Selling Canada Australia 2023

03

selling canada 2023

general

Destination Canada

04 News to Use

06 Canada Specialist Training

09 Gateway Cities

gold

14 Gold Rush History

17 Rocky Mountaineer

blue

20 Coastal Canada

24 Lakes and Rivers

red

26 Autumn Colours

29 Food Tours

30 48 hours in Lunenburg

green

31 Northern Lights

34 Wellbeing

36 Sustainable Travel

winter

39 Luxury Ski Resorts

40 Winter Activities

43 Winter Festivals

rainbow

44 LGBTQ+ Travel

48 Spirit Animals

49 Warrior Women

FRONT COVER: TOTEm POlEs, ICEFIEld PaRkway, JasPER, CaNada IsTOCkPhOTO COm/haNs haRms PublIshEd by bmI PublIshINg lTd, 501 ThE REsIdENCE, NO.1 AlexAndrA TerrAce, Guildford, Gu1 3dA • T: 020 8649 7233; e: enquiries@bmipublishinG.co.uk • W:bmipublishinG.co.uk • publisher: sAlly pArker; ediToriAl direcTor: sTeve hArTridGe; AssisTAnT ediTor: jessicA pook; desiGners: 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.

Read all about the Colours of Canada

DC update

NEWS from DESTINATI o N CANADA

WE are delighted to bring you our latest Canada travel trade news in this bumper issue of Selling Canada

We have used colours to bring our stories of Canada to life for you. With our four very distinct seasons it seemed a great way to highlight the experiences Canada has to offer.

So, you will note that pages are categorised as Red, White, Green, Gold, Blue and Multi-Coloured. We hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as we have enjoyed putting them together.

Holidays to Canada for 2023 are selling well, so we are encouraging agents to book early to get their clients what they want.

I hope you have had a chance to check out the new Canada Specialist Program. Read all about this on pages 8 and 9. In 2023, we will be out and about with various training opportunities, joining forces with key wholesalers and retails chains as well as conducting our own events. Please keep an eye out for more information.

Plus, we will be continuing with our successful CSP Webinars, CSP E-Newsletters and More To Explore eDM program. We are also considering a CSP Podcast Series, so stay tuned for updates later in the year.

Nathan McLoughlin Travel Trade Manager Australia

Visitors invited to take a breath or tune it up with Spotify campaign

Help desk

Key contacts: nathan McLoughlin Mobile: 0407897814

eMaiL: nathan@jkingassociates. com

training: canadaspecialist.com. au; keepexploring.com.au

Remember an eTA for Canada

DESTINATION Canada and Spotify have partnered on a campaign to get Europeans to “dig deeper into Canada and book a trip in 2023”.

Listeners across Australia, the UK, france and Germany have been tuning in to a digital experience that invites them to choose from two options to “discover Canada”.

The ‘Turn It Up’ option matches users to a Canadian city, while the ‘Take A Breath’option pairs users with the landscapes and wilderness of Canada.

The ‘Turn It Up’ path recommends a Canadian city to users based on their music tastes and shares a personalised playlist with

the music of that city. Also, Canadian music journalist Karen Bliss explores the history of the music scene in each city.

The ‘Take a Breath’ option matches users with relaxing nature getaway sites such as The rockies and the West Coast.

Well-known Canadian wellness influencers Stevin Tuchiwsky (Calgary), Jeanne rodneauDucharme (Québec), Hayley Gendron (Vancouver) and Zehra Allibhai (Toronto), have created a series of guided meditation walks to highlight the natural beauty of Canada.

The campaign began in late December 2022 and will carry on in a modified form in 2023. canada.withspotify.com

Canada mapped out for agents

LOOK out for your at-a-glance Canada reference map, which you can access by scanning the Qr code above.

“Agents are always asking us for maps, and we have listened!”, said Nathan mcLoughlin Account Director –Trade, Destination Canada.

“We have updated our Selling

Canada map and hope it will come in useful with client itinerary planning or just helping clients understand the sheer size of Canada, the world’s second largest country.

“Save it as a reference tool,” mcLoughlin encouraged.

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

An eTa costs C$7: allow at least three days for it to be approved.

It is valid for five years, or until the passport expires, and allows multi-entry. Travellers can only apply for one person at a time. for example, for a family of three they would need to complete and submit the form three times.

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

ExploreTV in the west

IF you missed it when it first aired on Channel 9 in December 2022, head to gurusexplore.tv and check out two fabulous Canada-themed episodes.

Join Trevor Cochrane as he journeys through vibrant cities, rich cultures and Canada’s pristine wilderness in British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon. Highlights include the Great Bear rainforest in B.C.

New from Entire Travel Group

Le Boat adds base in Ottawa

* LE BOAT will expand into Ottawa for its 2023 season. The self-drive boating company will be offering 32 cruisers which can access a new base, Dows Lake Pavilion, on the Rideau Canal. The move will facilitate more convenient one-way trips to Ottawa from its main base in Smiths Falls. Le Boat’s season starts on 19 May 2023 and ends on 9 October 2023. leboat.ca

New in Ottawa

* RENOvATEd in 2022, and now part of the Gray Collection, The Metcalfe Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa. Featuring a fivestory atrium and located in a historical building, The Metcalfe is close to the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, ByWard Market and the National Gallery of Canada. themetcalfehotel.com

ENTIRE Travel Group is pioneering a new approach to selling Canada by offering a range of pre-designed, independent holiday packages that are available 24/7 through the company’s innovative online booking platform.

The move enables agents to book end-to-end, independent holiday packages – covering all key destinations across Canada – in a matter of just minutes.

The holiday packages themselves cater to a wide range of budgets and incorporate unique experiences and value-add deals.

As a full-service travel specialist operator, Entire Travel Group also constructs customised

Adventure World’s travel purpose

AdvENTuRE World is a travel company committed to ‘Travel with Purpose’, that is one that creates memorable experiences for travellers whilst having a positive impact on the planet, people and wildlife.

Dedicated Destination Experts visit Canada at least once a year, to research, experience and build their knowledge to help create customised itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist fare.

Itineraries can be enhanced, extended, mixed and matched to build an immersive and enriching experience.

Adventure World travellers are seeking enrichment and genuine and authentic

itineraries, curated by its team of Canada experts. The company’s inventive approach extends well beyond its product offerings. Its Change Agent Sell Price (CASP) feature, for instance, gives agents booking Canada holiday packages online the flexibility to set the final price, with options to add a service fee, reward a valued customer with a discount, or simply drop the price to close a sale.

In addition, all packages booked through the website are supported by Entire Peace of Mind, which provides 24/7 on-ground support and allows customers to change their mind, without penalty, right up to final payment date. entiretravel.com.au

customisable itineraries – from five-star to under the stars – that expose them to the lifeblood of a destination.

For example, Adventure World recently added the Klahoose Wilderness Resort in the Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia to its portfolio of Travel with Purpose experiences. This Indigenous-owned bear lodge strives to achieve a minimal carbon footprint in its daily operations and works to protect the environment and its inhabitants. adventureworld.com

THE METCALFE HOTEL

Princess cruises to Eastern Canada in 2023

PRINCESS Cruises has a new 24-night Canada and New England cruise for 2023.

Sailing round-trip from Southampton, departing on December 23, Sky Princess will make two stops in New England before travelling on to Halifax, Sydney (both Nova Scotia), Quebec City, Saguenay (both Québec), Charlottetown, (Prince Edward Island) and St. John’s, (Newfoundland and Labrador). Available excursions along the way include a Halifax City and Harbour Hopper Tour; a Nature and Marine Wildlife Cruise out of Halifax; a Peggy’s Cove, Scenic Drive and Lobster Lunch; a Walking Tour Of Historic Québec; Rendez-Vous At Wendake Cultural Village With A Clan Member in Québec; an Anne Of Green Gables Historic Site; an an Island Drive in Charlottetown; and a Lighthouses Of Prince Edward Island and Scenic Drive. princess.com

Spruce Woods is Canada’s new Dark Skies Preserve

SPRuCE Woods Provincial Park has become Manitoba’s first Dark-Sky Preserve, bringing Canada’s total to 27.

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) said the designation “recognises the park’s strong commitment to preserving nighttime ecosystems and educating visitors about light pollution.”

Located 110 miles west of Winnipeg, Spruce Woods features spruce trees, lakes and rivers, prairie grassland and a desert-like area with shifting sand dunes. It has hiking trails and can also be experienced on a horse-drawn covered wagon or via canoe and paddleboat rentals on the Assiniboine River. travelmanitoba.com

Elite Status the goal for

specialist agents

Destination Canada’s revamped Canada Specialist Program (CSP) training platform is proving a hit amongst agents who are taking their knowledge and selling confidence to new levels, says Steve Hartridge

Destination Canada’s revamped Canada Specialist Program (CSP) training platform, which was relaunched in late 2021 with brand-new content, is proving a hit with travel agents keen to widen their depth and breadth of knowledge of one of the world’s most indemand destinations.

The training platform features new modules built completely from scratch with content designed to enlighten, educate and inspire agents.

“We are delighted with the pick-up on the new CSP program, with over 600 agents now registered,” says Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada.

“The final content that has now gone live is our City and Resort modules. The addition of these complete an agent’s fully rounded education of Canada.

“The app has gone down a storm as it allows agents to take the training on the go.”

Added McLoughlin: “We know Canada is in demand in 2023 and we want to make sure the industry is equipped and has the right tools to convert the enquiries into meaningful bookings.“

“This year we plan to keep the content fresh with a webinar series.”

Canada is proving popular among Australian travellers seeking the country’s boundless scenic wonders and outdoor spaces and agents can capitalise by showcasing their expertise to clinch sales. Adds McLoughlin. “We have a loyal group of Canada Specialists who deliver high-value bookings to Canada.

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

What is it?

Now complete, the CSP consists of 40 modules. There is a is a module on Provinces and Territories and the final content that went live in early 2023 focuses on Cities and Resorts.

All modules provide agents with an interactive learning experience to gain indepth knowledge about Canada.

Key elements include audio visual components, interactive questions, shareable content and the chance to move up special

tiers as they progress. Importantly, in light of working from home arrangements, agents can work through the program at their own pace, with 24/7 access to the platform on tablets, phones or via a browser. The ‘Retain’ section condenses product knowledge from training into a resource which can be accessed whenever needed – for example, for an impromptu sales presentation with clients.

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

Specialist agents

Among those agents who say they are benefitting from the CSP modules is Tanya Patterson of Travel Managers.

“The training has definitely helped me be very knowledgeable and well informed when speaking to clients,” she says.

“I also enjoy watching all the weekly webinars, which help to keep me updated on all things Canada.

“Canada is a stunning destination which offers a diverse and culturally memorable

DOWnlOaD tHe app nOW!

holiday for clients. It’s an amazing country to recommend to anyone... and definitely delivers a trip of a lifetime.”

The CSP modules are a valuable educational resource and a great way to keep an agent’s knowledge of Canada topped up and right up to date, says Karen McNally of McNally Travel.

“It also serves as a reminder or a reference tool, and I love the insider tips. I visit (the content) when I need inspiration or new ideas,” she adds.

Tina Johnson of MTA Travel says the CPS is a tool that ensures she ‘works smarter not harder’. “It is a great training platform, which clearly highlights the different regions of Canada as well as providing a resource that I can go back to at any time for future reference,” she says.

“The image gallery, guides and other resources enable me to easily promote Canada to my clients.

“The driving itineraries are also a great asset and enable me to work quickly to put together an engaging itinerary.”

Another agent impressed by Canada’s training platform is Jo Oldfield of Savenio.

“The content has been really well prepared and put together and ensures we can benefit from continuously being educated about all the amazing things Canada has to offer.

“All the modules are so very interesting and we just never stop learning.

“It’s fantastic to have this resource at our fingertips and available whenever we need it!

“Thanks CSP! You know we love Canada!” she enthuses.

The Modules

The foundation modules – Welcome to Canada, Vibrant Cities, Wide Open Spaces and History and Culture – provide the ‘building bricks’. Agents who complete these modules achieve ‘Bronze Status’.

Those moving on to Silver Status’ level must navigate the Food and Drink, Indigenous Tourism, Wildlife Watching, Adventures and Activities, Winter Wonderland and Legendary Canada modules.

Thirteen modules offer a deep dive into Canada’s Provinces and Territories and agents need to complete eight of these to progress to ‘Gold Status’. Register here at canadaspecialist.com.au

Why would I benefit from becoming a Canada Specialist?

Calgary, basecamp to

ALBERTA ADVENTUREs

Breathtaking skyline meets majestic Rocky Mountains, offering endless opportunities for exploration in the ‘Ultimate Host City’

Vibrant Scenes

Calgary has gained a reputation as a great city to visit for anyone who loves food and drink.

From food trucks to fine dining, craft breweries to distilleries, Calgary’s vibrant culinary scene puts a premium on fresh farm-to-table products and passionate food artisans.

Visitors looking to explore the city’s food scene can book an Alberta Food Tour – a walking culinary excursion in a cool Calgary neighbourhood.

Urban Nature

Calgary is the sunniest major city in Canada, receiving an average of 2,400 hours of sunshine a year. It is a city that has been designed for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas. A glacialfed river that runs through the heart of the city is one of the country’s best for trout fishing, while an extensive series of pathways and bikeways are a great way to explore Calgary’s many diverse areas.

Boundless Explorations

Calgary is your basecamp to some of Canada’s best preserved cultural and natural heritage sites. From the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks to the west to Dinosaur Provincial Park to the east to Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park and Writingon-Stone Provincial Park to the south, the majority of Alberta’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie close to Calgary and make for easy excursions.

Immersive Experiences

Dive into history, escape into a performance or be carried away by music. Discover Indigenous experiences in the city; visit Studio Bell, home of Canada’s National Music Centre; go back in time at Heritage Park, Canada’s largest living historical museum; or take a walking art tour to see over 100 pieces of public art. Calgary’s eclectic arts and cultural communities will expand your mind and your heart.

Unique Neighborhoods

From the shops and restaurants of 17th Avenue to the live music venues of Inglewood to Kensington, one of the city’s most walkable neighbourhoods, there is no better way to discover some of Calgary’s many sides than to explore on foot. Wander the best neighbourhoods in the city, meet the locals, and get an insider’s view into what makes Calgary such a vibrant place.

Festivals and Events

Calgary hosts over 80 festivals and events throughout the year. The Calgary Stampede is home to the world’s largest outdoor rodeo while Globalfest celebrates Calgary’s multicultural communities. Top horsejumping competitions are held at Spruce Meadows in the summer. See two million holiday lights at Zoolights, and don’t miss winter’s Chinook Blast, which showcases art, music, theatre, sports and recreation.

A tale of

four cities

Selling Canada takes an offbeat look at Canada’s fab four gateway cities: Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal and Calgary

Toronto

Culture spot: With more than 90,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the most distinguished art museums in North America.

Foodies: Try dim sum and noodle soups in Chinatown or sample an array of dishes at St. Lawrence Market Head.

Hipsters: Sip coffee in Kensington Market. Instagram pic: The Distillery District dates back to the 1830s. The former Gooderham & Worts distillery is now a national historic site.

On trend: Unwind with cocktails and a stunning panorama of the East Side from the rooftop of The Broadview Hotel.

View: The SkyPod observation deck at the CN Tower offers 360-degree views from 1,465 feet above the city.

Neighbourhood: Riverside and Leslieville, east of the Don River, which has a distinct charm thanks to its one-off small businesses.

Pillow talk: The King Blue Hotel Toronto is a contemporary landmark on the corner of King Street West and Blue Jays Way.

Don’t miss: In the Fashion District, Graffiti Alley spans three city blocks. It has some of the best of Toronto’s street art and mural culture.

Vancouver

Culture spot: The newly-opened Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) presents a collection of more than 9,000 artefacts exploring the stories of North Vancouver. Foodies: Thai, Lebanese, Italian, Teriyaki or seafood? You will find a food truck serving it.

Hipsters: Join a kayaking or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) class at Kits Beach.

Instagram pic: Look out for actor Ryan Reynolds (of Deadpool fame) who was born in Vancouver and is often seen around the city.

On trend: Be in Vancouver for the VMF Winter Arts Festival (February 16-26 2023), an openair gallery of augmented reality art and light installations in the heart of downtown.

View: Take a drive up Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver to the Highview Lookout.

Neighbourhood: Kitsilano (or ‘Kits’ as the locals call it) is laidback, buzzy, and populated by shops, organic cafes and sandy beaches.

Pillow talk: The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim was recently named one of the best spas in the world.

Don’t miss: Enjoy a picnic in Stanley Park - buy local fare bought from shops close to the park.

DESTINATION TORONTO

DESTINATION CANADA

Calgary

Culture spot: Studio Bell tells the story of music in Canada over five exhibition floors, with artifacts, memorabilia and live recording studios.

Foodies: John Jackson and Connie DeSousa, local restaurateur duo, own three locally loved restaurants: CHARCUT Roast House, CHIX Eggshop and Alley Burger.

Hipsters: Buy boots inspired by the Canadian prairies but suited to modern cowboys and cowgirls at the Alberta Boot Company.

Instagram pic: The nearest ocean is 1,000 kilometres to the west but that won’t stop you taking a selfie in a wetsuit and with a surfboard on the Bow River.

On trend: A beer at Brothers in Brewing, one of many pubs in Calgary’s big craft beer scene.

View: The revolving bar and restaurant at the top of the Calgary Tower. There’s a glass floor extension on the 360degree observation deck.

Neighbourhood: East Village is known for riverside pathways that meander along the Bow River, as well as heritage buildings and parks, Pillow talk: Built in the early 1900s, The King Edward Hotel was once the ‘Home of the Blues’, where Buddy Guy and Jeff Healey played. Don’t miss: Heritage Park charts Western Canada’s history from the 1860s to the 1950s.

Montréal

Culture spot: The fine craftsmanship of up-andcoming and established Inuit and First Nations artists are on display at La Guilde.

Foodies: Tuck into flavourful Cambodian street food at Les Street Monkeys, housed in hip, industrial-chic surroundings.

Hipsters: Have a breakfast crepe, grilled cheese or veggie ‘pulled pork’ at Depanneur Le Pickup. Instagram pic: Old Montréal, which dates back to the 17th century, provides images imbued with a familiar European vibe.

On trend: Enjoy fine dining and a cocktail at Les Enfants Terribles, the highest restaurant and terrace in Montréal.

View: Au Sommet PVM, an indoor observation deck 617 feet above street level, offers 360-degree view of the city.

Neighbourhood: On the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Verdun’s parks are full of locals cycling riverside bike paths, kicking a ball around or picnicking on grassy banks.

Pillow talk: The Ritz-Carlton Montréal is the first and only Five Diamond property in Québec. Don’t miss: Meander over the Champlain Bridge and spend an afternoon at Nun’s Island, a leafy suburban area with quiet parks, waterfront paths and the Strøm Nordic Spa.

suRfing on the bow RiVeR, calgaRy

colouRful and ambient old montRÉal

CHRIS DOWSETT

Travel options to explore Canada

RAIL

The Rocky Mountaineer’s Western Canada trips and Via Rail’s coast-to-coast itinerary on The Canadian are relatively well known among UK travel agents, but there are other ways clients can get back on the rails.

For a touch of nostalgia, catch a ride on the Southern Prairie Railway, which provides an authentic pioneer experience. Tours showcase the prairies of southern Saskatchewan and the beauty and wildlife of the grasslands en route to Horizon to the west and Pangman to the East.

In British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, the Kettle Valley Steam Railway chugs along the only preserved section of the historic Kettle Valley Railway built during 1910 and 1915. Alongside traditional trips, the company offers seasonal themed voyages and murder mystery rides.

Canada’s autumn colours have been described as ‘supernatural’ and The Agawa Train which runs through the Agawa Canyon in Ontario is a great platform from which to see them. The 10-hour journey operates from August to mid-October, departing from downtown Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Look out for waterfalls and bears along the way.

SEA PLANE

British Columbia offers some of the country’s best seaplane tours, with its breathtaking nature best viewed from above.

Described as one of Canada’s most authentic west coast experiences, options offered by Harbour Air reveal some of the highlights of the province and beyond. Packages and flights, ranging from 10 minutes to day trips, are available as group tours or private options.

Take a turn over the skyline of British Columbia’s capital, Victoria, join an all-day island hopping tour of the Gulf Islands, or explore the pretty Sunshine Coast from the air.

The Vancouver seaplane tour is a popular option, with panoramic views of where the cityscape, distant mountains and sprawling harbour meet. The 20-minute small group tour is limited to just 14 people and includes a carbon offset levy for climate-conscious travellers.

Near Whistler, local operator Authentik Canada runs 40-minute seaplane tours that give a bird’s-eye view of the glaciers, mountain peaks, volcanic formations and alpine meadows that surround the waters of Garibaldi Lake. It is not uncommon to see wandering black bears.

Canada is ideal for touring on a RV road trip, but there are other modes of transport that allow you to soak up all the spendid beauty it has to offer. Charlotte Flach seeks out four fun alternatives

the agawa canyon tour train

a harbour air otter sea plane flies over a scenic apline lake

MotoRbIkE

Perfect for cross-country tours and covering a lot of ground quickly, motorbikes are a universal favourite for exploring both solo and in groups. Bikes can also be taken off-road to explore nature in all its forms, including the country’s mountains, national parks, forests and lakes.

On the east coast, the Cabot Trail is one of the country’s most Iconic highways and a ‘must-do’ drive. The 300-kilometre road runs along the coast of Cape Breton and connects many of the island’s most popular attractions, quaint towns and villages – and provides an adrenaline rush for anyone who loves to burn the rubber.

Out west, consider the southern route from Edmonton, Alberta, to Victoria Island, British Columbia. It passes through the Crows Nest Pass before turning westerly through Sparwood and Fernie and then descending to Osoyoos, the only desert in Canada. Plan a stop to visit Lake Osoyoos and its orchards and wineries. Then it is briefly back into the mountain passes before the ride all the way to the Vancouver Island Ferry at Tsawwassen.

Freedom Biker Tours run guided motorcycle tours in the Maritimes, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, with options from seven to 10 nights. Groups of up to 15 will explore the Canadian Shield, Cape Breton Island, the West Coast and Vancouver Island, through the Canadian Rockies, plus the Kootenay and Okanagan Regions.

CyCLINg

Take on some challenging and rugged routes on an e-fat bike tour as you plow through the snow at Banff National Park or cruise the winding mountains of Jasper.

As part of a push towards more sustainable tourism, both Alberta destinations are encouraging cycling as a preferred method of seeing the local sites. Jasper began permitting e-bikes on all its multi-use trails in 2019, while 15 of Banff’s 30 cycling trails are now e-bike-friendly.

Journey Bike Guides offers private guided mountain biking tours in Jasper, starting from $129. In Banff, Bikescape’s guided mountain e-biking tours start from $134. Keen solo explorers can hit the trails independently by renting a cruiser e-bike from SunDog Tours in Jasper, starting at $50 for two hours. In Banff, Snowtips Bactrax offer a full kit for the ride to Lake Louise, from $72 per day.

Biking is not just a countryside pursuit, with many cities offering affordable and convenient ways to sightsee.

Montréal’s Bixi bikes are a forerunner of London’s ‘Boris bikes,’ offering the same concept and with a handy app to help cyclists find rental stations across the city.

In Vancouver, Mobi Bikes is a public bike share scheme, that offers a 24-hour, 30-day, or 365-day pass that gives access to any bike at one of the many docking stations. In summer 2022, Mobi expanded its network, adding 50 new stations and 500 e-bikes to its fleet.

motor cyclists in cape breton, nova scotia

traverse alberta’s wintry terrain on a fat bike

Take to the tracks with

via rail

With sustainability concerns impacting

decision

making,

2023 is shaping up to be the year of the train. Steve Hartridge explores the options with Via Rail

Travelling through Canada’s regions by train is often spectacular and always memorable.

Whether travelling coast to coast, through the eastern and Atlantic provinces or across the prairies and into the towns of the Rocky Mountains, Via Rail, Canada’s national railroad, can take you there – whatever the season.

Winter is a magical time to travel on VIA Rail, particularly between Vancouver and Jasper, with the landscape a blanket of white sparkling snow.

Affordable and sustainable

Letting the train take the strain is also an affordable alternative to a self-drive. Car rental prices are rising fast (due mostly to a global shortage of vehicles) and you get to avoid expensive city parking fees and one-way drop off charges too. Unlike flying, train travel is also a sustainable and eco-friendly option: new Siemens trains that are being added to VIA Rail’s Corridor fleet are around 85% cleaner than their predecessors.

Canada has a rich ‘railway history’ that dates back to June 28 1886 when the Canadian Pacific Railway’s first passenger train left Montréal, arriving in what is now Vancouver six days later. Today VIA Rail travels a similar route between Toronto and Vancouver.

The best-known service is The Canadian. This 4,466 km (2,775 mi) route runs between Toronto and Vancouver, with stops including Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper and Kamloops.

The Ocean

The Ocean links Halifax and Montreal, an approximate 22-hour journey. A ‘sleeper’ option is also available.

VIA Rail packages are available through all major Australian tour operators. viarail.ca

This is a long-haul trip that fully merits the tag “once in a lifetime” – it takes about 86 hours if you go all the way. Passengers can climb the stairs in the train’s glass-domed Skyline cars for great views. They can also dine on the train, chat with other guests in the lounge areas and sleep in their own private cabins.

Travel The Corridor

For those with less time, other Via Rail routes showcase some of the best of what the eastern and Atlantic provinces have to offer.

In what is known as ‘The Corridor’, the train connects Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Brockville, Kingston and Québec City. For example, the journey between Toronto and Montréal takes five hours. Along the way passengers are served a meal and, as with most Via Rail trains, charging stations and refilling points for water bottles are available.

Niagara Falls can also be reached by rail: from Toronto you arrive at the famous cataract in less than two hours. From Ontario and Québec you can travel with VIA Rail to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Here, swapping the train for the ferry to Prince Edward Island is an option.

Canadian is a onCe in a lifetime journey

golden

the years

2023 marks the 125th anniversary of the Yukon Gold Rush and the territory is expecting a new wave of history seekers, says Lynn Houghton

Under leaden skies I turn onto Hunker Creek Road off Highway 2, just where it crosses the Klondike River in the northern part of Canada’s Yukon Territory. It is September, with colours on deciduous trees now yellow and gold – an appropriate colour for this part of Canada – but it feels like this territory will be in the icy grip of winter very soon.

There’s still gold in these thar hills and any trip to

Dawson City should include a visit to nearby Goldbottom Tours as well as the Dredge 4 mining site.

During the early Gold Rush years there were 5,000 residents who called Goldbottom home but now it belongs to miner David Millar, star of the second season of the reality TV series Yukon Gold.

This second-generation miner is still mining gold and is keen to explain to visitors how it is deposited by nature and extracted by man. It is exactly 125 years since gold was first discovered at Rabbit Creek (later

renamed Bonanza Creek) and the first claims staked but the way the ground is sifted through for gold dust today hasn’t changed a great deal over the years.

In the creek, just off the wide dirt road, I notice a host of equipment, bulldozers and trucks that keeps the gold coming.

For the hunt for gold entails digging up the top layer of organic material and dumping it into an angled long trough which has water continuously flowing through it. At the same time, the machine agitates and initially washes large rocks and

pebbles from the material leaving the dirt behind. As this process is repeated several times, it sifts through enough silt to find the ‘pay dirt’. And pay dirt is, of course, the heaviest material – gold!

I am told that given that one ounce of still fetches about $1,600, a three-man operation can often make $30,000 or more in a couple of days.

But it is when I put my hands into the freezing water to try out a bit of gold panning myself that I discover what an arduous process this is.

I start with a pan full of dirt from the stream bed, which I sink underwater in a metal trough. Swishing and swirling, I throw out the bigger pebbles and stones.

By repeating this process over and over I finally get rid of most of the dirt.

Though my fingers end up feeling like icicles, it’s worth it for the few flakes of the precious metal I ‘find’ My gold!

Go for the gold

The 125th anniversary of the Yukon Gold Rush in 2023 will draw tourists and keen historians to the region.

Whilst there’s still gold to be found, today it’s the fascinating history, cultures, languages and traditions that mostly captivate travellers.

“It is always very special to visit the Yukon but this year will be more so as we celebrate 125 years since the Klondike Gold Rush,” said Maurine Forlin, Marketing Development Manager, Europe/UK at Travel Yukon.

“Gold has always been a big draw to the Yukon and visitors can experience the historic Gold Rush town Dawson City, the rich First Nations culture and heritage, museums, cultural centres, and sites from the era with fascinating gold rush exhibits.

“Amd they can even pan for gold on an authentic mining excursion with Goldbottom Mine Tours or join a gold fields tour with Klondike Experience, with both leaving from Dawson City.”

Forlin expects to see an influx in visitors in 2023, saying: “Our tour operator partners are reporting increased interest in selfdrive tours to the Klondike and some have even launched new gold-themed itineraries that wlll see visitors really following in the footsteps of those early pioneers”.

Beyond the Yukon, gold was also discovered in British Columbia, most famously during the Cariboo Gold Rush.

Today’s visitors can follow The Gold Rush Trail that spans from the Fraser River in New Westminster and winds its way north to Barkerville Historic Town and Park, following First Nations peoples’ trading routes utilised

during the fur trade and expanded during the gold rushes of 1858-1862.

Karen Farrar, Product & Marketing Manager at North America Travel Service says that Canada is in high demand for 2023 with clients keen to explore beyond the gateway cities. She said: “Canada has bounced back strongly, which resulted in depleted airlift and hotel availability for mainstream destinations in 2022.

“This has spurred early demand for 2023, particularly for British Columbia and Alberta, but there is also more repeat Canada business coming through, meaning a much broader spread of chosen destinations.

“We are seeing more enquiries for Yukon and Newfoundland, with more experiencedriven itineraries being requested.”

Experiences that reverse time

From rocks to riches: Dawson City’s Bonanza Creek was the site of the first gold strike by George Karmack, his wife local Han woman, Shaaw Tláa, and her cousin Skookum Jim. Popular tours are available with Klondike Experience and can include a visit to the area’s first casino, Diamond Tooth Gerties with its popular nightly shows.

In the town of Whitehorse, learn about the history of those travelling the Yukon

“Some tour operators have even launched new goldthemed itineraries so visitors can really follow in the footsteps of the pioneers”

Maurine Forlin, travel yukon

River with a visit to the S.S. Klondike, one Canada’s few remaining steam-powered paddle-wheelers.

A back-country journey on horseback: Horse-riding into Yukon’s back country near Whitehorse is a real delight when hacking with Mandy and Armin Johnson’s outfitters.

Their ranch is home to the family, as well as 40 racing dogs and a fine selection of horses. Riding western style is easy for beginners, so it is worth giving it a go as it is a great way to see the area around Fox Lake. A one-hour experience can include a salmon bake or steak dinner, but guests can also opt for rides that are several hours long or even choose a multi-day pack trip that lasts for up to seven nights. The operator will pick up from your hotel on request. yukonhorsepacking.com

Soar above the Alaskan peaks: Alpine Adventures, a tour operator based on Whitehorse’s Schwatka Lake, takes guests by sea plane to view spectacular coastal peaks in nearby Alaska.

Here, the first prospectors – also known as ‘Stampeders’ – hiked up the famous 33-mile Chilkoot Trail on their way to

stake a claim at one of the creeks near Dawson City. Passengers soar west over the vast Yukon territory, following the path of miners who arrived during 1896 and in subsequent years. alpineadventures.com

Toe curling traditions: “You can drink it fast, you can drink it slow, but your lips must touch the toe!” So the famous saying goes at Dawson City’s popular Sourdough Saloon.

Swagger on in to take part in the timehonoured tradition of a Sourtoe cocktail.

It is not just about having the drink but also being included in a century-old tradition that is presided over by a grizzly old miner.

He drops a mummified human toe into your drink – alcohol of your choice – before you down the hatch. Warning: there is a $2,500 fine for swallowing the toe!

Paddling the Yukon River: You can rent bikes, canoes, boats and more with outfitter the Kanoe People, but a guided tour down the Yukon River is a truly unique experience. Once you pass the swiftly moving part of the river and enter a quieter channel, you will spy beaver dams, bald eagles, and more.

Surrounded by bluffs and forest, the experience of paddling in such a vast expanse of wilderness is something not to be missed. kanoepeople.com

What’s new

accommodation: The luxury Raven Inn is the first new hotel in Whitehorse for 50 years. With 38 hotel rooms including nine King Deluxe Suites, guests have an array of accommodation choice. The hotel’s historic rail-themed Railwork Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and renowned for its Sunday Brunch. raveninn.com

What could be described as boutique and bijou, another new accommodation is the 10-room Dawson Lodge in Dawson City. Catering to the independent traveller, this accommodation is housed in a historic building but has a fresh, strikingly modern design and sustainability ethos. Each bedroom has a private ensuite shower and toilet and two of the rooms are pet friendly. dawsonlodge.com You can also book a spa treatment through its website. Tutchone Tours is led by Teri-Lee Isaac, a First Nations local who offers boating trips on the Yukon River and takes guests from Minto on to historic Fort Selkirk. There is also a trip to an indigenous Fish Camp to explore how modern day people depend on Salmon. a gent tools: Travel Yukon has created a Yukon Sights and Sites travel planning app which acts as an on-hand expert travel guide, providing essential information on driving routes and points of interest across the Yukon. travelyukon.com

Take a FLOaT pLane and sOar wesT Over The vasT yukOn

panning FOr gOLd in dawsOn CiTy

kLOndike spiriT paddLe-wheeLer GOVERNMENT OF YUKON

A golden ticket on the

rocky mountaineer

Luxury on Canada’s premier train jourmey arrives in many forms, discovers Steve Hartridge on the two-day Passage to the West itinerary

Look to your right, there is a pair of ospreys nesting on top of an electricity pylon,” bellows Kevin, our train host-cum-onboard naturalist.

The utility poles are a favourite resting ground for the birds, their snow-capped heads and yellow eyes visible above a huge pile of twigs and leaves draped over the power lines –an avian tower fire waiting to happen

Seat with a view

Later, Kevin – who I discover wears several ‘hats’’ including geologist, archaeologist, historian and even sommelier – has a bigger prize to point out to us. For there on the other side of the slow-foaming Thompson River is a black bear, lumbering down to the water’s edge for some midday refreshment.

While others rush to the outside viewing platform, one of the features of this GoldLeaf carriage, I don’t bother fumbling to open the camera on my phone but instead just relish the moment as I watch the bear dip his brown snout into the rock-strewn water.

The Rocky Mountaineer travels at a top speed of 35mph but the driver is happy to slow the train down when wildlife come into view.

Gold star memories

It is an unforgettable moment and, over the course of the two-day Passage to the West trip from Vancouver to Banff – one of several routes the Rocky Mountaineer travels – I have trouble ranking my top ‘luxurious’ experiences and priceless memories.

Where should I place the red carpet welcome that ushered us onto the polished blue-andgold coloured carriages in Vancouver or rank the changing cast of wildlife (we also see longhorned sheep and elk)?

Perhaps my most enduring memory will be of the ever-changing scenic backdrop: from the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley to the river canyons to the waterfalls that hurtle down ancient rock-faces (camera at the ready for Hell’s Gate). Then there is the stark arid

desert of British Columbia’s interior and the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Or perhaps it’s the sumptuous five-star service, comfort and cuisine on offer in GoldLeaf? For whether it was enjoying a breakfast of spinach and cheese soufflé or a lunch of Lois Lake Steelhead salmon accompanied by fine Canadian wines from the Okanagan, the GoldLeaf dining experience never falls short of being sumptuous.

A soaring experience

There is also something immeasurably luxurious about the GoldLeaf bi-level dome’s glass-windows and roof. Those 180-degree uninterrupted views really come into their own when the peaks of the Rockies begin to cluster on the second day of the trip. Most impressive is Mount Robson, at nearly 1,300 feet the highest point in the Canadian Rockies.

In 2023 the Rocky Mountaineer will depart Vancouver for Banff and Lake Louise each Monday and Friday beginning on April 17, 2023 and ending October 13, 2023. rockymountaineer.com

mount robson looms large over the rocky mountaineer

Five-star dining on the rocky mountaineer scenic shots on the viewing platForm

oak bay Highlights in

Kick back at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel: Nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean near Victoria, BC, Oak Bay Beach Hotel provides the perfect base to explore the area. A home away from home, the property features modern comforts but with the added bonus of views across the rocky bay. A focus on wellness complements the property’s natural surroundings, with sunrise yoga sessions held in the garden and dips in the seaside mineral pools guaranteed to relax the mind. Clients can also pamper themselves at the Boathouse Spa and finish off with a sumptuous dinner at The Snug. Wine-paired dinners are held frequently. oakbaybeachhotel.com

Indulge in afternoon tea: Much like in the UK, afternoon tea is an event in Oak Bay. For a quintessentially British experience head to the White Heather Tea Room which offers the finest sweet treats, or sip a steaming cup amongst colourful

blooms at Abkhazi Garden. There’s also freshly baked goods at Windsor Cafe to try or head to The Oaks Restaurant and Tea Room for a real locals experience. oaksrestaurant.ca

Take a tour of Salish Sea: A visit to Oak Bay isn’t complete without taking to the sparkling waters. Whether its kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing or a boat trip to a private beach, there’s a tour to suit all water enthusiasts. Ecosphere Tours offers a custom itinerary on a zero-emissions

landing craft while Oak Bay Tours reveals the area’s history whilst looking for sea birds, seals, otters and playful sea lions. Keen angles can hook themselves halibut, salmon and maybe rockfish or lingcod on a fishing trip with King Size Adventures. oakbaytours.com

Head for the beach: From the craggy rocks of McNeill Bay to the sandy haven of Willows Beach, Oak Bay is blessed

with accessible beaches year-round. Visitors can enjoy barefoot beach strolls, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing and gentle paddling along the shoreline or head to Oak Bay Marina to watch the boats come and go. As the sun begins to set grab some authentic fish and chips wrapped up in newspaper at Willows Galley and enjoy a dinner on the beach to a soundtrack of the waves. oceanriver.com

Meet the locals: Oak Bay may be small but it’s certainly not sleepy. Residents like to keep things lively with night markets, music nights, movie nights, picnics, festivals and more. Community events run throughout the year and offer the chance to share stories with the locals. In summer, visit the Oak Bay Night Markets where you’ll find treasures and treats, vibe to live music at Willow’s Beach, or drop in to Oak Bay Tea Party in June, complete with floating tea cup challenge. In winter, Hallowe’en on the

This charming little enclave on Vancouver Island will have clients living like a local in no time, says Charlotte Flach

Avenue or Christmas in Oak Bay are seasonal favourites that draw the crowds. oakbay.ca/explore-oak-bay/festivals-events

Retail therapy: Shoppers on the hunt for a bargain can rely on Oak Bay’s two main shopping districts, featuring an eclectic mix of boutique shops, cafes and art galleries to browse. Head over to Oak Bay Avenue to grab a coffee and fuel up at Ottavio or Hide & Seek, then check out its galleries and shops. For antiques and nik naks, seek out the quaint shops at Estevan Village where you will find a treasure or two to bring home.

oakbaytourism.com/shop

Admire the art: Creativity is celebrated in Oak Bay’s art galleries and throughout the community. See paintings, sculptors and glass and jewellery art on an Arts and Culture walking tour. Look out for art installations that are part of Arts Alive, an annual public art programme

where artwork is selected to be displayed at outdoor sites for a year. You can also listen out for a tune on one of five outdoor painted pianos that are placed all around town as part of the public painted piano programme. ccpacanada.com

Go exploring: Oak Bay is steeped in rich history, which can be seen in its Tudor-style houses and historic sites. Wander the streets and admire heritage designated homes. Nature enthusiasts can hike around Anderson Hill Park for panoramic ocean views or explore Uplands Park which has one of the greatest concentrations of rare plant species in Canada. Other ways to explore include boat tours, walking tours, bicycle rides or cruising along on the Hop-on-Hop-Off bus. sightseeingvictoria.com

Sample culinary delights: Oak Bay’s restaurants pride themselves on using fresh, local ingredients.

Vis-a-Vis on the Avenue offers a fine dining concept, while The Penny Farthing Public House serves up hearty pub grub and pints of local beer. Or maximise the seafront views over seafood or sushi at Marina Restaurant. Once a month from June to September a European-style street market has local produce and hot-n-ready street food. visavisoakbay.com

Expand your horizons: Oak Bay is less than 5km to the Inner Harbour in Victoria, where famous landmarks include the Legislative Buildings, the Empress Hotel and the Royal BC Museum. There’s also the chance to join whale watching tours, ride on float planes, or experience the iconic pickle boats. WildPlay Element Parks, with its gravity-defying high ropes courses and ziplines, is 11km away and the famous Butchart Gardens is just 20km away for a more relaxing encounter with nature. tourismvictoria.com

ESSICA B URTNICK

take some

Shore leave

Asteady breeze billows Amoeba’s sails as we quietly glide across Nova Scotia’s choppy Bras D’Or Lake before a shout breaks the tranquillity: “Bald eagle!”

Two dozen pairs of eyes dart up to the cloud-flecked blue sky and there it is, languidly circling above on huge, outstretched wings.

In a flash, the majestic raptor swoops down to the water with its razor-sharp talons thrust forward and spears a fish the captain has just thrown, a process repeated several times so that everyone can at least attempt to photograph it.

Bald eagles are a common sight in summer here, as Cape Breton Island is home to most of Nova Scotia’s bald eagle population, and ospreys are resident here, too. Seeing one in action close-up is a special moment, however.

Although the 1960s-era schooner Amoeba I had the pleasure to experience has since sadly been retired due to its age, there are plenty of other vessels that operate sailing tours on this enormous tidal, saltwater lake, delighting tourists with wildlife sightings and coastal views.

During the exhilarating half-day excursion from Baddeck’s quaint harbour, we also sail by the lakeside summer mansion of inventor Alexander Graham Bell and the white-andred Baddeck Lighthouse.

Bustling Baddeck is the start and end point of the Cabot Trail, a 300km (186-mile) loop around northern Cape Breton named after Italian explorer John Cabot (Giovanni Caboto) who landed there in 1497, commissioned by England’s King Henry VII.

It links festival-filled coastal communities with histories from Acadian to Irish and Scottish, influences still found in the distinct

accents, as well as rugged coastlines and forested highlands.

Back ashore, I explore the village after a seafood lunch and a pint at harbourside pub The Freight Shed before visiting the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site’s interactive museum that celebrates Bell’s life work.

For keen golfers, Cape Breton’s coast boasts three of Canada’s top golf courses: Highland Links at Ingonish, on the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and sibling courses Cabot Cliffs and Cabot Links, in Inverness.

One thing’s for certain – you need several days to truly appreciate the Cabot Trail’s magnificent nature, traditions and activities.

From coast to coast

Canada’s long stretches of coastline are attractions in their own right.

With wildlife, history, sailing adventures, festivals and more, Canada’s 150,000 miles of coastline offer a world of tourism opportunities, says Peter Ellegard

One of the longest coastlines of any country, it stretches more than 243,000km (over 150,000 miles) and spans mainland coasts bordering the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans as well as Newfoundland, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island and Vancouver Island (among its many islands).

Along with deep-blue seas, this visual smorgasbord and palette of colours also encompasses the verdant greens of British Columbia’s temperate rainforests, the Bay of Fundy’s brick-red rocks, the golden sands of its many beaches, traditional red-topped white lighthouses, the multi-hued houses of its timeless fishing villages and coastal towns, and its vibrant cities.

Nature is key to its appeal. Wildlife experiences include viewing bears in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, whalewatching off both east and west coasts and in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and seeing orcas, dolphins and seals while kayaking.

Some of Canada’s most spectacular natural treasures are on its coast, with everything from mountains tumbling into the sea to towering icebergs nudging past cliffs and bays, the highest tides on earth and remote, nature-filled islands.

“It has been a very busy shoulder season for Newfoundland,” says Candice Walsh, International Market Development – Travel Trade and Travel Media at Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism.

“The province’s tourism season now

extends well into October and early November, where days are crisp but sunny and ideal for coastal hikes.

“The East Coast Trail, for example, links 32 historic communities over 300 kilometres of world-class hiking, passing colourful towns and fishing villages nestled around fjords, inlets, coves, guts, bays, and tickles.”

Walsh adds: “From spring to early summer, you’ll watch for 10-year-old icebergs drifting along Iceberg Alley as they make their way from Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, while the summer is rife with whale watching and fishing activity. You can explore on foot or by boat, or simply on a road trip.”

Friendly and welcoming coastal communities make stays special for visitors with accommodation options by the sea including luxury hotels or lodges above the waves, a cosy inn or B&B right on a beach or even a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

Fly-drive tours can include Vancouver Island’s culturally-rich indigenous communities, Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail, Québec’s Whale Route and Gaspésie Tour along the Gaspe Peninsula and the colourful seaside settlements of Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland’s 526km Viking Trail.

Interest in Canada coast-based holidays has soared since the pandemic, says Lisa Cooper, trade sales account director for Destination British Columbia, and wildlife remains the big draw.

“The province’s coastal bear lodges and viewing experiences are all in very high demand, and marine wildlife is very popular too, with dedicated whale-watching tours selling well.”

Top experiences

Kayak red rocks and caves: Paddle a sea kayak on a guided trip below dramatic red cliffs and explore wave-sculpted caves in Québec’s Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St Lawrence, before touring sites on land including fishing village L’Etang du Nord, nearby Borgot Lighthouse and Pied-de-Vent cheese factory.

tourismeilesdelamadeleine.com/en

Walk on the sea floor: From May until mid-October, visitors to the Bay of Fundy’s Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick can walk on the floor of the ocean below sandstone sea cliffs three hours either side of low tide. Then at high tide, which reaches between 9.75 and 14 metres (32-46 feet), they can kayak among the rock formations. There’s even night kayaking now. thehopewellrocks.ca

Gaze at grizzlies: Stay at indigenousowned Knight Inlet Lodge, located 240km (150 miles) north-west of Vancouver in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, for some of the best viewing opportunities of grizzly bears. Guests arrive at the floating, all-inclusive lodge by floatplane from Vancouver Island, taking water or land

Baddeck lighthouse on cape Breton, nova scotia kayaking the red cliffs of Magdalen islands, QuéBec

sea plane at great Bear lodge, British coluMBia

tours to see the bears between May and September. grizzlytours.com

Hike far-flung sand dunes: Take a hike on Nova Scotia’s tiny Sable Island, 290km (180 miles) off Halifax. A national park it is one of Canada’s furthest offshore islands and its natural attractions includes giant sand dunes, wild horses, the world’s largest grey seal colony and rare birds, plants and insects. Only day visits are allowed, between June and October, with visitors arriving by charter helicopter and plane or by sea. Hurtigruten includes a beach landing there on a cruise from Halifax September 2023. pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ns/sable

View storms from your bed: See Pacific tempests from the comfort of your bedroom through picture windows on a stay at the Wickaninnish Inn, a luxury boutique hotel nestled on rocks between rainforest and the ocean near Tofino on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Experience the nature on your doorstep with bike rides, beach campfires, surfing and hiking. wickinn.com

Watch icebergs and whales: Stay at Quirpon Island Inn, a former lightkeeper’s cottage alongside a working lighthouse on an island off the northern tip of Newfoundland, to enjoy two natural wonders. Migrating whale species including

humpback and minke skirt the island year-round while icebergs drift past on Iceberg Alley from June to as late as October in some years. linkumtours.com

Dig for clams: Board a boat from Prince Edward Island’s historic Georgetown to dig sand bars for giant clams on a deserted island, before savouring them on the beach once they have been steamed. The tour also includes hauling pots from the boat for lobsters, crabs and mussels as well as passing by PEI’s oldest wooden lighthouse. tcapei.com

What’s new attractions: New Brunswick’s 30km (19-mile) Fundy Trail Parkway, which opened in May 2022, can be experienced by car, bike or by hiking and features 20 lookouts with panoramic views, the Fundy National Park and pristine beaches. fundytrailparkway.com

A new accessible viewing deck at Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia allows visitors to see the famous lighthouse and experience the waves and rocks in safety. discoverhalifaxns.com

A new three-week, 10-stage road trip of eastern Québec starting in Québec City includes whale-watching in the Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park and the Gaspesie mountains, where the Matane Wildlife Reserve has high numbers of moose.

quebec-cite.com/en/road-trip-quebec/3-weeks

The Island Walk is a new 700km (435mile) walking route looping around Prince Edward Island, making it possible to circumnavigate the entire island but with 32 sections for shorter walks. theislandwalk.ca

Launched in summer 2022, tours operated by St John’s Walking Tours are fronted by a local guide who introduces highlights of the Newfoundland and Labrador capital’s historic and brightly-coloured downtown. stjohnswalkingtours.com

accommodation: Boutique eco-hotel Blackbush Resort at Old Tracadie Harbour on Prince Edward Island will open in June 2023 featuring 30 rooms overlooking the coastal dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park and a rooftop patio for viewing stars and the Northern Lights. blackbush.ca

The newly-opened Gros Morne Inn is a sustainable boutique hotel in the heart of Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. The park is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023. grosmorneinn.com

Opened in May 2022, Klahoose Wilderness Resort in Desolation Sound on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast is an indigenousowned all-inclusive eco-resort that can only be accessed by boat or seaplane. Activities include grizzly bear viewing in Toba Inlet. klahooseresort.com

ocean village in tofino, British coluMBia

low tide at hopewell rocks, new Brunswick sunshine coast, British coluMBia

seal resting on saBle island, nova scotia

colourful fishing huts, newfoundland

l’etang du nord, Magdalen islands, QueBec

Prince Edward Island

Hig H lig H ts

Known as Canada’s Food Island, Prince Edward Island encourages visitors to eat fresh and embrace island life

Canada’s Food Island

Prince Edward Island prides itself on growing local sustainable food.

Using fresh ingredients from the land and sea, talented chefs take the culinary experience to a whole other level with options ranging from fine dining, casual comfort, craft brewing and family restaurants. Indulge in oysters, lobsters, and mussels whilst following a culinary trail. tourismpei.com/trip-ideas

Food Festivals

PEI Fall Flavours is a month-long (SeptemberOctober) culinary festival highlighting authentic PEI tastes and traditions. Join a fisher or farmer to learn where our food comes from, participate in events like a Lobster Luau, or visit one of the many restaurants offering a fall inspired menu featuring island favourites such as PEI lobster, mussels, oysters, potatoes and beef fallflavours.ca

Arts and Culture

Itinerary

PEI is Canada’s smallest province, but its cultural offerings are second to none. Tour the Birthplace of Confederation or browse art galleries filled with one-of-a-kind pieces. The Charlottetown Festival is the largest musical theatre festival in Atlantic Canada and promotes the country’s creative talents. tourismpei.com/Arts-CultureItinerary

Indigenous Culture

See the beauty of the Island through the eyes of Indigenous people. The Beat of One Drum offers an insight into the Mi’kmaq story and why the drum is so significant to the culture. Using a technique that has been handed down through the generations, an Elder will teach you how to make your own drum by assembling the base and weaving moose hide. tourismpei.com/about-pei/history-culture

The Island Walk

The Island Walk circumnavigates

Prince Edward Island, one epic journey consisting of 32 sections and 700 kms. The route takes you along the ocean, Confederation Trail, red dirt roads, beaches and quiet secondary roads. Enjoy perfect landscape, both in terrain and scenery. The walk is not technically difficult as either a long distance walking adventure or in sections. theislandwalk.ca

The Giant Bar Clam Dig

Join Perry Gotell on a clam digging boating adventure from historic Georgetown. Head out to the deserted island of Boughton where favorable clamming grounds await you. Scour sand bars searching and digging for giant clams. After, steam the clams to perfection on the beach and enjoy fresh chowder. The tour is only offered in the summer months of July and August. tcapei.com

lakes and rivers Canada’s

Why sell it

With over two million lakes and rivers and around 20% of the world’s freshwater, there is no limit to the ways visitors can enjoy Canada’s waterways.

And with more clients looking to immerse themselves in wondrous places and dioscover private spaces to renourish and ease both their energy levels and mental overload, now is the time to suggest activities by the water.

Who to sell to

Recommend Canada’s lakes and rivers to clients looking for outdoor adventure – of both the gentle and adrenalin-rush type –and ‘adventurous and spirited travellers’.

What to sell

Activities include getting out on the water on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), in a kayak or even a traditional Voyageur-style canoe which is offered at places including Sun Peaks, British Columbia.

Or book a day boat tour of the Gananoque Thousand Islands in Ontario or Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake that is a popular spot in Banff, Alberta.

High-octane activities include rafting on the Clearwater River in British Columbia, tackling whitewater on the Ottawa River – top

outfitters include Owl Rafting – jet-boating on Montréal’s Lachine Rapids or on the Niagara River, and tidal bore rafting in Nova Scotia. SUPing the Yukon River is an unforgettable experience and one of the most unique ways to experience the vastness of Canada’s north. Kayakers can go off-grid in bear country on a challenging multi-day trip out of Dawson City.

World-class fishing is available across Canada. Home to more than 60% of North

America’s top Atlantic salmon rivers, Newfoundland and Labrador serves up some of the best fly fishing in Canada. Among the province’s top rivers, the 37-mile-long Gander flows with some 25,000 returning salmon each spring. Miramichi, New Brunswick, is also known for its salmon fishing, whilst lovers of sturgeon and halibut head to British Columbia and Manitoba attracts those angling for pike.

How to sell it

Include lakes and rivers on an east-to-west road trip or cross-country itinerary. A cruise package, from New England to Montréal or out of Vancouver for a west coast and Alaska cruise, offers clients the chance to see wildlife and scenery from the water.

What’s new

Viking Cruises has new Great Lakes options taking in Niagara Falls, kayaking through the UNESCO Biosphere of Georgian Bay, visiting Toronto and learning about Anishinaabe indigenous heritage in Thunder Bay.

tight lines in MiraMichi river, new Brunswick taking on the ottawa river with owl rafting

strathcona Provincial Park, British coluMBia

Whether it’s a gentle paddle, rafting down rapids, or casting a fishing line, time on or near the water will be a highlight of any Canada trip, says Charlotte Flach

Scintillating Ontario

IN SUMMER

Canada’s most diverse province explodes with fun, excitement and spectacular festivals in the summer months. Check out these 'must do' experiences

From vibrant communities and majestic waterfalls to water-based adventure, Ontario’s distinctive cities and regions brim with energy in the summer months.

Iconic Niagara Falls

Summer is the prime time to marvel at the breathtaking Niagara Falls and nearby Niagaraon-the-Lake. There are countless ways to experience the region, from aerial views of the falls with Niagara Helicopters to sampling local vintages at over 100 distinctive wineries. Niagara City Cruises takes you on a journey of a lifetime; feel the incredible power (and the mist!) of one of the world's most stunning natural wonders. Be immersed in interactive exhibits at the newly restored historic Niagara Parks Power Station, including a tunnel to an observation deck at edge of the falls!

Culture and cuisine in Toronto

As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto is a foodie’s dream, filled with unique and eclectic neighbourhoods. Celebrate the culinary skill and artistry of Toronto chefs at MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Explore the bustling Kensington Market, which overflows with vintage boutiques, mom and pop shops and quirky fusion food. Visit historic St. Lawrence Market, one of Canada’s oldest markets – take a guided gourmet tour and be sure to try a Peameal Bacon sandwich!

Majestic Muskoka

Popular for its beauty, charming small towns,

and crystal clear waters, Muskoka is a perfect destination for your clients' summer adventure. Nearby Algonquin Provincial Park provides the perfect blend of stunning nature and diverse wildlife. Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the interior of Ontario’s most famous park – if you are lucky, you’ll spot moose, black bears, beavers and more.

Elsewhere, a Bog to Bottle Tour at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery is so good it's been designated a 'Signature Canadian Experience'!

Canadian celebrations in Ottawa

A true year-round destination, Ottawa really comes to life in the summer. There's a host of outdoor activities (including kayaking in the heart of the city!), open-air festivals and much more.

A reflection of Ottawa’s laid-back vibe is the weekly (free!) yoga session every Wednesday throughout the summer on Parliament Hill. And Ottawa is the place to celebrate Canada Day! Each July 1, join Canadians decked out in red and white and soak up the atmosphere before enjoying the stunning fireworks display on Parliament Hill.

high above Niagara falls with Niagara helicopters

familiar skyliNe

caNoeiNg the geNtle waters of muskoka

ottawa kNows how to throw a summer party

falling for Canada

From Nova Scotia to Québec to the Canadian Rockies, Canada’s autumn colours put on a spectacular show, says Stuart Forster

Izip my fleece to my chin then pull my wool hat – headgear that Canadians call a tuque – down over my ears It pays to be appropriately dressed for hiking and there’s a jarringly chilly bite to the air on this lateSeptember morning.

The upper slopes of Mont Jacques-Cartier received a light dusting of snow overnight.

Peaking at 4,160ft, the mountain named after the French explorer who was the first to travel the Gulf of Saint-Lawrence has the highest summit in the Chic-Choc Mountains in Québec.

As I discovered in the Parc national de la Gaspésie Visitor Centre, the region’s rolling landscape is part of the Appalachians and shares its geological heritage with mountains in the Scottish Highlands.

Yet the autumn foliage here in eastern Québec is way more vibrant than anything I’ve seen back home in the UK. Y

Yesterday we must have stopped the car a dozenor so times to snap photos of landscapes depicting the season’s multitude of vibrant colours.

On the route west from Gaspé, we uttered appreciative wows on seeing hillsides where

the evergreen foliage of firs interspersed the rich yellows of birch leaves.

It’s easy to understand why the red maple leaf is Canada’s national symbol after visiting the Gaspé Peninsula in autumn. The leaves hang reminiscent of patriotic bunting on trees and lie strewn by footpaths and roadsides, leaving a colourful trail.

Like a grey ribbon patterned with two yellow lines along its centre, the highway tapered into the distance between trees whose gradually drying, slowly dying, leaves rustled in the breeze. Seeing that prompted yet another photo stop, adding time to our journey and causing a delayed arrival at Gîte du Mont-Albert.

Staying at the remote property means we’re well placed for a day of hiking on an undulating circular trail amid woodland providing habitat for caribou.

Hopefully, we’ll experience plenty of animal and bird sightings in this wonderfully kaleidoscopic countryside.

Leaf peeping in Canada

Viewing autumn foliage is informally known as ‘leaf peeping’ in North America.

The rich colours of deciduous trees’ leaves before they are shed have long inspired travel to New england, yet Canada’s eastern provinces annually offer fall colours to

match those south of the border. Due to Canada’s northerly location, leaves tend to turn colour slightly earlier than in the USA, meaning an itinerary incorporating both countries is possible.

Yet precisely when the vibrant fall colours will be at their boldest and for how long they can be viewed is largely dependent on the weather. Typically, the autumn colours flourish between mid-September and midOctober but Canada’s vastness and local microclimates create exceptions.

Says Patricia Pardy, Tourism Nova Scotia’s Market Development Specialist, UK and Germany: “Nova Scotia comes alive in the fall with hues of golden yellow, crimson red and burnt orange. This colourful backdrop sets the stage for the Celtic Colours

International Festival on Cape Breton Island, a not-to-be missed annual signature musical event. enjoy spectacular hiking, stunning coastal drives and delicious fall menus featuring locally harvested vegetables and, of course, fresh seafood.”

Leaf peeping is not exclusively an east coast phenomenon. Out west, larches in the woodland around Banff, Alberta, are famed for their yellow autumn hues.

And in British Columbia, The Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island is one of the top spots for viewing the fall colours.

Golden witch hazel, fiery red burning bush and thousands of chrysanthemums give The Gardens a glowing radiance as all 55 acres undergo their seasonal transition from summer to fall.

In Vancouver, Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are also toprated locations among leaf peepers.

“In light of pent-up demand for travel to Canada, it’s recommended that clients book early to view the country’s fall colours in 2023,” advises Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada.

“Customers have been planning their wish lists during the pandemic and Canada is popular because there are options for all tastes. Autumn tours of the Canadian Rockies, the Fall Colours of Canada and New england, Canada’s Maple Leaf Trail and the Five-Star Alaska Cruise and the Canadian Rockies are all booking brilliantly through travel agents.”

Snap up these experiences

View fall colours from above:

Between mid-September and mid-October, Georgian Bay Airways operate a 45-minute Fall Colours tour. Departing from Parry Sound, 150 miles north of Toronto, the flights are a great way of viewing red, golden and russet

wine and Cheese in banff naTional Park

PumPkin PiCking in saskaTChewan

biking Through algonquin ProvinCial Park

CelTiC Colours inTernaTional fesTival, nova sCoTia

SASKATCH e WAN GOV e RNM e NT

foliage in the UNeSCO-designated Georgian Bay Biosphere in Ontario, famed for its 30,000 freshwater islands.

georgianbayairways.com

Observe migrating birds: Seasonal migrations bring opportunities to view birds at the likes of Point Pelee National Park, mainland Canada’s most southerly tip, where Arctic skuas and flocks of blue jays can be seen. Accommodation is available in 24 oTeNTik shelters – a comfortable accommodation that’s a mix of tent and A-frame cabins – meaning

opportunities to stay in the park and view wildlife. pc.gc.ca

Dine with golden views: Renovation of the chateau-style Fairmont Banff Springs hotel is due for completion in 2023. Between two and 10 guests can enjoy brunch, Royal Afternoon Tea or dinner in the 745-room property’s 360° Dome private dining venue. From mid-September to mid-October that offers opportunities to gaze at the golden foliage of Banff National Park’s larch trees from above. fairmont.com

Learn about autumn hunting traditions: At Kwäday Dän Kenji, the Long Ago People’s Place in the Yukon, visitors can learn about the significance of each of the seasons to the people of the Champagne and Aishihik nations and discover some of the traditional activities associated with them.

yukonfirstnationculture.com

Be a-mazed: Each autumn cornfields across Canada are converted into massive mazes. They include corn mazes at edmonton edmontoncornmaze.ca in Alberta, Chilliwack greendaleacres.ca in British Columbia and Strawberry Ranch strawberryranch.ca in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. After successfully weaving through the maze, seasonal snacks and drinks are available.

Raise a glass: Vineyard visits, wine tastings and dinners accompanied by regional vintages count among the reasons for gourmets to visit British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley. Coinciding with the harvest, the Okanagan Wine

tourismkelowna.com during late September and early October.

What’s new

Hotels: Within easy walking distance of Mont Royal Park and the Old Port, where maple leaves turn a deep red, the Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown hotel has 354 rooms and is connected to Berri-UQAM metro station, with easy access to many city attractions. hyatt.com

The recently opened farmhouse accommodation Planters Ridge allows wine lovers to wake on one of Nova Scotia’s wineries during the grape harvest, which coincides with ‘leaf-peeping’ season (mid-September to the end of October).

Planters Ridge is also well placed for visiting the orchards of the Annapolis Valley and Landscape of Grand Pré UNeSCO World Heritage Site. plantersridge.ca

The 178-room Canopy by Hilton Toronto Yorkville hotel is set for a November 2022 opening. It will be an ideal option for those in the city to viewing 2023 autumn foliage.

Nearby popular spots include High Park – see the colours at Grenadier Pond and watch the Northern Shoveller ducks feed at the pond before flying south for the winter – and the misleadingly named evergreen Brick Works where you can hike up to the top of the Lookout Path for a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline and its seasonal coat of many colours. hilton.com

Festival draws wine enthusiasts to visit Kelowna

moose grazing along The demPsTer highway, yukon

“In light of pent-up demand for travel to Canada, it’s recommended that clients book early to view the country’s fall colours in 2023”

geTTing losT in alberTa’s Corn maze

agawa Canyon Tour Train Through saulT sainTe marie

Canada’s

food tours

From farm-to-table fare to Michelin star eateries, Canada’s culinary scene offers locally grown produce and the freshest seafood, says Jessica Pook

Nova Scotia Lobster trail

The east coast province is synonymous with the crustacean and has some of the most fertile lobster fishing grounds in the world. Watch chefs create locally-inspired dishes from traditional lobster dinners to fresh lobster rolls on the Nova Scotia Lobster Trail. Visitors can visit 28 lobster trail stops and complete a ‘passport’. Collect 10 stamps for a free Lobster Trail t-shirt. novascotialobstertrail.com

Edmonton food & bike tours

Work up an appetite on this two-wheel food tour adventure in Edmonton, Alberta. Starting at Constable Ezio Faranoe Park, pedal between four restaurants, tasting dishes created by the area’s top chefs. Guests will also pass local restaurants, chocolatiers and cafes as well as taking in the scenery of Edmonton, passing buildings that date back to the 1900s, and the River Valley. travelalberta.com

Saskatchewan farm-to-table

Farm One Forty in Saskatchewan showcases its locally grown ethos with farm tour lunches and farm-to-table dinners. Owners Arlie and Brett LaRoche give visitors a glimpse into daily life on the 140-acre farm with tours of the animal pastures and gardens where ingredients are grown These are then used in multi coursed meals created by partner restaurant, Odla. farmoneforty.ca

Toronto Michelin selfguide tour

Toronto is Canada’s first ‘Michelin City’ with 13 restaurants featuring in the first edition of Michelin Guide Toronto. Foodies on a budget can enjoy two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for less than CAD$60 at 17 restaurants worthy of the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes great food at a great value. These include The Ace, Fat Pasha and Grey Gardens. destinationtoronto.com

Ontario Indigenous Food tour

Sign up for a traditional Tea and bannock experience with an Elder in Southern Ontario. Learn about the cooking styles of the First Nations people on Turtle Island in the Ottawa River. Enjoy herbal teas and bannock with berry jams and hear traditional stories. A ‘smudge’ purification ceremony burns sacred medicines to cleanse the body, mind and spirit. destinationontario.com

Prince Edward Island culinary trail

‘Canada’s Food Island’ prides itself on its homegrown foodie experiences.

PEI’s Culinary Trail has six options: Fishers, Restaurants, Authentic PEI Products, Culinary Adventures, Local Markets and Farmers. Sign up for a clam dig and cookout, farm visit, lobster fishing, cooking boot camp or chocolate truffle making. The PEI Fall Flavours Festival is held annually. tourismpei.com

Colourful

lunenburg

Day 1: That’s the spirit

Morning: Lunenburg is one of Nova Scotia’s most historic towns, drawing visitors to its colourful waterfront, narrow streets and old wooden buildings.

This charming town, lying on a narrow peninsula, was established by the British in 1753 as their first and only colonial settlement in Nova Scotia outside Halifax. Get orientated while gaining insights into the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site by joining a Lunenburg Walking Tours group. Stroll through town, discover historic buildings and learn all about the Lunenburg bump, an architectural feature where women reputedly waited for their husbands to return from sea.

afternoon: The Legends of Bluenose tour visits locations associated with the Bluenose, the sailing vessel depicted on Canadian coins.

See the shoreline during a harbour cruise aboard Bluenose II, a beautifully maintained replica of the famous racing schooner that won and retained the International Fishermen’s Trophy in the 1920s and 1930s.

Afterwards, view artefacts and information about the original boat at the waterfront Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic before heading to the nearby Big Boat Shed exhibition space. On the way, tour the Ironworks Distillery and sample craft spirits. evening: Hear about those other spirits and tales of hauntings, witches, and ghost sightings during a Haunted Lunenburg walking tour. Alternatively, tuck into locally landed seafood at the Salt Shaker Deli, Lincoln Street Food or one of the town’s other hospitable restaurants. A nightcap at The Knot Pub means an opportunity to chat with locals enjoying a beer or two.

Day 2: Fishing on the front

Morning: Step inside one of Canada’s oldest church buildings and attend a service at St John’s Anglican Church. Stars on the arched ceiling above the altar accurately depict the night sky over Lunenburg at Christmas 2022 years ago. The church is open for visits at other times.

The quietude at nearby Blue Rocks, a rustic fishing community long popular with artists and photographers, is also good for the soul. afternoon: Meet a member of the local fishing community during Seaweed Tours’ 90-minute Lobster Tales with a Fisherman tour.

Looking for fun? Lightship Brewery’s Party Bike tour tours the best maintained British

colonial settlement in North America. Pedal for two hours through the grid first laid out in 1753, then rehydrate with a cider or beer. Alternatively, head straight to the taproom to appreciate views of Lunenburg’s waterfront.

evening: Lunenburg is a lovely place to stroll before dinner. The warm evening light is ideal for photographing multicoloured exteriors on King Street –buildings collectively known as the UNESCO Fresco. That includes the Mariner King Inn, one of the B&Bs that dot the town.

Steps away, the Grand Banker Bar and Grill is an option for a leisurely dinner – and a good choice for Sunday brunch.

This colourful and compact Nova Scotia town is ideal for history buffs, foodies and those who appreciate craft drinks, says stuart Forster

Lununburg waterfront

take a tour by horse and carriage

Lennox inn is the oLdest operating inn in canada

stock up on nova scotia’s Lobster

Places to view

Norther N Lights

Seeing the aurora borealis is a bucket-list experience and Northern Canada is one of the best places on earth for sightings. Jessica Pook suggests some unique viewing spots

Hot Springs, Yukon

The Northern Lights are frequently seen between autumn and spring in Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital. Banish the cold by taking in the light show from a steaming outdoor pool at the Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs. Bathers can watch the dancing sky whilst soaking in the healing waters of the pools. Each year the springs host a Hair Freezing Contest – the most creative style wins $2,000! travelyukon.com

Aurora Dome, Manitoba

Enjoy uninterrupted views of the sky from a heated Aurora Dome, operated by the Churchill Hotel. This remote location is a 20-minute drive from Churchill, ensuring the darkest of skies. Guests can sit and watch the swirling lights, comfortable and cozy in their own personal plexiglass “bubble” and enjoy a spectacular sunrise in the morning. Viewing starts around 20.00 and can go on until 03.00. auroradomes.ca

Tundra Buggy, Manitoba

Churchill, Manitoba, is located directly under the auroral oval, meaning 300 nights of Northern Lights viewing a year. A Northern Lights and Winter Nights adventure by Frontiers North positions visitors under the darkest skies in a tundra buggy designed for the northern landscape. From here, guests can follow the lights and visit Dan’s Diner, a pop-up dining hall in the wilderness. frontiersnorth.com

Teepee Village, Northwest Territory

In the Northwest Territory is a village dedicated to Aurora viewing. Located on the Ingraham Trail near Yellowknife, Aurora Village offers traditional teepees that allow visitors to view the Northern Lights in the heart of the wilderness. Guests have a 95% chance of seeing the aurora when they stay for three nights. Heated seats and winter clothing are provided. auroravillage.com

Dark Sky Preserve, Alberta

The aurora borealis may not be as prevalent in Alberta as its northern neighbours but there is still a good chance of seeing them in one of its dark sky reserves. Each October, astronomers head to the Jasper Dark Sky Festival for guided stargazing, planetarium experiences and photography classes. If the lights don’t appear, the stargazing is still a must-do. travelalberta.com

Blachford Lake Lodge, Northwest Territory

Blachford offers various Aurora Packages. From midAugust the night skies turn a velvety black, and the adjoining Grace Lake begins to freeze in late October. On calm nights the lake reflects the sky, multiplying images of dancing lights. In winter, a traditional tent frame is set up on the lake, for those seeking another level of winter adventure. blachfordlakelodge.com

ANNI k OHANNSEN

Tr AVEL M ANITOBA

Solar Cycle

in the yukon

Head to Canada’s Yukon Territory for the best seats in the house to view the world’s most spectacular light show. Yukon’s pitch-black winter sky offers the perfect backdrop as sulphurousgreen sheen ripples, ebbs and flows, before suddenly exploding across the full expanse of the night sky.

Mid-August through to mid-April is the perfect time to plan a northern lights viewing trip to the Yukon – and there has never been a better time to visit as a current solar cycle is set to reach its peak between 2023 and 2026. This increase in solar activity results in more aurora activity on Earth, making it an outstanding time for aurora viewing.

Solar Cycle 25

What, you might ask, is a solar cycle?

The solar cycle is a periodic 11-year change in the sun’s activity. This pattern has been observed for centuries but wasn’t clearly identified and recorded until 1843. During the cycle, the levels of solar radiation and

ejection of solar material, the number of sunspots, solar flares and coronal loops ebb and flow from a stage of minimal activity to a period of maximum activity (known as the ‘solar max’) and back again.

Solar cycle 25 began in December 2019 and is set to culminate between 2023 and 2026, when solar max will create more aurora activity here on Earth. Although this peak period will slowly ebb after 2026, aurora activity will still be dynamic, offering incredible northern lights viewing opportunities throughout the entire cycle.

The clear, star-filled skies of Yukon provide the perfect backdrop for this enchanting natural phenomenon.

Aurora viewing in Whitehorse

Your first look at the beautiful ribbons of dancing lights might occur during your flight into the Yukon or from the window of your hotel room. But there are many different ways to weave aurora viewing into an exciting winter experience.

When staying in Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital, book with a northern lights tour operator, such as Up North Adventures. They will pick you up in the evening and take you to the vast Fish Lake – free from artificial light, it is just 20 minutes from the city.

Stay warm in an authentic yurt, enjoy a hot chocolate and listen to the fascinating folklore surrounding the aurora.

Alternatively, an adventure with Northern Tales will take you into the wilderness (again, just 30 minutes from Whitehorse) to watch the dancing Northern Lights at their brightest in winter’s complete darkness.

Relax in a prospector-style wall tent once used by gold seekers and trappers. Bundle up and head outside to marvel as the night sky billows with mysterious curtains of rainbow colours from green and yellow to pink and blue.

Step inside where it’s toasty, the heat provided by a wood-fired barrel stove, and hear stories of northern life from guides who make maple syrup taffy right in front of you

The clear, sky-filled skies of the Yukon provide the perfect backdrop to nature’s most spectacular light show

Wilderness lodge adventures

Stay in a glass-fronted chalet at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa. Purpose built for optimum aurora viewing, it has large floor-toceiling glass offering a magical way to bring the enchanting outdoors inside.

Just 20 minutes from Whitehorse, far from any light pollution, this unique winter wonderland is framed by picturesque pine forests and snow-drenched mountains, with cabins created from Douglas fir trees offering unobstructed views of the soaring aurora borealis.

Watch the sun rise over Tagish Lake from the balcony of your cabin at Southern Lakes Resort, situated within the traditional territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. During autumn and winter, you’ll enjoy front row seats to the mystical northern lights and fill your days with snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

At Mt Logan EcoLodge, you’ll feel a world away as you watch the sun set over the legendary mountain ranges that are home to

Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Choose from a range of guided tours, from electric fat biking and northern lights viewing to glacier flightseeing and dog mushing.

As you inhale the pure mountain air, you’ll know your heart has answered the call of the wild. This is one sensory adventure you’ll never forget.

Aurora viewing in Dawson City

Take a front row seat to the aurora borealis with Klondike Experience in Dawson City.

You’ll be escorted from your hotel to an aurora viewing area outside the city where you’ll witness the breathtaking northern lights in all of their glory. Your knowledgeable tour guides will entrance you with cultural and historical stories as you nibble on snacks and enjoy hot drinks around the campfire in this enchanting winter wonderland.

Don’t wait for winter

There’s no need to wait until winter to experience Yukon’s spectacular light shows.

As one of the few locations on Earth where the northern lights are visible from late summer all the way through to spring, you may not even need a jacket as you gaze up at Mother Nature’s best artwork.

Autumn evenings in the Southern Lakes region are relatively mild, allowing for active nighttime adventures. Meander along the hiking trails to a secluded spot to capture the very best aurora photographs. Listen for the call of the loon and enjoy some nocturnal wildlife encounters while the night sky ripples with ribbons of colour overhead.

If you happen to be visiting in the middle of summer, when the midnight sun shines reducing your chances of seeing the northern lights, head to the Northern Lights Centre. Found in Watson Lake, the centre features a domed theatre with a panoramic video and surround-sound system that is as close to the real thing as you can get.

While you’re there, learn the lore of the northern lights and the science behind them from interactive displays.

wellbeing A feeling of...

Body, Soul, Spirit and Mind – Canada has relaxing and rejuvenating wellness activities to nourish all four. Charlotte Flach looks at some of the best options

Body

Canada is a heavy hitter when it comes to Spa breaks, with options often set against a backdrop of the natural elements. For alpine-chic, Alberta’s Kananaskis Nordic Spa puts a Canadian spin on a classic Scandinavian concept. Blending spaces for silent reflection with cosy nooks perfect for striking up a conversation, its outdoor pools overlook views of the imposing Rocky Mountains.

Even spa veterans will be left in awe by Ste. Anne’s Spa. Located in the tiny town of Grafton, about 90 minutes east of Toronto, the Spa looks like a rustic cottage from the outside. Unlike most Spas, laughter and conversation is encouraged, with a menu of over 35 treatments, from hot stone massages to reiki treatments.

New to the scene, Groupe Nordik was due to open its first spa village concept in Ontario in winter 2022. The Thermëa Spa Village in Whitby has an on-site capacity for 700 people.

Rituals include Aufguss ceremonies – a multi-sensory experience inside the sauna – a Rhasssul mud treatment, Himalayan salt inhalation sauna and the Källa saltwater underground floating pool.

Soul

There’s nothing like a farmers’ market for picking up some fresh, healthy produce, while sampling the best local fare. Those in the know in Yellowknife, NWT, get their produce and mingle with the community every Tuesday from June to September at the Yellowknife Farmers Market.

Farm to table is big in Canada and Nova Scotia’s Gourmet by Nature tour operator offers wild food experiences for foodies, foragers and nature watchers.

This small-group experience teaches visitors how to prepare and eat local wild foods that are sourced from the forests, lakes, streams, oceans and fields of Nova Scotia.

Steeped in the peaceful auras of the nuns who walked its corridors over 400 years ago, Le Monastère des Augustines in Québec is a hotel-cum-wellness sanctuary.

Situated in the heart of the city but offering a serene space to disconnect, clients enjoy yoga classes, Spa treatments and sessions with a holistic health consultant. One of its main draws is its mindful eating concept, with nutritious meals served daily and breakfast eaten in meditative silence.

bathe away aches and pains in a scandinavian spa

farmers markets are popular in canada

Mind

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or ‘forest bathing’ blends hiking with meditation. The trend consists of walking mindfully in the woods using all of your five senses, and is scientifically proven to improve mental and physical health.

Vancouver Island offers guided forest bathing, with walkers strolling slowly through an ancient forest, interacting with the surrounding through touch, sight, and sound. Even the sense of taste is stimulated in a tea session which rounds off the experience, complete with edible plants such as licorice root and lemon balm.

Performing a ‘downward dog’ during a yoga session on a frozen lake should be a bucket list experience – and it can be ticked off in Winnipeg. Then head to Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, with its Aufguss ritual which takes place in the Finlandia dry sauna twice a day. Ice balls infused with essential oils are placed over a hot stove in a heated cedar room, releasing scents of red mandarin, lavender, lemongrass, and peppermint into the room.

A new outdoor accommodation experience is available in Ontario: Arcana offers experiences to maximize the benefits of nature, including science-backed wellbeing rituals that allow participants to “easily access nature’s restorative superpowers”. On-site experiences include a private sauna, hikes and guided forest bathing on 15 kilometres of marked trails and a custom meditative sound journey.

SPiRiT

At the Xat’súll Heritage Village in Soda Creek, overlooking the Fraser River in British Columbia, visitors can immerse themselves in the daily lives of the Xat’súll people. Learn to make traditional crafts, join a lava rock pit cooking demonstration and visit a sweat house.

Traditionally, these have been used by First Nations people as part of cleansing rituals and spiritual journeys. The day can be rounded off by spending the night sleeping in a traditional teepee or pit house.

The Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre is new and located at the crossroads of the Sunshine Coast Trail and the Powell Forest Canoe Route. It offers cabin accommodation, sweat lodge teachings and other First Nations cultural learning programmes as well as star gazing with night sky lectures.

Experience a spiritual awakening by taking on a shaman’s quest. The Huron Traditional Site, located in Wendake, on the Huron-Wendat Reservation, is just 15 minutes from Québec City.

The authentic recreation of a Huron village allows visitors to experience several fascinating elements of First Nations culture. Those taking on the quest will be encouraged to develop ways “to control the natural elements, predict the future, find lost objects, and interpret dreams by passing a series of ‘tests’.”

an early morning yoga session in british columbia

spirt drums represent ‘heartbeats’ in first nations culture

Green li G ht for responsible tourin G

My heart is thumping in my chest and almost out of my chest as I stand frozen, vaguely registering the silence-shattering sound of a camera click somewhere behind me. Just metres away, the world’s largest and deadliest land predator is looking me straight in the eye.

The polar bear and I are in the breathtaking sub-Arctic wilderness of western Hudson Bay, in the northern Canadian state of Manitoba, where this morning, I left the fenced safety of Churchill Wild’s Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge with a naturalist and an indigenous Cree guide to respectfully – and cautiously – track this icon of the Arctic on foot.

Hudson Bay is one of the best places in the world to encounter polar bears in the wild, and the remote location of Nanuk Lodge puts guests right at the heart of the action, with wildlife wandering the perimeter, as the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

The lodge’s polar bear and wolf-tracking experiences leave a light imprint on this ecologically and

culturally important land. Constructed from sustainably sourced lumber and recycled materials, the lodge is powered primarily by solar, while water is filtered from nearby rivers and lakes, and the restaurant’s awardwinning cuisine is locally sourced.

Walking in this apex predator’s domain is humbling, and learning about the challenges they now face from my guides is heartbreaking: even here in this pristine wilderness, the impacts of human-made climate change is shrinking their icy hunting grounds, while industrial overfishing is impacting their catch.

A symbol of strength, and revered by the country’s First Nations people, polar bears have roamed the Arctic’s frozen realms for millennia. As the mighty bear before me moves off to forage farther afield, I wonder how much longer they can survive in our rapidly changing and warming world.

The big shift

With so much untouched beauty to enjoy across Canada, and so

many threats endangering its wildlife, the country’s tourism boards, accommodation providers and tour operators are now committed to providing a greener, more ethical, experience.

“Many of our industry partners, tourism businesses and communities are already contributing meaningfully to preserve, improve and repair our environment,” says Gracen Chungath, Senior Vice-President, Destination Development at Destination Canada (DC).

“Our recent report, Tourism’s Big Shift, found that there is growing support around the idea of responsible travel, with visitors looking to lighten their footprint and engage with local cultures.

“Destination Canada is aspiring to create a regenerative approach to tourism that will guide our industry, enhance both the destination and the visitor experience, and go beyond sustainable tourism to contribute to the regeneration of communities, cultures, heritage, and landscapes,”says Chungath.

The tourism body has introduced six new Wealth and Wellbeing Outcomes to measure tourism’s contribution to local and indigenous communities, visitors and the

Sustainable tourism is a top priority in Canada, meaning it’s never been easier for travellers to ‘think and go green,’’ says Lauren Jarvis

environment, while its Tourism Renaissance strategy targets high-value guests through new global partnerships.

Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada. says: “For many travelling to Canada the highlight is the Great Outdoors, and increasingly they are interested in activities that are sustainable, help to support local communities and which won’t have a negative or harmful impact on natural resources.

Tour operators report that lodge-based experiences are selling well, as are RV trips where people can stay in national or provincial park campgrounds and enjoy activities like hiking, canoeing and wildlife watching. Clients are also booking longer stays in fewer places, which has less of an environmental impact and allows them to become fully immersed in the area.

There is also an increased demand for Via Rail train routes and ferry services, rather than driving or flying.

Agents can keep up-to-date with responsible tourism developments and training by signing up to the Canada Specialists Programme at canadaspecialist. com.au and at .keepexploring.com.au

Lighter experiences

Stay in luxury off-grid: One of Canada’s newest indigenous cultural experiences, the First Nations owned, all-inclusive Klahoose Wilderness Resort in the wonderfully named Desolation Sound,

British Columbia, offers grizzly bear viewing tours in Toba Inlet, the traditional territory for the Klahoose First Nation people. The eco-resort has four lodge rooms and three private cabins with ocean views, produces its own power, and has innovative water-saving and recycling initiatives in place. klahooseresort.com

Raise a sustainable glass: Ontario produces 70% of Canada’s wine in its three growing regions: the Niagara Peninsula, the north shore of Lake Erie and Prince Edward County. With 53 vineyards and 24 wineries already certified for their eco credentials by Sustainable Winegrowing Ontario – including Niagara’s Flat Rock Cellars, 13th Street Winery and Henry of Pelham Family Estate – visitors can learn about responsible, environmentally friendly viticulture, while sampling award-winning wines on guided vineyard tours and tastings. sustainablewinegrowingontario.ca

Camp lightly: Nova Scotia’s Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site is now home to Parks Canada’s first net-zero campground. Jeremy’s Bay has 360 camping sites, plus four types of roofed accommodations including cabins and yurts powered by 270 solar panels, making visitors’ camping holidays more eco-friendly. The Atlantic province’s only Dark Sky Preserve offers paddling, biking and back-country hiking, and the chance to connect with indigenous Mi’kmaq culture. pc.gc.ca.

Learn to live in the Arctic: The Okapis Arctic Village in Canada’s Northwest Territories offers a unique year-round opportunity to experience First Nations culture and traditions. Visitors can get involved in cabin or igloo building, harvesting and foraging, and learn how the region’s indigenous Gwiich’in and Inuvialuit people live sustainably off the land. Three-day winter packages include the chance to explore by ski, snowshoe or electric fat bike. okpikarcticvillage.com

What’s new

accommodation: A new 40-room boutique lodge has opened at the Métis Crossing interpretive centre in Smoky Lake, Alberta, offering land-to-table indigenous cuisine, and immersive seasonal experiences to connect guests with the Métis Nation culture and their ancestral lands.

Peller estates winery on ontario’s niagara Peninsula

Curious Polar bear in manitoba

Canoeing on the yukon river

CamPing in golden ears ProvinCial Park, british Columbia

“There is growing support around the idea of responsible travel, with visitors looking to lighten their footprint and engage with local culture”

Gracen Chungath, Senior VP, Destination Development,

Destination Canada

brandywine Falls in whistler

thelodgeatmetiscrossing.com

Spend the night high in a canopy of trees in one of the new Ôasis camping units in Forillon National Park (Québec); Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park (New Brunswick); and Terra Nova National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador). Using renewable energy, each teardrop-shaped pod accommodates

up to two adults and two children. pc.gc.ca

Funded through a local indigenous-owned business development group, the Black Spruce Hotel offers elevated, energy-efficient wooden cabins nestled amidst trees and rocks in the Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse. yukonblackspruce.ca

Pursuit Collection has launched the Forest Park Hotel Jasper, a wildernessinspired 88-room hotel and spa, with rooms designed to bring the ‘outdoors in’. banffjaspercollection.com

Transport: Frontiers North Adventures in Churchill, Manitoba, have unveiled a new zero-emission Electric Vehicle Tundra Buggy to reduce environmental impact and noise pollution on its tours to see polar bears, beluga whales and the northern lights. frontiersnorth.com

The Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM), a new electric light rail system in Montréal, Québec, connects the city’s North Shore, South Shore, West Island and Montréal-

Trudeau

The new e-scooter and e-bike initiative in Edmonton, Alberta, joins the successful shared micromobility programme in Calgary, and offers visitors a greener way to explore the city. edmonton.ca / calgary.ca

International Airport. rem.info/en

“Walking in this apex predator’s domain is humbling, and learning about the challenges they now face from my guides is heartbreaking: even here in this pristine wilderness, the impacts of human-made climate change is shrinking their icy hunting grounds, while industrial overfishing is impacting their catch”

lauren Jarvis, travel Writer

bear sPotting at klahoose wilderness resort, bC

ski holidays Luxury

Why sell it

Compared to European resorts, Canada boasts a longer average ski season with seven months of snow, fewer crowds and luxury experiences that range from unwinding in a mountainside hot spring to toasting a glass over a ‘snow bar’ to heliskiing on fresh powder snow.

And in Canada’s back country, you’ll find some of the best off-piste skiing in the world, with acres of knee-deep powder to explore as you dip in and out of Alpine bowls and weave your way through lush forests.

Research from the Mountain Trade Network shows that Canada is currently the number one ‘dream destination’ for British skiers, who are looking for more than a ‘typical’ ski holiday.

Canada’s global appeal as a destination that offers a range of premium ski options doesn’t surprise Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada, who comments: “More winter enthusiasts are looking to escape the crowds and have more of a personal adventure – and are willing to pay for it,” he says.

As for the skiing, Whistler in British Columbia (BC) has the title of biggest ski resort in North America (8,171 acres), Lake Louise and Sunshine Village in Alberta offer some of the most picturesque skiing, while Sun Peaks and Revelstoke (BC) have great dry

powder snow. Mont Tremblant in Québec has excellent luxury accommodation options and a lively apres-ski offering. opy apres

scene. Who to sell to

With spectacular scenery and full-service spas, a luxury ski holiday is a honeymoon option for active couples.

The castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs in Alberta just ‘oozes luxury’ from the moment you first set eyes on it. It has world-class dining, soothing mineral pools and 45-minute sleigh rides, while the plush private cabins at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have been enjoyed by celebrities and royalty.

Honeymooners that stay at ski-in/ski-out Lizard Creek Lodge in BC can finish the day in style with a couples massage and belowfreezing vodka at the ice bar.

Luxury extends to the kids too: familyfriendly Sun Peaks Resort in BC has a skithrough village with gentle learning trails and family activities at the Sundance Kids Centre, while the new Club Med Québec Charlevoix is Canada’s first Club Med and offers childcare services as well as family activities like pancake parties and baking workshops.

What’s new

Adventure Ski specialist Maybe Ski has launched a Catamaran-based heli-skiing in Bella Coola, BC, for 2023. Docked at a different private anchorage each day, guests are transported by helicopter to enjoy untouched powder snow. Daily massages, a private chef and a hot tub await tired skiers. Also in BC Revelstoke, which is known for its heli-skiing in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, is the home of ultra-luxury ski lodges. Chalet Bighorn has a private helipad, cat skiing, a spa, sauna, outdoor hot tub, movie theatre and cocktail bar.

At the same resort, the Flying Moose Chalet is a luxury mountain retreat that now has a heli-lounge and bespoke services that include private butlers, drivers and an executive chef.

How to sell it

A ‘ski safari’ can help winter enthusiasts tick off multiple mountain resorts on one trip. Combinations to suggest include Whistler and Sun Peaks in BC and Lake Louise and Mt. Norquay, overlooking Banff in Banff National Park, and Marmot Basin in Jasper.

Dinner with a view at the Fairmont BanFF SpringS

Canada’s crowded slopes, unrivalled powder snow, heli-skiing adventures and exclusive chalets put skiers in the lap of luxury, says Jessica Pook

powDer Snow in Bella Coola, BritiSh ColumBia

cold Play

Canada comes alive in the winter months with snow and ice providing a playground for young and old. Jo gardner looks at what’s available for the season beyond skiing

Despite trying many hairraising activities in my time – from skydiving to whitewater rafting to mountain biking – i’ve never understood the appeal of zipping down a snowy mountain on two planks of wood. however, that doesn’t mean i swerve ski resorts altogether; in fact, quite the contrary because they are some of the most beautiful spots in the world.

it’s just that when everybody else is carving their way down the mountain i’ll be back in the village bubbling away in a hot tub or dipping bread into fondue in a restaurant with a view to die for.

alternatively, such as today, i might be gliding across lake louise on skates. this quite beautiful body of water freezes each year when the temperatures plummet.

i’m staying at the Fairmont Chateau lake Louise in Banff National Park in Alberta, a property so akin to a fairytale castle i almost expect to see rapunzel letting down her hair. the snow-capped rocky Mountains, emerald-green lake louise and Victoria glacier frame the view like an irresistible postcard (remember them?).

it’s a crisp, blue-sky kind of day as i head to Chateau Ski and Snow rentals to get my skates. With no barrier to cling onto i feel nervous about taking my first step.

“The ice was definitely NOT this slippery when i was a child,” i mutter to myself as i gingerly push forward – and fall over. this happens several times until I find my stride. ten minutes later, i’m gliding around the lake with ease, the fresh air as intoxicating as the views.

and two hours’ later i’m contentedly sipping wine by an open fire whilst watching the snow fall outside, mine an unsympathetic ear listening to weary skiers complain about various aches and pains.

it was their choice!

Winter finding its feet

Covid, rising fuel costs and resorts and hotels needing to rebuild their staff numbers has presented Canada – like most countries –with challenges when rebuilding its tourism industry. however, with the borders fully open and entry restrictions lifted, and a roster of events returning bigger and better in 2023, the country is predicted to glide through the year with the 2023/24 winter season expected to be a busy one.

“the recovery of international travel is well underway. By last June and July inbound international air travel to Canada was already nearing pre-pandemic levels,” says Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada.

“there’s huge demand going into 2023... despite the rising cost of living, people still have the propensity to spend on once-in-alifetime experiences,” he adds.

that demand isn’t just for skiing and snowboarding holidays either, with more visitors looking to experience Canada’s winter wonderland in different ways –whether that is a winter-themed carnival, a snow shoeing excursion, dog sledding or a Northern Lights tour.

“Banff is a great place for non-skiers as there’s ice skating and dog sledding at the resort itself,” adds Mcloughlin.

“agents could also suggest that they drive to Jasper from here to see more of the region, or team Whistler with Vancouver for a winter city break; it’s nearby with loads to do beyond the slopes,” says Mcloughlin

Experiences off the slopes

Bathe in bubbles: Nothing beats being warm and cosy when it’s snowing and cold outside – and hot tubs are the perfect way to experience this juxtaposition. Dart across the snow in your cossie and sink into warm, bubbly water to admire the wintery scene. Many Canadian hotels have great spas with alfresco hot tubs for relaxing the muscles after a day on the slopes – try Québec’s Spa Fairmont le Chateau Montebello. fairmont.com/montebello.

Hair of the dog: Join the pack and race through the snowy mountainside on a sled pulled by huskies. get your own personal musher or take the reigns and learn about this time-honoured tradition. tour operators in the Yukon offer a half-day excursion with the option to include an overnight stay that offers the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

Tour the lakes: Join Mountain park transportation for an interpretive sightseeing tour in Banff National Park that visits some of the most iconic lookouts and lakes in the area. From classic lake louise, travel up the Icefields Parkway, where every winding curve fills the windshield with a new view. admire hector lake, Crowfoot glacier lookout and the historic Num-Ti Jah Lodge at Bow lake. mtnparktrans.com

Icy reception: there’s only one ice hotel in North America and that’s hotel de glace in Québec, an annual, made-from scratch property created using 500 tons of ice and 30,000 tons of snow. It takes 60 people five weeks to build the hotel, which includes 45 rooms and suites, ice beds, an ice restaurant and bar and an ice chapel. Fire pits, mattresses and insulating sheets keep guests warm. The Nordic Relaxation area boasts outdoor hot tubs and saunas. valcartier.com

Winter warmers: toronto’s annual Winterlicious food festival, which in 2023 will run from January 27 to February 9, is a celebration of local cuisine with over 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants offering fixed price menus for a fortnight and giving visitors the chance to try top-end restaurants at rock- bottom prices. around 75 of the city’s restaurants are included in Canada’s first-ever Michelin guide too, making the event even more delicious. destinationontario.com

Fat bike in Fernie : if you can ride a bike, you can ride a fat bike. the oversized low-pressure tires allow cyclists to ride along snowy or icy surfaces and peddle through the snow with ease. Fernie in British Columbia has a trail system perfect for winter riding. there are easy, multi-use community trails, groomed shared trails and challenging singletrack. trails are also maintained throughout the winter in prince Edward island, with some of the best found in Victoria-by-the-Sea and Stanhope. tourismfernie.com; princeedwardisland.ca

Ice Fishing: Canada is home to thousands of incredible ice fishing locations. in Saskatchewan, winter anglers set up their ice fishing shacks in their favourite spots, with tobin lake popular for its monster Walleye and lake trout. the lake is buried in the boreal forest and trimmed with resorts, cabins and campgrounds.

In the Northwest Territories, The Great Slave lake is one of the world’s top ten largest lakes and the deepest lake in North america. it is also one of the most remote ice fishing destinations in Canada but that doesn’t stop anglers travelling to yellowknife between mid-to-late-November and late March, hoping to reel in Whitefish, Pickerel, lake trout, inconnu and arctic grayling.

What’s new

in British Columbia, Sun peaks’ Snow limo has returned for the winter 2022/23 season, allowing guests that may not ski a chance to safely experience the high alpine and stunning vistas on various tours around the three mountains that surround the resort town. once guests are buckled into the specially designed sled, their professional guide jumps on the skis behind them and leans into turns just like skiers do. in alberta, Forest park hotel by pursuit opened in Jasper in summer 2022 as the town’s first new property since the 1980s. located in a quiet and relaxing mountain setting but an easy walk to the town’s shopping and dining options, it features a spa, heated pool and hot tubs. banffjaspercollection.com

Soaking in the Scenery at SunShine Village, alberta

Dog SleDDing in the yukon fat biking in fernie, britiSh columbia

Canada’s

Winter Festivals

A fabulous line-up of festivals lights up Canada’s darkest months.

Charlotte Flach cherry-picks four of the best

Québec Winter Carnival

There’s no party quite like a Québec City party, with 17 days of non-stop festivities at its annual Winter Carnival in February.

What claims to be the world’s biggest celebration of winter features ice carving, dog sled races and Canada’s most famous export: maple syrup drizzled over sweet treats.

Watch as 360 tonnes of ice are transformed into giant sculptures and canoes race across the frozen St. Lawrence River.

Or feel the adrenaline rush as dog teams speed through the Old City. Carriage rides, live fiddle music and ice skating are played out against the backdrop of the ramparts of the only walled city north of Mexico.

Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur

Winter is a time for celebration, not hibernation, say the locals in Winnipeg. Feel the good vibes over 10 spectacular days at its Festival du Voyageur in February.

Taking place in the French Quarter, French Canadian tradition meets First Nations Métis culture for a celebration of heritage.

The largest winter festival in Western Canada offers a modern twist on its cultural celebrations, with music, food, snow sculptures and immersive shows against a picture-perfect winter background. A vast array of historical, recreational and educational activities make it an ideal activity for all ages and tastes.

Montréal en Lumière

It’s lights, camera, action every winter at

Montréal’s city-wide festival. Famed for its gigantic illuminated ferris wheel, which can be spotted from many miles away, there are also magnificent light installations and giant cinematographic projections to brighten up the dark winter evenings. Held outdoors between late February and early March, it combines art, food, culture, theatre, music, curling and ziplining, with over 300 activities and 600 artists showing off their creative talents.

Snow Magic Toronto

For those who feel the chill of Canada’s winterscape, Snow Magic offers all the magic of the season but from the warmth and comfort of a car. Ontario Place is a 1.7-kilometre drive-thru art exhibit offering an immersive adventure with 17 art installations inspired by fire, light and ice.

Tune into a specially-curated soundtrack on your car radio; it includes an interactive game with prizes. Snow Magic usually runs from mid-November to mid-January – but for 2023 has been extended to January 23 – and is open from dusk until late.

Ice castle at WInnIpeg’s FestIval du voyageur

IllumInatIons at montrÉal en lumIere

snoW-covered old cIty Hall In toronto

Canada All-inclusive

Canada is proud of its LGBTQ+ community and regularly comes top of reports listing the world’s gay-friendly destinations, says Rupert Parker

Why sell it?

A UNWTO Global Report on LGBTQ+ Tourism found that 86% of Canadian millennial-aged respondents believe homosexuality should be “accepted”.

It highlights attitudes in a liberal and moderate country that takes all-inclusivity seriously. Against that background, Canada represents a major opportunity for LGBTQ+ travellers, who can plan holidays reassured that they will feel comfortable touring a country that has long been open and welcoming to all.

And, as Canada was one of the first countries in the world to legalise same-sex marriage, it is also an ideal destination for a gay or lesbian honeymoon.

LGBTQ+ travellers will feel particularly welcome in Canada’s larger cities where there are gay villages, lively gay-orientated nightlife options and many community associations and support groups.

In addition, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Whitehorse, Yukon, there is a lively drag scene across Canada.

For example, Calgary is home to the Fake Mustache Drag King Troupe, which claims the title of Canada’s longest-running drag troupe. Its shows feature a mix of performers, including ones with non-binary personas like drag monarchs.

Across the year there are countless LGBTQ+ events, big and small, such as Toronto Pride in June, Capital Pride Edmonton (also June) and the Fierté Montréal Pride Festival and Fredericton Pride Festival (New Brunswick) both in August.

Says Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada: “Canada is well known for being friendly and welcoming to all visitors, and this hospitality extends to the LGBTQ+ community. Canada is one of the most

gay-friendly countries in the world and a must-visit for all LGBTQ+ travellers.

He added: “Toronto and Vancouver are popular destinations due to their inclusion, great spirit, and incredible LGBTQ+ nightlife.

What to sell

Echoing Canada’s all-inclusive ethos, every city has a gay quarter.

Toronto is home to the largest LGBTQ+ community in the country and the biggest draw is the famous Church Wellesley Gay Village, with its epic nightlife, inclusive community centre, and magnificent restaurants. One of the only cities in the world to have multiple gay districts, there’s the edgier Queer West Village, fuelled by happening restaurants and hipster bars.

Also there’s Old Cabbagetown, which is another up-and-coming ‘gaybourhood’.

Vancouver has two colourful gay villages: Davie Village is home to several gay bars, clubs, restaurants and gay shops, while Commercial Drive (The Drive) is a draw card for the city’s lesbian community.

Montréal has one of the largest gay

ChurCh Wellesley Gay villaGe in ToronTo Peak To Peak alPine exPerienCe in WhisTler

ToronTo’s Pride FesTival is held every June

villages in the world and the annual Fierté Montréal Pride Festival is one of the country’s most colourful.

Most of the festivities happen in the Gay Village and Rue Sainte-Catherine is transformed into a walking promenade during the summer months.

The capital, Ottawa, also has a Gay Village: a six-by-two block section of Bank is already home to multiple established and newly blossoming LGBTQ+ friendly bars and hotels, many of which are gay owned.

When to sell

Each year, Canada’s LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride in all the major cities and towns, from coast to coast.

This is an occasion for celebrations based on diversity and inclusion. Check out the calendar to visit a destination during Pride: Toronto late June, Montréal August, Vancouver August and Ottawa in February.

Pride is a great time to visit Toronto as Toronto Gay Pride is one of the most celebrated Pride events in North America, attracting an estimated 1.2 million spectators each year.

Visitors certainly can’t fail to notice an array of people dressed in the most flamboyant outfits, with an amazing range of colours and styles.

The centre of the festival is the city’s Church and Wellesley village, while the parade and marches are primarily routed along the nearby Yonge Street, Gerrard Street and Bloor Street.

There are events on just about every corner, and a main area with stalls, music and dancing. Sunday sees the main parade, when over two million people flock downtown to enjoy the extravagant costumes and uplifting music of the floats.

Gay Ski Weeks are also well established. Since 1992 gay-friendly winter sports have been held on more than 250 km of ski slopes during The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival. The annual gay and lesbian ski weekend, held in January, also features a loaded entertainment programme.

Similar events are staged in Mount Tremblant, Québec, in February and Jasper, Alberta, in April.

How to sell it

Stress the safety aspect and Canada’s general inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ visitors, and the range of districts, bars, festivals and events that cater specifically to this market. Point out that Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal are some of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities.

Suggest enjoying the urban centres of Ontario and Québec by packaging an eightday fly-drive from Toronto. This takes in Niagara Falls and Ottawa before crossing into Québec, following the St Lawrence River to Québec City and then to Montréal.

Or suggest touring Canada by rail. Via Rail’s The Canadian sees the train travel from Toronto to Vancouver, via Winnipeg. It glides past prairie fields, lake country and small towns before meeting the snowy peaks of the Rockies. Overnight accommodation on the train is available. The Rocky Mountaineer offers various routes into the Rockies from Vancouver.

Why visit in 2023

Covid restrictions meant that many Prides were cancelled completely or, since 2020, have taken place only in a limited form.

Toronto held a large and spectacular event in June 2022 although the Montréal Pride and others were cancelled due to staffing shortages. Organisers hope 2023 will see again see ‘fully blown’ Prides taking place across Canada.

visiTinG oTTaWa’s PeaCekeePinG MonuMenT

Canada is a ToP PiCk For The lGBTQ CoMMuniTy

sTanley Park in BriTish ColuMBia

manitoba The colours of

Offering some of the best wildlife spotting in Canada, Manitoba offers year-round nature encounters and outdoor activities, says charlotte Flach

summer

At Canada’s epicentre lies the beating heart of Manitoba, home to the remote frontier town of Churchill.

Nestled on Manitoba’s northern Hudson Bay coastline, it has a tiny population of only 900 people and abundant natural habitats, making it a magnet for wildlife.

In the warmer months, the blue ocean hues and pink of the flowering fireweed are at their best, in time for thousands of beluga whales which migrate to the Churchill and Seal river estuaries from Hudson Bay.

July and August are the high season for watching them swim and play, with opportunities to get close to pods, on a zodiac, boat, kayak, Aquaglide™ or stand-up paddleboard. Paddle sports like kayaking and canoeing are a great way to navigate Manitoba’s thousands of lakes and waterways. Boating and fishing are northern Manitoba’s biggest draws, with Whiteshell Provincial Park perfect for both. For a minimal-effort way to watch the world go by, a two-to three-hour lazy river tube float experience on the Pinawa Channel takes in some of the Manitoba’s most spectacular scenery.

fall

With changing leaves and cooler temperatures, fall is a great time to visit Manitoba. Hiking and biking excursions in Riding Mountain National Park are favourite ways to see the seasonal hues coming into their own.

A brisk hike up to Bald Hill offers incredible views of the Pembina escarpment, with fiery red-, orange- and yellowdappled trees on full display.

Clients can base themselves in Wasagaming, a quaint town site with shops and restaurants; or camp in tents, yurts, and oTENTIKs – a cross between a tent and an A-frame cabin – close to the beautiful surroundings of Riding Mountain and Clear Lake.

Autumn is also a great time to get cozy in a remote ecolodge, an authentic wood-frame Canadian lodge or wait until the tundra freezes to visit a tundra vehicle lodge, complete with outdoor bear viewing platform.

Also great as the cold closes in is the Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature, an outdoor oasis offering a hot-coldrest cycle, then head inside for a dry sauna, specifically the Aufguss ritual, and steam rooms.

Paddle with beluga whales in summer

hike riding mountain for autumnal hues

winter

When the temperatures drop below zero, Manitoba shines under the bright winter sun. Cold temperatures, snow and frozen lakes make Manitoba an ideal choice for snowmobiling, skiing and ice fishing – so wrap up warm and enjoy a winter wonderland.

Experience the verdant green of the boreal forest, through crisp-white snow, on a dog sledding adventure. Then learn how the mushers care for and read their dogs, with Indigenous-owned Wapusk Adventures. Or skate across the frozen waters of the the Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks in downtown Winnipeg, one of the longest skating trails in Canada.

As a deep frost sets in, Manitoba’s lakes ice over and create the perfect conditions for keen fisherman looking to learn a new skill. Ice fishing day trip options and remote all-inclusive lodge experiences offer anglers of any skill level the opportunity to reel in a monster catch.

Held in February, Festival du Voyageur embraces the cold wintry months through a blend of historical and contemporary celebration.

Bonding the traditions of the past with the vitality of the Franco-Manitoban community of today, Festival du Voyageur showcases Fort Gibraltar’s historical characters, snow sculptures created by artists from around the world, lively music and dancing, and French-Canadian food.

year round

With wildlife experiences that rival a safari in Africa or a visit to the Galapagos Islands, clients are spoiled with year-round bucket list wildlife sightings that range from beluga whales in the summer to polar bears in the fall.

Churchill is known as the ‘polar bear capital of the world’, with almost 1,000 roaming the Hudson Bay shoreline in the autumn. In the most accessible destination to see the bears in the wild, they can be sighted from the safety of massive tundra vehicles in October and November or by trekking ground-level on an eco-friendly walking tour at a fly-in eco wilderness lodge. Mothers and cubs can be spotted roaming the summer tundra in July and August.

The town also boasts over 300 nights of aurora borealis activity a year, with the peak months to see the lights being February and March when the skies are darkest and clearest. Get a 360-degree view from a bubble-like Aurora Dom, recline in an Aurora Pod, or observe from the open-air deck of a yurt deep in the boreal forest. Clients can even dine under the Northern lLghts in a Tundra Buggy as part of a culinary experience with Frontiers North Adventures.

Manitoba also has a year-round culture calendar that includes museums, Indigenous experiences and attractions celebrating Franco-Manitoban culture.

exPlore snowy terrain by dog sled or snowmobile

Polar bears can be sighted in summer and fall

Spirit Animals

Cloud wolves: Join National Geographic photographer Jad Davenport in search of the elusive Cloud Wolves of the Kaska Coast. Based at the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge on the Hudson Bay, guests act as field naturalists, tracking and collecting data about the wolves behaviour and interaction with First Nations communities. churchillwild.com

ojibwe horses : Thought to have spiritual powers, the Ojibwe Spirit Horses originally lived freely alongside Indigenous communities acting as both service animals and companions. Visitors can learn about their significance to the Metis people as part of the Spirit Horse Encounter at TJ Stables in Chatham, Ontario. ontariossouthwest.com

spirit bears: The Kitasoo/Xai’xais territory is home to the largest existing population of spirit bears – rare white-coated black bears. In the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest of British Columbia lies Spirit Bear Lodge, which offers wildlife tour packages from three to seven nights. spiritbear.com

orCas: Orcas are known as the true ‘guardians of the sea’. Aboriginal Journeys is an Indigenous-owned company that offers whale watching from Campbell River, British Columbia. The three- to five-hour boat tours track orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises. aboriginaljourneys.com

bison: Bison have spiritual significance to First Nations people, providing a source of food, clothing and shelter. Following an absence of over a century, 16 bison were reintroduced to Banff National Park in 2018. The herd has since grown to over 60 with 16 calves born in spring 2022. travelalberta.com

Warrior

Women

Steve

Icome from a small reserve called Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. I am a Cree Indian, I speak Nehiyawewin, which is one of the Cree dialects, and my traditional name translates into ‘She Who Moves Mountains,’” says Matricia Bauer, the founder of Jasperbased company, Warrior Women.

Matricia is an in-demand women: her many roles include tourism guide, drummer, singer, storyteller, artist, educator and ‘Indigenous Knowledge Keeper’. She also uses beads and leather to make traditional Moccasins.

Plus she works with Parks Canada, is on the board of Jasper’s Chamber of Commerce and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada and is a member of both Indigenous Tourism Alberta and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

Somehow she finds time to invite tourists to join her for a ‘fireside chat’ that involves songs, drumming and stories, and to walk with her into Jasper National Park to learn about the uses and medicinal values of rhe flora and plants. She also offers visitors a ‘gather and make’ tea experience.

“I share with my guests the beautiful aspects of my culture, and my journey

back home to my ancestors,” she says.

During the 90-minute fireside chats, Matricia encourages client to ask questions about Indigenous topics.

“I start with drumming and singing to ease people into the environment and create a space that is welcoming.

“I bare my soul and share my own story, and by being open and honest it prompts guests to join in and engage. I create a space where we can have conversations about Indigenous issues,” She adds: “I have different drum songs: some by Indigenous women, others are English songs that I have ‘Indigenised and some are written by myself and/or my daughter Mackenzie, who sometimes sings with me and is the Director of Indigenous Tourism Alberta.”

Matricia explains that being a ‘Drum Keeper’ involves some strict protocol.

“You must never drum or sing under any type of alternate influence and you must always open the drum in a certain way.

“Drumming is spiritual and because we are connected to the Creator and he hears the drum beats and sees everything that happens around the drum there is a big responsibility when I play.

“I had to learn these things from my elders,” she says.

On her Wapakwanis plant walks, guests see the natural environment through a different lens and learn how Indigenous people use flowers, trees, shrubs and plants as food and medicine.

The experience includes making salves, lotions and soaps and participants leave with both new knowledge and a product they have developed themselves.

“Plants and flowers provide us with sovereignty over what we eat and how we can heal ourselves. Just getting exposed to the aromatics from trees is healing in itself.

“We are used to making a salad by going to a store and buying green things in a bag, but that shows how disconnected we are from our food and medicine sources.

“Guests are often surprised that you can make lip balm from three easily-found ingredients that is naturally antibacterial, and delicious tea from just two,” she says.

“My responsibility is to share my own personal story but also to let people know that it is just one Indigenous story. I can’t speak for every Indigenous person in Canada. There are 82 different tribes, with a multitude of different experiences.

“I encourage people to seek out those experiences and have an open mind and open heart to receive all the various messages coming from different sources.” warriorwomen.com

Hartridge talks to Matricia Bauer talented resident of Jasper, Alberta, who shares her Cree heritage with visitors through drumming, song conversation and nature walks

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we’re always so excited to welcome visitors.”

guide for boaters navigating the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian bay. Can you guess the name of this lighthouse and where in Ontario its located? #WhereInOntario”

What’s been trending? #CanadaChat

For autumnal roadtrips look no further than @OntarioTravel

@DestinationCAN Yellowknife is lauded by some as the best place in the world to see the Northern Lights.

@BanffLakeLouise “Banff and Lake Louise come alive in the summer and

@DestinationCAN Lucky roadtrippers may spot a bison.

@ExploreEdmonton offers insight into Indigenous life.