How to sell

Globe hopping 16 / How to sell...

Venture outside in British Columbia

British Columbia is packed with breathtaking scenery and wildlife, but also packs a punch with its heritage and apres ski offerings, says Charlotte Flach

Why sell it

With its vast landscapes dotted with verdant greenery, imposing mountain ranges and fringed by the dramatic Pacific coastline, British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, champions the concept of the great outdoors year-round.

With a growing trend for open spaces and peace and quiet on holiday, travellers will be drawn to the region’s unrivalled nature escapes. But those who enjoy dipping their toes into a destination’s rich history and culture scene, won’t be left disappointed either.

Not only is British Columbia very safe for tourists, it offers a transformational experience, says Lisa Cooper, Account Director at Destination British Columbia.

“Visitors will experience The ‘BC Effect’; that is what we call what happens to us when we experience the awe-inspiring power of British Columbia’s nature and unique culture.”

Who to sell to

Cooper recommends the destination for couples, especially those who are in the over-45 age group.

“It’s also ideal for families with older children, for example, as a last family holiday before children move out of home or go away to university,” she says. Whilst outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure will love the range of hikes, water activities and wintersport options.

Cooper advises agents to work with specialist tour operators for these kinds of trips as they will have a variety of sample itineraries and can pre-book activities and wildlife tours. “Play the long game – it may take time to convert a booking with itinerary changes, but it will be worth it.”

WhistleR in blooM Paddling in the Kootenay RocKies

Mount assiniboine PRovincial PaRK

What to sell

With its ten distinct mountain ranges, over 25,000km of rugged Pacific coastline and with close to 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest, Mother Nature is in full force in British Columbia.

“Mountain experiences range from the Coastal Mountains, where the Pacific is overlooked by towering cliffs, to the eastern alpine playgrounds of the Canadian Rockies and beyond,” says Cooper. “Even urban areas are flanked by snow-capped mountains, providing a sublime backdrop to a city break.”

Chic boutique hotel The Larix recently opened in downtown Kimberley, between the Purcell and Rocky mountains, and with easy access to craft brewery Grist & Mash, it makes for a great base.

Travellers can visit the Great Bear Rainforest or explore a multitude of rare and unique wildlife experiences and encounters. Orca, whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises call the oceans home here,

Resident beaR Fishing FoR salMon in ucluelet

vancouveR at sunset

an Rv MaKes FoR a gReat Road tRiP

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while bears including the White Kermode ‘Spirit’ Bear, Grizzlies, and Black Bears roam the forested areas.

An array of popular sporting and leisure activities includes golf and fishing, while niche activities such as ranching can also be booked.

How to sell

“British Columbia is predominantly a road trip destination – either by car or RV,” advises Cooper. Options include the Sea-to-Sky Highway along the coast from Vancouver to Whistler and the famous Route 97, North America’s longest continuous north-south highway, stretching through British Columbia’s orchard and wine region – the Okanagan Valley – and on to Alaska.

“I also recommend Trans-Canada Highway 1 for big mountains, high octane views and outdoor adventures,” she adds.

This can all be combined with other modes of transport, such as a rail trip or Alaskan cruise along the Inside Passage.

“VIA Rail offers two routes from the coast to the Canadian Rockies, one starting in Vancouver, the other in Prince Rupert. And Rocky Mountaineer offers three scenic routes from Vancouver to Jasper and Banff in the Canadian Rockies,” says Cooper.

When to sell

As always, it’s important to book early, as availability at Bear Lodges often sell out, says Cooper. “For better availability, encourage clients to travel in June for post- hibernation bear viewing with their cubs. September is the peak season for bear viewing to coincide with the salmon run.”

The ski season runs from late November to April, with early booking offers often available between June and August.

The ‘Powder Highway’- a circular route through the Kootenay Rockies - has a huge concentration of ski resorts and apres ski.

Winter enthusiasts can wind down in the new Apres Apres cocktail bar in Whistler whilst adrenalin-seekers will love the new heli-ski destination CMH Purcel.

What’s new?

Indigenous experiences also abound. “Indigenous heritage and culture are an innate part of the province and many customs have carried on through history and remain a huge part of British Columbia,” says Cooper.

Klahoose Wilderness Resort is a new all- inclusive eco-resort, and British Columbia’s newest Indigenous cultural experience.

Or there’s a new Talking Trees tour at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, guided by Lil’wat Elderand Plant Specialist Lucille Joseph. The tour focuses on Indigenous wellness practices that have been used for thousands of years.

Those in need of a tipple can visit The Okanagan’s newest winery, Crown & Thieves, serving charcuterie and cocktails and also offering the Salt & Thieves restaurant plus a self-guided tour and delectable tasting experience.

For wildlife at its best, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours has launched a Whales, Wildlife and Culture Tour, which combines wildlife sightseeing – including humpback whales, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and bald eagles – alongside an Indigenous storytelling and exploration of culturally significant sites. •

Book it with... Premier Holidays

Premier Holidays offers a 12-night Rockies & Wildlife of British Columbia self-drive itinerary from £2,899pp. The trip includes flights to Vancouver with Air Canada, accommodation throughout and 11 days compact car hire with GPS. premierholidays.co.uk

The beaches of Gran Canaria

Vibe with the locals or retreat from the hustle and bustle on one of Gran Canaria’s many, and varied, beaches.

Volcanic rock pools and hidden coves only accessible by boat, dot the Gran Canaria landscape. One of the island’s most outstanding features however is its golden sandy beaches. If it’s for sunbathing or a dip in the ocean, here are the best spots to recommend.

Masplomas Dunes

On the island’s southernmost tip, sand blown from the sea bed during the ice age now forms the desert that lies there today. Covering 400 hectares, Maslomas Dunes, with it’s oasis and fresh water lagoon, is also flecked with the eponymous sand dunes. Visitors will be spoilt for choice, as the UNESCO protected nature reserve features some of the best beaches on Gran Canaria, including Playa del Ingles.

Meloneras

To the west of Masplomas Lighthouse, the bustling and newly developed Meloneras promenade stretches for two kilometres. It’s luxurious four and five star hotels are complemented by bars,cafes and restaurants offering a plethora of global cuisines. The highlight is its two beaches at each end of the promenade, Masplomas and Meloneras, both favourites with discerning locals. Brave a dip in the Atlantic or slap on the suncream for a sunbathing session on the tranquil sands. At night, Meloneras bursts into life, with live music which can be enjoyed with a cool glass of wine whilst watching the sunset over the ocean.

Anfi del Mar

Fringed with fronds of coconut palms and carpeted with 11,000 tons of sand as pristine as snow, Anfi Beach serves a slice of inspiration from more tropical lands. Originally known as Playa de la Verga, this resort was built in the 1990s by a Norwegian businessman who wanted to recreate the Caribbean in the Canaries. Located in a protected lagoon, flanked by a pier on one side and a heart-shaped island and marina on the other, its calm waters are ideal for snorkelling. Kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis and small boats can all be rented and the depths of the sea can be explored on a glass bottom boat.

Amadores

Even further west, Amadores Beach sits in a curved bay, overlooked by imposing cliffs. Created in 2002, this resort is a welcome respite from the busier Puerto Rico. Its position in a cove means waters are tranquil, protected from the rolling Atlantic waves, and excellent for paddling and swimming while the coral sands allow for

sunbathing. This is the spot for peace and quiet, with a ban on loud music and beach games, plus its one kilometre length means it never gets overcrowded. An oceanfront walk along the cliff between Amadores and Puerto Rico offers stunning coastal views.

Puerto de Mogan

The mouth of a steep valley reveals the seaside village of Puerto de Mogan, its charming white buildings nestled into the mountain landscape of the southern coast. A network of canals and bridges with vibrant subtropical flowers form its own Little Venice. A fishing port and yacht marina are joined by a sandy beach, protected by the port and breakwater. Families can swim and sunbathe in safety, or try snorkelling in the shallow sea. Larger marine life, including whale watching, can be experienced by taking a yellow submarine or a boat trip from the marina. There are also deep-sea fishing expeditions for keen anglers, plus nearby isolated coves and rock pools to explore.

Güi Güi

Grab your hiking boots or sweet talk a local fisherman to transport you to the remote, deserted beaches of Güi Güi Grande and Güi Güii Chico. Situated on the west coast, the tough two-hour hike is rewarded with crystalline waters and some of the best sunsets in Gran Canaria. Güi Güi Grande is only 350 metres long, named after the size of the barranco or canyon, rather than the beach. Güi Güii Chico, almost twice as big, is just south of its little neighbour and is reached by scrambling over the rocks. Changing with the seasons, the beaches are sandiest in the summer months, and fade from existence during winter.

Agaete Natural Pools

North of Güi is the tiny fishing village of Puerto de Las Nieves, a cluster of blue and white Canarian houses. The harbour, Paseo de los Poetas, is lined with restaurants, craft shops and galleries, up to the natural pools of Las Salinas. For centuries, they were used to harvest salt, but are now popular with swimmers. The nearby Maipés Archaeological Park, situated on a great lava flow at the foot of the Pinar de Tamadaba, is where the Guanches, Gran Canaria’s original inhabitants, chose to honour their dead. There are over 700 tombs, including huge burial mounds constructed with volcanic stones, dating from around 1,300 years ago.

Las Canteras

The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is home to Las Canteras, one of the best urban beaches in Europe. Starting in the north at La Puntilla, the beach is populated by fishing boats, with surfers riding the waves at La Cicer, its southern end. A natural offshore lava reef acts as a wave break, protecting the marine life that makes Las Canteras a top snorkelling spot. It’s also packed with shops, openair restaurants, ice cream parlours, with street entertainers providing ambience. Only the bravest will join the locals for a leap of faith, diving into the sea from the Peña La Vieja rock. •