Selling Canada Winter 2019

WINTER 2019/20 | training for the travel trade

snow show get ready for a

winter wonderland

Don't ski, won't ski? There's a wide array of activities away from the slopes

experience canada

From Indigenous-themed activities to wildlife to the Northern Lights

recovery plan

How Canada's cities and wild places refresh the mind, body and soul

Plus... national parks. my journey: new brunswick. top museums. City profile: Calgary...and more

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2019 World’s Best Leisure Airline

Canada starts here with Air Transat There are many reasons passengers have named Air Transat the World’s Best Leisure Airline two years in a row • Frequent and direct flights to Canada Flying direct to Toronto all year from London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow, with regular connections or direct summer flights to Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

• Great value Economy passengers travel in comfort with ergonomic leather seats, inflight entertainment and a choice of two tasty hot dishes - all for surprisingly affordable fares!

• Super service It’s true what they say - Canadians really are that polite. And passengers will get a taste of true Canadian hospitality even before they land.

• Fantastic family perks Travelling with children is child’s play with our FREE Kids Club, for priority airport services, free seat selection, onboard surprises and a member’s kit to get the mini-globetrotters excited!

• We believe vacations matter Canada starts on board with additional perks like priority airport services & inflight comforts with Option Plus, or Club Class – an exclusive 12 seat cabin, with complimentary bar service and gourmet meals from Quebec chef Daniel Vézina.

airtransat.co.uk | salessupportuk@transat.com

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NEWS 04 Destination Canada news Update 05 Canada at WTM 06 News to Use

FEATURES Top Ten: Museums Experience Canada Mind, Body and Soul National Parks Winter Activities Beyond the Ski Hills 34 My Journey: New Brunswick 10 14 20 24 26

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Montréal Atlantic Canada Québec Travel Alberta Saskatchewan RCMP Centre in Regina Sun Peaks, BC Manitoba Interview: One Ocean Expeditions What Canada Means To Me: Elite Agents Yukon Ontario How To Canada Social Media

FRONT COVER: TOMBSTONE TERRITORIAL PARK, YUKON 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; SENIOR DESIGNER: LOUISA HORTON; DESIGNERS: ROSS CLIFFORD & CAITLAN FRANCIS; 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.

SAVE ON TOP ATTRACTIONS November 2019 - April 2020

JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS · NIAGARA’S FURY · BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY · FLORAL SHOWHOUSE PLUS · Two consecutive days of WEGO transportation and Falls Incline Railway FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK, CONTACT GROUPS@NIAGARAPARKS.COM Information subject to change without notice.

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4 | DESTINATION CANADA: WELCOME

Join us on the road this autumn

DC update NEWS FROM DESTINATION CANADA

glowing hearts on show i AM happy to report Canada is having a good 2019, with the number of British visitors up 8% through to June. It is great for us to see growth, particularly across the winter and shoulder seasons.

This autumn we hope to see you out on the road with our tour operator partners, Prestige Holidays, US AirTours and Premier Holidays, on their Canada focused roadshows.

My last trip to Canada, in May, took me to Toronto.

We all got totally wrapped up in the excitement of the city's Raptors being in the NBA finals. They went on to win - the first time a Canadian team had won the NBA title. You could feel the excitement in the air and the city was absolutely buzzing.

Did you know Canada is one of the best places on this planet to see the Northern Lights? Yukon has one of the longest aurora seasons, running from August to April. Whitehorse is only a two-hour flight from Vancouver so do consider it as a bucket list add-on to a trip to Western Canada.

Happy selling!

Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada

Help desk KEY CONTACTS: Roger Harris TRADE HELPLINE: 020 7389 9984 EMAIL: destinationcanada trade@gmail.com TRAINING: canadaspecialist.co.uk; keepexploring.ca

DESTINATION'S Canada’s newlook logo and marketing slogan will be on display at World Travel Market (WTM) in London in November (4-6).

The new slogan, ‘For Glowing Hearts/Le Coeur Grand Ouvert,’ replaces ‘Keep Exploring/Explorez Sans Fin’, which was in use for more than a decade.

At the new brand's launch in Canada this spring country tourism officials said it is designed to "tap into travellers’ passion for Canada and better connect them to the emotional side of their experiences there."

"We are delighted to showcase our new Glowing Hearts brand

at WTM this year," said Rupert Peters (pictured), Regional Managing Director, Europe and India for Destination Canada.

"Canada never fails to provide those emotional moments you take home with you... like when your heart flutters seeing your first bear, that smile after your best powder ski day, being awestruck by the Northern Lights or making a real connection with a local.

"Glowing Hearts is all about summing up those magical moments that will live long in the memory and nourish your soul," he added. explore-canada.co.uk

the hunt is on for special agents DESTINATION Canada is hoping to recruit more top-level agents in 2020 "We are always looking for agents to join our Elite Canada Specialist club, which currently sits at 24 agents.

"Membership gives access to exclusive FAM trips and events. We have some crackers planned for 2020!" said Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade at Destination Canada UK. To qualify for Elite Agent

status agents have to meet certain criteria: they must have visited Canada during the last three years, must have completed the Canada Specialist Programme (CSP) and must have exceeded Destination Canada's minimum threshold of sales to Canada in the last two years.

If you are passionate about Canada and think you qualify, drop Adam a line at hanmer. adam@destinationcanada.com.

don't forget to give etA advice AGENTS are reminded that all British visitors to Canada who arrive by air must be in possession of an Electronic Travel Authority (eTA). These should be obtained before the purchase of air tickets.

An eTA usually takes around three days to be approved, but anyone with a 'record' (such as for a drink-driving offence) should anticipate a longer waiting period.

An eTA costs C$7.00 and stays valid for multiple entries for five years.

Apply online at Canada.ca/ eTA. Note that any website charging more than C$7 is not an official government site and should be avoided.

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.

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TRADE SHOW: WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2019 | 5

Anna Pierce

Canada out in force

André Martel

niagara helicopters

Cirque du Soleil

Q: Why do you feel it is important to be at WTM? A: It is one of the largest travel trade events in Europe and attracts buyers from around the globe.

It is the perfect stage for reconnecting with our current clients without having to spend weeks travelling throughout the UK, Scotland, Ireland and beyond.

Q: Why do you feel it is important to be at WTM? A: This is the first time that the Montréalbased Cirque du Soleil will be present on the Canada stand. We will be promoting shows in Canadian cities such as Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver. Every year, Cirque du Soleil’s big top makes a stop in those three cities, putting on over 100 shows each time.

Q: What messages will you be passing on to the trade you meet?

A: Our message is quite simple – we are here to support the UK market and expand our relationship with our tour operators and agents.

We will be encouraging agents we meet to participate in the Destination Canada Specialist Programme (CSP). We will also be collecting information which we might later use for our own destination marketing efforts.

Q: How important is the UK market to you?

A: The UK has always been one of our top-producing markets. Even when the global economy is experiencing a downturn the UK market remains consistent. Historically, UK visitation to Canada has always proved quite stable and reliable. niagarahelicopters.com

WHILE many destinations are scaling back their presence at the UK's leading travel trade show, Canada will again have a strong delegation in London this month.

The annual World Travel Market (WTM), which will be held at London’s ExCel Centre from November 4-6, will see 33 exhibitors on the Canada stand equalling 2018's record turnout.

"We are delighted to be full at WTM and look forward to having first-time exhibitors Hotel X Toronto and Cirque du Soleil with us," said Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada.

"We would encourage any Selling Canada readers who are coming to WTM to drop by our stand (NA400) to see us. We will be launching our new Glowing Hearts brand - so come visit us and see it in all its glory!"

Among the other exhibitors on the Canada stand will be Indigenous Tourism Association

of Canada, Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism, Destination British Columbia, Banff and Lake Louise Tourism, Calgary Stampede, Montréal Tourism, Niagara Falls Tourism, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Ottawa Tourism, Québec Original, Tourism Yukon, Travel Alberta, Travel Toronto, Days Inn Canada and several others.

Two airlines will also be present: Westjet and Air Canada.

"We'll have a lot to tell the trade," said Sean McCafferty, Key Account Manager for WestJet. "There's our new yearround B787 Dreamliner service to Toronto and Calgary from Gatwick, including our first-ever Business Class featuring a fully flat-bed.

"In 2020 we will take delivery of a further three Dreamliners, reinforcing our brand's new identity as a 'global carrier' and no longer a 'low-cost' leisure carrier," added McCafferty. destinationcanada.com

Q: What messages will you be passing on to the trade you meet?

A: It will be 'why not include a Cirque du Soleil show during your clients’ stay?' They are perfect for all clients and ages and there is no language barrier. The cost of a show in Montréal is around 15% less than seeing it in London! Also, the new shows tour in Canada before they visit the UK. For tour operators, reduced group rates are available as well as FIT net or commissionable rates.

Q: How important is the UK market to you?

A: With nearly 800,000 British visitors to Canada the market is of great importance for Cirque du Soleil. Many Brits are interested in culture and entertainment events such as those offered by Cirque. cirquedusoleil.com

INHALE | EXHALE WWW.OAKBAYBEACHHOTEL.COM Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

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* WiTH the accolade of being the only four-star hotel in the city, the all-new delta hotels

by Marriott Thunder Bay, ontario, is now welcoming guests. on the waterfront, the hotel enjoys uninterrupted views of ‘the Giant’ – Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. marriott.com

*folloWinG a C$7 million update, hornblower Niagara Cruises launched two new funicular Incline railways this summer.

An incline railway is now bringing people from the bottom of Clifton hill into the Niagara Gorge for the first time since 1990. niagaracruises.com

VisiTors to the Air Canada booth at this year’s World Travel Market (November 4-6) will be able to try out a state-of-the-art interactive Vr experience.

By donning a headset and with controls in hand agents will get a sense of what it’s like to travel in all three of the airline’s cabins: Air Canada Signature Class, Premium economy Class and economy Class.

“We are excited to participate at WTM with destination Canada. The show provides us with a great opportunity to showcase our products and services and engage and connect with key travel

professionals," said Stephen Gerrard, Air Canada’s General Manager Sales UK and Ireland .

"We are proud that Air Canada has been recognised as the ‘Best Airline in North America’ for the third year in a row at the 2019 Skytrax World Airline awards.” he added: “We will also be pointing out to agents that when their clients fly with us to Canada they can carry Skis or Snowboard or one boot bag containing ski/snowboard equipment such as boots, helmet and googles (even if they are not travelling with skis) at no extra charge.” aircanada.com

Canadian Affair shops for agents * le BoAT has expanded along the rideau Canal with the addition of a new base in Seeley’s Bay. The current fleet totals 20 boats on the R canal.

The largest and most luxurious in the fleet is horizon 5, which sleeps up to 12. leboat.co.uk

cAnADiAn Affair has an agents' incentive on Québec packages that include flights with Air Transat. The promotion, which runs until December 31 this year, applies to all Canadian Affair holidays that feature the carrier’s services to Montréal from Glasgow, Manchester and Gatwick.

Valid for bookings through to October 31 next year, the promotion sees agents earning

a £20 shopping voucher for holidays that include economy flights and £30 vouchers for Club Class bookings.

Canadian Affair packages lead in at £558pp for a five-night Montréal short break.

City draws include the Québec Winter festival (february), Montréal International Jazz festival (June/July) and Just for Laughs festival Montréal (July). airtransatgiveaway.com

Cosmos' big range cosMos has launched its North America programme with a wide range of Canada tours for 2020.

These include the new 11day Québec in depth with Gaspé Peninsula. Included is sightseeing in Montréal with a local guide, rimouski, Charleton-sur-Mér, Percé and a cruise around Pierced rock, Matane, Saguenay fjord and the Charlévoix region, including a tasting tour of a fromagerie. operated by Cosmos' sister brand Globus, the full 11-day tour costs from £2,165pp (land only), for departures in August and September. There is also the option to add a one- to 10-day cruise from Québec City to Montréal, or a halifax add-on.

The Cosmos 2020 programme also includes an epic 15-day Canadian Train odyssey from Toronto to Vancouver, a 12-day tour of Alaska & the yukon, and a 10-day Heart of the Canadian rockies tour, amongst others. other tours available from Cosmos and Globus combine Canada and the U.S. – such as the 12-day Passage through New england & eastern Canada tour from Boston to Montréal, and the eastern U.S. & Canada discovery, from New york to Philadelphia, Washington dC, Lancaster, Niagara falls, Toronto, Montréal and Québec. cosmos.co.uk ChArLeVoIx©TQS.deSCheNeS

New in Ontario

Air Canada's VR promise

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© Le Massif de Charlevoix/A. O.Lyra

Club Med puts back Le Massif resort Groupe le MAssif and Club Med have announced that the opening of the first-ever Canadian Club Med property, Club Med Québec Charlevoix, has been delayed a year and will now open its doors in December 2021.

The new date comes following changes made to the schedule in the light of Québec's booming construction market and labour shortages in the construction industry.

Le Massif is one of the world’s most intriguing ski resorts, with pistes that immerse you deep in the woods then appear to lead straight into the Gulf of St Lawrence below.

Currently, the nearest hotels are in the pretty village of Baie St Paul, 25 minutes away, which is lined with art galleries and restaurants.

Many visitors stay in Québec City, a 75-minute drive or bus trip away, and also visit the nearer ski resorts of Mont Sainte Anne and Stoneham.

The Massif de Charlevoix project, which started in 2002, was conceived by Daniel Gauthier, cofounder of Le Cirque du Soleil. clubmed.ca

Air Transat takes to air more often AIR Transat has upped its UKCanada schedule.

In addition to its daily direct flights from Gatwick to Toronto, the airline now provides yearround services from Manchester and Glasgow to Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal.

This winter, Air Transat is flying direct to Toronto twice a week from both Glasgow and Manchester.

Vancouver and Montreal is also accessible with connecting flights via Toronto.

These routes include LondonMontréal (five times a week), Glasgow-Montréal (twice a week), Manchester-Montréal (twice a week), LondonVancouver (four times a week), Glasgow-Vancouver (once a week) and ManchesterVancouver (twice a week). airtransat.com

Memories await!

The Parks Canada Discovery Pass is the gateway to Canada’s history, nature and adventure!

Discover world-famous Banff or hidden gem Mount Revelstoke National Parks, or connect with the stories of Canada at national historic sites like the Fortress of Louisbourg.

Get ready for exciting new experiences — 450 000 km2 of memories await!

pc.gc.ca/traveltrade pc.tourisme-tourism.pc@canada.ca

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Mount Revelstoke National Park

The Discovery Pass provides admission to over 80 Parks Canada places, faster entry and greater convenience. Order the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for your clients beginning in December. Net rates available.

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8 | NEWS TO USE: canada's top stories

Princess cruising along

Railbookers' track record TAILOR-MADE rail holidays specialist Railbookers features 19 rail holidays in Canada in its 2020 ‘VIA Rail Vacations' brochure.

New is the eight-day Essential Canadian Rockies Westbound tour that takes in Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and Vancouver.

Tour highlights include Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Jasper National Park,The Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Glacier, and the Glacier Skywalk. Priced from £2,549 it includes six nights' accommodations (with one night on VIA Rail’s The Canadian), flights from UK to Calgary and Vancouver to the UK. railbookers.co.uk

Princess Cruises has a choice of 17 Canada and New England voyages throughout summer and autumn 2021, visiting 18 destinations on seven itineraries operated by three ships.

The cruises will range in length from seven to 24 days and will see Princess make a maiden stop at a Sept-Îles, Québec.

The 3,660-guest Sky Princess and 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess will sail from August to October on departures from New York, Québec and Fort

Lauderdale. September 18 will see the 2,600-guest Grand Princess sail round-trip from Southampton on a 24-night voyage, calling at Boston, Bar Harbour, Halifax, Sydney (Nova Scotia), Québec, Saguenay, Charlottetown and St. Johns (Newfoundland). Prices start from £2,399pp.

Guests can sign up for tours around attractions, such as Niagara Falls and the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. princess.com

APT warms up winter offering APT has bolstered is Canadian offering with new winterthemed tours.

The 16-day Winter in the Rockies & Northern Lights luxury itinerary explores Western Canada from Vancouver to Yellowknife, and features seven of the operator’s Signature Experiences.

Highlights include a private soiree in a luxury cabin at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a heli-flight to backcountry for a snowshoe exploration, and tickets for an ice hockey match complete with pre-game briefing from a coach. The itinerary concludes in Canada’s Northwest Territories, where guests will hope to see the Northern Lights and enjoy a dinner in a teepee during a three-night stay in Yellowknife.

Prices from £7,345pp, twin share, departing March 9 2021. apttouring.co.uk

Regent makes stops in Montréal Montréal will again host Regent's Seven Seas Navigator for a series of sailings next autumn.

The luxury operator said its 10-night and 12-night voyages between Montréal and New York would run in September and October 2021, repeating

the schedule already on sale for 2019 and 2020. Typical 10-night itineraries include calls in Québec, Sept-îles, HavreSaint-Pierre and Halifax before heading to Bermuda and New York. Prices lead in at £4,739pp. rssc.com

A view to thrill

Niagara Helicopters Flightseeing Tours

Niagara Helicopters 905 357 5672 niagarahelicopters.com

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MONTRÉAL

Chilling out N

o one does winter quite like Montréal.

From winter spectaculars to one-of-akind outdoor activities, locals celebrate seasonal extremes with joie de vivre.

FESTIVAL FEVER

FAMILY FUN IN THE SNOW

TRADE TOOLS Discover the new Montréal Destination Specialist Programme, specifically designed for travel professionals.

The five-module programme provides all the tools you could need to plan a trip to Montréal and keeps participants up-to-theminute with the latest news on events and attractions.

Graduates are awarded a Montréal Destination Specialist certificate, valid for two years, and get the chance to win a spot on a Montréal fam trip.

Register to boost your sales now at mtl.org/montrealspecialist

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© EVA BLUE TOURISME MONTRÉAL

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There's a reason why Montréal is known as the City of Festivals and these really hot up in winter.

Spanning four weekends in January and February, Fête des Neiges features a meandering TAKE TO THE SLOPES ice-skating path which leads to ice slides, ice Winter sports enthusiasts flock to Montréal for its sculpting, outdoor karaoke and live music. pristine blanket of snow and long season.

Another family favourite is Barbegazi, a free Cross-country skiers and snowshoe explorers action-sports festival at the foot of Montréal’s will thrill at the number of parks with Olympic Stadium where you can try AUDE CHAUVIN E-M trails, including Mount Royal, your hand at traditional winter R O AD -M Maisonneuve park and Jeansports or axe throwing, AL É TR Drapeau park, with its views arm-wrestling and electric of the St. Lawrence River go-karting before refueling and downtown skyline. with some mulled wine.

You can sled down Igloofest, the selfhundreds of hills, and described “coldest for snowboarding and music festival in the downhill ski fans there’s world,” draws tens of a great spot within thousands to Montréal the city itself: Pente à every winter to party neige, a beginner-friendly under the stars – yes, it's urban ski centre that outdoors – to a line-up of also offers snowtubing and international DJs spinning tobogganing. the best in electronic music.

Many of Montréal’s parks double There’s even a coolest-snowsuit as ice rinks in the winter, complete with competition, so come equipped! twinkling music and snack bars at some. Skates MONTRÉAL EN LUMIÈRE warms February up with are available for rent in many locations including world-class gastronomy and wine tastings, live Mount Royal Park and Parc La Fontaine. For the music, outdoor performances and dazzling art and ultimate festive experience, the Old Port’s Natrel light installations right in the heart of downtown Skating Rink, next to the St. Lawrence River, offers Montréal. Isn't it a good time to have a Montréal themed music nights. moment? mtl.org •

ALL IMAGES © TOURISME MONTRÉAL

In Montréal, winter isn’t about cocooning it’s about bundling up and getting out there – to experience exactly how cool cold weather can be

LOCALS EMBRACE WINTER – BUT WRAP UP

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10 | TOP TEN

IN THE

gallery

Canada’s world-class museums reflect the diversity of the country’s history, from dinosaurs, First Nations and fur traders up to modern day human rights. Rupert Parker suggests 10 of the best

NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA, OTTAWA

ART GALLERY OF ONTARIO, TORONTO

Although the huge spider outside the building was designed by French artist Louise Bourgoise, the focus here is Canadian art. Works

by Emily Carr, Louis-Philippe Hébert, Alex Colville, Tom Thomson and Jack Bush sit alongside Inuit art whose highlights include evocative sculptures by Kiugak Ashoona, the black on grey stylistic imagery of Kenojuak Ashevak and surrealistic works by Shuvinai Ashoona. Regular Family Sunday events give parents the chance to paint, draw and play together as a family. gallery.ca

Redesigned by Torontoborn architect Frank Gehry in 2008, the gallery has the finest collection of Canadian paintings in the world. On its six floors you’ll also find European art and the world’s largest collection of works by Henry Moore. Contemporary art is represented by European, British and American artists from 1960 onwards. Families can take a flashlight tour of the Thomson Collection of Ship Models with interactive drawing and paper boat folding, while dedicated Tuesday morning tours are available for parents with little ones. ago.ca

MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY VANCOUVER, BC This fabulous museum at the university of British Columbia promotes understanding of world cultures with special emphasis on the province’s First Nations, with totem poles from the coastal tribes of the Haida, Salish, Tsimshian and Kwakiutl, alongside Haida houses. There are also artefacts from the Inuit and Northwest tribes including jewellery masks and baskets. Running until summer 2020 is a special exhibition on Northwest Coast Art, a display of historical Indigenous artworks. moa.ubc.ca

CANADIAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY, OTTAWA The Grand Hall features around 20 Pacific Coast totem poles, standing outside six Aboriginal houses. Canada Hall details the country’s history from a Viking colony to the present day, with reconstructions of a trading post, a frontier farm, a Maritime shipyard and a 1900s Ontarian main street. Its colourful Children’s Museum is focused on different cultures from around the world and is packed with hands-on fun.

Kids can dress up and play in exhibits such a Bedouin tent or European street scene. historymuseum.ca

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CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA The only museum of its kind in the world is a riot of swirling glass, reaching up to a single pinnacle on the banks of the Assiniboine River. Inside the facility are 11 galleries on seven levels, linked by rising alabaster walkways. They deal with the history of human rights but also bring attention to modern-day issues. Diverse accounts of survival, resistance and resilience are brought to life using art, movies, artefacts and media. humanrights.ca

ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM, TORONTO The flashy extension to this museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind, appears to be five giant crystals. Inside are 13 million works of art, cultural items and samples of natural history in 40 galleries. The First Peoples gallery examines native cultures and artefacts, include the war bonnet and shirt of Sitting Bull. The Chinese collection has temple wall paintings from the Yuan Dynasty and a Ming Tomb, the only one outside of China. Kids will love some of the interactive displays, which include the chance to explore a virtual bat cave. rom.on.ca

ROYAL BC MUSEUM, VICTORIA, BC The human history of British Columbia is explored in three galleries. Natural History recreates BC habitats, including coastal rainforests, with sights, sounds and smells. First Nations deals with indigenous art and culture with artefacts from the Haida people, including the long house of a Kwakwaka'wakw chief. Modern History includes a life-sized recreation of Queen Victoria and Chinatown. Family Night at the Museum sessions give youngsters the chance to embrace their inner Indiana Jones. It also has midnight feasts. royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

ROYAL TYRELL MUSEUM OF PALEONTOLOGY, DRUMHELLER, ALBERTA Containing around 120,000 specimens, this is the world’s largest collection of complete dinosaur skeletons, with 40 of them mounted in the Dinosaur Hall, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Albertosaurus, Stegosaurus and Triceratops. Exhibits trace the earth’s natural history and you can watch scientists working on fossils in the Preparation Lab. Children can try fossil casting or indulge in a simulated dinosaur dig. tyrrellmuseum.com

CANADIAN WAR MUSEUM, OTTAWA Tracing its history back to 1880, Canada’s national museum of military history boasts over three million artefacts in its collection – including more than 14,000 works of art. Its Canadian Experience Galleries chronicle Canada’s involvement in conflicts from earliest times to present day, as well as the country’s history of honouring and remembrance. A programme of special exhibitions keeps things fresh and shapes activities – a recent Highland Warriors display included family-friendly fun on making (and fighting) with swords! warmuseum.ca

REMAI ART GALLERY OF SASKATCHEWAN, SASKATOON The distinctive coppercoloured glass and steel structure houses one of the country’s best contemporary art collections across its 11 gallery spaces. It offers a unique perspective on art and culture in the 21st century, with a special emphasis on contemporary works by indigenous and Métis artists. It also is home to the world’s most complete collection of linocuts by Picasso and 20 of his ceramics. Running until April 2020 is the Sonnabend Collection, one of the world's most significant private holdings of modern and contemporary art. remaimodern.org

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ATLANTIC CANADA

Fall for Atlantic Canada The autumn months may have set in but there’s plenty on offer in Atlantic Canada to beat any seasonal blues

W

hether your clients are looking for fall favourites or booking a summer trip in advance, we’ve roundedup the most immersive experiences across Atlantic Canada.

© TP

NEW BRUNSWICK New Brunswick hosts one of its biggest annual events, The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival, each September. The six-day fusion of jazz and blues features over 400 artists from across the globe.

The Indulge Food and Wine Festival follows in October with a series of seasonal events including mulled cider by the fire, the blueberry pie fundraiser and the Harvest Feast .

Alternatively, encourage clients to wrap up warm and spend the day canoeing at Arpin Canoe Restigouche. They'll appreciate the chance to admire the autumnal colours from the river and spy eagles and moose.

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RESTIGOUCHE RIVER, NEW BRUNSWICK

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR The rugged coastline, dramatic skies and lonely lighthouses of Newfoundland make for perfect photo opportunities in the fall. Clients can get that money shot on a Lighthouses of Avalon Photo Tour let by professional photographer, Maurice Fitzgerald.

Or suggest taking full advantage of the flavourful season with a Experience Twillingate Sea to Plate tour. Forage for berries or enjoy fish straight from the ocean. This is also the season for spotting marine life and a Fall For Dolphins tour is the best way to capture a glimpse of pods of dolphins and minke whales.

NOVA SCOTIA

CAPE BRETON ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Nothing warms the soul like a tipple on a cool autumn’s day. The Nova Scotia Good Cheer Trail – Canada’s first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail, comprises 50 stops all featuring locally-produced brews.

Alternatively, enjoy the fall colours as you drive along the world famous Cabot Trail.

The Skyline Sunset Hike at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is listed among Destination Canada’s Signature Experiences (CSP). Do you have a client who is a golf enthusiast? A round on Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links guarantees stunning ocean vistas on two courses that have been likened to Pebble Beach in California.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

SEASONAL CHARM

QUIDI VIDI, NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

Autumn is a fantastic time for travelling in Atlantic Canada, with comfortable temperatures for exploring and the added bonus of spectacular autumn foliage of fiery reds and stunning yellows and golds.

Clients can immerse themselves with island traditions and authentic experiences as part of their trip to Prince Edward Island. Why not get hands on with a basket- weaving workshop and take home a one of a kind souvenir?

There’s also the chance to add to a summer booking by reserving a trail ride on horseback.

Brudenell Riding Stables offers tours through wooded terrain and along the banks of the Brudenell River. Finish the day with a Fireworks Feast at the Inn at Fortune Bridge and rosy your cheeks next to the wood oven. •

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S:7.7677 in

Flying to Toronto is a dream.

S:11.1929 in

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14 | EXPERIENCE CANADA

JUMP

right in Visitors seeking adventure are spoilt for choice in Canada. Anna Maria Espsäter looks at some of the options

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nsurprisingly, a country as vast as Canada offers the visitor an incredible variety of experiences.

Photograph wildlife in the Yukon, take a culinary walk through Québec City, go whale-watching in New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy or learn to play ice-hockey near Calgary – whatever your passion, you’ll find a place to indulge it.

Food & drink

There’s far more to Canadian cooking than maple syrup. Ask people to describe national cuisine though and you might get very different answers. Canada’s cuisine, like the country itself, is an international melting pot of flavours and influences from all over the world.

Gastronomy is also highly regional in character, and while bigger cities often have dishes from

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EXPERIENCE CANADA | 15

SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY

different regions, in the countryside you’re more likely to sample the local fare. Destination Canada’s Signature Experiences (CSE) include many food and drink adventures across the country (uk-keepexploring.canada.travel).

Coastal Canada is well-known for its excellent seafood and you can learn from experts at the Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School (CSE).

It’s easy to combine a winter adventure in Whistler with a fine dining tour of the resort’s best restaurants, complete with local wines (CSE). In fact, nearly half of Canada’s provinces are wine-producing, and their wines, including ice wines, are increasingly gaining international recognition.

Several wineries, such as Inniskillin in Ontario, do tours and experience days (CSE).

Canada is, however, perhaps more associated with beer than wine and numerous innovative craft breweries have sprung up across the country, from larger cities to tiny villages.

Food and beer tours are also popular with UK visitors – for example, The Ultimate Canadian Craft Beers Tour in Toronto (CSE) gives a good introduction to some of the city's breweries.

THE CN TOWER EDGEWALK

Cityscapes

Canada's cities, regardless of size, often come across as laidback and with a casual vibe.

In fact, only five cities have a population of over one million, although the capital Ottawa looks likely to catch up soon. Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton each offer a wide variety of activities and adventures.

The CN Tower EdgeWalk (CSE) in Toronto, the highest hands-free walk in the world, is not for the fainthearted and thrill-seekers won’t be disappointed. Calgary’s world-renowned stampede is a must-visit event on the Canadian summer calendar (July 3-12 2020), while winter visits to Québec can take in Montréal en Lumière (CSE), a festival of arts, music, culture and plenty of Québécois nosh (such as poutine and yes, maple syrup).

Montréal is also home to renowned Cirque du Soleil and a good place to see one of its shows.

The smaller provincial capitals such as Charlottetown (population less than 40,000), on Prince Edward Island, or Fredericton in New Brunswick, are particularly charming.

The latter is home to one of Canada’s best music festivals, the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival, which sets up stages across town for three days every September. Robert Plant and Jason Isbell were two of the stars at this year's festival.

Outdoor activities

HARVEST JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

Canadian cities are never far from the great outdoors. There is no shortage of outdoor adventures across Canada at any time of year in the numerous parks, protected areas and reserves. Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding or white-water rafting are popular options spring to autumn, while during the winter months places to both cross-countryand downhill ski abound, or try dogsledding, snowshoeing, snow biking or even curling.

In the winter ice-skating can be enjoyed in the heart of Ottawa, when the UNESCO and National Historic Site Rideau Canal freezes.

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16 | EXPERIENCE CANADA

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS HOVER OVER SEVERAL OF CANADA'S REGIONS

Following in Nordic footsteps, it’s possible to stay in an ice hotel in Québec, freshly created each winter, with many activities included in the hotel stay (CSE).

Indigenous & Arctic Canada

Clients wanting to combine outdoor adventures with indigenous culture and experiences have plenty of options.

Winter can be a spectacular time to visit the Arctic provinces of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut for snowmobile adventures, snowshoeing, dogsledding, reindeer herding and Arctic gastronomy. With a bit of luck, you can also catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights; December to March is the best time and the more remote, the better (less light pollution).

It’s even possible to stay in a teepee near Yellowknife for a close-to-nature experience.

Manitoba, Yukon, Newfoundland & Labrador also offer excellent aurora-viewing possibilities.

There are plenty of interesting experiences to be enjoyed the rest of the year too.

Open year round, the Huron-Wendat Heritage Museum (CSE) outside Québec City, is an excellent museum, hotel and restaurant focused on Huron-Wendat culture and traditions.

In North Vancouver, British Columbia, Takaya Tours take visitors out in replica ocean-going canoes, telling stories of Tsleil-Waututh First Nations history and traditions.

Also in British Columbia, the remote Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site (CSE), is a sacred Haida First Nation spiritual place and a UNESCO site well worth a visit, despite its remote location.

Wildlife

No visit to Canada would be complete without some quality wildlife viewing and with scenery and habitats varying widely, the provinces provide very different experiences.

Well-known for its large mammals from grizzly

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An eight-day Eastern Canada journey is from £1,520pp (£995 tour only), in May 2020. prestigeholidays.co.uk

and polar bears to wolves, moose and caribou, Canada is also a great place for whale- and birdwatching.

Humpback whales and white-sided dolphins can be seen in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, from June to October.

Churchill, Manitoba, is the world leader when it comes to getting close to polar bears (CSE). Providing a different, up-close wildlife experience, Québec’s Omega Park, between Ottawa and Montréal, is a year-round safari park best explored by car (as animals roam the entire enclosure).

It provides excellent wildlife viewing with three species of wolf, musk ox, bears, caribou, coyotes, wild turkeys and much more.

Although not a traditional wildlife experience, a horseback riding adventure taps into the spirit of the Canadian west and prairies.

The great prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta are wonderful places to get in touch with your inner cowboy/girl, and some packages come complete with ranch-style feasts and even wine-tasting. explore-canada.co.uk •

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QUÉBEC

Winter wonders While winter marks the quiet season for many destinations, in Québec outdoor adventures are just beginning

SNOWMOBILING

IS

With 20,500 miles of trails in Québec, snowmobiling is the perfect activity for anyone craving outdoor adventures - it was even invented in Québec!

Glide over frozen lakes, explore the boreal forest or travel to magical spots inaccessible by car.

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SNOWSHOEING

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Snowshoeing is a great way to take in the province's scenery and trails often incorporate national parks. Your clients can choose from a short day exploring the area to several days rambling in the wilderness. Both offer the chance to spot wildlife like deer, moose and porcupine.

Being on-the-move means they can enjoy varied accommodation along the way too.

Arguably the most fun you can have on the snow and one of the region's most popular winter activities, snow tubing requires no skill and is a simple as sliding down the slopes in an inflatable ring.

Village Vacances Valcartier, just 20 minutes from Québec City, features 35 innertube runs and claims to be North America's largest 'winter playground'. Slide on an individual inner tube, or whirl down on the Tornado, a huge tube that can accommodate up to eight people. •

THERE ARE NIGHT RUNS THROUGHOUT QUÉBEC

ICE FISHING There’s nothing more satisfying than taking home the catch of the day, especially when you’ve caught it ice fishing.

Participants will learn age-old techniques originating from indigenous communities and have the chance to catch walleye, northern pike and yellow perch, amongst other native species.

In February keen fisherman can attend Tomcod Ice Fishing Festival in Sainte-Annede-la-Pérade.

Guests can stay in one of 500 ice fishing cabins and enjoy angling contests. quebecoriginal.com

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SKIING Skiers flock to the slopes for the chance to ski from sunrise to well beyond sunset at one of the night slopes in the region. Whether clients are avid skiers or a family taking to the slopes for the first-time, there’s plenty of room to accommodate all levels. The main resorts being: Owl's Head (Eastern Township); Tremblant (Laurentians) and Le Massif de Charlevoix (Charlevoix).

DOGSLEDDING Feel the power of the pack as you set off on a journey across the open terrain led by man’s faithful friends. Historically an important mode of transport, dogsledding is an unique way to travel and a great winter experience. Each sled normally consists of four to nine dogs and a 'musher' who may even offer a lesson on how to drive the sledge.

TAKE IN THE VIEWS ON A SNOWSHOE HIKE

ABITIBI-TÉMISCAMINGUE©TQ M.DUPUIS

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ith up to 700cm of snowfall each year, Québec has a no-nonsence approach to winter. It’s a time when snowshoes are strapped on, fishing rods are dug out and après-ski is a part of day-today life. So tell clients to wrap up warm and embrace the winter months like a Québécois.

ENJOY THE CATCH OF THE DAY

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ALBERTA

18 | EXPERIENCES

Spotlight on...

Jasper Food Tours Estelle Blanchette, founder of Jasper Food Tours, explains to Steve Hartridge how she’s helping visitors explore the town's history and culture through its cuisine

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elf-confessed foodie Estelle Blanchette was working as the media and distribution manager for Tourism Jasper when she took a food tour in Vancouver and had a eureka moment.

“Jasper also needs this,” she thought and, given her background as a hotel manager and overseeing kitchens and restaurants, realised she could be the one to put it together.

Jasper Food Tours was born, daily-operated three-hour walking tours that start out (at 14.30) from the town's Visitor Information Center – with no minimum number of participants required for them to run.

The tours showcase Jasper's diverse food scene but also take in the small railway town’s rich history – such as its once-role in the fur trade – its mountain culture and some of its communities.

Eclectic cuisine

The small group tours weave around Jasper’s historic attractions, including Locomotive 6015, the Two Brothers Totem Pole and the Jasper Heritage Fire Hall, stopping for refreshments at four Selling Canada WINTER 2019/20

locally-owned restaurants where guests are served a dish paired with an alcoholic or soft drink.

The restaurants, chosen not only for the quality of their food but also for their backstories and their community involvement, are very different from each other, which demonstrates the diversity of Jasper’s cuisine, which Estelle describes as ‘eclectic’.

“You’ll find plenty of Canadian classics, with lots of the beef Alberta is famed for, and game meat. We also have a growing craft brewery scene, but it’s the people that really inspire the cuisine in town,” she adds.

“There is an important Greek influence here and international fusions of all sorts. The food is very much a reflection of our diverse community.

“In fact, most of the workforce here isn’t from Jasper or even Canada.

"People come to the town from all corners of the world on a working holiday: we have lots of Australians, and those from all over Europe, Asia, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"They are the ones inspiring the cuisine, hence why you may find a beautiful

BC Wild Sockeye Salmon served with gorgeous Pico de Gallo,” she added.

Jasper’s local and international mix is reflected in Estelle’s choice of restaurant stops on her tour.

These include the Raven Bistro, a Moroccan/Mediterranean fusion restaurant; the Mediterranean-style Olive Bistro; the more traditional Jasper Brewing Co, the first brewery to operate in a Canadian National Park and the founding brewery of the Bearhill Family of Alberta breweries; and the De’d Dog Bar in the historic Astoria Hotel, owned by the Andrews family for four generations.

Community stories

“We talk a lot about the entrepreneurs behind each restaurant, their family and connection with the community,” said Estelle, who has taken her business to new heights this year with the launch of a Peak-Nic tour, a 3.8 kilometre hike to the top of a local peak followed by a backcountry cooking lesson.

While farm-to-table food sourcing isn’t easy to achieve in Jasper, due to its mountain location, the Jasper Local Food Society brings weekly farmers markets to town in the summer. The society is also responsible for the community gardens project, which Estelle and her guests visit on the Food Tour.

Jasper Food Tours work with all the major receptive wholesalers that partner with UK tour operators. jasperfoodtours.com •

city profile: calgary | 19

Peak performer It built its fortune on beef and oil and Calgary is still perfect for visitors with a pioneering spirit, says Lynn Houghton who revisits the town of her birth

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t an altitude of 1,045 metres, Calgary is situated high in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

The capital of Alberta, and its largest city with a population of 1.3 million, is where I was born. My early memories are of snow – and more snow. I was born on September 30, on a day when the thermometer hit –30C, and my first winter was rather chilly.

Inhabited by native people for 10,000 years, the city began modern life in 1875 as a fort for the North-West Mounted Police. The name (Cala-ghearridh in Gaelic) translates as ‘Pasture by the Bay’. The railway came in 1883 and the settlement grew rapidly, but it was the discovery of oil in 1914 that really put Calgary on the map.

Skate expectations This rich oil town now has a booming cultural scene. First stop should be the Calgary Tower. At 190 metres tall it offers great views of the city and a revolving restaurant. The nearby Olympic Plaza, one of the 1988 Winter Olympics venues, hosts festivals and activities such as ice skating.

Calgary is home to an ice hockey team, the Calgary Flames, with matches at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

night fever Running from Inglewood to Studio Bell in the East

Village is Calgary’s Music Mile. Home to an eclectic group of venues hosting a variety of genres, live music can be heard any day of the week. Favourites include Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar, which has singersongwriters performing on Thursday nights, and Blues Can, a music venue that hosts a minimum of 12 shows a week.

Other popular venues are Broken City, a popular dive bar Canada As You Like It with an authentic 020 8742 8299 vibe, and Cowboys A 10-night fly-drive to Alberta and Dance Hall, situated British Columbia starts from £1,683pp, right inside the including return flights from the UK to Cowboys Casino Calgary, room-only accommodation which celebrates (two nights in Calgary) and country music, pop fully-inclusive car hire. and line-dancing. canadaasyoulikeit.com Cannibale is a barber shop during the day and a secretive cocktail bar at night.

Book it!

Top Experiences

Festivals: Each summer the 10-day Calgary Stampede comes to town (July 3-12 2020). The second-largest rodeo in the world offers colour, cowboys and First Nation participants, but it is the horses

that capture children’s imagination. The main parade is headed up by glamorous riders on glorious steeds bedecked in ornate silver saddles. Vaqueros (cowboys) wear enormous sombreros and elaborate embroidered costumes.

Activities: The WinSport Canada Olympic Park is a must-see attraction for visitors during the colder months. Built for the 1988 Winter Olympics it was also the backdrop for the film, Eddie the Eagle.

Families particularly enjoy the Luge, a gravity ride that gives riders full control over their ascent as they drop 100 metres. In the summer, North America’s fastest zipline – which hits 88mph – starts from the 90-metre ski jump tower.

Museums: Calgary has some of the best art museums in Canada, including the Glenbow Museum focusing on Western North American art; the Nickle Galleries, the creative hub of the University of Calgary, and Contemporary Calgary specialising in modern art. Don’t miss the outstanding Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre.

The Telus Spark Science Museum, which began life as a planetarium, offers an interesting mix of interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations. • Selling Canada WINTER 2019/20

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20 | MIND, BODY & SOUL

Just what the doctor

ORDERED Whether you’re looking for a cultural escape, active adventure or relaxing retreat, Canada’s diverse landscapes and experiences will deliver, says Lauren Jarvis

W BOOK IT | Canadian Affair | | 0203 424 9789 |

Spend eight nights exploring Vancouver Island in British Columbia, including nine days' car hire, eight nights' accommodation and an eco-tour by Zodiac. From £2,207pp based on May 2020 departures on Air Transat canadianaffair.com

hatever your clients' holiday moods they’ll find a destination or activity to match in Canada’s dynamic cities and breathtaking wild places.

Looking for an action-packed break?

Opportunities abound for hiking and biking, exploring rivers, lakes and three epic oceans by kayak or canoe, and enjoying winter sports.

If some R&R is what you need, spas and natural hot springs in stunning locations will soothe stresses away, while stargazing and nights under the Northern Lights will restore and revive even the world-weariest of travellers.

Engaging museums and immersive First Nations encounters will captivate culture seekers, and for those wanting to push personal boundaries, there are extreme adventures and unique wildlife interactions.

Best for… Mind

Canada has plenty to offer those looking for an authentic cultural experience. Its mulicultural cities host festivals year round, and a rich indigenous heritage is shared by First Nations communities across the country.

In Winnipeg, the world’s first museum of its kind, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

(humanrights.ca), leads visitors on an emotional journey through interactive displays, and in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario (ago.ca) houses over 95,000 works of art.

Stay in a traditional longhouse, learn about First Nation peoples’ myths and crafts, and dine on contemporary indigenous cuisine at the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations in Québec (tourismewendake.ca). Or watch a Pow Wow dance at the Canadian Museum of History then travel down the Ottawa River in a Montréal Canoe, learning about the lives of aboriginal explorers (indigenous-experiences.ca).

The first European settlement in North America, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site in Newfoundland (pc.gc.ca), immerses visitors in Viking life and legends, while a stay at Naujaat – an Inuit community in the Arctic Circle – offers a unique glimpse into life on the tundra and the historical whaling and trapping industries (greatcanadiantravel.com).

Montreal hosts the world’s biggest jazz festival (montrealjazzfest.com), Vancouver dazzles with the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks festival (hondacelebrationoflight.com) and one of the largest international film festivals draws stars of the big screen to Toronto (tiff.net).

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JASPER NATIONAL PARK

DIVE ON A SHIPWRECK IN FIVE FATHOMS NATIONAL PARK

com) and the chance to drive your own dog-sled team through the beautiful boreal forests of Saskatchewan (sundogs.sk.ca).

But you don’t always have to head outside to find active adventures: at Alberta's West Edmonton Mall you can surf the World Waterpark FlowRider or skate at the Mayfield Ice Palace (wem.ca).

Best for… Soul

Best for… Body

Canada’s wilderness offers no end of outdoor adventures, from gentle hikes in some of the world’s most spectacular national parks to ice climbing on frozen waterfalls.

Enjoy incredible vistas at every turn on a cycling tour through Alberta’s Rocky Mountains from Jasper to Banff (mountainmadnesstours. com), or pedal The Cabot Trail through Nova Scotia’s stunning Cape Breton Highlands on a five-day, 200-mile loop (freewheeling.ca).

The mighty Yukon River is a playground for stand-up paddleboarders near the territory’s capital, Whitehorse (supyukon.ca), while paddlers can go off-grid in bear country on a challenging multi-day canoe trip to historic Dawson City (canoetrail.co.uk).

Pristine waters offer fantastic diving, with shipwrecks to be explored in Ontario’s Fathom Five National Marine Park (pc.gc.ca), while snorkellers can swim with gentle beluga whales in the Churchill River Estuary in Manitoba (travelmanitoba.com) or with seals at Quebec's Forillon National Park (plongeeforillon.com).

Winter offers up magical experiences too, including thrilling backcountry heli-skiing tours near Kamloops in British Columbia (wiegele.

Travellers will find space, peace and inspiration in Canada’s beautiful landscapes, whether that's through relaxing in a hot tub as the Aurora Borealis dances across the night sky, basking under summer sun on the shores of one of the Great Lakes or enjoying a spa tretament in one of the country's many luxury hotels.

The hot springs that sprinkle the Rocky Mountains melt stresses and strains away amidst some of the world’s most stunning alpine views.

Used by First Nations people for millennia, Banff, Radium and Miette Hot Springs (hotsprings.ca) are perfect for a spiritual soak.

You’ll find exceptional spa resorts in heavenly destinations, too, such as The Northern Lights Resort & Spa (northernlightsyukon.com) in the Yukon, or The Oak Bay Beach's Boathouse Spa in British Columbia (oakbaybeachhotel.com), where you can relax in three heated seaside mineral pools after a day on the water watching humpback whales.

On the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, remote luxury retreat Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge (churchillwild.com) offers the chance to combine wildlife and wellness with four days of hiking, yoga, meditation and fitness classes in the heart of polar bear country.

Or camp out under the stars in the Arctic wonderland of Nunavut’s Baffin Island, where local Inuit guides lead tours by snowmobile and traditional ‘Qamutik’ (wooden sled), to spot polar bears, caribou and magical narwhals along the ice floe edge (blackfeather.com). •

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE From photographing grizzly bears in the wild to taking an off-road adventure through ancient rainforests to making like a cowboy/ gril on a trail ride, Canada brings bucket-list dreams to life.

Go zipling at Niagara Falls (niagarafalls.wildplay. com), try white-water

rafting down the Rocher Fondu rapids (owlrafting.com) or challenge yourself on a five-day kayaking expedition from Vancouver Island

(westcoastexpeditions.com),

paddling with otters, sea lions, whales and orcas, or cruise amidst icebergs and whales in Newfoundland and Labrador (icebergtours.ca).

Canada's cities offer exciting pursuits too, from walking the rim of the CN Tower (cntower.ca) to soaring at 50mph down Calgary's bobsleigh track (winsport ca).

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TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN

OTENTIK TENTS ARE A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

LAKESIDE LIVING AT FLORA BORA FOREST

Stay in style Got clients tired of hotel living? Why not suggest somewhere that offers both comfort and character – one of Saskatchewan’s unique lodgings

I

n Saskatchewan, discovering unusual accommodation is as easy as finding a standard hotel room. Add character to your client's trip by putting them up in a stylish yurt, a luxury tent, or for something really original, a repurposed grain bin.

ALIVE SKY LODGE & INCREDIBLE Don't be put off by the name, these grain bins are actually the epitome of luxury living.

Guests can choose between a room in the main lodge or the luxury suite inside a metal bin, traditionally used to store the bountiful harvest. Located near Rosetown, Alive Sky Lodge & BINcredible offers a quiet country setting which is just over an hour from Saskatoon's urban amenities. Each space is self-contained with its own TV, sitting area, ensuite and bedrooms.

FLORA BORA FOREST Have your clients enjoy the cosy comfort of The Yeti Yurt or Betty’s Abode Yurt at Flora Bora Forest Lodging, near Emma and Christopher Lakes. The yurts – circular tents built from wood and canvas – act as a barrier and gateway to nature. They offer all the comforts of home, including a fully-furnished kitchen, bathroom, queen-size beds, and private deck, but guests can take a paddle in Tuddles Lake or explore the surrounding 30 acres of forest and

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nature trails right outside the door. Cruiser bikes and canoe rentals are also options.

OTENTIK RETREATS Do your clients want the camping experience but aren't prepared to rough it on holiday?

There's no need to forgo those creature comforts at Parks Canada's oTENTiks, which offer an easy and relaxing way to experience the outdoors.

Guests will hear distant black-tailed prairie dogs and see bison crossing the plains, all from the comfort of their luxury tents.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of educational programmes, offered throughout the summer.

Grasslands National Park has four reservable oTENTiks in the Frenchman Valley Campground.

MANITOU SPRINGS Known as 'The Dead Sea of Canada,' the therapeutic mineral water in the Manitou Springs has proven to significantly reduce arthritis pain. Visitors can stay in one of the guest rooms at the Manitou Springs Resort and Mineral Spa and reap the rewards from the onsite mineral pool for free. These healing properties are only found at a few places in the world including Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic and The Dead Sea of Israel.

A stay here will leave clients feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and rid of a few aches and pains. •

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HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES: THE RCMP | 23

See scarlet fever in Regina The Mounties are known for always getting their man. Stuart Forster visits Saskatchewan to find out what it takes to join the famous red-uniformed force ALL IMAGES SUPPLIED BY STUART FOSTER

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long with Niagara Falls and the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Mounties count among Canada’s national icons.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s (RCMP) dress uniform — featuring a red serge tunic, broadbrimmed hat and riding boots — is recognised around the world.

Visitors can explore the story behind Canada's national police force, the evolution of its uniforms and key moments in its history at the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The centre stands next to the RCMP Academy, known as ‘Depot’ Division, the campus where every member of the 28,000-strong force undertakes 26 weeks of intensive induction training.

Cadets learn policing skills while earning the right to wear each item of the famous uniform. This explains why troops may dress differently while parading in the popular, free-to-visit summertime Sunset Ceremonies (held from 18.45 on July 1 and on Tuesday evenings from early July into mid-August) – some have not yet earned the right to wear stripes on their breeches or to pull on their knee-length boots.

ON PARADE... MOUNTIES UNDERTAKE 28 WEEKS OF INTENSE TRAINING

A CENTURY OF THE RCMP

younger visitors, along with interactive exhibits such as driving simulators.

The adult version of the simulator is inspired by the state-of-the-art training stations used by cadets to look for dangers while driving with a blue light. Hands-on exhibits about forensics offer opportunities to learn about the techniques used by the RCMP and the chance to solve a murder.

The uniform evolved from 1873 when the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was established to enforce law and order in Canada's sparsely populated west.

The red tunic mirrored the uniform of the British military, which members of the NWMP served alongside in South Africa, to win the 'Royal' prefix. The broadbrimmed hats supplied protection from the sun on the treeless prairies.

Next year marks a century since the force’s name changed to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. That came about in 1920 and the merger of the NWMP and Dominion Police Force.

The RCMP Heritage Centre displays historic artefacts and explains the force’s modern role, encompassing anti-terrorism, policing in remote communities and international postings.

The centre is set up well for families, with visitors of all ages able to don red tunics and pose for selfies. A scavenger hunt and an I Spy trail have been created to engage

A short film, Courage in Red: Depot, is repeated throughout the day in the 124seat theatre, giving insights into the training programme undertaken by cadets. Putting on a pair of specially adapted glasses in a reconstructed dormitory means being able to experience an 'augmented reality inspection' by a sergeant major.

Visitors need to arrive before noon on weekdays to register for the Sergeant Major’s Parade, at which the cadet band plays, and to be escorted onto Depot grounds. Tours of the academy in electric buggies are an option between late-May and early-September.

Today Mounties wear blue uniforms for their day-to-day duties, with the red tunics coming out during the formation horse riding of the RCMP Musical Ride.

Virtual Reality headsets give visitors to the Heritage Centre a peek behind the scenes of that hit show. rcmphc.com •

COURAGE IN RED

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE RCMP

THE SERGEANT MAJOR'S PARADE

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24 | NATIONAL PARKS: ACTIVITIES

Let the adventures

BEGIN Canada’s 47 national parks serve up no shortage of fun outdoor activities for visitors, discovers Stuart Forster

T

here’s much more to Parks Canada sites than hiking, viewing wildlife and staring at pristine landscapes.

In addition to managing national parks and marine conservation areas, the government agency operates national historic sites offering a range of activities geared towards families, foodies and adventure seekers.

This August, Thaidene Nëné in the Northwest Territories became the country’s 47th national park. Some parks are big enough to warrant an entire trip in their own right – for example, Wood Buffalo National Park straddles the Alberta-Northwest Territories border and is bigger than Switzerland.

Bed down in Elk Island

CANOE ADVENTURE

Less than an hour’s drive from Edmonton, Alberta, Elk Island falls within Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve, with opportunities to view constellations and the Northern Lights.

Waking in the national park means being ideally placed to see bison, elk and other animals at their most active. There's no need to rough it though, beds are provided in oTENTik units – a cross between tents and A-frame cabins – at Astotin Lake Campground.

Glamping in a yurt

Circular yurts provide a comfortable place to sleep in Bruce Peninsula National Park, four hours’ drive northwest of Toronto. Heated by wood-fired stoves, the yurts are arranged by Cyprus Lake. They are kitted out with a gas barbecue, and skylight domes allow stargazing while lying in bed.

Baking at Louisbourg Fortress

Louisbourg, a partially reconstructed fortress on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, stands as a reminder of the Anglo-French military rivalry that was a force in shaping Canada’s history.

Costume-wearing re-enactors portray aspects of 18th Century life, inviting visitors to play the role of prisoners enduring public punishment.

They can also get hands on and take drill instruction and fire a musket or cannon.

Baking demonstrations show how bread was prepared in bygone times and there are rum tasting sessions too.

Traditions in a wigwam

Near Callanders Beach at Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick visitors are invited to gather in a wigwam for an immersive

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NATIONAL PARKS: ACTIVITIES | 25

ROAMING BISON

HALIFAX SOLDIER

from Greenland. Spiced partridgeberries, a local delicacy, is served in earthenware mugs.

Undergo a medical examination

The character of Sarah Wade, a nurse, invites visitors to go through an examination and disinfection at the Grosse île quarantine station.

Downriver of Québec City, the station was established in the 19th century to prevent the dispersal of immigrants carrying disease.

Thousands of Irish landed at the national historic site during the Great Famine. Thematic tours explain aspects of the island’s past and the legacy of settlers in Canada.

Family fun on a boardwalk First Nations experience on Tuesday and Sunday mornings.

A member of the Mi’gmaq nation, which inhabited the area long before the Europeans arrived and settled, tells stories giving insights into ancient folklore.

Visitors can make a friendship bracelet, while the significance of animal pelts, regalia and artefacts is explained during dance sessions.

Soak in hot springs

Take a dip in the mineral-rich, geothermally heated water of the outdoor hot pool at Radium Hot Springs in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia. There’s also a heated open-air swimming pool with views over the heavily forested mountains. Spa packages, massages and yoga sessions are also available.

Viking tales by the fireside

The remnants of a Norse settlement can be seen at L’Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of Newfoundland. During Sagas and Shadows, held on Tuesday and Saturday evenings during summertime, visitors can gather by the fireside in a reconstructed building and hear how the Vikings sailed

Visitors to Mount Revelstoke National Park in British Columbia can stroll in the world’s only inland cedar rainforest. The Skunk Cabbage Boardwalk Trail is under a mile long and gets its name from pungent plants that flower in May; it crosses a swamp providing habitat to beavers.

BOOK IT | First Class Holidays | | 0161 888 5630 |

A 13-day Charm of the East Coast escorted tour includes the Fortress of Louisbourg and L’Anse aux Meadows historic sites. Prices start from £3,888pp, including accommodation, entry to points of interest, two whale-watching tours and a scenic boat tour. fcholidays.com

Farming the way it was

Visitors can try hand-churned ice cream and wagon rides at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site in Saskatchewan, which showcases farming techniques from early in the last century. Interpreters in period costume demonstrate aspects of husbandry and give visitors an opportunity to meet working farm animals. The Symphony under the Sky — featuring live music, locally brewed craft beer and threshing demonstrations — is an example of the special events held at Parks Canada sites.

Soldier for a day in Halifax

Halifax Citadel overlooks Nova Scotia’s capital.

Visitors can join a three-hour Canadian Singature Experience to find out what it was like to be a kilt-wearing 78th Highlander, including taking part in drills and rifle practice.

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26 | BEYOND THE SKI HILLS

Snow your

OWN WAY Skiers aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a Canadian winter as there is a wealth of seasonal activities away from the slopes for everyone, says Alex Wright

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BEYOND THE SKI HILLS | 27

“CANADA COMES ALIVE IN THE WINTER AND THERE'S SO MUCH TO EXPLORE AND DO AS A NONSKIER”

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IS AVAILABLE IN ALL OF CANADA'S PROVINCES

L

ook beyond the ski slopes of Whistler, Lake Louise and Mont Tremblant and there’s so much more to Canada in winter. Whether your clients are adrenaline junkies or prefer gentler pursuits, there's a seasonal activity to suggest.

For the more energetic there is dog-sledding, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, heli-sightseeing, zip-lining, tubing, and ice-walking and climbing.

While for those who clients prefer to take a more laid-back approach there are wildlife tours, nature walks, star-gazing, exploring winter wonderland villages and festivals, relaxing in a hot tub, and hot chocolate and marshmallows by a cosy log-fire.

If retail therapy is their bag, they can get out of the cold and head to the underground cities of Montréal and Toronto, which are full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. But when up at street level, remember to pack your sunscreen and wrap up warm.

“Winter in Canada is great for everyone whether skiers or not; the roads are wellmaintained in the snow, making hiring a winteradapted car very easy,” advises Julie Thompson, Product and Marketing Manager for Frontier Travel. “Excursions such as showshoeing, icewalks and sleigh rides are relatively inexpensive and are accessible to all.”

Due to being so geared up for winter, the activities on offer in Canada are almost limitless, says Adam Hanmer, Travel Trade Manager at Destination Canada UK. “An infrastructure designed to cope with snow and ice means that travellers can concentrate on enjoying the crispness of snow underfoot,

the exhilaration of their first skating moves on a pristine lake, seeing the northern lights from the warmth of a hot tub whilst enjoying a steaming hot chocolate or exploring a Narnialike forest on snowshoes, treading lightly on the eco-environment,” he says.

“You don’t have to be a skier to engage with Canada’s winters – but we do suggest warm boots and lots of layers to copy the locals’ sense of winter dress and a sense of wonder.”

Meera Pain, Marketing Manager at First Class Holidays, adds: “Canada comes alive in winter, and there’s so much to explore and do as a non-skier. From taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride around Lake Louise, famously known as the ‘Jewel of the Rockies’, and discovering spectacular frozen waterfalls on a Johnston Canyon Ice Walk to simply admiring the surrounding beauty and taking in the crisp winter air, a visit to Canada in winter is a must.”

One thing’s for sure, with more than 450,000km2 designated as 'National Park' visitors will never be bored exploring “For a true Canadian experience, there are many kinds of winter activities available in Parks Canada places,” says Eric Magnan, Travel Media Relations Officer for Parks Canada.

“From a cosy day at the hot springs to skating on the world’s largest skating rink, you won’t even notice the cold as you warm up to winter.”

Alberta

Snowshoeing in Banff and Lake Louise There’s no better way to explore Canada in the winter than walking through the snowy tranquility under blue skies, breathing in SELLING CANADA WINTER 2019/20

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28 | BEYOND THE SKI HILLS

EASY RIDER

FAST TRACKS

THE RIDEAU CANAL IN OTTAWA BECOMES A WINTER WONDERLAND

the crisp air of this spell-binding landscape.

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and choose from the multitude of trails snaking through the pine forests and around snow-peaked mountains and icy lakes, including the Marsh Loop and Ink Pots for amazing views of nature close up, and finish with a long soak in Banff Hot Springs. banfftours.com Book it: Frontier Travel has a fly-drive package featuring two nights at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, three nights at the Fox Hotel and Suites in Banff and three nights in a lakeview room at the Fairmont Chateua Lake Louise. Prices start from £1,940pp for a late-January 2020 departure. Flights from London to Calgary, with mid-size SUV car hire and excursions are included. frontier-travel.co.uk

Ontario and Québec

BOOK IT | Prestige Holidays | | 01502 567 222 |

Discover the Rocky Mountain resorts of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise on this Winter Delights tour.

It includes seven nights' accommodation, meals, a wildlife tour in Banff National Park, snowshoeing in Marble Canyon and an ice walk along Maligne Canyon. From £1,016pp, including coach transfers. prestigeholidays.co.uk

Winter festivals in Ottawa, Québec City and Montréal Québec City, Ottawa and Montréal turn into fairytale wonderlands in the winter. The Caranval de Québec (February 7-16), features parades, shows, sports and parties, while Ottawa’s Winterlude (January 31-February 17) includes skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a giant winter playground and ice sculptures.

Or for those looking to channel their inner Innuit, Montréal’s Igloofest (January 16– February 1) is billed as the world's coldest music festival and takes place over three weekends. audleytravel.com Book it: First Class Holidays is offering an Ontario, Québec & the Maritimes Winter Retreat, a nine-day tour of Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montréal and Québec City. It is priced from £652pp, departing December 1, and includes accommodation, business-class rail travel from Toronto to Montréal, a meal overlooking Niagara Falls and a winery tour. fcholidays.com

British Columbia

Action-adventure in Whistler Whistler is the perfect base for adventure activities like ziplining, snowmobiling, ice climbing, heli-skiing, tubing and ice skating.

There’s even fat-tyre biking, ice fishing and axe throwing, while the more sporty can test themselves with the biathlon (cross-country skiing and rifle shooting) at Whistler Olympic Park. premierholidays.co.uk Book it: Prestige Holidays has a four-night stay at Delta Whistler Village (room only), starting March 5 2020. Prices start from £2,064pp, based on two sharing. Flights from Heathrow to Vancouver are included. prestigeholidays.co.uk

The Yukon

Dog-sledding and nature spotting in Whitehorse What could be more exhilarating than racing through the snowy mountainside on a sled pulled by a pack of huskies? Get your own personal musher or take the reins yourself.

Riders learn everything about this centuries’ old practice used by native Canadians – from looking feeding the dogs to riding standing up. northerntales.ca Book it: Cox & Kings has a 12-day Yukon & Alaska Wildernesss Drive that takes in Whitehorse’s Yukon National Preserve, Kluane National Park, the Haines Highway, Chilkat Pass and Dawson City. Priced from £1,345pp, car hire, maps and directions are included. coxandkings.co.uk

Nova Scotia

Winter surfing in Halifax For clients who like to do things a little differently, suggest they brave the waves and try winter surfing at Lawrencetown Beach near Halifax in January. The waves may reach up to 1.4 metres high, but this is no Bondi – the water is 0C or below, so suggest a good wetsuit. ecsurfschool.com •

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SUN PEAKS

48 hours in Sun Peaks From hikes among wildflowers to free outdoor concerts, there's plenty to convince clients to visit the resort on a Western Canada fly-drive Morning: With 18 designated hiking trails at Sun Peaks to choose from it is easy for ramblers to enjoy a stroll in the mountains. Hop on the Sunburst chairlift for a bird's-eye view of meadows ablaze with vibrant summer flora, a scene that is concealed from the winter crowds. Mid-July to mid-August is the best time to enjoy flowers like fire-red Indian Paintbrush, white-and-yellow Mountain Asters and Blue Arctic Lupins. For a serious hike head to the 'Top the World', at 2,080 metres. Or try an outdoor yoga session, surrounded by glorious alpine scenery.

Afternoon: Make the most of the plentiful summer sunshine by heading to Heffley Lake, located just a few minutes down the road from Sun Peaks. Here you’ll find Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lessons & Rentals, which offers lessons and tours of the lake, with its views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Paddle to the shoreline to spy loons, fish, turtles and the great blue herons that frequent the water's edge. The warm temperatures mean that a dip in the lake is refreshing – whether you mean to take the plunge or not!

Kayaking and canoeing is also available on McGillivray Lake, just six kilometres from Sun Peaks Resort and accessible by taking a dirt road into the backwoods.

Evening: Enjoy the last of the evening sunshine with a stop at one of Sun Peaks' many outdoor patios. For mountain views, try Bottoms Bar & Grill, or chill out by an outdoor firepit at Morrisey’s Public House patio where on many summer evenings you'll be treated to live music from a local band.

With over 20 restaurants, pubs and cafes, there’s something to satisfy every taste at Sun Peaks. Try some sushi, schnitzel, pizza, a bison burger or even a sandwich from a Polish deli before moving onto one-ofa-kind shops selling homemade fudge or hand-crafted slabs of chocolate.

DAY 2 – OUTDOOR PURSUITS

Morning: Start the day with golf at BC’s highest elevation course (1,200 metres above sea level). The 18-hole course weaves along the valley floor, around the village of Sun Peaks before opening up to offer impressive views of the surrounding mountains. There's not a dull hole on the course, but the one most likely to live longest in the memory is the par-4 16th, which has an opening shot from an elevated tee box that soars into the mountain air before landing in the valley below.

Afternoon: Sun Peaks has built a reputation for its expert mountain biking terrain and can point to some of the most technical riding in Canada. But with the opening of Progression Park in 2018, a learning and skills development area, kids and beginners of all ages can practice the core skills of mountain biking before taking to the more technical trails. After taking a mountain bike lesson, grab a lift ticket and head to the chairlift. Opened last summer,a 'Green' single-track run called 'LevelUp' winds nine kilometres back down to the town. The ride is challenging - the single track cuts through meadow and forest but hugely rewarding.

There's also an extensive network of cross-country mountain bike trails through the valley.

Evening: Sun Peaks attracts big crowds to its series of summer concerts, held at the bottom of a grassy slope where the ski runs end and the village begins. Signature events include Sun Peaks’ free Retro Concert Music Weekend and the Patio Party Weekend.

The star musical act this summer was Canadian artist Serena Ryder.

Key Selling Tip: Sell Sun Peaks as a twonight stop on a self-drive from Vancouver to the Rockies. Summer is very affordable, with rates at Sun Peaks' hotels typically substantially lower than during the other seasons, particularly winter. sunpeaksresort.com •

“THE MEADOWS ABOVE SUN PEAKS ARE ABLAZE WITH WILDFLOWERS IN THE SUMMER”

LEARN TO MOUNTAIN BIKE AT SUN PEAKS

EVENINGS CAN BE SPENT LISTENING TO LIVE MUSIC

SCENIC SURROUNDINGS ON THE GOLF COURSE

KELLY FUNK

DAY 1 – TAKE A HIKE

WALK AMONGST A RIOT OF WILDFLOWERS

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MANITOBA

REACH FOR THE STARS

BLACK BEAR

Taking the limelight With dancing skies and giant bears, clients don’t need a zoom lense to get up-close to nature in Manitoba – it’s on their doorstep

W

hile most places experience impressive sunrises and sunsets, only a few are lucky enough to enjoy skies lit up by the Northern Lights year-round.

Manitoba is one of those places.

August onwards, clients can have the magical experience of camping under the dancing skies in this rugged landscape.

BEARING ALL

Churchill’s other natural wonder is its population of polar bears that inhabit the Hudson Bay area.

Sitting directly beneath the Auroral Oval in the Clients can enjoy what Frontiers North Adventures Northern Hemisphere, Churchill is considered claims is the ‘best access in the world to view one of the top three places in the world to see the wild polar bears’ onboard The Tundra Buggy®, a Northern Lights. Although sightings are mobile viewing vehicle. The polar bears year-round, the best visibility tends to are most active in October and be in the colder months of January November as they wait for the ice to March. Clients can see the to form on Hudson Bay, giving dazzling Northern Lights in access to their winter hunting the comfort of a custom-built grounds. Alternatively, structure offering 360-degree Churchill Wild offers groundviews of the sky, a cosy level walking safaris to view Plexiglas-topped dome, or polar bears and other arctic the more affordable open-air wildlife, such as arctic fox, as deck of the Churchill Northern well as beluga whale viewing NORTHERN LIGHTS ABOVE CHURCHILL Studies Centre, 30 minutes in the summer months. outside of Churchill.

Riding Mountain National Park Nanuk Operations offers Nights boasts one of Manitoba’s largest Under Lights, a guided evening population of the polar bear’s photography outing for the chance to get that smaller cousin, the black bear. The boreal money shot of the aurora with the backdrop of forests, grasslands and wetlands create the the boreal forest. ideal habitat for these creatures. And with Meanwhile, the remoteness and lack of light sightings on the rise this year, clients have pollution makes Riding Mountain National Park in got excellent opportunities for spotting bears the southwest of the province another hot spot alongside elk, moose, lynx and bison, simply by for Northern Lights. With sightings recorded from driving through the park. •

DANCING SKIES

CITY BEARS In Winnipeg, visit polar bears at the Journey to Churchill exhibition at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Clients can watch from the underwater viewing tunnel as they swim majestically overhead. The Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, perfect for families, is a key component of the exhibit.

POLAR BEAR

S

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INTERVIEW: ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS | 31

DAVE SANFORD

Voyages of Discovery One Ocean Expeditions’ Debra Taylor explains why a Canada cruise is the perfect suggestion for explorers

ONE OCEAN

ALL ABOARD THE RCGS RESOLUTE

DAVE SANFORD

SEA KAYAKING IS ONE OF OOE'S ACTIVE DISCOVERY OPTIONS

Tell us about OOE's Canada voyages?

We offer cruises to Canada’s Canadian Arctic (the fabled Northwest Passage) and the east coast. The remote Canadian Arctic is one of the world’s last true wilderness areas and offers potential wildlife encounters with polar bears, walrus, seabirds, whales, seals, musk ox, narwhal and Arctic foxes.

Canada’s Maritimes is rich in folklore culture and wildlife, and on select voyages to the region guests may have the opportunity to visit three distinctive provinces, four national historic parks, one nature reserve, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and four of Canada’s best golf courses.

Our ‘Fins and Fiddles’ voyage is a Canadian Signature Experience (CSE). It provides guests with unrivalled access to remote communities, abundant wildlife, natural beauty and diverse cultural experiences representing Canada’s rich history.

Describe OOE's RCGS Resolute ship

ONE OCEAN

SPOT WILDLIFE SUCH AS AN ARCTIC WALRUS

AN ICE SEA CAVE IN CANADA'S ARCTIC

Explain OOE buzzwords ‘Expedition', 'Active Discovery' and 'Exploration'.

Expedition is at the core of our unique itineraries. Guests are given unparalleled experiences in the regions we travel, with the option to explore in their own way.

The Active Discovery programme is honed towards warmer special interest activities. Included in the voyage fare, these range from sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling and optional walking/ running groups.

Exploration is all about the discovery of vessels with significant historical interest. In 2014 a handful of guests were present with OOE during the Victoria Strait Expedition when Sir John Franklin's lost ship, HMS Erebus, was discovered. Since then demand has built for more itineraries focused on such nautical mysteries.

Is there a First Nations element to your Canadian Arctic cruises?

Ice strengthened and designed for exploration but also for comfort, RCGS Resolute carries up to 146 passengers. All cabins are spacious – from triple cabins to suites – with exterior views and expansive windows or portholes and private en-suite bathrooms. Two bar and lounge areas have 180-degree views and there's also a library, theatre-style presentation room, gift shop, gymnasium, wellness centre, Spa, sauna, steam room and saltwater pool.

Absolutely. In the Canadian Arctic we visit Inuit communities along Baffin Island and through the Northwest Passage. We bring Inuk guests on board to teach our passengers about their way of life. Our Canadian Arctic voyages often have Inuit guides as part of our onboard team to hold presentations, on-board activities such as crafts and music, and teach guests about their culture and history.

What about the onboard experience?

We have built our business through developing strong partnerships with agents. We provide an excellent ‘tool box’ of materials, from pdf brochures and feature sheets on selected itineraries to images, videos and ship information. A new season launch is often accompanied by a financial booking incentive. We have just launched our spring/summer 2021 Canada programme – so now is a good time to start to promote OOE! We encourage agents to experience our product and we are are happy to visit their offices for training. oneoceanexpeditions.com •

Sumptuous meals prepared by OOE’s culinary team are enjoyed in our two dining rooms. The ship’s bridge is open to passengers, who learn about navigation and enjoy some wildlife spotting.

The ‘One Lab’ is a mobile laboratory space and guests have the opportunity to learn from ocean health experts. On all OOE voyages a team of experts travel with guests, including a historian, ornithologist, naturalist, photographer-in-residence – and often a glaciologist, archaeologist, anthropologist and Inuit Guide.

What do you offer travel agents?

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32 | travel AGENTS: WHY I LOVE CANADA

What Canada means to me Canada can evoke feelings, emotions and even a little soul-searching in equal measures. Here three travel agents recount a few of their experiences and the lasting impressions they made

Paul Wells, PTA, Midcounties Co-op Travel Canada really captured my imagination – from the relaxed vibe of Vancouver to SUN PEAKS to vibrant Toronto. Canoeing on Lake McGillivray in B.C. was one of the most serene experiences of my life.

I also spent a highly emotionally charged evening with FIRST NATIONS people in Shuswap. Canada RELEASES YOUR SENSES, eases your stress levels and reconnects you with NATURE.

steph witchell, baldwins travel I love Canada for the fact you can have such AMAZING EXPERIENCES and CREATE MEMORIES without having to do anything too extraordinary.

Like walking along Mackenzie Beach in TOFINO one morning and showing my boys the huge, colourful starfish clinging to the rocks. Or taking the gondola at Lake Louise in the summer and looking down on BEARS laying among the flowers.

maggie rogers, the travelwallet

I spent six days in a tiny corner of NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR and fell in love with the place and its peace and quiet. It has amazing scenery and SEAFOOD literally from the boat via the pan onto your plate. I looked at WHALES in the bay and sat on a rock while watching Puffins fly to their nests. And I met a man who 'harvests' the Icebergs in ICEBERG ALLEY for Iceberg beer, gin & vodka!

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YUKON

Drive time

A self-drive itinerary is probably the most satisfying way to experience the Yukon. The empty roads allow visitors to combine scenic journeys with historic communities, cultural attractions and pristine wilderness. Here’s six routes that your clients simply can’t miss

ALASKA HIGHWAY Built during World War Two to link the US Mainland and Alaska, the Alaska Highway is described as ‘one of the most iconic drives in the world’. The road stretches 1,400 miles from Dawson Creek, through British Columbia and Yukon to Delta Junction in Alaska. The drive passes through diverse communities, indigenous wildlife and even a 72,000-strong Sign Post Forest.

DEMPSTER HIGHWAY

Do your clients want to get off the beaten track?

If so, then this is the drive. The 458-mile gravel highway, Canada’s only all-season public road to cross the Arctic Circle, wends its way through some spectacular scenery.

It starts near Dawson City and heads north to Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Along the way, expect colourful tundra landscapes, mountain ranges and plenty of wildlife.

KLONDIKE KLUANE LOOP Clients can go flightseeing over massive glaciers, gold panning in the heart of the Klondike and grizzly bear spotting by Kathleen Lake on this week-long loop drive. Start on the North Klondike Highway from Whitehorse to Dawson City, then via the Top of the World Highway into Alaska, returning to Canada on the Alaska Highway and back to Whitehorse.

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Picturesque towns, alpine passes and big views make this road trip one of the most popular routes in Yukon. From Whitehorse, the South Klondike Highway takes you to Skagway in Alaska, through the scenic White Pass. A ferry connects to Haines, Alaska, and the drive continues on the Haines Road and Alaska Highway through Kluane country before heading back to Whitehorse.

TOP OF THE WORLD HIGHWAY This dramatic stretch of road certainly lives up to its name.

Starting from Dawson City and crossing into Alaska via the Taylor Highway, the road sits atop the ridge line with views that go on forever. It’s particularly beautiful in September when the fall colours paint the landscape. A stop at gold-rush town Chicken will feel like a step back in time.

CAMPBELL/ CANOL

Where better to gather your thoughts than somewhere named Quiet Lake? You’ll find it along the South Canol Road, along with several other sub-alpine lake that are often frequented by the local moose.

The South Canol meets up with the Robert Campbell Highway near Ross River, which allows for a pretty loop drive through either Watson Lake or Carmacks.

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34 | my journey: NEW BRUNSWICK

Go with the tides New Brunswick offers a host of opportunities for taking a walk on the the wild side. Lynn Houghton picks 10 adventures

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he mist was descending over the bijou harbour of St Martins Village, just as we were being outfitted for our kayaking trip. The weather was closing in but the opportunity to see this coastline's famous sea caves was not something I wanted to miss.

The rain and sleet had meant forgoing a walk to the Sea Captain's burial ground in the Fundy Bay National Park. The ancient cemetery would have been beautifully atmospheric in this evening's moody weather, but we were determined to see the caves.

Our guide, Nick, of Red Rock Adventures, gave a chortle and grinned, "there's nothing to worry about. I have taken folks out in much worse weather than this, to be honest."

True to his word, navigating out of the harbour was quite easy. It was then the magic began. Weaving and paddling in and around the caves was a mystical, wonderful experience. The fog actually made it even more thrilling and spooky!

Our guide spoke at length about the many millennium it took to form the spectacular caves and rock monuments of this bay.

The highest tides in the world create a force that is hard to believe until you witness it.

The tides can frequently be as high as 30 feet, and occur twice a day!

The sea life attracted by this watery phenomena is fabulous. The whale watching is some of the best in the world but another great activity is getting out into the cold water in a tiny vessel with the local lobster fisherman and helping with the catch – and then enjoying it during a crustacean BBQ .

Tidal force

New Brunswick’s west coast on the Bay of Fundy is an outdoor lover’s paradise. First and foremost, are those the extreme tides.

The tidal force of the Atlantic squeezing water into a relatively small space sees billions of tonnes of water moving in and out of this basin - which has created some of the most remarkable rock formations and sea caves anywhere in the world.

There are also six million hectares of forest throughout the province, which are home Selling Canada WINTER 2019/20

to wildlife such as moose, American brown bear, deer and hare. The coastline’s marine mammals include harbour and grey seals and the province’s rivers have salmon, small mouth bass, brook trout and perch.

The lobster is superlative and I enjoyed this tasty crustacean at several excellent places.

Here are 10 New Brunswick experiences to suggest to clients.

Kayaking sea caves at St. Martin's The sea caves at St. Martins Village have been carved out of the red-stone cliffs by countless millennia of water action. Kayaking in and around the caves on a summer’s evening during high tide is relaxing, yet transformative. You'll paddle past charming bridges and colourful fishing boats, before exploring the caves in your kayak. Later, enjoy smoked salmon prepared by your guides. bayoffundyadventures.com Learning night-time photography Kevin Snair gives interpretive tours of these incredible rock formations, located on the beach of Hopewell Cape (five months of the year). His night-time photography of the rocks, framed by the Aurora Borealis or Milky Way, are exceptional. Anyone can sign up for a lesson, which lasts 2.5 hours – just bring your own DSLR, tripod and flashlight. creativeimagery.ca Fly-fishing on the Miramichi River There are few better places to try your hand at fly-fishing than the Miramichi River, which produces more Atlantic Salmon a year than any other river in the world.

Foraging in the Chamook Mountains Chris Aerni, head chef at the Rossmount Inn, takes guests foraging into the local mountains to experience the bounty of the forest. However, he is just as likely to collect fresh produce from the hotel’s extensive kitchen garden for that evening’s meal. Look for fiddleheads (baby ferns) in the woods – they are a delicious treat. rossmountinn.com

my journey: NEW BRUNSWICK | 35

Whale-watching, Grand Manan Island A ferry journey is required to get to Grand Manan Island, which has the highest tides in the world. So confident are Sea Watch Tours that you'll spot whales during the season from July to September that they'll refund your money if you don't! seawatchtours.ca

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Park yourself The Bay of Fundy National Park is well known for its Fundy Trail but there are thousands of hectares of native Acadian forest here peppered with hiking and biking trails.

Other great parks in Canada on my 'hit list' include

• Kouchibouguac National Park extends for a significant distance along the Atlantic Coast. It is famous for its gorgeous sandy beaches and some of the warmest waters on the Eastern Seaboard.

• Atmospheric Gros Morne Mountain is the second highest peak in Newfoundland. Its flat top, with a terrain similar to Arctic tundra, was once the home of rock ptarmigan, Arctic hare, and woodland caribou.

• Yukon’s Kluane National

Park is home to Canada’s highest peak, 5,959-metre Mount Logan. A boating trip along the 250km Alsek River affords breathtaking views of glaciers and pristine wilderness.

• In the Laurentian mountains of Québec lies La Mauricie National Park. With 150 lakes it is perfect for those who enjoy water sports.

• Grasslands National Park is in southern Saskatchewan.

The only black-tailed prairie dog colonies in the country are here as well as bison, grizzly bears, coyotes, swift foxes, elk and wolverines.

View the reversing rapids of the Saint John River at the Skywalk Attraction The Saint John River begins in Northern Main and flows along the west of the province before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.

However, when the huge tidal waters are in reverse, it creates the illusion that the river is actually flowing in the opposite direction. You can view this natural phenomenon, caused by the tides of the Bay of Fundy, from the SKYWALK Saint John at the Reversing Falls Rapids Tourist Centre. skywalksaintjohn.com

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Lobster Rolls and sticky buns The bijou village of Alma is at the entrance to the Bay of Fundy National Park.

Try a sticky bun at Kelly’s Bakery or a lobster roll at Alma’s Boathouse.

Paddle boarding Paddle boarding in the Kouchibouguac Lagoon is a great activity particularly as the water here is so warm. Visitors can rent paddleboarding equipment at Ryans Rental Centre or just hang out on Kelly’s Beach.

Cycling in the Bay of Fundy National Park There are numerous cycling trails in this big national park. The Fundy Trail alone is 41 kms long, with arresting views over the water.

Several trails are aimed at mountain bikers. velo.nb.ca/touring/

Book it!

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Frontier Canada has a week in New Brunswick, from £1,255pp.

Includes two nights at St Martins Country Inn, two nights in St Andrews and one night each in Halifax and Miramichi, plus car hire. Flights with Westjet from Gatwick. frontier-canada.com destinationcanada.com

Stroll through a loyalist town Suggest St Andrews for history buffs.

Loyalists fleeing the U.S. Revolutionary War fled to Canada and many settled here. Much of the architecture from that period still remains including historic Anglican Churches. standrewsbythesea.ca.

1 Fly-fishing on the Miramichi River 2 Saint John River Rapids 3 Northern Lights at Hopewell Rocks 4 Skywalk, Saint John 5 Tender boat off of Grand Manan Island; 6 Enjoy superb whale watching 7 St. Martins Country Inn Selling Canada Winter 2019/20

ONTARIO

Northern highlights Ontario is so much more than its capital, Toronto. Encourage clients to head north to explore the wild side of the province

N

orthern Ontario is big. Within it sits large cities and small towns, national parks home to sleeping giants, canyons navigated by trains and the largest of the Great Lakes of North America – and that’s only the start of it! But as big as it is, clients can still have intimate moments and make lasting memories.

NORTHEAST ONTARIO It’s not every day you come across a shipwreck in a lake, but divers can explore 22 of them beneath the waters of Lake Huron, within the Fathom Five National Marine Park. Non-divers can still get a glimpse of some wrecks from the surface by renting a kayak. As well as making a great viewing platform, it's also one of the best ways to view the hidden coves, channels and forests that line the shore.

From one big lake to 50 smaller lakes, Killarney Provincial Park offers canoeists impressive views of the white hills of the La Cloche range, which can also be explored as part of a hiking or biking trail.

For city slickers, Sudbury, Northern Ontario’s largest city, is known for its arts, music and outdoor recreation. Families will love Science North, an interactive science museum featuring an IMAX theatre and a digital planetarium.

There’s also the chance to stare at the world’s largest nickel - why not?

VIEW FALL COLOURS ONBOARD THE AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN

SAILING AROUND LAKE SUPERIOR

ALGOMA COUNTRY Sault. Ste. Marie is the start of a multitude of scenic routes heading into the Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park and onwards to Lake Superior.

NORTHWEST ONTARIO SCIENCE NORTH, SUDBURY

NORTHERN LIGHTS

CLIENTS CAN TRY PADDLEBOARDING

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train will transport you into the heart of the Agawa Canyon, with stops allowing passengers to get up-close to waterfalls, experience scenic vistas from various look-out points or relax by the Agawa River. The train ride is especially spectacular in autumn, when the changing leaves are ablaze with red and gold hues.

Back in town, clients can learn about forest fire protection at the Bushplane Heritage Centre, and climb aboard the collection of planes that once kept these forests safe from harm.

Timmins, known as 'The City with a Heart of Gold,' is well situated for seeing the aurora borealis because of its northern location and low light pollution. Fall and winter are the best times to see them, with darker days and chilly nights.

A scenic drive from Sault. Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay on Lake Superior marks the start of the northwest, where visitors have their pick of parks and endless vistas.

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and forms part of the Lake Superior Provincial Park. The changing scenery means that no two pictures are ever the same, with cliffs, beaches, river valleys, waterfalls, inland lakes, and the Algoma Hills in the background. Sail Superior offers daily tours of the lake, giving access to hard-to-reach places and secluded lunch spots.

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Quetico Provincial Park also boast big views and outdoor pursuits such as hiking, boating and camping under the stars. •

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HOW TO CANADA: SOCIAL INFLUENCERS | 37

How to Canada Three British influencers were sent on a journey to discover ‘How to Canada’ as part of a new seven-part video series from Destination Canada. Here's what they got up to....

JENNY JONES journeyed through BRITISH COLUMBIA and ALBERTA for her content. The Olympic snowboarder and presenter learnt how to throw an axe in CALGARY, took to horseback riding through the foothills of the Rockies and swapped her snowboard for a mountain bike on a visit to SUN PEAKS. NOSA EKE, an up-and-coming writer, director and video game designer, was inspired in part by TORONTO’S MuchMusic building for her latest TV series – despite never having visited. Whilst there she met a former MuchMusic VJ before experiencing TORONTO’S diverse music scene.

SOPHIE SELLU, artisan and founder of sustainable homeware company ‘Grain and Knot’, learnt how to build a wooden canoe in ONTARIO before experiencing Indigenous culture and celebrating Canada Day in OTTAWA. She continued on to NOVA SCOTIA for a sea-to-table kayak and lobster adventure.

VIDEOS AVAILABLE AT: UK-KEEPEXPLORING.CANADA.TRAVEL/HOW-TO-CANADA SELLING CANADA WINTER 2019/20

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38 | DESTINATION CANADA: SOCIAL MEDIA

@DESTINATIONCAN   @DESTINATIONCAN

Twittersphere

EXPLORECANADA  EXPLORECANADA

EXPLORE CANADA CANADA  �EXPLORE

EXPLORE EXPLORE CANADA

Canada gets camera ready for bloggers

"The Notre-Dame Basilica in Montréal might be the most beautiful church I’ve ever seen." @anadvworld

"On location in Manitoba, Canada. This tipi is at FortWhyte Alive on the edge of Winnipeg." @StuartForster

VICKY FLIP FLOP TRAVEL limbered up for a six-hour 'Bucket List Canoe trip Down the Yukon River,' stopping only to refuel with a riverside BBQ and to take a selfie with a bald eagle.

"The canoe trip was the Canadian dream I never knew I had," said Vicky. "Paddling down the river we saw bald eagles soar above us, listened to the ravens croaking in the trees and enjoyed the occasional silence in nature. We eagerly looked out for moose and bears, but didn't manage to spot one." She added: "Once we pulled over our tour leader cracked open the sausages and we sat with double hot dogs and re energised in the wilderness ready for the last hour of paddling!" vickyflipfloptravels.com /canoe-trip-yukon-river/

INSTAGRAM

INSTAGRAM

"British Columbia is bear territory and seeing them is the most magical experience" @wheresmolly

"The view from the boat when we went eagle watching in Nova Scotia" @polar_brock

"Each neighbourhood in Montréal has its own personality. My favourite was probably Saint-Laurent Boulevard – I’m a sucker for colour and the street art was some of the best I’ve seen." @wanderlustchloe

"This was one of my biggest challenges yet, but one with epic views, incredible stops and adventure." @Em_Luxton takes the wheel in Alberta, having just passed her driving test!

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DESTINATION CANADA: JUST FOR FUN | 39

@DESTINATIONCAN   @DESTINATIONCAN

EXPLORECANADA  EXPLORECANADA

EXPLORE CANADA CANADA  �EXPLORE

EXPLORE EXPLORE CANADA

Are you on red alert? Then spot the difference

TRUE OR FALSE?

Find the six changes we made to this snap of a visitor being 'a soldier for the day' at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada.

Canada's largest city is the capital?

TRUE / FALSE Canada is the secondlargest country in the world?

TRUE / FALSE The capital of Canada is Toronto?

TRUE / FALSE Canada has four time zones?

TRUE / FALSE You can see the Northern lights yearround in Manitoba?

TRUE / FALSE Canada is home to 48 national parks?

TRUE / FALSE The Rideau Canal in Ottawa has the world’s longest skating rink?

TRUE / FALSE There are no brown bears in Canada?

TRUE / FALSE 1 - false; 2 - True ; 3 - False ( Ottowa); 4 - false (six) 5 - True; 6 - True; 7 - True, 8 - False

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: SHIPWRECK, NORTHERNLIGHTS, SASKATOON, MOOSE, OTTAWA, SNOWTUBE, FALL, DISTILLERY, ALBERTA, YUKON, BEAR, ONTARIO,SUNPEAKS

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