it comes to beaches New Brunswick has over 50 to choose from, but its trump card is that it has the warmest saltwater beaches in all of Canada. These sandy stretches are perfect for spotting shorebirds or combing the tidal pools in search of ancient fossils.

The province shares the Bay of Fundy with Nova Scotia, a spot famous for whale watching and having the highest tides in the world.

Experience this natural wonder at Hopewell Rocks as you walk the ocean floor at low tide, only to kayak around those same rock formations just six hours later!

of coastal trails and paths. Visitors can refresh themselves by joining the locals and trying iceberg water, vodka or beer!

tourismnewbrunswick.ca

newfoundlandlabrador.com/things-to-do

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

NOVA SCOTIA

To encounter the most diverse and largest quantities of whales and seabirds, experience Newfoundland and Labrador. The province is also famous for towering icebergs that drift along the shores of Iceberg Alley. These 10,000 year-old ice leviathans are best seen in May, June and July by boat tour, kayak or your choice

The Bay of Fundy attracts a variety of whales including humpbacks, minke, pilot, fin, and the endangered North Atlantic Right whale.

Whale watching tours are also available from Cape Breton Island where dolphins, sharks, seals and seabirds are also sighted. For an adrenalin kick, take a tidal bore rafting trip to see the calm river transform twice a day with the tide change, creating roller coaster rapids as the flow of the river is reversed. novascotia.com/explore/beaches-seacoast

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

NATURE CALLS

Visitors can spot puffins, moose, black and brown bears, polar bears, deer, caribou and more, all in their natural habitat. All four provinces offer quality wildlife viewing excursions, ideal for nature lovers and photographers. atlanticcanadaholiday.co.uk

With jagged red sandstone cliffs, stunning coastal drives and a beach with 'singing sands', Prince Edward Island offers more than a typical beach holiday. The Prince Edward Island National Park on the Gulf of St. Lawrence has several hiking trails through natural areas that highlight the island's ecosystems. There are also three mapped coastal drives to enjoy. A stop at Basin Head to hear the singing, or squeaking, sands is a must. tourismpei.com/pei-beaches •

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12 | CHRISTMAS IN CANADA

OH LITTLE town of.....

In a nation where winter is a way of life, people heartily embrace the holiday season, lighting up their homes and streets, holding vibrant parades and festive celebrations. Stuart Forster suggests some seasonal ideas to pass onto clients looking for a Canandian Christmas break

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS OTTAWA The Northern Lights dance frequently in Canada’s night sky, but there’ll be a twinkling of a different kind in Ottawa during the 34th edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada. Buildings in the national capital will be illuminated from December 5 until January 7, lighting up the downtown and historic facades on Parliament Hill. The colourful event includes a 13-minute multimedia show — inspired by the country’s climate, culture and nature — projected onto the Centre Block, the home of Canada’s Senate and House of Commons. In town, The Ottawa Farmer’s Christmas Market runs throughout December, featuring over 120 vendors selling locally produced food, arts and crafts. ottawatourism.ca

TOBOGGANING, QUEBEC CITY Québec City exudes a special charm during the festive season. Its cobblestone lanes, some of the most historic and striking architecture in Canada, and near-guaranteed fluffy white snow offer a special magic at Christmas.

Seasonal decorations adorn lanes in the historic Petit Champlain district while gifts and tasty Yuletide fayre are on offer from the wooden huts of the city’s German Christmas Market. For thrill-seekers, suggest the speedy toboggan run at Dufferin Terrace, below the grand Fairmont Château Frontenac hotel. Alternatively, rent skates at the Place D’Youville. The rink lies between the Palais Montcalm, Capitole Theatre and Saint-Jean Gate, a celebrated part of Quebec’s fortifications. quebecregion.com

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CHRISTMAS IN CANADA | 13

CHRISTKINDL MARKET, KITCHENER

MUMMERING, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Kitchener, less than 90 minutes’ drive west of Toronto, is so Germanic it was even called Berlin until 1916. The region was settled

by Germans and since 1997 has embraced that heritage during a Christkindl Market, the first of its kind in Canada.

The 22nd edition of the popular festival takes place along king Street from December 6-9 2018, with more than 90 stalls selling German food and drink plus handcrafted goods.

The programme of entertainment includes oompah bands, carol singing, dancing and puppet shows. For those staying in Toronto, the Distillery District will host the Toronto Christmas Market from mid-November until December 23.

Have you heard of mummering? The tradition, practiced in Newfoundland and Labrador, has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Locals pull on costumes and masks to disguise their appearance and visit neighbours’ homes. Mummering is associated with having fun, performing music and enjoying food and drink. Between November 18 and December 15 St John’s, the provincial capital, will be hosting the Mummers Festival, which includes a parade on December 8. Workshops provide opportunities to learn new skills such as crafting 'ugly' sticks, hobby horses and ribbon wigs.

ontariotravel.net | Christkindl.ca | torontochristmasmarket.com

newfoundlandandlabrador.com | mummersfestival.ca

Vancouver is a city that shines at Christmas. The VanDusen Botanical Garden will feature more than a million lights between December 1 2018 and January 6 2019, while the family-oriented Stanley Park will be lit up by around one million lights strung all over one of Canada’s greatest green spaces. Also in Vancouver, the Carol Ships Parade of Lights will see festivities out on the water each night in December, with around 90 boats strung with some 100,000 lights.

Also, view the annual Canyon Lights from the just-outof-the-city Capilano Suspension Bridge, which also boasts the world’s biggest living Christmas tree, which stands a whopping 153 feet tall. hellobc.com | tourismvancouver.com

CALGARY ZOO, ALBERTA

CALGARY ZOO

RAYMOND CHAN, PHOTOMEDIA

WORLD’S BIGGEST LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE, VANCOUVER,

Each year, from late November to early January, the Calgary Zoo hosts a popular family event called Zoolights.

In fact, spending a few hours at the zoo has become something of a tradition for Calgarians, who sip hot chocolate as they stroll past approximately two million glittering lights. There are over 200 displays, crackling fire pits and various fun-filled activity zones. Also, stop by the kids-only Elf’s Toy Shop, Candy Land, and something called 'Santa Vision,' which allows kids to speak directly to the main guy from the North Pole (visitors can even download their conversation with Santa and share it with family and friends). This year’s Zoolights runs from November 23-January 5. calgaryzoo.com/events/zoolights •

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ONTARIO

Making waves With an abundance of locks, lakes and over 1,000 islands to explore, Eastern Ontario’s waterways provide access to some of the province's top attractions

W

hether clients choose to explore by cruise or by kayak, the glistening waters splashed throughout Ontario are a provincial highlight. From the St. Lawrence River to the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal to The Great Lakes, a dip will prove just too tempting.

ST LAWRENCE RIVER This stretch of water forms part of the international boundary between Ontario, Canada and the U.S. state of New York. It is lined with multiple historic lookouts, delightful towns and the adrenalin- inducing Skywood Eco Adventure, where visitors can walk the forest canopy or speed things up on a zip-line tour.

Visitors can take a trip back in time at Fort Henry and rediscover life as it was in 1867, complete with artillery practice and a historic military fort.

Similarly, they can explore the historic streets of Upper Canada Village with its 40-plus heritage buildings. forthenry.com | uppercanadavillage.com

THOUSAND ISLANDS Navigate your way through these 1,864 islands and you’ll discover hidden castles and waters

Thousand Islands

that were once patrolled by pirates. Nowadays its quaint cottages and gentle boating activities resemble little of that world, but the fairy-tale fortress remains.

Located on Heart Island, the picturesque Boldt Castle dates back to the 1900s and is only accessible by water and with proper identification, including an ESTA, due to the island being in the USA. Spectacular bird's-eye views of the area can also be enjoyed by a helicopter tour: fly1000islands.ca

OTTAWA Canada’s capital is buzzing with culure and has attractive Parliament Hill at its heart. Clients can explore grand Victorian architecture and learn about Canadian history in vast museums including the Canadian Museum of History, Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of Nature, National Gallery of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mint and Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War museum.

In winter the Rideau Canal, Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, freezes over, making the world’s largest skating rink. Alongside the Winterlude festival in February it makes quite a winter wonderland. ottawatourism.ca •

Ottawa architecture

ROOM WITH A VIEW Kingston has an array of branded accommodation options, including the Delta Kingston Waterfront Hotel which looks out onto the St Lawrence River Fairmont Château Laurier sits at the heart of downtown Ottawa and is just minutes from The Parliament Buildings, Rideau Canal, Byward Market and National Gallery of Canada, to name just a few attractions Having recently completed a multi-million-dollar guestroom renovation, the Fairmont Château Laurier has further cemented its reputation as Ottawa’s most luxurious hotel In a prime spot overlooking the Rideau Canal, the Lord Elgin Hotel is both a historic landmark and a wonderfully welcoming hotel, with extensive amenities and friendly service

Rideau Canal

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Canadian adventure starts with WestJet.

PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE

PHOTO CREDIT GOES HERE

Banff, Alberta

Explore the second largest country on Earth with the world’s longest coastline on three different oceans.

Discover the incredibly diverse 9 million square kilometres of Canada, from bucket list Banff National Park a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, to Canada’s most populous city Toronto, with rich culture and dining options galore.

Give your clients the world with stunning national parks, glaciers, thermal springs, ancient forests and a majestic 4,800 kilometre stretch of Rocky Mountains. Canadian adventure and an unforgettable guest experience starts with WestJet.

Book today.

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16 | Year-round Canada

Reasons for

sEAsons Those who Visit Canada in the 'off-season' will see a completely different side to this vast and beautiful country, says Alex Wright

T

here are few sights as impressive as the frozen surrounds of Niagara Falls in the dead of winter, or activities more serene than exploring the beauty of the Canadian Rockies during springtime, or wandering through the maple-leaf lined streets of Vancouver in the fall.

And there is no more spectacular time to see Niagara Falls than during the Winter Festival of Lights, a time when they are lit up by a fantastic show of more than two million illuminations strung along the Niagara Parkway and a weekly firework display. The festival runs from November 3, 2018 to January 31, 2019.

During the daytime it’s impressive enough: the mist and spray

from the falls and sub-zero winds combine to form amazing ice sculptures in this winter wonderland. For an even better view, take a helicopter ride, or if fauna is more your bag head to the butterfly conservatory where more than 2,000 tropical butterflies are on show.

Have an ice wine time

Wine connoisseurs will be drawn to the Niagara Icewine Festival, staged over the last three weekends in January. There are regular tastings of this specialty sweet dessert wine and cocktail competitions as well as winery tours and iceskating for the more active.

Tim Greathead, Canada Product Manager at Premier Holidays, recommends taking the memorable Journey Behind the Falls or visiting

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Year-round Canada | 17

Experience hot springs in Banff during winter the winter paradise of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Queen Street. “Although some of the great attractions at Niagara Falls are available year round, these can appear much more magical in winter and are generally less busy,” he said.

“Journey Behind the Falls will give you the most stunning views, which are particularly breathtaking when the falls are coated in thick layers of snow and ice.

“Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Queen Street turns into a winter wonderland, and attending the pop-up Icewine Village is great for sampling plenty of warming food and wine,” he added.

Winter wonders

Ottawa is another city that thrives in winter.

Activities include the world’s largest ice-skating rink on the Rideau Canal.

The canal, which attracts skaters of all ages and skill levels, stretches over 7.8 kilometres, from Ottawa's downtown area to Dow's Lake. Along the way are heated change huts and vendors selling Ottawa's famous Beavertails pastries, poutine, hot soup, hot chocolate and more.

Elsewhere in the city, visitors will find snow-

Striding out...cross-country trails are found across the country sculpture contests, a snow maze and sleigh rides – there's even an igloo-building workshop.

Winter activities in Québec City include a horse-drawn carriage ride through its quaint old streets, exploring the Château Frontenac, the Citadel and the Plains of Abraham, before heading to the Observatoire de la Capitale for wonderful views of the snow-covered city.

Wander through the enchanting PetitChamplain and Place-Royale neighbourhoods, taking in the historical architecture before tucking into some hearty Québec fare.

Then make a beeline for Montmorency Falls Park to wonder at the ice-bound cliffs before thawing off in the Musee national des beauxarts du Québec, home to the world’s most preeminent collection of art from the region, or the interactive Musee de la civilisation.

Feed your adrenalin by tobogganing down the slide at Dufferin Terrace before hitting one of the city’s numerous microbreweries for a taste of the local tipple.

No trip would be complete without a visit to North America’s only Ice Hotel just outside of the city. This ephemeral architectural masterpiece is redesigned every year.

Whatever time of the year your clients visit, Canada is really ‘in season’ in all seasons.

Springtime in the Rockies

walking among the spring flowers

Spring is the best time to visit the Rockies, after the skiers and snowboarders have departed and before the summer visitors arrive.

Explore this spellbinding mountain range by hiring a pair of snowshoes for an ice walk around Banff National Park or Kananaskis Country, or sign up for a guided tour.

For the more adventurous, try a fat bike experience, Canada’s latest extreme sport craze – take a late-season cross-country ski lesson or go whitewater rafting. Alternatively, learn how to drive a dog sled or try a combination of the two where you are pulled along by a pack of huskies on your skis.

Niagara Falls in winter

BooK it

| Prestige Holidays| | 01502 567 222 |

new for 2019, the five-night Experience the Falls in Winter trip takes in toronto and the magnificent niagara Falls. Prices start from £998pp. the deal includes accommodation, transfers and return flights, and runs from december 1. prestigecanada.co.uk

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18 | Year-round Canada

Canada' s spectacular autumn colours Nature lovers will enjoy spotting bighorn sheep, elk and deer in the wildflower meadows.

There are also plenty of walking trails and vineyards to explore in the Thompson Okanagan region, as well as Berg Lake in Mount Robson Provincial Park and the Lake O’Hara alpine circuit in Yoho National Park.

But for those who prefer their home comforts, Premier's Greathead suggests letting the train take the strain.

“The Rocky Mountaineer starts in April so spring is the ideal time to experience this attraction,” he says.

“Clients can discover three stunning routes through the Rockies; spring is a good time of year to enjoy the experience as some of the winter snow is still on the ground so the views are even more dramatic, plus the major centres of Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff are noticeably quieter and prices are cheaper all round.”

If stunning geological formations appeal, suggest the descent into Rat’s Nest Cave near Canmore or walk along the frozen creek in Grotto Canyon and marvel at the various icefalls, hoodoos and Aboriginal pictographs on display.

Spring to the tracks....The Rocky Mountaineer starts its season in April Then hike the trail up Tunnel Mountain for panoramic views of Banff and finish the day with a glass of whisky in front of a roaring fire at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel.

Laura Kirton, Assistant Product Manager at First Class Holidays recommends soaking in the steamy hot mineral waters of Banff Hot Springs “Incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges and pool temperatures of around 40 degrees makes for a relaxing spring afternoon," she said.

don't miss Get a hit of maple syrup at one of Québec’s many sugar shacks (February-mid-April) Go grey whale watching off Vancouver’s coast in April or May See the northern lights from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, Whitehorse in Yukon or Iqaluit in Nunavut from December to March Wrap up for the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival in February. Temps fall to -16.1 degrees Celsius

Bighorn sheep

Combine oyster shucking with music at the Prince Edward Island Fall Flavours festival in September

Out west

On Canada’s west coast, Vancouver’s Stanley Park comes to life in the autumn with a kaleidoscope of burnt orange, yellow and brown leaves neatly clustered around the shores of Beaver Lake. Its fabulous, family-friendly network of trails, including around the park’s seawall, are best explored by bike, as are the iconic totem poles at Brockton Point.

Then scale Grouse Mountain for stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the harbour.

For a different perspective, head to Capilano Suspension Bridge for a treetop adventure before hitting Granville Island Market to sample some of the region’s finest seasonal produce.

Julie Thompson, Product and Marketing Manager at Frontier Travel, suggests taking in a foodie tour of the city or an ice hockey game.

“As the season changes, so does the food, and the autumn is one of the very best times to take a foodie tour in Vancouver,” she says.

“There are some great tours on offer, highlighting the different areas and different foods and/drinks, all of which can be built into an itinerary and be commissionable to agents.

“The ice hockey season starts in late September, so take in a Vancouver Canucks game at the Rogers Arena. There are some beautiful gardens in Vancouver too, none more so than the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which is fabulous in the autumn, as the Japanese maples turn crimson and gold.” •

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ALBERTA

Urban chic It may be known for its mountains, lakes and forests, but Alberta’s two gateway cities capital Edmonton and cosmopolitan Calgary - offer big city thrills CALGARY

SAVOUR THE CITY

Taste the best that this cosmopolitan city has to offer on a food tour.

Guides lead each group around a selection of some of Calgary’s most celebrated eateries, where a small plate of the signature dish awaits.

Sample everything from brew house burgers to artisan ice cream, and don’t expect to go home hungry - those small plates add up! albertafoodtours.ca

EDMONTON

ICE ON WHYTE

This Edmonton festival claims that the fun doesn’t start until the temperature drops below zero.

Visit during the last weekend of January and the first of February to experience this ice-carving festival which also features music, theatre, art, food and special activities which take place throughout Old Strathcona. iceonwhyte.ca

UNCOVER URBAN ART Downtown Calgary offers over 50 pieces of public art which is just there for the public to appreciate.

Visitors can take a tour or do a self-guided walk to see sculptures ranging from cows and horses echoing the city’s cowpoke roots to the Steel Galleria Trees or the unique fun wonderland sculpture, a 12-metre bent wire head of a young girl. visitcalgary.com

NATURAL HISTORY

The new Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton’s downtown arts district is the largest museum in western Canada. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s natural and human history. There’s exhibitions from around the world, a children’s gallery, Bug Gallery and Indigenous stories interwoven throughout. royalalbertamuseum.ca

EAST VILLAGE The oldest part of Calgary is now where hip eateries, indie music venues, galleries and clothing stores fill converted warehouses. It’s also home to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, with displays of vintage instruments and memorabilia. From here, cycle, walk, jog or skate the RiverWalk path along the Bow River. evexperience.com

IN WITH THE OLD Edmonton’s trendiest neighbourhood, Old Strathcona is a buzzing arts and culture hub stuffed with cool cafes and bars. At its heart is the funky, bohemian spirit of Whyte Avenue, a shopaholic’s paradise. But there’s plenty more to whet an explorer’s appetite, like a tour and tasting at Strathcona Spirits, the city’s original distillery. oldstrathcona.ca •

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CHRIS HENDRICKSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Try 'SUPing' along the lake shore

PAUL AUSTRING

TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN

Live the ranch life

History in the Hills A mixture of forest, marsh and grassland, Saskatchewan's Cypress Hills are roamed by cowboys and home to a 65-million-year-old dinosaur

S

ituated in the southwest of Saskatchewan, Cypress Hills spans more than 400 square kilometres towards the Alberta border, with wide-open prairies, majestic forests and historic gems waiting to be discovered.

The hills provide the highest elevation between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador, with a section of The Great Trail passing through it. Hikers will be inspired by trails named ‘Whispering Pines’ and ‘Valley of the Windfall’. The reality doesn’t disappoint and its lakes and rivers lend themselves to a range of must-try water activities such as SUPing (stand-p paddle boarding).

like in the aftermath of the Battle of Little Blue Horn. There's the chance to learn traditional craft skills and don't miss the weapon and cannon firing throughout July and August.

PHOTOGRAPHY SZAR G HU GRE

FORT WALSH In the middle of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park lies Fort Walsh National Historic Site. In the 1870s it was the heavily-armed headquarters of the North West Mounted Police, but today it transports visitors back in time to experience what life was

TREETOP TRAILS Treeosix Adventure Park is the site of the largest zipline course in the prairie province, with over 2,000 feet of zip lines connected by treetop platforms.

If that doesn't get the adrenalin pumping why not try a dual parachute simulator free fall providing you can find a partner brave enough!

Scotty, a 65-million-year-old tyrannosaurus rex, awaits at the T.rex Discovery Center in Eastend and is one of the most complete preserved T.rex skeletons in the world. Alongside Scotty there are more fossil findings on display.

Visitors can take a tour of Saskatchewan's paleontological past.

One of the world's largest dino cemeteries is located in the region around the hilly Frenchman River Valley. visitcypresshills.ca |

PAUL AUSTRING

MEET SCOTTY

THE COWBOY EXPERIENCE Hidden in the northern slopes of Cypress Hills is the Historic Reesor Ranch, a cattle farm and real working ranch owned by the Reesor family since 1904. The ranch provides horse riding tours that are perfect for those that are looking for a real cowboy experience –lasso optional! Clients can just come for the day or opt to stay in the homely ranch house and get to know the horses.

STARRY SKIES As the light fades over the Cypress Hills visitors flock to the Dark Sky Preserve to witness one of the most easily accessible and largest dark sky areas in North America. The preserve is a sanctuary from artificial light allowing a better nocturnal environment and, of course, an unobstructed view of the stars.

tourismSaskatchewan.com •

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MY JOURNEY | 21

Standing out from the pack Claire Warrior enjoys a trip of a lifetime, sailing through the Northwest passage in the Canadian Arctic with One Ocean Expeditions

ONCE IN A LIFETIME I’m a city creature at heart and I’ve never owned a pair of hiking-boots, waterproof trousers or a fleece. There were certainly challenges – like clambering into Zodiac boats on heaving seas – but the Arctic was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The ship, the Finnish-built Akademik Sergei Vavilov, was comfortable and wellequipped, with a sauna, gym, and library – and the hot tub on the upper deck was a place to relax and view icebergs passing by.

My fellow passengers were mostly Americans and Canadians, with a smattering of other nationalities; there were keen bird-watchers, history buffs and wildlife enthusiasts.

On board, there was a wide range of experts, generous with their knowledge, and an unfailingly helpful expedition crew.

Temperatures hovered around 5°C – cold but not uncomfortable – and thankfully, we had calm, glass-like seas.

The food, cooked in an unexpectedly small gallery, was good; the ‘British buffet’ – including fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding – a particular highlight!

Amazing sea ice, just of Devon Island, Baffin Bay, Nunavut

Sailing going through pack ice

ABUNDANT WILDLIFE Arctic travel can be unpredictable, and the movement of sea-ice meant that it wasn’t possible to make all of the stops on the voyage Claire Warrior travelled with One Ocean itinerary.

Expeditions on its ‘Classic Northwest But sighting polar Passage and Greenland’ voyage, bear mothers and cubs supported by Destination Canada. playing on the pack-ice, humpback whales, seals, a Prices for the 2019 season multitude of sea-birds and start at $12,695pp getting a glimpse of the elusive narwhal more than made up for it.

Visiting communities at Pond Inlet and Kugaaruq made me marvel at the ways in which Inuit have, over thousands of years, made this extreme environment their home.

We landed at historic and archaeological sites –once the crew has checked that there were no bears.

Towards the end of the voyage, we were redirected through the Gulf of Boothia, to Claire outside the HBC trading post at Fort Ross, Nunavut help the Vavilov’s sister ship, Ioffe, which had run aground.

The passengers and crew were in no Polar bears wander close to the ship immediate danger, but sailing through the night in the pack ice brought home to me the ways in which the Arctic is still a very challenging place.

Despite our view of it as ‘frozen’, it is dynamic, breathtakingly beautiful and comes with risks. Yet it was a privilege to see it, its people and wildlife for myself, creating memories that I will treasure forever.

The Canadian Arctic is a bucket list experience for sure. * Visit The new ‘Polar Worlds’ Gallery at the National Maritime in Greenwich, London. oneoceanexpeditions.com | rmg.co.uk •

BOOK IT

IMAGES COURTESY OF CLAIRE WARRIOR

T

he Arctic is a familiar place to me. Through my role as Senior Exhibitions Curator at Royal Museums in Greenwich I know the challenges of its extreme temperatures, its light-filled summers and dark frigid winters; its beauty and its dangers.

But until recently my travels there had been in my imagination, through reading books and researching the collections at the National Maritime Museum. I was an armchair explorer, my vision of the Arctic shaped by the experiences of others. That was until this summer, when I was given the chance to sail through the Northwest Passage with One Ocean Expeditions.

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22 | BEYOND THE SKI HILLS

BEYOND the Powder

Canada is home to some of the world’s finest ski regions, but winter here offers so much more than picturesque pistes and perfect powder, says Lauren Jarvis

N

Dark tales and Northern Lights

owhere does winter quite like Canada.

As the snow falls, forests freeze and water turns to ice, a magical wonderland emerges – offering endless, exciting opportunities for adventure.

To be in Canada in winter is to see the country at its most epically beautiful. Wonderful, wild and white, unforgettable activities abound with Destination Canada's Canadian Signature Experiences (CSEs) connecting visitors to people, wildlife and land.

“Winter is a great time to visit our national parks and have a truly authentic and wild Canadian experience,” says Jennifer Burnell, Travel Trade Advisor at Parks Canada.

With over 450,000 km2 of land designated as national parks, Canada’s iconic wintery wilderness is never far away, and with wildlife encounters found nowhere else on earth.

“Your clients don’t have to be skiers or snowboarders to enjoy our colder months," says Adam Hanmer, Travel Trade Manager at Destination Canada.

"Horse-drawn sleigh rides and dog sledding across crystallised lakes; snow shoeing through crisp, Narnia-like frosted forests and ice climbing on frozen waterfalls; watching the northern lights dance from a luxe glass chalet, or soaking in a hot tub under a blanket of stars: everything you’d expect from winter, Canada has – and much, much more.”

And for those who prefer to enjoy winter indoors, Canada’s exciting cities offer warm and welcoming cafes, restaurants and bars, plus world-class galleries, museums and theatres to escape the chill.

Cosy lodges provide log-fire lounge spots, while guests can comfort and cocoon themselves in one of the country’s many luxury spas.

Denise Hunn, Prestige Holidays’ Canada Product Manager, says: "Encourage your clients to be like the Canadians: wrap up warm, embrace the winter landscape, and try some of the many, varied activities that are perfect for couples and families alike. I guarantee, the memories they make will last a lifetime.”

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BEYOND THE SKI HILLS | 23

Drive a snowmobile, and herd reindeer

"WINTER IS A STUNNING SEASON, WITH THE ADDED BENEFIT OF AVOIDING THE SUMMER RUSH" Jennifer Burnel, Parks Canada

Go on an Artic Safari at Hudson Bay; one of the best locations to see and photograph polar bears

Enjoy a hearty dinner in a cosy, rustic cabin National Park is one of the world’s best locations to see and photograph polar bears in the wild.

Tours run from Churchill, or stay at the unique Tundra Buggy Lodge at Cape Churchill in November for an immersive experience in the heart of bear country. frontiersnorth.com

Alberta: Hike a frozen waterfall Alberta is known for its top-notch ski resorts, but offers a great range of snowy adventures. Whether ice skating on frozen Lake Louise, soaking in steaming natural hot springs, or hiking the frozen falls and ice towers of Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park keeps its winter visitors contentedly toasty. banfftours.com What’s new: Great Canadian Trails has launched an exclusive five-day Rockies Winter Highlights itinerary. The programme includes guided snowshoeing and ice walking in Banff National Park, and ends at Lake Louise. greatcanadiantrails.com

British Columbia: mountain dining

The Yukon: chase the northern lights The dark skies of winter provide the perfect canvas for one of earth’s most spectacular natural displays: the aurora borealis, or northern lights. The sparsely populated wilderness of the Yukon is a magnet for aurora action. Visitors can view the magic just outside of Whitehorse, heading out after dark to a cosy heated cabin or wall tent – traditionally used by prospectors during the famous Klondike gold rush of the late 1800s.northerntales.ca What’s new: The family-run Northern Lights Resort & Spa, located in Canada's picturesque Yukon River Valley, is launching three new luxurious Aurora Glass Chalets this winter. The chalets are purposely built with the ultimate aurora viewing experience in mind with floorto-ceiling windows. northernlightsyukon.com

Manitoba: Go on an Arctic safari With polar bears and wolves, moose and caribou, Manitoba is a nature-lover’s dream.

Lying on the shores of Hudson Bay, Wapusk

BOOK IT

| Prestige Holidays | | 0150 256 7222 |

Visitors can enjoy a five-night package to the Northwest Territories, known as the ‘Aurora Capital of the World’, including three nights full-board at Blachford Lake Lodge, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and ice skating, plus igloo building, snow sculpting and aurora photography tips. From £2,068pp, including return ski-plane flights from Yellowknife. prestigeholidays.co.uk

After an exciting day dog sledding, zip lining or snow tubing, nothing beats a hearty dinner in a cosy, rustic cabin. Perched at 6,000 feet on Blackcomb Mountain, at the resort of Whistler, the Crystal Hut sees guests dipping into a choice of fondue followed by fruit pie and cream, accompanied by entertainment from local musicians. canadianwilderness.com What’s new: Noble House Hotels & Resorts will open The Josie Hotel in November 2018, a luxury property near the slopes of Rossland’s RED Mountain Resort. Guests can enjoy snowshoeing, fat biking, hockey and curling. thejosie.com

Northwest Territories: drive a herd For an authentic Canadian experience, travel with the reindeer herders of the Northwest Territories.

The four-day Arctic adventure sees guests driving their own snowmobile alongside the local Inuvialuit, helping to herd over 3,000 reindeer across the tundra. After a hard day’s herding, guests will fall asleep in an igloo as the aurora borealis comes out to play. tundranorthtours.com •

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24 | cruising canada

Sails of the century Touring Canada doesn't have to be done on land. Letting a cruise line take the strain leaves guests plenty of time to concentrate on adventures ashore, writes Neal Baldwin

A

s the cruise sector continues its relentless rise, more and more cruise lines are building Canada into their itineraries.

And little wonder: from west to east the country has all the attributes and attractions to make it a hit with first-time and more seasoned cruisers: its combination of rugged coastlines, historic and cosmopolitan cities and opportunities for exploring the wilderness combine to produce near-perfect touring options.

eastern promise Canada's east coast is an emerging favourite among cruise lines and a host of summer Princess Cruises | 0344 338 8663 and autumn sailings The 10-day Classic Canada and New England operate at a relaxed sailing includes one night in Quebec City and calls pace. Ranging from at Saguenay, Charlottestown, Sydney, Halifax, nine to 14 nights, they Bar Harbor, Boston and New York. offer the chance to Balcony cabin prices start at mix big-city glamour £1,399pp excl flights with lesser-known coastal ports. As a general princess.com rule, Quebéc City, Halifax and St John's, along with the New England states in the U.S. appear on most itineraries Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruises, NCL, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean are among the big names represented and all give cruisers Holland America in Quebec City ample opportunity to pedal, paddle and hike along with classic sightseeing excursions.

A number of cruise lines are venturing along the St Lawrence river, allowing time to wander Montreal, whale-watch in the Gulf of St Lawrence and roam Sanguenay National Park to walk the shores of its majestic fjord.

Luxury player Seabourn, for example, offers a 12-night round-trip from the Montréal that features an unusual sweep around Newfoundland and makes the most of the wild scenery.

Calls include L'Anse Aux Meadows -with the only Norse archeological site in North America - Saint Pierre and Cap-aux-Meules Island, for lobster fishing or exploring the 17th Vancouver's waterfront century Acadian village of Havre-Aubert.

Book it

Colourful St. John's, Newfoundland

Western front Out west, over on the Pacific coast, several cruise lines operate out of Vancouver, heading north along the Alaskan coast via the tiny islands of the Inside Passage to the towering Hubbard Glacier.

Holland America has a business tie-up with Rocky Mountaineer, meaning guests can combine any of the cruise line's sailings with a rail trip through the Rockies.

Similarly, Celebrity Cruises will offer a seven-night sailing in 2019 that will feature the Calgary Stampede and a Rocky Mountaineer trip to Vancouver, with overnight stays in Kamloops and Banff.

Top of the world For a holiday that will be the envy of your clients 'Instagram followers, suggest an itinerary that follows in the waves of the great explorers by heading over the 'top' of Canada by travelling through the Northwest Passage.

Sailings, the preserve of smaller expedition and luxury lines, such as Hurtigruten, Silversea, Crystal Cruises Ponant and One Ocean Expeditions, are rich with wildlifespotting.

Expect polar bears, caribou, whales and walruses- and a life forever changed. •

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TRAVEL MANITOBA

MANITOBA

UNIQUE STAYS

Natural lures Walk with polar bears, kayak with beluga whales, be dazzled by the Aurora Borealis and discover the stories from capital city Winnipeg

M

anitoba’s best features have landed it on Lonely Planet’s list of Top 10 Regions for 2019. The only Canadian destination on the 'Best in Travel' list is known for incredible wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures.

WILDLIFE CENTRAL On the northern edge of Manitoba is the town of Churchill, the polar bear capital of the world.

This small town lies along the migration path of polar bears, as they move from their summer habitat on the tundra to their winter hunting grounds on the ice-covered Hudson Bay. Visitors can climb aboard a heated tundra vehicle with an outdoor observation deck or trek across the windswept landscape on a walking tour with a trained guide.

But it’s not all about the bears.

During the summer months thousands of beluga whales migrate to the warmer waters of the Churchill River estuary to feed, mate and calve. Boat tours offer the chance to listen to the whales’ underwater chirps and clicks or visitors can become one with the pod on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard - these curious and friendly whales will approach to say hello!

Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg is heavily involved in conservation and features one of the

world’s best Arctic exhibits, home to polar bears, musk ox and snowy owls.

Manitoba also has over 100,000 lakes and waterways, making it the perfect draw for anglers seeking some of the continent’s largest fish.

And visit Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park to spot bison, black bears and elk along the network of hiking and biking trails.

LASTING LIGHT When the sky is at its darkest, Manitoba really shows off.

Churchill is one of the top three places in the world to view the Aurora Borealis, with the lights visible 300 nights of the year.

While the northern lights can be seen across the province, Churchill offers a variety of viewing options during peak viewing times between January and March. Watch ribbons of light dance across the sky from the comfort of a heated dome, a custom viewing pod or a lounge set amidst the boreal forest.

Touted as 'a journey from darkness to light', a visit to Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights offers stories that showcase the power of the human spirit through 11 moving galleries and interactive exhibits. travelmanitoba.com •

Love camping but don’t want to haul all the gear?

Stay in an oTENTik in Riding Mountain Nation Park.

This cross between a cabin and a tent includes bunk beds for six and electric heat. Situated amongst the trees in the Wasagaming Campground, five oTENTiks are fully insulated allowing for camping adventures in every season.

CREDITS IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE: TRAVEL MANITOBA; PARKS CANADA; MAX MUENCH

Churchill, Manitoba is the polar bear capital of the world

Sleep under the northern lights on a train car-esque lodge set out in the middle of the tundra. Complete with sleeping cars, a dining car and plenty of windows and outdoor viewing platforms from which to watch polar bears saunter by day and night.

Stay at an eco-cabin on a private lake at Falcon Trails Resort in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Accessible by a 2.5-km hike, each of the six cabins is crafted with its own design and theme.

These lakefront cabins are fully off the grid, but still offer unparalleled comfort.

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26 | ELITE FAM TRIP

The Elite head east Destination Canada held its first ever VIP Elite Fam this year, taking eight of its top-selling agents out to Québec and Atlantic Canada on a top-notch fact-finding mission

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he first crop of Elite Agents flew into Montréal where they spent their first night luxuriating in the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel before taking in the city’s quirky neighbourhoods and sampling its famous French-inspired cuisine.

Sarah Watson from Travel Impressions cites Montréal as her highlight. “Visiting in the summer I saw a different side of this multicultural city by walking around the Plateau district, with its historic buildings, alleyways and gardens.

"The big student population here means great-value bars, restaurants and cafes."

The group moved on to Québec City and had the iconic Chateau Frontenac as their base for exploring the city's cobbled streets, historic buildings and French bistros.

"HIGHLIGHTS WERE BEING PART OF THE CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS IN HALIFAX, MEETING A ‘HAIRY NEWFIE’ AND DRINKING ICEBERG BEER IN ST JOHNS"

ON TRACK FOR THE OCEAN Heading east, the group boarded Via Rail's Ocean Train to Moncton, New Brunswick (see also page 31). Delmar World's Anita Kelsey was 'pleasantly surprised' by the onboard comfort, food, friendly staff and entertainment - from the travelling musicians to beer tasting.

“I loved the Ocean Train," says Anita. “I boarded in the evening, not knowing what to expect. I climbed into my bunk, fell into a deep sleep and, from my bed and with the train gently rocking, watched the sun rise.

A MARITIME MEANDER First stop in New Brunswick was Hopewell Rocks for a walk on the sea's floor before seeing the highest tides in the world.

Then it was on to Saint John, Canada’s oldest incorporated city, for a food-themed stay including a market tour.

Other New Brunswick adventures included whale watching in the Bay of Fundy and staying at The Algonquin, a historic property now restored to its original splendour.

In Halifax Canada Day was visiting Peggy’s Cove, the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.

The last stop was St John's, Newfoundland, where the cameras were out as an atmospheric fog rolled in over rainbow-coloured houses. •

AIR CANADA The Elite group flew with Air Canada from Heathrow to Montréal, and back from Halifax, Nova Scotia, via St. John's, Newfoundland on the airline's new 787 Max 8 aircraft aircanada.com

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28 | NIGHT AND DAY

Look Down, Look Up Dramatic coastal scenery, abundant marine life and specacular night skies all form part of Canada’s appeal to travellers. Stuart Forster looks at four attractions, below and above OCEAN CRUISES Of all the world’s nations, Canada has the longest coastline — running more than 125,000 miles — and an archipelago of over 36,000 Arctic islands.

That and a rich array of marine wildlife, such as migrating whales and colonies of northern gannets, mean ocean cruises are a great way of accessing aspects of Canadian heritage.

Baffin Island, part of Nunavut, is nearly 2.5 times bigger than Britain. Its fjords and the serene landscape of Auyuittuq National Park feature on One Ocean Expedition’s (oneoceanexpeditions.com) 11-night Canadian Arctic and Greenland cruise.

The company runs a handful of cruises to the region, offering travellers with interest in historic exploration opportunities to visit locations associated with Franklin’s doomed expedition to discover the Northwest Passage.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway proves a route for ships operated by the likes of Viking Ocean Cruises (vikingcruises.co.uk) and Princess Cruises (princess.com) to navigate between Montréal and the cities of the USA’s eastern seaboard.

Ships turn southwards past Forillon National Park on the eastern tip of Québec’s Gaspé Peninsula (quebecmaritime.ca).

The Labrador Sea is a prime spot for seeing icebergs

ICEBERGS

GO DEEP Saltery Bay, British Columbia, is a popular dive site with easy shore access to some of the best diving in the Pacific Northwest

Take an ocean cruise, in Canada's east and west

BOOK IT | Canadian Sky | | 01342 889314 |

The five-night Northern Lights of the Yukon tour includes two nights’ accommodation in Vancouver, either side of flights to and from Whitehorse, for Northern Lights viewing, where a city tour and room-only accommodation is provided. Prices start from £1,269pp, including international flights. canadiansky.co.uk

Canada’s east coast is one of the world’s best locations for iceberg viewing. The Labrador Sea, off Newfoundland and Labrador (newfoundlandlabrador.com), is nicknamed Iceberg Alley because of the many mountainous chunks of ice that float southwards each springtime.

The best time to see icebergs off eastern Canada is from late May into early June. The long, sunny days are ideal for combining iceberg spotting with other sightseeing.

Cape Spear Lighthouse, a National Historic Site at North America’s most easterly point, is one of the best land-based locations for iceberg viewing and makes an interesting day trip from St John’s.

Being on the water offers an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate an iceberg’s scale and beauty. Ocean Quest (oceanquestadventures.com) runs kayak tours throughout May and June. Meanwhile, Iceberg Quest (icebergquest.com) operates boat tours from St John’s, combining iceberg viewing with opportunities to photograph whales, seabirds and the rugged coastline.

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NIGHT AND DAY | 29

Don't just view icebergs! Quidi Vidi Brewery, the province’s biggest craft brewery, uses meltwater from their ice to brew Iceberg lager.

DARK SKIES Looking up at the star-speckled night sky from any Royal Astronomical Society of Canadadesignated (rasc.ca) dark sky preserve is like viewing a different firmament to the one seen from light-polluted urban areas in the UK. Wood Buffalo National Park in north-eastern Alberta is the largest National Park of Canada and the second-largest national park in the world.

Twice the size of Wales, it is the planet’s largest Dark Sky Preserve.

Also in Alberta, in Jasper National Park a SkyTram ‘flight’ takes visitors nearly one kilometre closer to the stars. Back on terra firma they’ll have the chance to look through the most powerful telescopes in the Canadian Rockies, under one of the world's darkest skies.

The park claims to be the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world. Definition by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada: an area in which no artificial lighting is visible, and active measures are in place to educate and promote the reduction of light pollution to the public.

Jasper National Park hosts the Jasper Dark Sky Festival in October.

Other prime spots for star-gazing include Point Pelee, at Canada’s most southerly point, and Elk

BOOK IT | Prestige Holidays | | 0150 256 7222 |

Visitors can enjoy a five-night package to the Northwest Territories, known as the ‘Aurora Capital of the World’, including three nights full-board at Blachford Lake Lodge, snow shoeing, crosscountry skiing and ice skating, plus igloo building, snow sculpting and aurora photography tips. From £2,068 per person including return ski-plane flights from Yellowknife.

Island National Park, less than 40 minutes’ drive from downtown Edmonton. Stargazers can see twinkling celestial bodies of multiple colours, streaking shooting stars and the cloud-like sprawl of the Milky Way. At Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia, canoe tours featuring overnight camping bring opportunities to lie back and view the night sky’s beauty. Want to record what you see?

Photographers of all levels are welcomed onto Creative Imagery (creativeimagery.ca) tours, at the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, an easy drive from the Fundy National Park Dark Sky Preserve.

The 2.5-hour tours provide a crash course in night photography.

prestigeholidays.co.uk

See the Northern Lights in late March, the bargain shoulder season

NORTHERN LIGHTS

STAR-STRUCK Camp in a oTENTik – a blend of tent and cabin – and view the night skies in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan

There are glittering destinations to enjoy stargazing right across Canada

The Northern Lights frequently dance and swirl in Canada’s night sky. Viewing conditions tend to be optimal from autumn until springtime, when the nights are darker and often clearer than during summertime. The nation’s northern latitude and swathes of light pollution-free countryside mean you don’t necessarily need to head to a Dark Sky Preserve to view the aurora borealis.

Yellowknife, in the sparsely settled Northwest Territories, is widely regarded one of the best bases for viewing the Northern Lights. Aurora Village (auroravillage.com) has heated, swivelling seats for guests to sit back and stare up at the sky before heading to sleep in lakeside tipis.

The Northern Lights Resort and Spa (northernlightsyukon.com), near Whitehorse in the Yukon, is introducing Aurora Glass Chalets with a queen-size bed and reclining chairs for the 2018-19 season.

Pod-like Aurora Domes (auroradomes.ca) provide a heated base for viewing the Northern Lights near Churchill, which is known as the polar bear capital of the world, in Manitoba. •

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30 | canadian journeys

The Ocean train Rupert Parker steps aboard VIA Rail’s Ocean train, for a journey that takes him from Halifax to Montrèal

V

ia Rail’s Ocean train is taking me from Canada’s eastern edge to one of its most celebrated Frenchinfluenced cities.

And, as I travel from Halifax to Montréal, I pass ocean bays, rural New Brunswick and Québec. The views are of misty sea and sky, then miles of green occasionally interrupted by small towns and large rivers, before I reach the spectacular scenery along the St Lawrence River and arrive in Montrèal The Ocean train travels almost 900 miles, takes around 22 hours, and captures the romance of long-distance train journeys.

But you don’t have to do it all in one go, and it’s worth stopping off along the way, perhaps in Moncton, Miramichi or Bathurst and exploring New Brunswick.

Although Economy is available, Sleeper Plus is the way to travel as you get a double room, with seats that convert into two bunks, sink and toilet. You also enjoy regional specialties and Canadian wines in the Dining Car and have access to the Park Car with its 360 degree scenic dome.

On some departures, they stage wine tastings, musical acts and maritime talks.

Halifax Start at the waterfront boardwalk and visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Later hear the story of the Titanic at the Maritime

A lucky spot! A Right Whale, one of the rarest in the world

The Ocean's Renaissance cars

Dinner is served in the Ocean's dining car

Museum of the Atlantic and become a soldier at Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Halifiax is surrounded by cool little towns and secluded sandy beaches so hire a car and take South Shore’s Lighthouse route, stopping at Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.

Book it

| Frontier | 020 8776 8709 |

Moncton

The ‘Most Polite City in Canada’, according to Readers Digest, Moncton in south-eastern New Brunswick, is close to the Bay of Fundy and the highest tides in the frontier-canada.co.uk world. The odd structures of Hopewell Rocks, around 30 minute from the city, rise 70 metres from the ocean floor.

A seven-night package includes two nights in Halifax, overnight on the Ocean train to Québec City, one night in Québec City, one night in Montréal and a final night in Toronto. The deal, with Air Canada flights from Heathrow, starts from £2,095pp

Miramichi Local produce at Montréal's Atwater Market

Miramichi, situated on the salmon river of the same name, bills itself as the Irish

capital of Canada and every July there’s an Irish Festival. If you fancy adventure then go tubing down the river for four miles, a ride of around two hours.

Bathurst and Chaleur Bay Bathurst, the biggest city on New Brunswick’s north coast, sits right on Chaleur Bay, an arm of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s one of the few places where you can still spot Right Whales – there's 400 or so left in the world.

Montréal The capital of Quebec has plenty to occupy you for a few days and at times it feels more French than France! Visit the Atwater Market downtown, with its range of fresh fruit and veg, fresh bread and stinky cheeses. Take a horse-drawn calèche around the cobbled streets of the historic district, located on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, and eat at one of its wide selection of restaurants. Wander round Mount Royal Park, on the small volcanic hill that gave Montrèal its name. •

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Fly direct from London Gatwick to Toronto, Canada.

To find out more visit batraveltrade.com

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© BOTA BOTA, SPA-SUR-L'EAU

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QUÉBEC

Urban Bota Bota spa is on trend

Nordik Spa-Nature

Winter warmers Keep the cold at bay with a choice of indoor retreats in Québec, including log cabins, Nordic spas or a bucket-list stay in an ice hotel in name and nature, especially in winter when the hotel erects a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the lobby, creating a cosy and festive atmosphere. It also offers on-site curling, Land Rover off-roading and a spa.

LURE OF THE LODGE

Soothe the soul with a menu of body treatments, therapeutic baths and massages designed to melt away everyday stresses. With over 200 wellness centres to choose from, a holiday in Québec is not complete without indulging in some relaxation therapy. Wellness tourism in Québec has really taken off, with spas taking inspiration from Scandinavian traditions or Asian philosophy.

One of these properties is the Nordik Spa-Nature near the border between Ottawa ica and Outaouais region, now the its kind in Amer The only hotel of largest spa in North America, with seven outdoor baths, eight different saunas and an infinity pool with a view of the city.

More recently urban areas such as Montréal and Québec City have introduced some unusual spa locations, from an old marine warehouse to a converted ferry on the St. Lawrence River, while places like Bota Bota spa and Strøm Spa in the city centres are also creators of bliss. quebecoriginal.com •

Built of snow and ice, Hôtel de Glace is the only hotel of its kind in America. Guests can stay in one of 42 themed rooms and suites, tucked up in an arctic sleeping bag,, or discover its unique icesculpted architecture during a guided tour, with a drink at the bar. There's also an outdoor spa and sauna under the stars to really embrace the wild within 30 minutes of Québec City centre.

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Overlooking the 10 km of stunning clear lake, Sacacomie Lodge is located between Montréal and Québec City, a luxury log hotel which immerses visitors in the AU NE landscape, offering privileged access to nature and outdoor activities, with a spa and locally sourced cuisine.

Guests can look out onto a winter wonderland with dog sledding and ice skating on their doorstep or take time to unwind and relax in a Nordic style Geos Spa after a day spent in the snow.

For those looking for a remote hideaway, Chic-Chocs Mountain Lodge is nestled at an altitude of 615 metres at the heart of the Matane Wildlife Reserve. Its location boasts unrestricted views of the endless forest and complete privacy, allowing guests to 'get away from it all'.

Or for that festive feeling, why not book into Château Montebello, the world's largest log castle.

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River halfway between Montréal and Ottawa, the resort is grand

NORDIC SPAS

ICE HOTEL

QUÉBECCITY&AR

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ocated on mountaintops, at the edge of the water and close to major cities, Québec’s retreats offer the cosy comfort or rustic charm of a winter getaway while showcasing the province's breath-taking landscapes, warm people and wellbeing facilities.

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FIRST CLASS HOLIDAYS | 33

First Class Canada Luxury tailor-made tour operator First Class Holidays has long been a Canada specalist and now has Monty Hall as a brand ambassador. Product Manager Laura Kirton shares her own passion for Canada

Q

What does having Monty Hall as a First Class Holidays Ambassador mean to the brand?

A: It’s all about his passion and thirst for adventure and seeing new destinations, as well as his love for wildlife and preserving the planet. Monty will help us evolve our product and we're delighted that he will host a tour to Canada in October 2019.

Q

Tell us all about your latest Canada programme and brochure A: Our new brochure is jam-packed with more tours and packages than ever before! I am very excited about our new Canadian Canoe Route self-drive tour.

It sees consumers journey deep into the heart of Ontario and unleash their sense of adventure with activities like canoeing, hiking, rafting and much more. They also get to explore the vibrant cities of Toronto and Ottawa. This tour gives the perfect balance of city and nature.

Q

What makes Canada special?

A: There is just so much to see and do across Canada and every province has something different to offer – from remote wilderness lodges and some of the world’s most famous national parks, to vibrant cities and spectacular wildlife. And let's not forget the incredible food scene.

Q

Which is your personal favourite Canadian city and why?

A: Vancouver is my favourite Canadian city.

It has such an amazing atmosphere and there is so much to see and do.

I am huge foodie and would highly recommend a food tour whilst in the city. This is a great way to see this vibrant city whilst sampling some of Vancouver’s finest cuisine along the way - and all paired with local wine and beer.

On my own tour I enjoyed everything from dim sum and seafood to Macarons – and I also had what must have been the best gelato in town!

Q

Where would you go to truly switch off and relax in Canada?

A: Fogo Island Inn, which is set on a wild island off Newfoundland known and feels like a place that is at the farthest edge of the earth. Where could be better to switch off and relax?

Guests can re-connect with nature as well as immersing themselves in the community on Fogo Island.

Q

What’s your own most memorable Canada experience?

A: It would have to be driving along the Icefield Parkway in Alberta, past spectacular mountains and lakes, and stopping to let a mother bear and her three cubs cross the road right in front of us. Seeing bears so close up in their natural environment is a truly incredible experience.

Q

Is there anywhere you haven’t been in Canada has moved to the top of your hit list?

A: Exploring the Yukon is tops at the moment. It is a territory of untamed wilderness, but is also rich in history. And not to mention the fact that it is home to the incredible Auora Borealis, AKA the Northern Lights. I can’t wait to experience it! •

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34 | DESTINATION CANADA: SOCIAL MEDIA

 @DESTINATIONCAN

 EXPLORECANADA

 EXPLORE CANADA

Moody mountains in Newfoundland

Blog

EXPLORE CANADA

Twittersphere

Light up "It's my last night at @churchillnsc and the northern lights look like this right now" @stephens_ga

undland

Newfo in western Bonne Bay

Feeling regal BLOGGER and Selling Canada feature writer Stuart Forster embarked on a three-course dinner safari on his recent trip to the Gros Morne region, in western Newfoundland. He said: "Why go for dinner in just one restaurant when you can experience what it's like to dine in three, I think, as I bite into a tasty piece of beetroot. Tara, our guide for the evening, who leads food and wine tours six days a week until mid-October, explains that the channel of water that we overlook is deep enough to swallow the Statue of Liberty.

That depth provides Bonne Bay with a unique eco-system and enables it to sustain marine species that are more typically seen in Arctic waters." Read more at: go-eat-do.com

Tweet

"We’ve just landed into Québec and already fallen in love with how cute this historic city is...." @HLOBlog

Tweet Top notes "Loved the design of Studio Bell, National Music Centre in Calgary. Redevelopment coming along @canadanim

Castle on the hill Winter wildlife

Fall colours in Québec

"Québec has been incredible! We’ve been here for eight days and have eaten poutine, spotted beavers and slept under the stars... Canada we love you!" @HLOBlog #ExploreCanada

Taking a paws

@stephens_ga had a close encounter with a polar bear in Churchill: "Just 'wow'!!' Thanks @churchillnsc and @frontiersnorth for an incredible day on the tundra" @ExploreCanada

"I've lucked out being here at this time of year because autumn is putting on a great show right now" @paperboyo

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DESTINATION CANADA: JUST FOR FUN | 35

 @DESTINATIONCAN

 EXPLORECANADA

 EXPLORE CANADA

EXPLORE CANADA

Spot the differences between these fall scenes

TRUE OR FALSE?

We've made six changes to this snap of Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario. Can you find them all?

Hôtel de Glace is the only ice hotel in North America?

TRUE / FALSE Manitoba is the polar bear capital of the world?

TRUE / FALSE There are 1,000 islands along the border of Ontario?

TRUE / FALSE Canada has more lakes than the rest of the world's lakes combined?

TRUE / FALSE Canada day is held on August 1?

TRUE / FALSE The biggest living Christmas tree is found in Vancouver?

TRUE / FALSE North Atlantic Right Whales are sadly now extinct?

TRUE / FALSE 1 - True; 2 - True ; 3 - False (1864); 4 - True; 5 - False (1 July); 6 - True; 7 - False (around 400 left)

Wordsearch Find the words horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forwards and backwards.

Can you find me?

Hidden somewhere within the magazine is a polar bear like the one above. Can you find it?

Hidden in the grid are: snowmobile, reindeer, maple, Vancouver, tobogganing, Ontario, snow, cruise, Québec, Halifax, Elite, ski, icebergs, wildlife

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