Selling Canada Winter 2022

TRAINING

Read all about the colours of Canada

DC update

NEWS FROM DESTINATION CANADA

WE are delighted to bring you our very 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 o er.

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.

2022 has been a great recovery year for travel to Canada and 2023 is selling well, so we are encouraging agents to book early to get their clients exactly what they want. To help you sell more of Canada, I hope you have had a chance to check out the new Canada Specialist Program.

Read all about this and how it is already benefitting agents on pages 10 and 11.

In 2023 we will be out on the road with our Team Canada roadshows in association with our friends at Travel Gossip.

We will be in Birmingham (March 1), Manchester (March 2), Bristol (October 4) and Bournemouth (October 5). Put the date in the diary for the one nearest to you and look out for more information!

Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada

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

Help desk

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 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 is due to run until the end of 2022 but some content will remain “evergreen” after the official end. canada.withspotify.com

Remember an eTA for Canada

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

An eTa costs C$7 (£4.50): 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.

Canada mapped out for agents

us for maps, and we have listened!”, said Adam Hanmer, Manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada.

LOOK out for your at-a-glance Canada reference map, which has been distributed with this issue of Selling Canada

“Agents are always asking

“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.”

Griff goes coast to coast

IF you missed it when it first aired on Channel 4 try to watch the six-part Griff’s Canadian Adventure series on catch-up TV. Starting in Newfoundland and Labrador and ending in British Columbia, Griff’s coast to coast experiences include viewing polar bears in Churchill, Manitoba, trying ice hockey, driving a Tundra Buggy, visiting Niagara Falls and tasting local dishes.

Ranching out

* Riding Holidays specialist Ranch Rider has added the Painted Warriors Guest Ranch to its Alberta collection.

The property is a wholly owned and run indigenous tourism operation surrounded by pristine wilderness an hour’s drive from Calgary.

Agents receive a 10% commission on bookings. ranchrider.com

Canadian Affair ‘Unrivalled’ Authentic options from Premier

PREMiER Holidays 2023

Canada brochure includes 15 new tours, 36 extra hotels and 38 additional experiences.

The operator says the “brand new and bigger than ever before” brochure has been designed in line with customer and agent feedback, and focuses on “trendy” accommodation, sustainable credentials and authentic travel experiences.

canadian Affair has introduced a new agent-focused platform that showcases the plethora of ‘bucket list’ experiences on offer in Canada.

recommendations. A section focuses on ‘journeys’, with suggested tailor-made packages and example itineraries.

New in Ottawa

* coMPlEtEly renovated in 2022, and now part of the Gray Collection, The Metcalfe Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa. Featuring a five-story 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

Titled Iconic Experiences, indepth content is available on a dedicated microsite called Unrivalled Canada. Agents can use over-branded versions of the webpages along with their own logos and contact details.

Featured experiences include whale watching, seeing both grizzly and black bears in the wild, helicopter tours over Niagara Falls, a train journey on the Rocky Mountaineer and the Calgary Stampede.

Icons such as Toronto’s CN Tower and Montreal’s Biosphere feature in city break

There is also an ‘experiences hub’ detailing the diverse number of activities available across Canada.

Canadian Affair says the collection of experiences has been developed in line with buoyant consumer demand for more top-end attractions.

“Clients are now booking more in advance, have more money to spend and are willing to spend more on bucket list experiences,” said Chris Hedley, Canadian Affair’s Managing Director. He added that demand for 2003 was “huge”. canadianaffair.com

“Instagram-worthy hotel” offerings include Domes Charlevois in Québec, with views over the St Lawrence River, and Cathedral Mountain Lodge in British Columbia, a log cabin in the centre of Yoho National Park.

Travellers looking for accommodation with a sustainability ethos can stay at the Klahoose Wilderness Resort in British Columbia, which strives to achieve a minimal carbon footprint in its daily operations and works to protect the environment and its inhabitants.

Similarly, for an authentic travel experience deep in Canada’s great outdoors, the Algonquin Provincial Park Private Island Adventure is a private lakeside cabin that is only accessible by canoe. premierholidays.co.uk

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 Peggy’s Cove, Scenic Drive and Lobster Lunch, a Walking Tour Of Historic Québec, Rendez-Vous At Wendake Cultural Village With A Clan Member (Québec) and an Anne Of Green Gables Historic Site & Island Drive (Charlottetown)

Prices for a Balcony Stateroom start at £4,159pp. Upgrades to a Deluxe Balcony are available from £40 a day. 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, is proving a hit among travel agents keen to widen their depth and breadth of knowledge on one of the world’s most in demand destinations in 2023.

“We are delighted with the pick up on the new CSP program, with over 1,000 agents now registered,” says Adam Hanmer, Travel Trade Manager, Destination Canada.

“The app has gone down a storm as it allows agents to take the training on the go. The final content still to go live is our city and resort modules. The addition of these modules which complete an agent’s fully rounded education of Canada.”

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

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

“In 2023 we plan to keep the content fresh with a webinar series.”

Canada is proving popular among British travellers seeking the country’s boundless scenic wonders and outdoor spaces and agents can capitalise by showcasing their expertise to clinch sales.

Adds Hanmer. “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.”

Next year will also be an exciting one for Destination Canada’s Elite program. Adds Hanmer: “2023 will see us relaunch the Canada Specialist Elite Program. It will be a ‘qualification year’ for bookings to Canada, which will determine which agents join our exclusive Elite Club.

“Elite agents will have access to a very special FAM trip, training events and discounted trips to Canada. I urge agents to enrol in the Canada Specialist Program to learn more about access to this exclusive club.”

What is it?

When complete the CSP will consist of 40 modules. One of the newest components to be added is the module on Provinces and the final content to be made live will focus on Cities and Resorts.

All modules provide agents with an interactive learning experience to gain in-depth 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 new working 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 have achieved Gold status on the CSP modules is Barrhead’s Michelle Holt, a long-time Canada specialist. “My knowledge of Canada was already very good, but the CSP really enhances it. It is great to keep up to date with whats new and up and coming in Canada,” she says.

“I loved the training on Indigenous Tourism. This was a subject I wasn’t really familiar with but the CSP brought it to my attention. I have now started to talk to my clients about this history and am encouraging them to take an active interest and include excursions that incorporate First Nations experiences.”

Travel Counsellor Bruce Cairns says he benefits from training that informs him about those areas of Canada that he is yet to visit. “It is such a large country with lots of amazing experiences that it is important that I can advise my clients how to maximise their time there... some of the CSP videos are just amazing.”

Denise Hart of Hays Travel is a veteran of Canada’s training program but says the CSP modules still fuel a desire to “travel to Canada as often as possible”.

“I find all the modules extremely helpful but the self-drive ones were particularly interesting. The training has helped me to speak confidently about Canada to my clients and also offer colleagues assistance and training sessions, which has resulted in more bookings for us.”

Amanda McKinlay of Thorne Travel says her Canada training has given her the

confidence to more thoroughly answer customers’ questions. “Also, I know that if I need some more information I can revert to the training and review all the courses any time I want,” she says.

“There were lots of useful modules, but I loved learning about the history and the culture and the different experiences”.

Jersey-based Julie Law of Travel by Design said completing the program opened her eyes to how much Canada has to offer every type of client. “It really showed me what a great destination Canada is and that it has something for everyone. Having only visited Eastern Canada a couple of times to see the F1 in Montreal I found this program extremely helpful in extending my knowledge of Canada.

“We are seeing a steady flow of enquiries for Canada for 2023.”

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.co.uk

Differentiate yourself and your agency from others by becoming a Canada expert

Earn a qualification to add to your CV

Increase your commission through learning how to upsell and suggest ‘add ons’

Receive priority access to Canada FAM trips, training incentives and both live and virtual events

Engage with other agents who are Canada experts

Gain confidence in how to sell the right trip to the right client

Why would I benefit from becoming a Canada Specialist?

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.

Book it with...Canadian Affair

The eight-day Eastern Adventure option includes sightseeing tours in both Toronto and Montréal. Prices start from £1,064pp, including flights. canadianaffair.com

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.

take a selfie in downtown toRonto

stanley PaRk is VancouVR’s gReen lung

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.

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.

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

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

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 secondgeneration miner is still mining gold today and he is happy to tell visitors how gold is deposited by nature and extracted by man.

Exactly 125 years after gold was first discovered at Rabbit Creek (later renamed

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

In the creek, just off the wide dirt road, I notice equipment, bulldozers, and trucks the evidence of mining operations today.

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 ‘pay dirt’. Pay dirt is, of course, the heaviest material – gold! I am told that given that one ounce of gold still fetches about $1,700, a three-man operation can often make $3,000 or more in a couple of days.

But it is when I get 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 a few flakes of the precious metal. 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 and next 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.

“You can even pan for gold on an authentic mining excursion with Goldbottom Mine Tours or join a gold fields tour with Klondike Experience, 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 self-drive tours to the Klondike and some have even launched new gold-themed itineraries, so visitors can really follow 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, 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 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

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

Maurine Forlin, Travel Yukon

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; however, 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: This tour operator is based on Whitehorse’s Schwatka Lake and 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 onwards. 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 Sourdough Saloon. Swagger on in to take part in the time honoured 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 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

Accomodation

: 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

Book it with...North America Travel Service: The 11-night Yukon fly-drive Silver Trail Explorer itinerary begins and ends in Whitehorse and visits Dawson City. The trip is priced from £2,665pp, based on two adults sharing, travelling in June 2023. travel.agents@nats-uk.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

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

Book it with...Canadian Affair

The operator has a 15-day Rockies & Alaska Cruise, The Complete Western Adventure! - Gold Leaf” holiday that includes the two-day Passage to the West Rocky Mountaineer trip, from Vancouver to Banff, in GoldLeaf. Prices are £4,279pp, for a May 19 2023 departure. Flights are with WestJet from London Gatwick. canadianaffair.com

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

Luxury

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

KAT CRAATS

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

JESSICA BURTNICK

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, sadly, the 1960s-era schooner Amoeba has since 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.

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 and, says Lisa Cooper, Destination British Columbia’s trade sales account director, 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

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 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, its nature embraces 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

Walk on the sea floor: From May until mid-October, visitors to the Bay of Fundy’s Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park in New Brunswick

BADDECK LIGHTHOUSE ON CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA

KAYAKING THE RED CLIFFS OF MAGDALEN ISLANDS, QUÉBEC

SEA PLANE AT GREAT BEAR LODGE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

PETER ELLEGARD

PETER ELLEGARD

GREAT BEAR NATURE TOUR

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 this summer, St John’s Walking Tours with a local guide introduces highlights of the Newfoundland and Labrador capital’s historic and brightly-coloured downtown. stjohnswalkingtours.com

Premier Holidays has launched a new 12-night Vancouver Island Explorer selfdrive itinerary for 2023, visiting Tofino, Knight Inlet, Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver. Priced from £3,399pp, it includes flights. premierholidays.co.uk

Accommodation: Boutique eco-hotel Blackbush Resort at Old Tracadie Harbour on Prince Edward Island will open in June 2023 with 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

SEA KAYAKING TRIPS

heart of Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park. 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

Book it with...Prestige Travel

Prestige Travel’s 13-day Classic Maritimes round-trip self-drive tour from Halifax takes in Nova Scotia highlights such as Peggy’s Cove, Lunenberg, Annapolis Royal, a Bay of Fundy whale-watching excursion, Baddeck and the Cabot Trail and the Fortress of Louisbourg as well as three days exploring Prince Edward Island. Costing from £1,398pp it includes accommodation and car rental. prestigetravel.co.uk

The Activity for the Whole Family, Kayaking trips for toddlers, children, teens and adults, with or without kayaking experience. Sea kayaking is a water activity open to all, it’s easy and fun. Come with your family, as a couple, in a group or on your own: we have the outing that suits your abilities and interests.

FJORD EN KAYAK EXPEDITIONS

Get ready to fall in love with the fjord and its legends, to live the adventure surrounded by a wild and untamed nature! Join one of our sea kayaking expeditions and experience the Saguenay Fjord for 2 to 6 days depending on your level and physical condition. We even offer a two-day family outing with your children 11 years and older!

1-866-725-2925 | fjordenkayak.ca

OCEAN VILLAGE IN TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

LOW TIDE AT THE HOPEWELL ROCKS, NEW BRUNSWICK

SEAL RESTING ON SABLE ISLAND, NOVA SCOTIA

COLOURFUL FISHING HUTS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

PETER ELLEGARD

VANCITYWILD

Atlantic Canada’s

SUSTAINABLE COASTLINE

As sustainability creeps up the travel wish list, clients are looking for holidays that provide a feel-good factor. That’s where Atlantic Canada comes into its own.

From enjoying delicious sustainablyfished seafood to soaking in seaweed baths, there are plenty of ‘green’ tourism initiatives across Atlantic Canada to recommend to eco-conscious travellers.

New Brunswick

The Fundy Biosphere Region is a UNESCO designated area spanning over 442,000 hectares of New Brunswick’s upper Bay of Fundy coast.

Local communities are working together to conserve the region’s natural heritage through a greater level of sustainable tourism. Dubbed nature’s garden, the area includes the Bay of Funday Mudflats, a rare habitat for shorebirds and other intertidal creatures. The famous Fundy National Park is an integral part of this vision, offering scenic hiking and biking trails. tourismnewbrunswick.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador

Sustainable innovation came about for Grates Cove Co. during the pandemic, when business was slow. The former studio, café and guesthouse started harvesting local seaweed for its new skincare product line and outdoor seaweed baths. Couples can soak in the hand-harvested seaweed as they gaze across the rugged coastline, enjoying the numerous skin-protecting benefits. Clients can also hike the trails, take a boat ride or take part in cookery classes using local ingredients. newfoundlandlabrador.com

Don’t miss

Try PEI mussels at The Blue Mussel Cafe, a seasonal seafood restaurant located in North Rustico Harbour. The restaurant uses only products that are harvested, caught or raised locally.

Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is offering eco-friendly experiences to protect its dozens of rare or threatened plant and animal species. The park is focusing on salmon population restoration and boreal forest conservation to protect the ecosystem on the Skyline Trail.

Clients can reduce their carbon footprint by using the many electric car charging stations in the park, or by cycling the Cabot Trail. Campsites at Broad Cove Beach, Chéticamp and Ingonish Beach add to the low impact experience. novascotia.com

Prince Edward Island

The top-selling mussel in North America hails from the shores of Prince Edward Island and represents 80% of Canadian mussel production.

Blue mussel farmers act as caretakers of the surrounding natural elements, producing safe and healthy food without compromising the environment. Their mussels are farm-raised on ropes hung in the ocean, which prevents dredging or disturbance to the ocean floor. It’s all natural and nothing is added in the process. tourismpei.com

NOVA SCOTIA’S CABOT TRAIL

lakes and rivers Canada’s

Why sell it

With over two million lakes and rivers and 20% of the world’s freshwater, there are endless ways to enjoy Canada’s waterways.

With more clients looking to immerse themselves in wondrous places and find 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, while kayakers can go off-grid in bear country on a challenging multi-day trip out of Dawson City.

Great fishing is available across Canada. Top spots include Miramichi, New Brunswick, to fish for salmon; British Columbia for sturgeon and halibut; and Manitoba for pike. Specialist Go Fishing Worldwide offers various Canadian fishing holiday packages.

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.

New Air Transat flights from Gatwick to Québec City (from May- September), open up the Saguenay Fjord and Lac St. Jean areas, two beautiful spots around Québec’s lakes.

Book it with...First Class Holidays

The 15-day West Coast Island Discovery selfdrive tour features the quiet bays, shorelines, and waterside resorts of the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. It is priced from £3,559pp, including flights. fcholidays.com

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

Five reasons to visit New Brunswick

NATURAL BEAUTY: Hike past waterfalls in stunning national and provincial parks or kayak the world highest tides at the Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy. Take a road trip across New Brunswick where all routes lead to adventure and unspoiled charm.

COASTLINES AND STARS: Explore over 5,500km of wild coastline, from the rugged Fundy region to Canada’s warmest saltwater beaches on the Acadian shores. Then check out one of the Dark Sky Preserves, such as Kouchibouguac National Park, for stargazing.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE: Descended from French settlers, Acadians are known for their joie de vivre! Museums, historic sites, and living-villages bring their 400-year history to life, while restaurants and galleries provide a modern twist. Visitors can sample traditional food, participate in a craft workshop, listen to First Nations stories or even sleep in a traditional teepee.

WATCH THE WILDLIFE: The Bay of Fundy is a habitat for some of the world’s rarest whales, including the endangered North Atlantic right whale. They visit this spot every year to seek shelter, feed and give birth, making New Brunswick one of the world’s best places to whale watch.

URBAN EXPERIENCES: Foodies can sample fresh seafood in Shediac, the ‘Lobster Capital of the World’, and experience farm to table produce paired with local beverages. Allow time to explore the hub city of Moncton, Saint John (the City on the Bay), New Brunswick’s capital Fredericton, plus quaint coastal communities and villages.

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 on my wool hat – headgear that Canadians call a tuque. It pays to be appropriately dressed for hiking and there’s a 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 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. Yesterday we must have stopped the car a dozen 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

CANADA’S FALL FOLIAGE IS WORLD FAMOUS

OTENTIK TENT IN PRINCE ALBERT NATIONAL PARK

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.

Brightwater Holidays’ 10-day Gardens and Wildlife of Western Canada tour, departing September 15, 2023, includes visits to The Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island and the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver – two of British Columbia’s toprated locations for viewing fall colours.

“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,” comments Richard Forde, Head of Trade Sales at Newmarket Holidays “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,” adds Forde.

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 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

WINE AND CHEESE IN BANFF NATIONAL PARK

PUMPKIN PICKING IN SASKATCHEWAN

BIKING THROUGH ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL, NOVA SCOTIA

SASKATCHEWAN GOVERNMENT

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 Festival is draws wine enthusiasts to visit Kelowna 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 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.

Book it with...Newmarket Holidays

Newmarket Holidays 10-day escorted tour along the Maple Leaf Trail includes return flights from Heathrow or Manchester, all transfers and room-only accommodation. Autumn 2023 prices start at £1,965pp on a route including Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec City and Montreal. newmarketholidays.co.uk

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”

Richard Forde, Newmarket Holidays

GETTING LOST IN ALBERTA’S CORN MAZE

AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN THROUGH SAULT SAINTE MARIE

ROBERT PRSTMA

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.come

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: That’s the spirit

Morning: Get orientated while gaining insights into the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Lunenburg Walking Tours team. Stroll through town during an Essential Lunenburg tour to see historic buildings and learn 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 the other type of spirits 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.

Book it with... Audley Travel

The 19-night Maritime treasures self-drive tour includes two nights in Lunenburg plus stops in Halifax, Annapolis Royal and Pictou. Priced from £4,350pp, it includes international flights, accommodation and car hire. audleytravel.com

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.

Lununburg waterfront

Lennox inn is the oLdest operating inn in canada

stock up on nova scotia’s Lobster

Here’s Why THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES HAS THE BEST NORTHERN LIGHTS IN THE WORLD.

When you see the skies come alive with vibrant streams of bright green and magical flourishes of deep purple, you’ll understand why people say the Northwest Territories is the home of the World’s Best Aurora. Much of the NWT is under an area known as the Auroral Oval - the celestial stage where the Northern Lights give their amazing performances almost every night.

The Aurora comes out for an average of 240 nights a year, illuminating our skies during two peak seasons. The Fall Aurora season runs from mid August through to the end of September and the Winter Aurora season from mid-November through early April. Come up to see the Aurora reflected in our open autumn lakes or illuminating the snowy winter expanse - you’re sure to be inspired either way

There are nearly limitless places to get out and see the Aurora in the NWT, and you’ll always feel like you have front row seats to a dazzling dance that looks close enough to touch. Whether you’re out on an Aurora hunting expedition with a tour operator, standing in awe in front of a remote Aurora lodge, or just driving 10 minutes outside of Yellowknife, your view of the Northern Lights will be like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

Magical, humbling, extraordinarythere’s no place in the world better than the Northwest Territories for a spectacular Aurora experience.

World’s Best a urora.

Photo: Aaron Tambour

Photo: Kristian Binder

Green li G ht for responsible tourin G

My heart is thumping in 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 award-winning 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

wildlife, the country’s tourism boards, accommodation providers and tour operators are 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.

DC 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.

Destination Canada has introduced six new Wealth and Wellbeing Outcomes to measure tourism’s contribution to local and indigenous communities, visitors and the environment, while its Tourism Renaissance strategy targets high-value guests through

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

northern lights in manitoba

new global partnerships.

Cath Pusey, Product Director at North America travel specialist, Canada As You Like It, says: “The highlight for many of our clients travelling to Canada is the Great Outdoors, and they’re interested in activities that are sustainable, support local communities and which won’t have a negative impact on natural resources.

“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 booking longer stays in fewer places, which has less of an environmental impact and allows them to fully immerse in the area. We’re also seeing an increase in people travelling by Via Rail and ferry, 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. co.uk and at destinationcanada.com

Lighter experiences

Stay in luxury o -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

Paddle the Yukon: Ready to swap the car for an exciting, human-powered Canadian adventure? UK-based adventure company Canoe Trail offers an 18-day Yukon River Canoe Expedition from Whitehorse to Dawson City, wild camping along the way, for £2,000pp excluding flights, from May 31, 2023. The expert-guided trip offers the chance to spot wildlife including moose, bears, beavers and wolves, see the Northern Lights, and explore the Klondike region’s gold-mining past. canoetrail.co.uk

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 over 270 solar panels, making visitors’ camping holidays in the region even 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 start from around £1,920pp and includes the chance to explore by ski,

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

“People are booking longer stays in fewer places. We’re also seeing an increase in people travelling by Via Rail and ferry, rather than driving or flying”

Cath Pusey, Canada As You Like It

BRANDYWINE FALLS IN WHISTLER

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. 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 indigenousowned 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 MontréalTrudeau International Airport. rem.info/en

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

Where to book it

CANADA

AS YOU LIKE IT

Discover how the indigenous Haida people have protected the untouched, wildliferich Haida Gwaii archipelago in British Columbia on a seven-night guided tour, from £3,655pp. Includes cultural and ecoadventures, accommodation, international flights and transfers. canadaasyoulikeit.com

BEAR SPOTTING AT KLAHOOSE WILDERNESS RESORT, BC

Places to view

NORTHERN 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

JANNIK JOHANNSEN

TRAVEL

MANITOBA

wellbeing A feeling of...

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.

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

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

Skating the frozen lakeS in alberta

cold Play

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. that doesn’t mean i swerve ski resorts altogether, however; quite the contrary –these are some of the most beautiful spots in the world. it’s just that when everybody else is tumbling down a mountain i’ll be bubbling away in a hot tub, tucking into fondue in a restaurant with a view or – today’s activity –ice skating on lake louise, a body of water that freezes each year as temperatures drop. i’m staying at the Fairmont Chateau lake Louise in Alberta’s Banff National Park, 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 a postcard.

it’s a crisp, blue sky kind-of-day when 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.

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.

Winter finding its feet

Covid, rising fuel costs and staff shortages may have caused Canada – like most countries – to lose its footing over the past few years, but fully open borders and a roster of previously cancelled events returning bigger and better than ever are predicted to see the country glide into 2023.

“the recovery of international travel is well on its way, with inbound international air travel to Canada nearing pre-pandemic levels in June and July,” says laura Baxter, CoStar’s group Director of hospitality analytics for Canada. “the outlook for the rest of 2022 is positive, with the recovery inching closer to 2019 levels.”

“there’s huge demand going into 2023,” confirms Chris Hedley, Chief Executive for Canadian Affair, who says the operator has doubled up staff in both call centres and on the road to keep up with demand.

“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 visitors looking to experience Canada’s winter wonderland in different ways – from carnivals to snow shoeing and dog sledding to Northern Lights tours.

“Banff is a great place for non-skiers as there’s ice skating and dog sleddging at the resort itself,” says Michael Williamson, Ski product Manager for Frontier travel.

“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

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

to do beyond the slopes,” he adds.

When asked about demand, Williamson says flexibility is key. “We tailor-make our itineraries so holidaymakers can jet off for nine nights, rather than seven – say, leaving on a tuesday and returning on a thursday.... we will find them availability.”

Experiences off the slopes

Bathe in bubbles: Nothing beats being warm and cosy when it’s 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 everything about this time-honoured tradition. Various tour operators in the Yukon offer a half-day excursion with the option to include an overnight stay with the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

Tour the lakes: Join Mountain park transportation for the only 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 will run from January 27 to February 9 2023, 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 rockbottom prices. 74 of the city’s restaurants are included in Canada’s first-ever Michelin guide this year, too, making the event even more delicious. destinationtoronto.com

Fat bike in Fernie : if you can ride a bike, you can ride a fat bike. the oversized tyres on these off-road bicycles allow riders to peddle through the snow with ease. Fernie, British Columbia, has a trail system perfect for winter riding. there are easy, multi-use community trails, groomed shared trails and challenging singletrack. tourismfernie.com

What’s new

airlines: air transat is operating a new

thrice-weekly

Whistler is home to a new, fine-dining restaurant, cocktail bar and lounge with a focus on elevated Pacific Northwest cuisine, sustainable seafood, and local ingredients.

attractions:

Wild Blue restaurant + Bar boasts seating for 150 guests indoors, plus a private dining room, raw bar, and open kitchen.

Sun peaks’ Snow limo returns for winter 2022/23, allowing guests that may not ski a chance to safely experience the high alpine and stunning vistas on various tours around the mountains.

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.

accommodation:

Forest park hotel by pursuit opened in Jasper in summer 2022 as the first new property in Jasper since the 1980s. located on the edge of town, it is the ideal base camp for visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature while staying close to the town’s vibrant downtown shopping and culinary offerings.

Book it with...Inghams

A week’s stay at the five-star Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff National Park starts at £1,835pp, based on two sharing, with Inghams including direct flights from London Heathrow to Calgary, transfers, accommodation and breakfast, for travel on January 17 2023. An upgrade to half-board costs £2,472pp.. inghams.co.uk

route from Manchester to toronto for winter 2022/23.

Soaking in the SCenerY at SUnShine Village, alberta Dog SleDDing in the YUkon

fat biking in fernie, britiSh ColUMbia

Winter fun in

Ontari O

Canada’s most diverse province is transformed in winter by lights, festivities and a blizzard of seasonal fun. Charlotte Flach checks out what’s on offer

From frozen falls to Snowflake Kingdoms, Ontario’s cities, towns and villages embrace the colder months with a full programme of winter events for both locals and visitors alike.

Christmas fun in Toronto

Enjoy world-class festive shopping, stock up on Yuletide-themed crafts and wrap your hands around a mug of mulled wine at the Christmas Market in the Distillery District.

Head to one of Toronto’s shopping malls for gifts that will outlast the winter: the Eaton Centre pulls out all the stops, with dazzling lights, awe-inspiring decorations and a giant 50-foot Christmas tree. Stop by Yorkdale Mall and the PATH for shopping, while the Cavalcade of Lights Festival at Nathan Phillips Square illuminates dark evenings.

Get active in Ottawa

For three weekends each February, Ottawa stages its popular Winterlude festival. The icy celebration revolves around the city’s iconic Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can ice skate, try their hand at ice hockey or watch the crazy Bed Races, which sees decorated beds slide down the canal at top speed. Snowflake Kingdom is a gigantic snow playground for kids, while several museums host special events and seasonal programming, with opportunities to learn about and connect with Indigenous culture.

Hang out at Niagara

Niagara Falls is even more breathtaking in winter. Take a Journey Behind the Falls tour to get up close to the spray: seeing Niagara Falls at or near a frozen state during a winter trip is a sight to behold! Year-round activities include helicopter tours, which provide unique aerial views, and an adrenalin-inducing zip line. Hit the Icewine Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The special dessert wine is made of grapes that froze prior to the vintage whilst still on the grapevine – they form the central component of three weeks of music, tours and events.

Glide into luxury at Muskoka

Nestled among rugged hills, tranquil lakes and brilliantly clear skies, JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa offers a luxurious winter retreat on Lake Rosseau. Hotel activities include snow shoeing, ice skating, cross country skiing, nature walks, marshmallow roasting around the fire pit, extensive spa facilities, heated pools and a hot tub. Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery in nearby Bala for romantic night time skating and mulled cranberry wine. destinationontario.com/uk

JW Marriott the rosseau Muskoka resort & sPa skate on the frozen rideau canal

toronto’s atMosPheric christMas Market

icY niagara falls

Wild Safaris

IN NUNAVUT

With its stunning Arctic landscapes Nunavut is a natural home for some of Canada’s most sought after wildlife, says Charlotte Flach

The northernmost Canadian territory of Nunavut is a gateway to the pristine beauty of the Arctic circle. It is the largest yet least populated of Canada’s territories and is comprised of an Arctic island archipelago, including Baffin Island.

Home to expansive and breathtaking landscapes, Nunavut is the same size as Western Europe and is inhabited by only 33,300 people, with 85% Indigenous Inuit.

Not accessible by car, sky and sea are the only ways to reach the last populated place in the north of the planet. Fly in from Edmonton, Ottawa and Montréal, then catch a ride on a snowmobile, dogsled or powerboat to travel between the many different communities.

Tours tend to focus around the floe edge, or ‘Sinaaq’ in Inuktitut, where open water meets the ice still attached to the shoreline.

This unique eco-system is where polar

bear, whales, walrus, beluga and narwhal among many other magical creatures of the northern hemisphere come to breathe, feed, rest and socialise, making it ideal for wildlife safaris and polar tourism excursions. In situ are several operators who take winter-clad clients deep into the heart of the action.

Arctic Bay Adventures

Arctic Bay is an Inuit hamlet located in the Qikiqtaaluk Region of Nunavut which has been occupied for nearly 5,000 years by Inuit migrating from the west.

All Arctic Bay Adventures’ tours are guided by local Inuit people, showcasing their way of life and unlocking the secrets of the land with their in-depth knowledge.

Clients hike the majestic snowscapes, take part in exhilarating dog sled rides, and spot native birds and wildlife.

At the end of a long day of outdoor

activities, there is comfortable accommodation and a warm bed waiting, before the excitement starts again the following morning.

Tours range from five to nine days with highlights including a fishing trip with skidoo, five nights’ spent tracking roaming wildlife at the floe edge of Admiralty Inlet and camping under the midnight sun at Arctic Bay.

arcticbayadventures.com

Black Feather

Wilderness Adventure Company Black Feather has been operating in the North for 50 years and offers outfitted, guided expeditions by hike, sea kayak and canoe as well as wildlife photography and Nordic skiing. The company employ local Inuit guides and staff whose famous wilderness cooking keeps everyone fuelled for long days on the floe edge.

Expeditions range from a ski traverse exploring the Auyuittuq and Quttinirpaaq National parks; canoing the Coppermine, Hood and Soper Rivers, and a Floe Edge Base Camp which takes guests sea kayaking at Pond Inlet, where the famous floe edge lies and where sightings of seals, polar bears, narwhals, bowhead whales, arctic fox, walruses and sea birds are most common. blackfeather.com

Arctic Kingdom

Arctic Kingdom capitalises on its relationships with the local Inuit people to research and gain insights on some of the best custom experiences in the Arctic. Clients can choose from scheduled Arctic safaris or private journeys, taking in the magnificent landscapes under the 24-hour sunshine in the summer or views of the stunning Northern Lights in the autumn and winter months.

The operator offers year-round polar bear viewing, as well as opportunities to safely see Arctic residents like narwhal, bowhead whales, and walrus.

Travellers can choose to spot mother polar bears with their newborn cubs or join a dive safari for a brush with the rich ecosystem surrounding Baffin island. arctickingdom.com

Baffin Safari

For intimate, small group adventures , Baffin Safari specialises in expeditions and tours in Canada’s High Arctic on Baffin Island. A maximum of eight people join each trip, meaning each day of the itinerary can be tailor-made.

The company’s Coutts Baffin Explorer itinerary takes clients out into the wilderness with a mobile camp, setting up in Coutt’s Fiord. From this base, clients will spend their days travelling to look for polar

bear mum’s and cubs among the pack ice and icebergs. New for 2023 is the Baffin Safari mini cabins for two.

The cabins come with quality extreme cold Arctic sleeping bags on a comfy mattress, while 24 hour sunlight powers the solar panels on the cabin roof allowing USB charging inside. baffinsafari.com

Canada’s

Winter Festivals

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

QuebÉc knoWs HoW to tHroW a WInter party

A fabulous line-up of festivals lights up Canada’s darkest months. Charlotte Flach cherry-picks four of the best

ski holidays Luxury

Why sell it

Whilst European resorts may be closer, 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.

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 – they want to escape the crowds and have an adventure,” says Nickie Mabey, Mabey Ski founder.

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, and Mont Tremblant in Québec has excellent luxury accommodation options and a lively apres ski 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 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 isn’t just reserved for adults: familyfriendly Sun Peaks Resort in BC has a skithrough village with gentle learning trails and family activities at the Sundance Kids Centre, including ice skating and sleigh rides.

The new Club Med Québec Charlevoix is Canada’s first Club Med and offers childcare services as well as family activities from pancake parties to baking workshops.

What’s new to sell

Adventure Ski specialist Maybe Ski has launched a Catamaran-based heli-skiing in Bella Coola, BC, for March 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 fully serviced luxury mountain retreat with eight suites that has added a heli-lounge to bespoke services and amenities that include a team of on-call private butlers, drivers, servers and an executive chef.

How to sell it

A ‘ski safari’ can help winter enthusiasts tick off multiple mountain resorts in one trip.

Canadian Affair offers ski safaris in both BC, stopping at Whistler and Sun Peaks, and Alberta, with skiing in Banff National Park, Jasper and Marmot Basin.

Book it with...Ski Independence

A 12-night Discover Canada’s Alberta includes seven nights at the Fairmont Banff Springs, a five-night Jasper Adventure Package with a full day of cat skiing. Price starts from £3,350pp and includes flights and transfers. ski-i.com

Dinner with a view at the Fairmont BanFF SpringS

powDer Snow in Bella Coola, BritiSh ColumBia

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

Why sell it?

In 2021, Canada topped Spartacus magazine’s Gay Travel Index, with the outlet naming it as the world’s top gayfriendly destination. What’s more, the UNWTO Global Report on LGBTQ+ Tourism found that 86% of Canadian millennialaged respondents believe homosexuality should be “accepted”.

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 inclusive, open and liberal.

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

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

In addition, from Halifax to Whitehorse 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. The troupe’s shows feature a mix of performers, including ones with non-binary personas like drag monarchs.

Canada All-inclusive

Across the calendar there are numerous LGBTQ+ events, large and small, such as Toronto Pride in June and Fierté Montréal Pride Festival in August, as well as the Whistler Ski Festival in January.

Scott Tyrer, Trading Director at Chillimix, com, one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ tour operators, commented: “

“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 our two top destinations in Canada. Our customers love Canada due to its inclusion, great spirit, and incredible LGBTQ+ nightlife. However, Canada also offers an abundance of experiences, incredible culture, beautiful landscapes, and stunning cities.

. What to sell

Booking.com’s recent research revealed that 65% of UK LGBTQ+ travellers are more likely to seek out a destination that celebrates its local LGBTQ+ community and history. 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.

ChurCh Wellesley Gay villaGe in ToronTo

Peak To Peak alPine exPerienCe in WhisTler

ToronTo’s Pride FesTival is held every June

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

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 villages in the world and the annual Fierté Montreal 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 LGBT+ 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.

Leslie Clements of Emsworth Travel

found herself in Toronto during Pride and says: “It was a great time to visit. We didn’t know it was on until we arrived at the hotel and saw an array of people dressed in the most flamboyant outfits. The colours and styles were amazing.

“There were events on every corner, and a main area with stalls, music and dancing.

“Sunday was the main parade when over two million people enjoy the colourful costumes and music of the floats.”

Gay Ski Weeks are also well established. The Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, an annual gay and lesbian ski weekend, is held in Whistler in January, in Tremblant in February and Jasper 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 taking in the urban centres of Ontario and Québec is by taking 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.

Alternatively, recommend touring the country by rail. Via Rail’s The Canadian trio sees the train travel from Toronto to Vancouver, via Winnipeg, while the Rocky Mountaineer offers several 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.

Book it with...Out of office

LGBTQ+ specialists Out of Office offer a nine-day Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island itinerary which includes a visit to Tofino for wildlife spotting, a stay at a wilderness lodge and time exploring Vancouver. The trip is priced from £1,395pp. outofoffice.com

visiTinG oTTaWa’s PeaCekeePinG MonuMenT

sTanley Park in BriTish ColuMBia

First Nations Experiences

in Sa S katchewan

First Nations tradition and heritage are part of Saskatchewan’s colourful tapestry – learn about the land from the people that know it best

Wanuskewin Heritage Park

On Saskatoon’s northern edge sits Wanuskewin Heritage Park, a National Historic Site that has yielded evidence of human occupation dating back 6,400 years.

This land has been a gathering place for all nations of the Northern Plains to meet for trade, for hunting and for ceremony – and this tradition continues today. Wanuskewin has been a global gathering place for the past 30 years, welcoming guests from all over the world. It is currently navigating the process to earn UNESCO World Heritage Site designation.

Authentic culture and traditions are experienced through dance performances, art exhibitions and hands-on activities. The resident plains bison herd are descendants of the last 1,000 bison on the prairies before their near extinction in the 1870s. An onsite restaurant serves traditional First Nations cuisine with a contemporary twist.

A unique accommodation in the Saskatoon area, Wanuskewin invites guests to “pe kapaysik miykowapi” (come and spend the night) and enjoy a Tipi Sleepover, with programming, meals and snacks.

Dakota Dunes Resort

Located on the Whitecap Dakota First Nation, nestled within a beautiful river setting and surrounded by gently rolling natural sand dunes, Dakota Dunes Resort is a fullservice resort experience only 20 minutes

Don’t miss

The Allen Sapp Gallery in North Battleford is an award-winning public gallery that features paintings by renowned Cree artist Allen Sapp of First Nations’ culture

from downtown Saskatoon. Discover your oasis in the refined comfort of the pristine accommodations, be inspired by gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape and nature, and enjoy a multitude of unique services, activities and adventures.

Gather at the Moose Woods Home Fire Grill, located inside the resort, to savour dishes rooted in culture and pride. This fine dining restaurant has a farm-to-table menu that features fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Its bold flavours are inspired by the heritage and traditions of the Dakota peoples.

Batoche National Historic Site

At Batoche National Historic Site, step back in time and learn about a pivotal moment in the 1885 Northwest Resistance, when Métis and allied First Nations withstood Canadian Forces. Guided and self-guided tours pass by remaining homes, the historic church, rectory and cemetery, and the site of the Battle of Batoche. Onsite geocaching reveals more details about Batoche. Hike the scenic trails or rent a bike and ride along the shores of the South Saskatchewan River.

Tipi accommodaTion aT WanuskeWin HeriTage park

TradiTional dancer aT dakoTa dunes resorT in WHiTecap

BisonaT WanuskeWin HeriTagepark

Warrior

Women

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

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

The colours of

manitoba

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.

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

Paddle with beluga whales in summer

hike riding mountain for autumnal

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

Guided tours in

ALBERTA

From frozen waterfalls to medicinal plants, learn about Alberta’s rich culture and abundant nature from the people that know it best

Ice Ice Baby

Discover what lies beneath on an Ice Bubbles tour of Abraham Lake. The scientific wonder, whereby methane gas bubbles from plant life freezes at various depths under the lake’s surface, creates a magical icy tapestry. Take to the sky on a day Bubbles Heli Tour to get the best view of the spectacle. Tours run from mid-December to mid-March for up to six people, with full winter gear provided. jasper.travel

Winter wonderland

Explore frozen waterfalls and icy caves before dining out under the constellations on a Night Owl ice walk. The deepest accessible canyon in Jasper National Park, Maligne Canyon is a gateway to impressive ice formations. Learn about Karst topography and the mystery of the ‘disappearing’ Medicine Lake from local guides. Covering around two miles, most of the walk is downhill. sundogtours.com

Spoonful of medicine

Indigenous-owned and operated Mahikan Trails takes groups on a Snowshoe and

Winter Medicine walk in the iconic Rockies. Learn about native history from a knowledgeable guide and marvel at how almost every plant can be used for survival – either as a medicine, a food source or a fire starter. There are also pre-walk workshops such as learning to make your own medicinal tonics. mahikan.ca

Meet the ancestors

Painted Warriors runs cultural programmes on snowshoe between December and March. Join a Bimaagimose Snowshoe Experience – Bimaagimose, meaning he/ she snowshoes along – which explores navigation, winter medicine and animal tracks. The experience ends with story telling around a campfire. The tour can also be taken at night from January to March, guided by the moon. paintedwarriors.ca

Picture perfect

Chase that perfect sunset shot or nature selfie on a group photography tour. Wildland Photo Tours aims to share the beauty of Jasper National Park in a sustainable and safe way, while helping travellers to perfect their photography skills. Early morning and night tours are available, depending on the time of year, in addition to private sessions. They also offer workshops for those looking to learn the basics. wildlandphototours.com

Calgary Cowboys

Dust off the cowboy boots for the latest tour from Calgary Walks & Bus tours. Hosted by a real cowboy, Cowboys & Outlaws: A Campfire Caper offers an insight into Western culture and includes a reenactment of an outlaw story that created the greatest manhunt in the North West Mounted Police’s history. Enjoy a ranch stew around the campfire and finish with a line dance before hitting the hay. visitcalgary.com

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“Banff and Lake Louise come alive in the summer and we’re always so excited to welcome visitors.”

Located in British Columbia’s interior, Sun Peaks’ reputation as a must-visit summer destination continues to grow. Sun Peaks offers adventure-enthusiasts everything from a lift-accessed bike park, BC’s highest golf course to alpine hiking amidst the wildflowers.

Let your spirit be lifted by the World’s Highest Tides by experiencing the Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy with its rugged coastline and rich marine ecosystem. Even enjoy the perfect relaxing coastal experience through beach days and starry nights. Whether you’re looking for wilderness or cozy seaside villages, it’s time to come Explore our welcoming nature. Visit us at tourismmewbrunswick.ca where your next adventure awaits. tourismnewbrunswick.ca