Selling Canada Australia 2024

fall stoPs

Discover how and where to see Canada's true colours in the autumn

2024

DISCOVER VANCOUVER AND BEYOND

Travellers can explore the best of Vancouver and beyond with Air Canada’s year-round, direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane. Known for its majestic mountains, pristine coastal landscapes and exciting urban life featuring lots of attractions and activities, Vancouver has something for everyone.

For travellers looking to explore beyond Vancouver, we offer easy connections through Vancouver International Airport to top cities across Canada and the U.S., with sameterminal connections and no need to re-check baggage.

Learn more at aircanada.com

selling canada 2024

general

04 Destination Canada

05 News to Use

08 Canada Specialist Training

12 Big Ships/Little Ships

14 Summer Trends 2024

18 Winter Zen

22 Accessibility

aUTUMn

24 A-Z Autumn

32 Talking Travel - Christa Bruneau-Guenther, Owner, Feast Cafe Bistro, Winnipeg

34 Autumn in the Rockies

38 Northern Lights

42 Festival Fun

44 Wildlife Watching

46 Four Drives with Colour

47 Six Adventures

FRONT COVER: JuliE's PONd, HEmlOCk RaViNE PaRk, NOVa sCOTia isTOCkPHOTO COm/sHauNl PublisHEd by bmi PublisHiNg lTd, 501 THE REsidENCE, NO.1 AlexAndrA TerrAce, Guildford, Gu1 3dA • T: 020 8649 7233; e: enquiries@bmipublishinG.co.uk • W:bmipublishinG.co.uk • publisher: sAlly pArker; ediToriAl direcTor: sTeve hArTridGe; ediTor: jessicA pook, April WATersTon; desiGners: cAiTlAn frAncis, emmA norTon & sTuArT croWhursT; producTion mAnAGer: clAre hunTer; mAnAGinG direcTor: mATT bonner; ceo: mArTin sTeAdy • WhilsT every efforT is madE TO ENsuRE aCCuRaCy, bmi PublisHiNg CaNNOT bE HEld REsPONsiblE FOR aNy ERRORs OR OmissiONs.

THis

Will you be falling for Canada in 2024?

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

There is a strong focus in this issue on fall (autumn) and winter, as these two seasons will be a major focus for us in the Australian market over the next couple of years.

Our Canada Specialist Program (CSP) is now complete, with the last of the modules added.

I encourage you to finish the course up to the Platinum level – this is the requirement to be selected for our CSP Fam Trips.

We had agents participate in four famils in 2023, two in British Columbia on a winter trip, one in Alberta and another in Ontario.

We have more plans for famils in 2024 and will be announcing them very soon.

In 2024, we will continue to be proactive, with various training opportunities, and will be joining forces with some key wholesalers and retail chains.

Plus, we will be continuing with our successful CSP Webinars, CSP E-Newsletters and More To Explore eDM program.

We may also launch a CSP Podcast Series in the coming months, so stay tuned for updates later in the year.

Nathan McLoughlin Travel Trade Manager Australia

DC update

NEWS from DESTINATI o N CANADA

Platinum agents have pass to discover Canada

AGENTS who achieve Platinum status on Destination Canada’s CSP online training programme in 2024 will be eligible to claim a Discovery Pass offering them a host of discounts in several Canadian destinations.

for example, visitors to Toronto holding a VIP Pass will be able to claim a free ticket to the CN Tower, ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and Little Canada, amongst others.

Those in Québec City with a Privilege Card will be able to enjoy a free tour of musée de la Civilisation, the Citadelle de Québec, The Huron-Wendat museum and Tourisme Wendake’s onhwa’ Lumina, an enchanting night journey to meet the Wendat people.

Banff’s VIP Alive Pass includes a half-day bike rental, a onehour canoe rental, a Banff Gondola ticket and a historic wagon ride with a barbecue.

The Winnipeg Attractions Pass gives access to the manitoba museum, exhibits at the Canadian museum for Human rights, the royal Aviation

museum of Western Canada, the royal Canadian mint, and fortWhyte Alive.

And agents in montréal with a Passeport Decouvertes (Discovery Passport) will also enjoy free access to a host of city highlights.

Attractions have also signed up to the incentive. In ontario, for example, Niagara Helicopters is offering a complimentary classic scenic flight, with a Friends and Family rate on offer for another guest.

other participating organisations include Tourism Whistler, Tourism Victoria, Tourism Calgary, Destination St. John’s and Discover Saskatoon.

“We are so excited to share some incredible offers from our destination partners,” said Adam Hanmer, manager, Travel Trade, Destination Canada.

“When agents receive their Platinum status badge they will unlock passes from destinations across Canada that will give them access to some amazing attractions and experiences.”

Help desk

Key contacts:

nathan McLoughlin

Mobile: 0407897814

eMaiL:

nathan@jkingassociates.com training: canadaspecialist.com. au; keepexploring.com.au

Secure an eTA for Canada clients

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

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

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

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

Canada wins!

DESTINATION Canada was crowned most Popular Tourism Office at the National Tourism Industry Awards Gala in November 2023.

The award is testament to the widespread impact of Destination Canada’s commitment to educating and supporting the travel trade industry in Australia, through trade events, agent famils and the dynamic Canada Specialist Program.

Dorian Calgary

* ONE of Calgary’s newest hotels is inspired by Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The Dorian’s 137 rooms all have a copy of the book. There’s also a rooftop restaurant, The Wilde, and guests can ask for a bathrobe for their dog. thedorianhotel.com

New in Halifax

* CANAdA’s first Moxy hotel opened in January 2024 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Guests at the 160-room boutique style property are handed a cocktail when checking in. Key features include a vibrant communal space, art installations and weekend DJ’s. discoverhalifaxns.com

Wanuskewin a top attraction

* WANuskEWIN

Heritage Park was the top Indigenous Tourism Destination of Canada in 2023. This recognition is decided by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and based on several factors including:

• cultural sustainability

• economic impact

• quality of tourism experiences

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is located north of Saskatoon on Treaty Six Territory and Homeland of the Métis. wanuskewin.com

Entirely for agents

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

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

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

As a full-service travel specialist operator, Entire Travel Group also constructs customised itineraries, curated by its team of renowned

Canada experts. The company’s inventive approach extends well beyond its product offerings.

Its Change Agent Sell Price (CASP) feature, for instance, gives agents booking Canada holiday packages online the flexibility to set the final price, with options to add a service fee, reward a valued customer with a discount, or simply drop the price to close a sale.

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

Ottawa Pass offers discounts

A NEW Visit Ottawa Pass is available for travellers, with a one-day ($42-$59) and a three-day ($69-$94) option both offering significant discounts on admission to museums and city tours.

The low-cost pass covers entry to six popular experiences in Ottawa, namely The Canadian Museum of History, the Canadian War Museum, the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal

Canadian Mint and Haunted Walks. The easy-to-use pass is mobile-exclusive and is instantly delivered to the purchaser’s phone via text and email for immediate use, with no app required.

The pass must be activated within 60 days of purchase. This is done by using it at one of the seven experiences.

Some attractions on the pass may require holders to select a date and time to visit. visitottawapass.ca

New canoe museum

THE new Canadian Canoe Museum is due to open in winter 2024.

The two-story,65,000-squarefoot facility and its five-acre lakefront campus is located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, along Little Lake in Peterborough, Ontario.

The museum’s unveiling was due to take place in autumn 2023 but was delayed by construction industry issues.

When it opens the museum will feature more than 600 watercraft and opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich histories and diverse cultures of the canoe and kayak.

The museum is promising programming that will offer hands-on indoor and outdoor experiences that connect visitors to the land, water, and canoe. They will be able to explore exhibits featuring stories from around the world at their own pace or on a guided tour, peek into the integrated Collection Hall to witness the diversity of the collection, learn new skills in an artisan workshop, and enjoy food and drinks from the Silver Bean Café.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is a desginated cultural asset of national significance. canoemuseum.ca

History museum’s sporting chance

THE Canadian Museum of History has aquired a major new collection that will appeal to fans of all Canada’s sports, but particularly those interested in ice hockey.

The acquisition of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame collection “marks a pivotal milestone in preserving and showcasing Canada’s vibrant sports history”, the museum says.

Known as the Order of Sport Collection and representing more than 100 years of Canadian sporting history, it contains around 100,000 objects and 60,000 archival records, featuring a diverse array of objects encompassing legendary athletes, broadcasters, coaches, teams, iconic sporting events and more.

It adds to the existing sports collection at the Museum, which has long been renowned for its comprehensive representation, notably in hockey, contemporary sports and games.

The faciliy is located in the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec. historymuseum.ca

Air Canada lines up top Dreamliners

AIR Canada says it will have an upgraded fleet by early 2027 that features 18 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, the largest model in the Dreamliner family.

Deliveries of the new aircraft are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Air Canada’s fleet completed in the first few months of 2027.

The airline currently operates 30 787-9 and eight 787-8 versions of the Dreamliner but the new Dreamliner jets will replace those older, less efficient wide-body aircraft.

“Our experience shows customers greatly enjoy flying on the Dreamliner, so we are pleased to offer them a larger version of the aircraft,” said Air Canada’s CEO Michael Rousseau. aircanada.com

Yukon’s second UNESCO Heritage Site

THE Tr’ondëk-Klondike, located in Canada’s northwestern yukon Territory, has been inscribed as a uNESCO World Heritage site, joining Kluane National Park as the yukon’s second uNESCO World Heritage Site and becoming the Yukon’s first cultural World Heritage site. The Tr’ondëk-Klondike tells part of the story of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation’s experiences during the Klondike Gold Rush in Dawson City, between 1874 and 1908.

Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in is a self-governing First Nation, with a population of around 1,300 citizens. The uNESCO World Heritage Site is a serial property comprised of eight distinct heritage locations throughout the traditional territory of the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in, with Dawson City at the heart.

Dawson City, itself a national historic site, has dance halls, wooden boardwalks and buildings that hark back to the late 1800s when 100,000 prospectors sought their fortunes during the Gold Rush. rivieratravel.co.uk

Customised adventures are trips with enriching purpose

AdvENTuRE World is a travel company committed to ‘Travel with Purpose’, dedicated to creating incredible experiences for travellers while having a positive impact on the planet, its people and wildlife. From five-star experiences to those under the stars, its Authentic Canada collection includes experiences with Canadians who have a passion to conserve, preserve and share the wonders of the wildlife, the creativity of its people and the diversity of the dramatically beautiful landscapes.

Dedicated Destination Experts visit Canada at least once a year, to research, experience and build their knowledge to create customised and enriching trips.

The itineraries that can be enhanced, extended, mixed and matched to build an immersive and enriching experience in Canada. adventureworld.com melissa@lazybearexpeditions.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

Australian travel agents are boosting their Canada sales by signing up to Destination Canada’s (DC) online training programme and tuning into DC’s new series of webinars.

The tourist board relaunched the CSP in 2022, with a raft of fresh content designed to enlighten, educate and inspire agents. and with improved digital access.

It is made up of 40 modules, with essential features that include audio visual components, interactive questions, shareable content and the chance for agents to move up through tiers – from Bronze to Platinum.

Agents start off on the four Foundation Modules: Welcome to Canada, Vibrant Cities, Wide Open Spaces and History and Culture, earning Bronze status when completed.

Those hoping to graduate to Silver status level must navigate six Experience modules: Food and Drink, Indigenous Tourism, Wildlife Watching, Adventures and Activities, Winter Wonderland and Legendary Canada.

Thirteen modules offer a deep dive into Canada’s Provinces and Territories and

agents need to complete 10 of these to progress to Gold status.

The top level is Platinum, featuring 16 Cities and Resorts and agents must take 12 of these. A ‘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.

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

“The final content to go live was our City and Resort modules. The addition of these complete an agent’s fully rounded education of Canada.

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

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

Adds McLoughlin. “We have a loyal group of Canada Specialists who deliver high-value bookings to Canada.

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

Added McLoughlin: “We know Canada is in demand in 2024 and we want to make sure the industry is equipped and has the right tools to convert the enquiries into meaningful bookings.“

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

What is it?

The 40 modules.provide agents with an interactive learning experience to gain in-depth knowledge about Canada.

As they progress through tiers - and Importantl, in light of working from home arrangements - agents can work through the program at their own pace, with 24/7 access to the platform on tablets, phones or via a browser.

The ‘Retain’ section condenses product

DOWnlOaD tHe app nOW!

knowledge from training into a resource which can be accessed whenever needed – for example, for an impromptu sales presentation with clients.

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

Specialist agents

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

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

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

“Canada is a stunning destination which offers a diverse and culturally memorable holiday for clients. It’s an amazing country to recommend to anyone... and definitely delivers a trip of a lifetime.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“All the modules are so very interesting and we just never stop learning. It’s fantastic to have this resource at our fingertips and available whenever we need it! “

Why would I benefit from becoming a Canada Specialist?

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

Winter stay in

Vancou V er

A natural add-on to a ski break or wider British Columbia roadtrip, a Vancouver city stay makes perfect sense, says Charlotte Flach

Why sell it

A Vancouver city-stay should be part of every ski or winter package to British Columbia. Abundant with the wonders of nature just on its doorstep, Vancouver is surrounded by the Coast Mountains and on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, creating the perfect nature/ city combo.

During the festive season the city is the home of bucket list activities such as the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Snowshoe Fondue and the Light Walk at Grouse Mountain.

Thanks to the mild climate Vancouver is a year-round destination and most of the product offerings can be experienced in the winter months.

Who to sell to

Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the city’s diverse food scene, especially during Dine Out Vancouver Festival, which runs for three weeks annually from mid-January to early February. Over 380 restaurants, wineries and craft breweries participate each year in Canada’s largest celebration of food and drink. The rest of the year, visitors can sample delicacies on a food tour of Granville Island Market or seek out a Michelin star restaurant with new additions featuring in the 2023 MICHELIN Guide Vancouver!

Vancouver’s compact, walkable downtown means you can walk across the city in less than 45 minutes, making it easy to explore the unique neighbourhoods or visitors can take in the sights on a Hop On Hop Off bus tour. Families will enjoy a visit to Stanley Park, a 1,001-acre temperate rainforest. The nine km seawall around Stanley Park is great for cycling tours or walking and in the heart of the park you’ll find the Vancouver Aquarium full of tropical marine life.

When to sell

For any seasonal activities, it’s useful to bear

in mind that December through March is winter in Vancouver. Winter is a great time to cross from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore to local mountains including Cypress, Grouse and Seymour.

Skiing, snowboarding and tubing are just the tip of the iceberg however. At Grouse Mountain, the peak of Vancouver, visitors can whizz across the ice on skates, try snowshoeing, or sample a fire and ice fondue experience in their chalet.

Christmas is a particularly magical time, when the Vancouver Christmas Market opens, the Stanley Park Christmas train chugs around the famous outdoor spot, and crowds flock to VanDusen Gardens’ Festival of Lights or FlyOver Soar with Santa.

How to sell

Vancouver offers a safe cosmopolitan city experience that is an ideal addition to a prepost ski holiday, as clients fly in and out of Vancouver International Airport.

Clients can enjoy three-four days in the buzzing city getting a city or culinary fix before heading off to shred the slopes of British Columbia’s ski resorts or seek out the dark skies of the Yukon for the chance to experience the Northern Lights. •

A city surrounded by wAter

VAncouVer AquArium city slickers enjoying cocktAils

In Vancouver

Green city: Stanley Park, a 1,001-acre temperate rainforest, boasts over 27kms of trails and is great for cycling. Circuiting the nine km trail will take about one hour. Learn about local indigenous history with a visit to the story poles at Brockton Point.

SkateS on: Lace up your skates at Robson Square in the heart of the city after an evening at the Vancouver Art Gallery or shopping on Robson Street. Or, take a quick 12-minute Seabus ride across to the North Shore and enjoy skating at the Shipyards in Lonsdale Quay, admiring the Vancouver skyline at night from across the water.

liGht up: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to its renowned aerial walkway, as well as newer attractions including treetop adventures and Cliffwalk with views of the Capilano river. Throughout the winter months, Capilano offers Fright Nights, Canyon Lights, and Love Lights, creating a glittering rainforest walk.

keep Score: Watching professional local hockey team, the Vancouver Canucks, play at Rogers Arena is a must in the winter months. Even those who aren’t hockey fans will enjoy the atmosphere on the team’s home turf. Their season runs from October to May.

order up: In 2022 Vancouver received its inaugural Michelin Guide which was updated in 2023. There are nine 1-star restaurants and 77 featured overall. For more culinary delights, Granville Island Public Market is a must-visit for local produce, gourmet treats, and international cuisine. Insider tip: Travel via Aqua Bus to experience the beauty of False Creek.

4

HUBERT KANG

Big Ships/small ships

Water W ay to go

For clients who like to explore different destinations at a leisurely pace, a Canada cruise might just float their boat, says

Getting out on the water is not a difficult ambition to achieve in Canada: not only is the country framed by three oceans - Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic – it is literally dotted with lakes, rivers and canals.

From coast to coast to coast, there are numerous options to choose from, whether sailing on a large luxury ship or on a smaller, more intimate vessel. Between them, they ply Canada’s coasts, its inland waterways and the Northwest Passage in the Far North.

Eastern Canada

Cruise companies operating sailings in Canada’s easternmost regions include Ponant, Viking, Windstar, Silversea, Seabourn, American Queen Voyages and Cunard.

Cruises go between Montréal and U.S. ports such as Boston, New York and Portland (Maine), sailing into the St Lawrence Seaway.

Some sailings head from Montréal to Toronto and vice versa.

Cruises make stops in places such as Nova Scotia’s Halifax, Lunenburg and Sydney, Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island and Saguenay, Sept-Iles, Trois-Rivieres, the Magdalen Islands and Québec City in Québec. New Brunswick’s St John is the start and end point for nine-day Boston cruises.

Cruise ships tend to be small expedition-type vessels, carrying a few hundred passengers, not the goliaths that sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

A 19-night Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada cruise aboard Cunard’s 2,700-capacity Queen Mary 2 spends a week in Canadian waters, visiting Halifax, Sept-Iles, Saguenay, Québec City and Sydney.

Rivers, lakes, canals

Multi-day cruises operate along the St Lawrence Seaway by St Lawrence Cruise Lines on its 66-passenger ship Canadian Empress, based in Kingston, Ontario.

Seven-night sailings retrace the route of early Upper Canada explorers, between Kingston and Montréal, with other voyages starting in Québec City and Ottawa.

Among cruise itineraries through the Great Lakes by American Queen Voyages on its twin 200-passenger ships are MontréalChicago, Toronto-Chicago and MontréalDetroit, from 11 to 15 days. Stops include Ontario’s Thunder Bay, Manitoulin Island and Port Colborne, for Niagara Falls.

The Rideau Canal, spanning 202 km of the Rideau and Cataraqui rivers from Ottawa to Kingston Harbour on Lake Ontario, is popular among novice and expert boaters alike.

Peter Ellegard

Pacific coast cruises

Vancouver is the start point for Alaska and West Coast cruises on small to large ships by cruise lines including Princess, Holland America Line, Regent Seven Seas, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea and Celebrity.

Small ship adventures

A cruise on a small vessel takes you close to wildlife. Bluewater Adventures offers cruises along the British Columbia coast on its two sailing vessels, with a limit of 12 passengers. Cruises to the Great Bear Rainforest sail from Vancouver and give passengers the chance to see whales and rare, white Spirit bears, black bears and grizzlies.

Maple Leaf Adventures operates three vessels – a catamaran cruiser taking 24 passengers, a converted tugboat sleeping 12 and an eight-passenger sailing yacht.

Itineraries includes Vancouver Island, the Great Bear Rainforest, Gulf Islands National Park and Desolation Sound.

Northwest Passage

Cruises through the wild and beautiful Northwest Passage into the Arctic Circle start from Greenland but visit stops in Nunavut that include Pond Inlet, sailing the wildliferich waters and rugged landscapes of Baffin Bay. Companies offering Northwest Passage cruises include Viking and Hurtigruten, aboard expedition cruise ships. •

sailing to vancouver island

canada

Food tourism

in Ontari O

With a melting pot of cultures and ethnic groups calling it home, Ontario is a hub of vibrant cuisines and flavours. Take a food tour to discover a taste of the province

Ontario’s culinary scene is a result of influences that have been brought to Canada from across the world. Visitors can sample farm-to-table menus, food truck fusions and MICHELIN-rated restaurants, all of which showcase unique traditions and local produce.

Toronto

Toronto’s multicultural population has resulted in a diverse food scene. Take a tour of neighbourhoods such as Little Italy, Chinatown and Koreatown for a taste of the exotic or sample fresh produce at Kensington Market and peameal bacon at St Lawrence Market.

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower, with its panoramic vistas over the metropolis, is an award-winning dining destination and the home of the world’s highest wine cellar. At the top end of its gastronomy offering, Toronto launched the second issue of the MICHELIN Star guide in 2023 with 82 restaurants recognised by MICHELIN and 15 restaurants awarded 1 star.

Niagara Falls

Clients may have seen the famous Falls by cruise, helicopter, or via the Niagara Parks Power Station, but there is also a unique culinary angle to visiting the iconic landmark. For example, Table Rock House restaurant offers views of the cascading water from your table.

The Niagara region has more than 100 wineries, many of which produce icewine, a dessert beverage made with grapes which have frozen on the vine, producing an intense drink. Many of these wineries also feature restaurants celebrating locally sourced ingredients.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a compact city that is easy to navigate on foot or by bicycle, with 800km of recreational pathways offering pleasant walks to a host of restaurants and eateries.

There’s the historic ByWard Market, with its fresh produce from local farms and makers.

Bite into a hot Beaver Tails pastry, or visit one of the excellent Thai and Mexican options. The market is known for its lively nightlife and is a great place to connect with locals.

C’est Bon Ottawa is the go-to for guided or self-guided food tours, while BrewDonkey runs curated experiential craft brewery tours.

Muskoka

Muskoka and Algonquin are dubbed “cottage country”, ideal for idyllic lakeside stays over the summer and fall months.

Visitors can have the quintessential Ontario experience at a resort down by the water. The area’s farm-to-table traditions and expansive patios are a top-notch dining experience for couples, families or friend groups.

Sample the regional ‘Terroir’ at Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery, which produces international award-winning wines. It is also famous for its cranberries, grown by the owners since 1950. •

unique experiences in MusKOKA

sAMple icewine in niAgArA

JOin A crAft brewery tOur in OttAwA

enJOy MicHelin-rAteD Dining in tOrOntO

KEVIN ARNOLD

In demand....

What’s hot?

Tour operators are advising agents to “book early” for 2024. Charlotte Flach rounds up their top tips and points to early booking trends

From Vancouver’s cosmopolitan streets to the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies to the small-town charm and great seafood of the Atlantic provinces, Canada offers a huge range of holiday experiences – but which are shaping up as the best sellers for summer 2024?

Seeing wildlife in the most natural of settings, the great outdoors and national parks and Indigenous experiences are all in demand, according to specialist Canada operators, with bear viewing, whale watching and hiking near the top of the wish list of many visitors.

And studies show that in this post-Covid world clients will be looking to get the most out of their time wherever they visit in Canada and opting for longer stays, with a typical duration of 15-18 nights.

Also in demand is spending at least a couple of nights in lodge-type accommodation in more remote settings.

Another trend for 2024 is that more

travellers are looking to switching from the major tourist destinations that draw the crowds, such as Lake Louise and Banff, to quieter and ‘less discovered’ places like Moraine Lake, located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and around 15 kilometres from Lake Louise.

The Rockies remain ever-popular and Yukon land arrangements twinned with Alaska are also popular.

Western Canada is also selling strongly, particularly amongst families seeking adventure and the outdoors and, according to one tour operator, there is currently huge interest in escorted touring, and again particularly in the west for the summer months.”

Cruise trends

Canada is also establishing itself as a popular cruise destination, especially west coast sailings out of Vancouver, and the Eastern routes such as New York or Boston to Montréal or Québec via Canada’s maritime

provinces.

Among the cruise lines offering west coast cruises are Holland America and Celebrity, with round-trip Vancouver-Alaska sailings. Luxury cruise lines operating the route include Silversea and Regent.

And more travellers are looking for adventure-style cruising such as itineraries that take them through the Northwest Passage and into the Arctic Circle (see page 12 for more on this) .

Selling tips

As always, a top tip for Canada is to book early, says Nathan McLoughlin, Travel Trade Manager, Australia.

“Many of Canada’s most popular lodges are small in size and always fill up so fast... and 2024 is shaping up to be back to prepandemic booking levels,” he says.

“Availability for some in-demand experiences, such as bear viewing in September which is the prime viewing time for seeing them feasting on salmon,”is

hiking in the canadian rockies

west coast wilderness lodge, british columbia

fairmont chateau lake louise

already limited availability.”

“Agents should book early for in-demand areas such as Vancouver Island and once-ina-lifetime experiences such as bear lodges and Rocky Mountaineer to ensure that itineraries can include multiple experiences for clients,” he adds.

Those exclusive experiences are available by booking with outfitters like Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures, a company that offers multi-day kayaking with whales, and Coastal Rainforest Safaris, which operates a wolf tracking multi-day adventure. Both are based in British Columbia.

Luxury tastes

Canada’s luxury experiences have also come into sharp focus and featuring more on bucket list trips, whether that be wildlife experiences such as bear viewing lodges or trips to Manitoba for spotting polar bears and belugas. An option for agents is to combine these with the Rocky Mountaineer and a high-end cruise, which puts several ‘elements’

into one holiday rather than suggesting they should be split over two, three of even four trips.

Luxury cruise lines such as Regent offer 11- or 12-day east coast cruises that start in Boston but end in Québec City, along the way taking in Saint John and the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia, Corner Brook in Newfoundland, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay in Québec. Popular accommodation choices for those with bigger budgets include Nimmo Bay and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in British Columbia.

A relatively new favorite is the Chilko Experience Wilderness Lodge, set in five million acres in a remote part of the province, a property that is a great recommendation for families and groups.

Going big

Upgrades and exclusivity are also resonating with clients, with higher-end rooms and lodges and resorts in unique settings

in demand and, for example, travellers requesting upgraded room categories and SUVs rather than standard vehicles, and asking for small group or private excursions rather than a holiday where they find themselves spending several days on a full coach.

But although expectations are rising value for money remains a key concern – that is, although more (clients) are putting aside a healthy budget for their holiday they are still seeking reassurance that they will be getting good value.

And more luxury-focused clients are booking with other couples and taking longer trips, perhaps lasting three weeks-plus and combining several elements such as road, train, cruise and even helicopter.

“A key trend for 2024 will be combination holidays,” says McLoughlin. “For example, look to include a bear lodge experience, a wilderness lodge, a city experience, and perhaps an iconic train journey and a First Nations experience in the same itinerary.” •

a black bear feasting during ‘salmon season’

haida gwali, british columbia

families will be seeking adventure activities in 2024

bateaux de croisière - ontario serene scene in newfoundland and labrador

to Rockies From Rainforest

British Columbia is highlighting a series of new itineraries – exploring the dramatic landscapes from Vancouver to the Canadian Rockies

THE SIGNATURE CIRCLE ROUTE

(7-10

Days): Starting in Vancouver, this route takes you from the Pacific Ocean to the Canadian Rockies and back again. It takes in the mountain town of Whistler, jade-hued Lillooet Lake, canyons and rivers. The leg between Kamloops and Valemount promises outdoorsy thrills like trail hiking, water-based activities, mineral springs, lava beds, waterfall-watching and the chance to see bears and kokanee salmon thriving at Blue River in the North Thompson Valley. Then there is Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Finish the trip via Golden and the Hot Springs Circle Route, Kimberley and Cranbrook before following Highway 1 back to Vancouver.

ALONG THE TRANS-CANADA

HIGHWAY (7-10 Days): Set off from Metro Vancouver via the Trans-Canada Highway 1. Travel east alongside the mighty Fraser River and trade the roads for river adventures such as fishing or white water rafting before arriving in Hope, a canyon town nestled at the foot of the Cascade

Mountains. At Hell’s Gate witness what happens when 750 million litres of water tries to make its way through a 110-foot narrowing. Follow the Trans-Canada Highway through Goldpan Provincial Park, towards Cache Creek, home to gold rush history and on to Kamloops before arriving at Revelstoke THE place for skiers, bikers, boarders and hikers. Finish at Yoho National Park a UNESCO-designated Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site.

COAST MOUNTAIN CIRCLE ROUTE (4-6 Days): From Vancouver, head north along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway. Stop at the historic Britannia Mine Museum on the way to Squamish. Travel to Whistler and try outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, bear watching and ride the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Make sure to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for insight into the Indigenous peoples. Continue driving north of Whistler to pretty Pemberton, then on to Lillooet and Lytton. Stop at Fraser Canyon and Harrison Hot Springs before finishing back at Vancouver.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER RAIL TOUR (3

Days): Choose from three rail routes onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, a BC-based luxury train operator. The First Passage to the West from Vancouver to Banff is the most popular route through the Canadian Rockies, famous for uniting Canada’s East and West. The Journey Through The Clouds from Vancouver to Jasper showcases the beauty of the highest peaks in the Canadian Rockies and the remote vistas of Canada’s West, while the Rainforest to Gold Rush route travels from Vancouver ending in Jasper, carving through BC’s coastline, rainforest, Fraser Canyon and the Cariboo gold rush region.

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY (4-6 Days):

From Vancouver, travel east on Trans-Canada Highway 1, stopping in the Fraser Valley and Hope. Journey southeast on Crowsnest Highway 3, looking out for grizzly bears and moose in the Cascade Mountains. As you arrive in lakeside Osoyoos, Canada’s semi-arid desert ecosystem unfolds. Transition east into the

Kootenays for hiking and biking. Next, explore the mountain peaks between of the The Columbia Valley. Head north on Highway 95 to the town of Golden, where mountain culture reigns. Savour a final nature fix in UNESCO Yoho National Park to see before heading back to Vancouver.

LAND OF HIDDEN WATERS (4-6

Days): From Vancouver head to the fertile farmlands of Pemberton. This area is still an active fishing ground for the St’át’imc Nation, and Xwisten. As you travel along Highway 97 stop in at Chasm Lookout Point, with panoramic views of small lakes and sweeping pasturelands. Highway 24 between Lone Butte and Little Fort is known as “the Land of Hidden Waters” on “the Fishing Highway,” this 97-km stretch across the Thompson River Plateau is dotted with the lakes of Kokanee, Burbot, Rainbow, Brook, and Lake trout. From Little Fort, head north on Highway 5—also known as the scenic Southern Yellowhead Highway. End the journey in Mount Robson by hiking the renowned Berg Lake Trail.

VALLEY AND VINEYARDS (4-6 Days):

Sample fresh seafood scooped from the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver before stopping at the Fraser River near Hope which has one of the world’s largest salmon runs. Follow The Crowsnest Highway 3 to the former mining town of Princeton, beyond which the mountains part to reveal a green floor of farmland: Keremeos in the Similkameen Valley is known as the Fruit Stand Capital of Canada, with bountiful orchards and vineyards. Stop at Okanagan, BC’s grape-growing hub with the town of Oliver named Canada’s Wine Capital.

NORTH TO MOUNT ROBSON (7-10

Days): Start in Vancouver, travelling on the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler. Continue on to Lillooet, a historic community home to the St’át’imc peoples and further to Kamloops, the second-largest city in BC’s Interior, home to some great spots to enjoy a craft beer on a sunny patio. As you leave Kamloops, consider a detour to the allseason Sun Peaks Resort for lift-accessed mountain biking and alpine hiking in

summer, and shredding the country’s second-largest ski area in the winter. Farther north, Clearwater is known as the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, one of BC’s finest. Point your car in the direction of Mount Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and enjoy a scenic drive.

TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAY 1 TO MILE 0 VANCOUVER ISLAND (4-6

Days): Head west on Trans-Canada Highway 1 to BC Ferries’ Horseshoe Bay terminal, where sailings depart regularly to Nanaimo. Take a tiny passenger ferry to Saysutshun, rent kayaks, swim, and learn more about why the island is so special to the local Snuneymuxw People. The postcard-worthy views of the Strait of Georgia make the journey between Cowichan Bay and Victoria particularly noteworthy. A drive or cycle around Victoria takes in beachfront neighbourhoods, while whale-watching trips from photogenic Inner Harbour may bring you closer to orca, humpback, grey, and minke whales. Visit hellobc.com/ rainforest-to-rockies for more.

time to snow down

Winter is a time for enjoying Canada’s crisp air and beautiful scenery – and to let the majesty of the season dissipate any worries and heighten the senses, says Rupert Parker

Snowshoes in Silence

With so many ways to enjoy the season winter is no time to hibernate. So strap a pair of snowshoes to your boots and see the imagined boundaries of winter drift away.

No matter your age or fitness level it is a fun activity that’s easy to learn – and you’ll be enveloped in a world of silence broken only by the sounds of nature.

With its stunning mountain scenery, Alberta’s Banff National Park has several trails that vary in length. Head to Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise for some diverse snowshoeing experiences amidst towering peaks. There are plenty of places around Banff and Lake Louise that offer snowshoes and equipment for rent.

In Québec, Gatineau Park (just a short drive from Ottawa) has an extensive network of trails that explore frozen lakes and dense forests that lead to stunning lookouts.

In Nova Scotia, snowshoe your way through the beautiful hills, valleys and mountains of Cape Breton Island.

A popular winter option is the Clyburn Trail with its spectacular stands of hardwood trees, boulders bigger than cars, old abandoned beaver ponds, meadows, apple trees and the remains of an old gold mine.

Scandinavian Spas

Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating refreshing and health-giving experience of a Scandinavian spa.

Inspired by the Nordic tradition of hydrotherapy and relaxation, these tranquil oases offer an escape from the cold and a chance to embrace the serenity of winter.

In the heart of the Laurentians, the Scandinave Spa in Mont-Tremblant allows you to soak in a wood-fired hot tub while snowflakes fall around you. Alternate between warming up the body in one of the hot installations, such as a dry Finnish sauna or a Norwegian steam bath, before rinsing in cold water or taking a cold plunge (there is year-round access to the river).

In the Canadian Rockies, Kananaskis Nordic Spa has outdoor hydrotherapy pools, steam cabins, and saunas with views of snowcapped peaks.

Ice Yoga

In Central Canada, yoga on ice is gaining traction among Winnipeggers. Performing the ‘downward dog’ on a frozen lake is something that most people haven’t tried but it provides perhaps the ultimate Instagram moment – except you might be feeling too

‘Zen’ to pick up your phone. FortWhyte Alive, a reclaimed wildlife reserve in the south of the city, runs classes on frozen Lake Cargill and has a cosy cabin on the shores that runs an afternoon of yoga and mindfulness.

Aurora Close Encounters

Canada is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The country’s northern location, clear skies and low light pollution make it ideal for viewing this natural phenomenon.

Gazing up at those unforgettable dancing lights in the frigid northern air is an unforgettable and perhaps even spiritual encounter with the natural world.

Geomagnetic activity is highest during the autumn and spring equinoxes, making September, October, and March the peak months. Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and Churchill in Manitoba are renowned for their clear skies and aurora borealis displays.

Fort McMurray, the most populous city in northern Alberta, is one of the best places to spot the lights: they are said to be visible 300 nights of the year. Total nighttime darkness and scant light pollution make Banff National ideal for viewing the lights.

/ Winter zen

Hot Springs Soak

Soaking in a hot spring is a great way to relax and rejuvenate and the ideal way to unwind and de-stress during the colder months.

The waters help to soothe sore muscles, improve circulation and boost the immune system. Canada boasts numerous natural hot springs tucked away in picturesque settings. These include Banff Upper Hot Springs in Alberta and Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia, where you can bathe in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

Icefields Drive

The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, one of the world’s most scenic drives, showcases exquisite and otherworldly scenery as it takes you along the 230-kilometre stretch between Lake Louise and Jasper.

Witness snow-peaked mountains, ancient glaciers, ice-covered lakes and winter wildlife. From Lake Louise, head north along Highway 93 to see the mirror-like Herbert Lake, the sweeping Athabasca Glacier and doublebarrelled Sunwapta Falls. At journey’s end, hang your toque at the welcoming Chateau Jasper in Jasper National Park.

Winter Rail

Canada is connected coast to coast by train. VIA Rail links Toronto with Vancouver on a journey through Ontario’s northern lakes, prairies and Great Plains before arriving at the Rocky Mountains. The journey into a sparkling winter wonderland is particularly memorable, its cozy onboard sleeping berths especially welcome.

A private transfer from Banff to Lake Louise allows you to soak up the surroundings on an evening sleigh ride. Then there’s a helicopter snowshoe adventure to the trapped methane ice bubbles at Abraham Lake. From Jasper, the final leg heads overnight to Vancouver.

Storm Watching

In Tofino, British Columbia, winter storm watching draws countless visitors each year from November to late February.

Ferocious pounding rain, loud winds and huge waves are fun to watch from the comfort of your hotel. There are usually 10 to 15 storms every month, with around a dozen featuring extreme conditions. It all began at Chesterman Beach in 1996 when the McDiarmid family enjoyed storm watching so much that they built the Wickaninnish Inn –and more properties followed suit.

Dog’s Life

Imagine being whisked away on a sled by a team of enthusiastic and well-trained huskies, racing through pristine forests, over frozen lakes under the crisp, clear skies of the Great White North.

Dog sledding is a serene and almost silent way to explore the winter landscape. The only sounds are the soft padding of paws on snow and the occasional jingle of harnesses. Follow in the footsteps of the Klondike gold miners on a journey through the rugged wilderness of the Yukon. You’ll develop a strong bond with your four-legged teammates and their energy is contagious.

Fat Biking

Despite its curious name, fat biking is just mountain biking with oversized tires that grip the snow. This means you can cycle winter wonderlands like Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park in Brookvale, Prince Edward Island, on its trio of single-track routes and trails designed especially for fat bikes.

In New Brunswick, pedal through the Acadian snow-shrouded forest at Kouchibouguac National Park. Groomed fatbike trails wind among seven huts stocked with firewood – bring your own thermos of hot chocolate or something stronger. •

Time for coffee during a break from snowshoeing

chasing The lighTs in maniToba

winTer zen aT meTis crossing, alberTa

ROAM CREATIVE

Authentic Indigenous Experiences

Métis Crossing, Albert A

At a cultural centre and wildlife park in Alberta, visitors can participate in hands-on interpretive programming designed and run by Indigenous people

Métis Crossing, located northeast of Alberta’s capital city, Edmonton, sits on the original river lots of some of the first Métis settlers in Alberta. During the fur trade, these settlers used rivers as highways and often arrived at Métis Crossing in canoes. Visitors can relive that journey today with the “Paddle into the Past” voyageur canoe experience.

Métis Crossing is a historical voyage that fuses Indigenous and European ancestry, with roots dating back to the 18th century. The Métis Nation began in Canada’s early years when French and Scottish fur traders married First Nations women. Over time, their descendants developed their own language and culture. For those who want to experience the uniqueness of Métis culture, this cultural site is a good place to start.

Authentic experiences

Métis Crossing was designed, built and is operated by Métis people to tell their story in their own way. Lilyrose Meyers, the Elder and Knowledge Holder at Métis Crossing, hosts cultural and interpretive programmes, imparting knowledge, teaching traditions and sharing culture – such as the traditional art of moose-hair tufting.

Wildlife watching

At Métis Crossing’s new wildlife park, visitors can spot rare bison – believed by many Indigenous people to be the most sacred living being on earth. In 2021, bison were reintroduced to the land after being wiped out of this region in the 1860s. Percheron horses, elk, white elk, wood bison, plains bison and white bison can all be found

Indigenous-inspired cuisine

Guests can enjoy a hearty meal at the onsite restaurant serving Indigenous-inspired cuisine. Menu options include bison burgers served on bannock buns, bison stew, three

sisters vegetarian soup, wild rice coconut pudding and Saskatoon berry lemonade.

Overnight accommodations

Choose between an equipped trapper’s tent, a boutique guest lodge, or even sleep beneath the stars in one of Métis Crossing’s new sky-watching domes. Transparent ceilings provide a perfect view of the sky, stars and constellations that once served as guiding lights for the Métis people.

When to visit Métis Crossing

There is something special about every season at Métis Crossing. In the spring, baby bison can be seen in the wildlife park. Summer is a time for canoeing, camping and more extensive interpretive programmes. Fall is the season for berry picking and stunning autumn foliage. Skating, crosscountry skiing, sledding and snowshoe adventures are available in winter. Whenever one chooses to visit, Métis Crossing is a special spot that helps guests appreciate the distinct culture of the Métis people. •

bison are sacred to the Métis people

canada’s 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

Guided tours in COLIN

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

Mixed abilities

Canada for all

Canada’s tourism sector is taking great strides to ensure it is a destination for every body and every disability, reports

Julie Baxter

Canada ahead of the curve

As Canadian Paralympian Tony Walby puts it: “More people are waking up to the abilities everybody has. It’s no longer ‘you have a disability, you can’t do this’ it’s ‘you have a disability and you’ll be able to adapt to do what you want to do’.”

Canada seems ahead of the curve. Many winter sports have been adapted to address physical and cognitive impairments, and all destinations should be relatively easy to navigate as all public buildings are required to be wheelchair accessible and provide suitable toilet facilities. Almost all street corners have dropped curbs, and public transport is increasingly user–friendly.

The Canadian Paraplegic Association produces a free guide on the most easilyaccessed sights, and provincial tourist offices collate information too. Parks Canada details the many accessible outdoor trails, and by the water, buoyant beach chairs, mobility mats, accessible kayaks and even submersible wheelchairs for use in the hot springs are increasingly available.

Mountains learn to adapt

For those drawn to the slopes, adaptive equipment can be found in key resorts to support skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, snowshoeing and skating, with specialist training instructors, supportive volunteers and programmes for newer challenges such as skate skiing, fat biking, curling, winter frisbee and winter camping too.

Vancouver-based Canadian Adaptive Snowsports is among organisations on a mission to eliminate barriers and create fun, inclusivity for individuals with visual, physical and cognitive impairments or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

British Columbia has a network of 15 adaptive clubs operating in Whistler, Revelstoke, Fernie and Silver Star. There are also skiing, sit-skiing and snowboarding programmes at Grouse and Cypress

Mountains. Mountain resorts in Alberta, like Winsport Canada Olympic Park, Marmot Basin, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise, have a wide range of facilities, while the Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports Center at Sunshine Village offers learn-to-ski programmes and private lessons.

In Ontario, Blue Mountain Resort, Snow Valley Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone Ski Resort all offer adaptive opportunities and have trained guides to assist visually impaired and blind skiers and snowboarders.

In summer many of accessibility programmes turn their attention to sports such as kayaking, wheelchair accessible paddleboarding, biking and camping.

And many national parks feature accessible campsites and oTENTiks – a cross between a tent and cabin – with accessibility ramps.

Working with the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Parks Canada has created a travel package for those with ASD, limiting stress and challenges when visiting Gros Morne National Park. Purposedesigned Rustic Cabins in Berry Hill include sensory-aware home comforts. Lake Louise’s

Summer Sightseeing Gondola is now 100% wheelchair accessible and Alberta’s cultural destination Métis Crossing was designed to be fully accessible with a lodge offering six accessible suites.

At Sainte-Anne Falls, Québec, there are three wheelchair-accessible suspension bridges for accessibility to the 74m tall falls.

Stanhope Beach on Prince Edward Island and Inverness Beach in Nova Scotia offer buoyant wheelchairs and mobility mats.

Information is at hand

Travellers with disabilities need information and reliable services. See useful sites such as QuébecforAll.com, detailing snow and touring opportunities at Mont Tremblant, Mont Sainte-Anne and Le Massif de Charlevoix. Québec’s Destination for All scheme certifies accessible tourism facilities.

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia, famed for its lighthouses and picturesque coastline, has become the first tourism site in Atlantic Canada to receive the Gold rating thanks to measures like an accessible viewing deck and accessible washroom. •

blind ski, kimberley, british columbia

Top of the list....

Iceberg VIewIng: During spring and summer these 10,000-year-old glacial giants can be seen from many points along the northern and eastern coasts. Seeing a snow-white or aquamarine iceberg float past, before enjoying a vodka, gin, rum or beer made with iceberg water is an iconic Newfoundland and Labrador experience. icebergfinder.com

coastal HIkIng: Take a hike along one of many coastal trails that overlook deserted bays, craggy caves and quaint oceanside towns. Keep an eye out for seabirds, whales, and icebergs. The 25 paths of the East Coast Trail take you past towering cliffs, headlands and ‘The Spout’, a natural wave-driven geyser. eastcoasttrail.com

wHale watcHIng: Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best places in the world to spot whales. Humpback, minke, sperm, pothead, blue and orca whales return here each year to feed on capelin, krill, and squid. Between May and September look for them breaching near coastal shores from a trail path, sea kayak or tour boat. newfoundlandlabrador.com

bIrd watcHIng: With 29,000km of coastline this is a haven for bird spotters. Look out for some of the estimated 35 million seabirds such as gannets, storm-petrels, black-legged kittiwakes and common murres. Spot Black-legged kittiwakes, Atlantic puffins at the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve or see black guillemots and cormorants at Bird Rock. newfoundlandlabrador.com

natIonal Parks: National parks offer a host of outdoor activities. Hike and climb the summits and fjords of UNESCO World Heritage Site Gros Morne. Drop into a regional festival or see local art and music. Take a guided walk in Terra Nova, tasting edible plants or harvest food and see sites of cultural and spiritual significance with Inuit at Torngat. parks.canada.ca

A-Z of A

cAnAdiAn Autumn

Autumn is a beautiful and rewarding time of year to visit Canada. Its foliage takes on fiery tints, its roads are less travelled and its wildlife gets up to all kinds of wondrous pranks. Stuart Forster offers 26 reasons to fall for Canada

A is for Aurora Borealis

As the night sky above the northern hemisphere becomes darker with the onset of autumn, the northern lights are frequently seen glimmering above Canada.

The country is home to between 80%90% of accessible land beneath the northern aurora oval, the region around the geomagnetic pole that experiences the most vibrant and most frequent auroral displays.

Skies free from light pollution help make Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and the Yukon leading destinations for viewing the aurora borealis.

B is for Bears

Autumn is ideal for viewing bears. Salmon runs peak in September and October, drawing grizzlies to gorge at the country’s rivers. British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest is a top destination for viewing the bears. Each September, thick-coated grizzlies converge to fish in the river at Bear Cave Mountain, Yukon. The bears exit the water into freezing air – thus the name ‘ice bears’.

And during October and November guests at remote lodges north of Churchill, Manitoba, often view polar bears waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze over.

C is for Colours

The autumn colours of Canada are bold and vibrant, making it a particularly rewarding time of year to view the country’s landscapes.

Foliage in the country’s east tends to turn in mid- to late-September, with the leaves on maple trees turning through fiery orange to deep red. Oak leaves turn russet and copper while birch and elm leaves blaze yellow.

Further west, the golden larch and aspen catch the eye from roads and during hikes.

Mid- to late-September is typically also an ideal time to view the fall colours in the Canadian Rockies.

D is for Dark Skies

With vast swathes of land free from human settlement, Canada has huge areas devoid of the light pollution that is common in and around urban settlements.

Areas of rural Canada offer remarkable opportunities to view constellations and other celestial bodies shining in the night sky, including the Milky Way arching overhead.

In a country with numerous opportunities to experience viewing the northern lights and outstanding stargazing, Grasslands National Park in Saskatchewan is renowned as Canada’s darkest Dark-Sky Preserve.

E is for Embrace

Visiting Canada during the autumn brings opportunities to embrace the joys of the season: soak in the colours, make the most of the daylight hours to participate in

“Travelling out of the summer season enables visitors to maximise value for money. Autumn offers great deals on accommodation”

polar bears are spotted in autumn red

ISTOC

outdoor activities and use nights for stargazing. It’s an optimal time of year to sample to bounty of the land and embrace chances to appreciate the culinary skills of chefs working with local seasonal produce.

Foraged mushrooms and freshly hunted game feature on menus, while artisanal jams and preserves made from local fruit and berries are ideal to take home as gifts.

F is for Festivals

Autumn offers visitors to Canada numerous opportunities to participate in festivals.

In September movie buffs can attend Toronto International Film Festival screenings. Meanwhile, the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Festival is a ‘shellebration’ combining culinary and musical talents.

In October, the Celtic Colours International Festival, held on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, showcases Celtic music and heritage amid a backdrop of bold autumnal hues.

November’s Cornucopia, in Whistler, British Columbia, sees talented chefs preparing seasonal produce ahead of the opening of the winter sports season.

G is for Going South

A vast amount of animal movement can be witnessed in Canada during the autumn, making it a rewarding time of year for wildlife lovers. Sightings of brown, black and grizzly bears peak ahead of their winter torpor. And many smaller mammals – including squirrels, chipmunks and groundhogs – are sighted foraging. Birds, meanwhile, can be seen going south for winter. Hummingbirds, cranes and V-shaped flocks of geese depart. Point Pelee National Park, mainland Canada’s southernmost spot, is among the best places for birders to view the migration.

H is for Hockey

Hockey (ice) fans look forward to the autumn because early October sees the return of the National Hockey league (NHl). The nation’s favourite sport has a passionate following and attending a game is a true Canadian experience. Canada’s seven professional teams are based in Montréal (Canadians), Toronto (Maple leafs), Vancouver (Canucks), Edmonton (Oilers), Calgary (Flames), Ottawa (Senators), and Winnipeg (Jets). Winnipeg is one of the smallest cities with a professional sports team in North America.

However, visitors to Canada can experience the sport’s thrills in many other cities that have teams playing in the ‘minor leagues’.

I is for Indigenous activities

Indigenous experiences offer a way for travellers to learn to story of the land’s original inhabitants from their perspective. But they are also a way of embracing the season. In Churchill, Manitoba, Beyond Boreal Expeditions leads tours to view polar bears, while on Victoria Island, British Columbia, the Tagwàgi (Autumn) Festival promises a programme of authentic Indigenous experiences, including chances to

watching the northern lights

montreal maple leaf

rocky mountaineer

meet Ojibwe Spirit Horses. In the Northwest Territories, several Indigenous experiences are accessible from Yellowknife, including aurora hunting with North Star Adventures.

J is for Journeys by Train

leaves on the track delaying departures? Leave off! In Canada, sitting by a train window means being able to unwind while rolling through autumnal landscapes.

The Canadian, operated by VIA Rail, brings opportunities to view the countryside on a multi-day journey between Vancouver and Toronto. Yet spectacular train rides in Canada don’t need to cover epic distances.

The Montreal-Jonquière route is one such journey, and the Agawa Canyon Train Tour in Ontario is a popular autumn day trip through landscapes that inspired the famous Group of Seven artists. Then there is the luxury Rocky Mountaineer, which travels through the resplendent Rocky Mountains.

K is for Kitchener

The kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, begins in September and continues into October.

The event celebrates the German heritage of the region around kitchener, Ontario – a

city that was called Berlin until 1916. Expect to see Bavarian-style dirndl dresses and lederhosen at the beer festival, which takes place in festhallen (festival halls) across the city. kitchener also hosts a popular Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring colourful marching bands and floats.

L is for Large

The sheer size of Canada presents myriad opportunities for autumn visitors.

The country sprawls north into the Arctic Circle and nearly 4,700 miles east-west, from Cape Spear in Newfoundland and labrador to the Yukon’s border with Alaska – which inevitably means that autumn arrives at varying times across the country.

Whitehorse, in the Yukon, and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories typically receive their first snowfalls in September or October – but snow may arrive in August. Pack layers and be prepared for any kind of weather.

M is for Maple Leaf

Canada’s national symbol and instantly recognisable icon is depicted red on the country’s flag and could have been designed with autumn’s changing shades and vibrant

reds in mind. Québec is famed for producing maple syrup and is ideal for viewing maple leaves’ autumnal hues, typically from midSeptember to mid-October. Hiring a vehicle and driving to the Eastern Townships or the laurentian Mountains provides spectacular viewing opportunities as part of a road trip with numerous sightseeing opportunities.

N is for Nature

Nature is embraced by most Canadians and is a key draw for international travellers.

“Hockey (ice) fans look forward to the autumn because early October sees the return of the National Hockey League (NHL) ”

Overnighting in Parks Canada’s oTENTik accommodation, a comfortable cross between a cabin and a tent, offers glampingstyle experiences. Staying in an oTENTik removes the hassle of transporting heavy camping gear to experience national

parks and all that they offer in terms of wildlife, dark skies and autumnal scenery.

Visits to provincial parks across the country can be easily added to touring itineraries. Suggest for second- or third-time visitors.

O is for Openness

Canadians take pride in being ‘open to the world’ and for having ‘open hearts’ and ‘open minds’ that embrace diversity and inclusion. With all travel-related restrictions to the country removed Canada is again welcoming travellers from around the world.

Moreover, it is Canada’s open spaces that most travellers now crave in an evermorecrowded world.

P is for Pumpkin Patches

Pumpkins are ready for harvesting in the autumn. When carved into lanterns they are celebrated as a key symbol of the Halloween festivities, which are embraced with gusto in Canada. Pumpkins are also enjoyed in soups, pies and, of course, seasonal spiced coffees. Pumpkin patches across the country invite visitors to pick their own while enjoying

family-friendly activities and entertainment. That may include an opportunity to seek an exit in one of the corn mazes that are created on many Canadian farms each autumn.

Q is for Quietude

Autumn is a season for taking time out to pause, breathe deeply and appreciate the aromas during forest walks or even forest bathing. In fact, enjoying the quietude can be a transformative way of embracing your inner peace. Or, for a very different ‘Q’, the historic sites of Québec City, including the Citadel fortress and Place Royal, along with its city parks, are spectacular in autumn.

R is for Road Trips

The autumnal colours mean that road trips between mid-September and mid-October provide a wealth of gorgeous backdrops for keen Instagrammers and photographers.

The circular Cabot Trail, looping 185 miles in Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, is especially pretty in the autumn. So too is the Fundy Coastal Drive, a near 300-mile scenic route between Sackville and St Stephen, via

the spectacular Hopewell Rocks. Rewarding routes are found across the country.

S is for Shoulder Season

Travelling out of the summer season enables visitors to maximise value for money on accommodation. Hiking and mountain cycling trails remain open well into the autumn - and without the summer crowds. Resorts known for winter sports, such as Whistler and Sun Peaks, hold a different allure in the autumn, with hiking and mountain bike trails popular at this time.

T is for Thanksgiving

The second Monday in October is Canada’s Thanksgiving, a celebration of the harvest. Many Canadians use the holiday to spend time outdoors hiking: that means heading to the campsites and trails. Sports fans look forward to a Canadian Football league game, with the culmination of the national Grey Cup (Canada’s ‘FA Cup Final’) just weeks away.

U is for Urban pleasures

Canada’s cities and towns have plenty to

T O u RISM N OVA S COTIA P HOTOGRAPHER T OM C OCHRANE

offer in autumn. World-class museums and galleries, shops and craft breweries, Michelin-Star restaurants and even food trucks offering favourite takeaway options from a variety of gobal international cuisines warrant a visit.

So too do the farmers’ markets brimming with seasonal produce. In well-maintained urban parks such as Edmonton’s River Valley, Vancouver’s Stanley Park and Regina’s Was Cana Park quality outdoor experiences are on offer within view of the city skyline.

V is for Vineyards

Vineyards and wineries across Canada are at their busiest in the autumn when the grape harvesting, pressing and wine production is in full swing. Visitors can attend events such as September’s Niagara Grape and Wine Festival or, in British Columbia, the Okanagan Fall Wine Festival which is held on weekends in October and November.

Grapes remain on the vines in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Québec and elsewhere long after the autumn harvest, left there in order to produce icewine.

W is for Whale-watching

The whale-watching season in the waters surrounding British Columbia continues well into the autumn, with Vancouver and Victoria among the popular places for departing tours.

Orca sightings are common around the Gulf Islands and in the Strait of Georgia into October, as the leviathans gather to feed on migrating salmon.

Humpback whales can be seen between April and November, with some staying year-round. Minke and fin whales are also sighted into October while grey whales are seen from March into June.

X is for Xenodochial

Being ‘xenodochial’ means ‘being friendly to strangers’, a characteristic that is in abundance across Canada.

Canadians are known for their sincere friendliness. That translates into being hospitable to visitors and is a factor why so many travellers form positive memories of the interactions they have, and connections they make, during their Canadian journey.

Y is for Yellowhead Highway

Road-trippers with time on their hands looking for an alternative to driving across Canada on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) should consider the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) which runs between Winnipeg and Masset on Haida Gwaii in British Columbia. They will view the harvested prairies of Saskatchewan and leaves turning golden. Stops along the way include Stony Plain, Alberta, and Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia.

Z is for Zen

Autumn offers opportunities to unwind while enjoying a little zen-like reflection. Guides in British Columbia offer forest bathing or forest therapy. known to Japanese Buddhists as ‘shinrin-yoku’, it involves ‘purposeful walking in’ and ‘engaging the senses to absorb the woodland’. Or spend time in outdoor pools at Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg, Harrison Hot Springs, British Columbia, and Jasper National Park’s Miette Hot Springs, Alberta, for soaking among the sounds and aromas of the season. •

scenic drive in atlantic canada

autumn is pumpkin season blue mountain resort, ontario

wonderful seafood

Fall activities in

Manitoba

Manitoba is a magical place year round, but fall is an extra special time to visit. Charlotte Flach checks out the best things to do as the autumn chill sets in

Visit polar bears in Churchill:

During the autumn months, the frontier town of Churchill, Manitoba becomes the place to be. October and November see the shores of Hudson Bay transform into a hotspot for wildlife watchers to witness the annual migration of polar bears onto the sea ice. Nicknamed ‘the polar bear capital of the world,’ Churchill is the most accessible place on the planet to view these typically solitary bears as they head to the shoreline when cold weather descends. Tours range from day trips to multi-night tundra stays.

Check out Winnipeg’s world class museums: Manitoba’s capital, Winnipeg, has a multitude of museums ready to be explored, with an eclectic range of topics from history to Indigenous cultures. The unmissable Canadian Museum for Human Rights is known as ‘The Cloud’ for its curved exterior made of 1,335 pieces of glass which reflect the sky. It is the only museum

in the world dedicated to its topic, with exhibits on Indigenous perspectives and the Holocaust among other historic moments. There’s also the Qaumajuq, an Inuit art centre and the Royal Aviation Museum.

Sample culinary delights:

Typical, traditional Canadian grub is known for being hearty and warmingthe perfect combination for when colder weather starts to set in. Foodies can head down to The Forks, a National Historic Site of Canada, which has been a site of significance for Indigenous peoples for over 6,000 years. Alongside numerous attractions, The Forks Market Food Hall has a variety of eateries. Tall Grass Bakery serves delectable pastries, while Fergie’s Fish and Chips offers a local taste with its pickerel- a freshwater fish.

Watch the waterfowl migration: More wildlife migration viewing opportunities come from the different types of waterfowl which can be spotted at

locations across the province, such as Oak Hammock Marsh, a well-known migration hotspot. The local Harry J. Enns Wetland Discovery Centre runs a programme of events to both celebrate and educate visitors around this time of year. Other great spots include Hecla Island, Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary, and Fort Whyte Alive.

Luxuriate at a spa: When the weather outside is frightful, a day at the spa seems extra inviting. Thermëa has a reputation for being one of the destination’s premium spots, with its outdoor Thermal Experience featuring hot pools, a Polabër cold pool and Icebër waterfall. The Elkhorn Resort’s brand new Nordic Spa presents a steam sauna, a dry sauna, a relaxation pavilion, two hot tubs, a temperate pool and a cold plunge. While outdoor lounging areas will be warmed by fireplaces.

Discover Indigenous experiences: With many Indigenous peoples calling

Manitoba home, there are plenty of learning opportunities open to travellers. Borealis Beading invites guests to try two-needle beading, quilt-making and finger weaving through workshops in the traditional circle style. As the crafts take place, stories are shared around the table. Or take a stroll at Bannock Point Petroforms in Whiteshell Provincial Park with Whiteshell Petroforms Authentic Indigenous Tours, where a Anishinaabe knowledge keeper reveals the forms of humans, snakes, birds and turtles on the rocks.

Experience fall in the Whiteshell: Autumn is ideal for road trips through Whiteshell Provincial Park, with numerous opportunities for stops to enjoy nature’s colourful fall display. One of Manitoba’s most popular wilderness trails, Hunt lake Trail, is a challenging five hours, while the Dragon Fire Trail is an easier trek with rewarding views of West Hawk lake. The scenic trails

around Falcon lake are ideal for a horseback riding excursion with Falcon Beach Ranch, cantering through the beautiful boreal forest. The ranch also gives tours which recount the eerie ‘Falcon lake Encounter’.

Dance under the Northern Lights:

Frontiers North Adventures offers a Northern lights and Winter Nights package. It departs from Winnipeg, where most northern lights viewing happens from their oh-so-cozy Thanadelthur lounge situated away from town on the other side of the frozen Churchill River. Featured on the itinerary is a visit to Dan’s Diner, a pop-up Tundra Buggy dining hall hidden in the wilderness where guests enjoy a multicourse meal. Activities include guided snowshoeing and dog sledding.

Enjoy the colours at Riding Mountain: Riding Mountain National Park is arguably one of the best places to enjoy the reds, golds and browns of autumn

in Canada. Crisp air, blue skies and vivid sunsets combine to create an atmospheric backdrop for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. Friends of Riding Mountain National Park and Clear lake Marina rent out e-bikes, while the Brûlé Trail is ideal for an intermediate hike. Elk, moose and deer can be spotted on an early morning drive, or head to the lake Audy Bison Enclosure at dusk or dawn to see the bison when they are most active.

Rent a cosy cabin: After a jam-packed day, retreat to a cosy eco-cabin in the woods or a cottage with views over the prairies. These unique stays are embedded in nature and resorts often offer activities such as yoga as well as ski equipment or canoe rentals. Recommend clients cabins in Whiteshell Provincial Park (Falcon Trails Resort, Falcon Beach Ranch, Pinewood lodge) or Turtle village at Riding Mountain National Park. travelmanitoba.com •

Places to experience

“FOOD is a way OF li F e, a path t O truth, a me D icine that c O nnects us with nature”

Christa Bruneau-Guenther, Owner, Feast Cafe Bistro, Winnipeg

The Feast Café Bistro in Winnipeg’s West End is the brainchild of Christa BruneauGuenther, a proud member of the Peguis First Nation who was born and raised in Winnipeg.

After she became involved with community gardens and learning to cook with locally sourced ingredients, friends and colleagues encouraged Christa to open her own restaurant.

She wasn’t confident at first, and was concerned her “tough upbringing” – she started working at just ten years old – and “education” would not be valued, but working with her community and helping to care for its plants, herbs and vegetables changed her mind.

Since opening Feast Café she has been in demand for television, radio and print interviews and many now travel big distances to dine at her restaurant.

She says she has come to see food as a “way of life, a path to truth, a medicine that sustains us and connects us with nature.”

When I asked about her favourite seasonal autumn ingredients served at the restaurant she didn’t

hesitate. “Autumn is definitely our squash season, and squash is one of that we call the three sisters –beans, corn, and squashes – which feature regularly in Indigenous dishes.

“People often assume Indigenous Canada’s First Nation people consumed mostly meat. They did in certain terroirs, but a large part of their diet would have been beans, corn and squash as these have a ton of Vitamin C, complex carbohydrates for energy, magnesium, minerals, and are high in protein,” she says.

The Feast Café has a range of dishes with heritage squashes, which are sourced from local gardens and Indigenous communities. They feature in the restaurant’s soups, stews and pasta dishes. Wild rice pasta is another staple on the autumn menu as well as braised bison with squash.

I tried her Coconut Squash Curry, which was loaded with fresh taste and was delicious. Bison is also a favourite at the restaurant and available year round.

“It pairs really well with autumn vegetables,” says Crista. Another regular is Bannock Pizza with Bison sausage – the meat is tender and delicious!

“Pickerel and Walleye fish from the Great Lakes is more in-season in September, October and November and something we serve, she adds. We are surrounded by freshwater lakes and access to Pickerel is plentiful; it is a staple for many communities, for both their livelihood and for culturally significant reasons.

“Water is the blood of mother earth, and we honour and respect everything from these waters”.

Christa says that Covid ”altered everything”, with many forced to go back to the land and back to gardening. Canning and preserving practices were resurrected as well. “I now spend a lot of time in my traditional Indigenous garden. It is therapeutic to garden barefoot and to forage. “We always remember to give thanks for what has been provided for us,” she says.

feastcafebistro.com •

What’s new on

Prince e dward i sland

Prince Edward Island is known for its sandswept beaches, diverse wildlife ecosystems, and scenic coastlines. Here’s what’s new for Canada’s most famous island

Whether clients fancy baking Indigenous bread underneath the sand, or spot bird species in the National Park, Prince Edward Island has a host of new attractions for visitors to try.

Blackbush Beach Resort

PEI’s new coastal resort, which will open later in 2024, is located just steps from the sandy dunes of Tracadie Bay. It will be designed with both couples and families in mind, featuring 30 guest rooms, a breakfast bar, library, rooftop cocktail bar, saunas and hot tubs for evening relaxation, and an outdoor pool that is open year-round. At beach level, the hotel opens out directly onto the shoreline, with beach and bonfire amphitheater access. Alongside the hotel, quaint cottages are also situated on the resort grounds, with views overlooking the Island’s north shore. blackbush.ca

Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort

Opened in 2023, Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort is PEI’s first Nordic spa and resort. Calling the beautiful St. Peter’s Harbour home, Mysa’s 17 cabins are set against a backdrop of the natural surroundings. Guests can immerse themselves in ancient Scandinavian rituals with a dip in the thermal baths, relaxing in the essential oil steam rooms, braving a cold water plunge, or sweating out toxins in the Finnish sauna. There’s also a range of spa services and meditation sessions to help calm the mind. The onsite restaurant serving locally sourced produce is the perfect way to finish a holistic wellness experience. mysanordicspa.com

Bannock and Clams- Lennox Island Mi’kmaq First Nations

For an authentic - and delicious- Indigenous experience, spend an evening preparing a meal with a member of the Mi’kmaq First Nations. Using Mi’kmaq traditional methods, participants will bake the traditional bannock bread under the sand, then gather clams along the beach before cooking them on an open fire. As the bannock cooks, listen to stories of what life used to be like growing up on Lennox Island, told by a traditional teacher and storyteller. experiencelennoxisland.com/bannock-and-clamsin-the-sand

Nature Space Resort & Retreat

Located in St. Peter’s Harbor, Nature Space Resort & Retreat is a boutique family-run glamping centre spanning 16 acres. Guests can relax in the authentic Mongolian Yurts with private hot tubs or take a dip in the nearby lagoon, with fresh, estuarial and salt water, its biodiversity is unmatched. Identified as an IBA (Important Bird Area), there’s plenty of chances to spot a variety of avians. Water tours, yoga and wellness retreats and recently expanded yurt accommodation, all add to the experience. naturespaceresort.com •

the beat of the drum experience at Lennox isLand mi’kmaq first nations

mysa nordic spa & resort

view from bLackbush beach resort nature space resort & retreat centre

BERNI WOO d

PAUL BAGLOLE

turn a

New leaf

Bella Falk takes a road trip in Jasper, Alberta, and finds herself falling for the many joys of the season

As the taxi winds through Jasper National Park, bright sunshine illuminates the fresh dusting of snow on the mountaintops.

On both sides of the road, silver-trunked aspens crowd the verges, their leaves radiant in shades of amber and gold.

I sigh with frustration. “It’s too much!” I complain to Heather, my driver. “Please can you stop?”

She obligingly pulls over so I can stand in the middle of the road to take some photos. It’s midday, but there are few other cars.

“Fall is the perfect time to come to Jasper,” she tells me. “Not only do you get these incredible colours, but there’s less traffic.”

From taxi drivers and receptionists to guides and waiters, everyone says the same thing: autumn is hands-down the best time to visit Jasper. In fact, I hear it so often that I’d think they’ve all been briefed – except I can see for myself.

With crisp mornings and mild days, glowing foliage and surprise wildlife encounters, Jasper in autumn is the best of all worlds.

Hiking without the crowds

Spanning over 4,200 sq ms and reaching 3,782 metres at its highest peak, Jasper National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and heaven for outdoors enthusiasts.

The park is overflowing with jaw-dropping landscapes and alfresco activities: from easy sightseeing paths around Athabasca Falls and the dramatic Maligne Canyon to hiking to Mount Edith to mountain biking through the Valley of the Five Lakes to kayaking on Pyramid Lake.

In summer, more than a million visitors

throng Jasper’s hotels, trails and car parks, and temperatures can top 30 degrees.

In autumn, however, guests can enjoy milder weather, bright days and cosy evenings, with none of the heat, crowds and potential wildfires that can occur in the peak season.

Many tours and services close for the winter, but most stay open until midOctober, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s autumnal splendour in peace.

Boat cruises across the vivid green Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most photographed places and a spiritual site for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, run until early October, while the switchbacked road up to the glaciated face of Mount Edith Cavell stays open until the first week of October or the first snowfall.

Autumn wildlife

Another great reason to visit Jasper in autumn is the wildlife.

The park is home to more than 50 mammal species, including grizzly and black bears, moose, elk, cougar, and bighorn sheep.

While guests may stumble across animals by simply exploring the park, the best way to see Jasper’s fauna is to take one of Sundog Tours’ wildlife trips.

“Fall is amazing for wildlife,” says our guide, Ben. “It’s elk rutting season; at this time of year they’re everywhere, even in the town.

You have to be careful though, as they can be very aggressive! There’s also a good chance to see moose and bears, as they’re actively feeding and preparing for winter.”

On our three-hour drive around the park, we spot dozens of elk, the males sporting

magnificent antlers, as well as bighorn sheep perched precariously on a cliff face, and my highlight, a glimpse of a black bear and her cub as they disappear into the forest.

Dark skies, night photography

By the time I meet Mike Gere, who runs Jasper Photo Tours, I already know what he’s going to say. “Fall is best!” he grins.

“Best for the colours, the misty mornings, the more civilised sunrise and sunset times, and the dark skies. For astrophotography it’s perfect: night-time temperatures are still above freezing, and you may even catch the Aurora Borealis,” Mike enthuses.

As well as being the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper is the world’s second largest Dark Skies Preserve, where light pollution is strictly controlled to protect the region’s pristine views of the heavens.

The Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs for two weeks in October, with photography tours and astronomy talks, telescope sessions at the Jasper Planetarium; and on selected

jasper’s red october

BELLA FALK / PASSPORT & PIXELS

10 Reasons to sell the Rockies in Autumn

Changing colours. The Rockies are beautiful year round, but autumn colours make them spectacular.

Snow-capped peaks. The mountains get their first dusting of snow, adding to the photo opportunities.

Milder weather. Cooler temperatures are much better for hiking and biking, with less risk of wildfires.

Dark skies. With longer nights, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy Jasper’s world-famous stargazing.

Northern Lights. Darker skies also bring a chance to see the stunning Aurora Borealis.

Autumn wildlife. Rutting season means elk are out in force, while bears are busy fattening up for hibernation.

Fewer tourists and families. Schools have gone back, so prices fall and places are less crowded.

Less traffic. Summer roads are busy with sightseers, but driving in autumn is a breeze.

Wellness. On grey days Jasper’s spas offer the chance for cosy relaxation.

Autumnal ingredients. Jasper’s excellent restaurants serve seasonal local produce like pumpkins, mushrooms and apples.

evenings in September and October

the Jasper Skytram offers late stargazing experiences.

Jasper Photo Tours run bespoke wildlife, landscape and night photography workshops to suit all skill levels. Mike takes me to Pyramid Lake for an astrophotography lesson – showing me how to set up my camera for the best star images and giving me tips on how shoot the Milky Way.

It feels almost spiritual to be alone in such a peaceful location, with the mountains reflecting off the mirror-calm water and not a sound apart from the occasional splash of a fish. But the heavens don’t want to play ball: it’s overcast and there aren’t many stars.

Undeterred, Mike teaches me the art of light painting – filling in the trees and bridge on Pyramid Island with an eerie glow from his torch. And when the bright four-fifths moon rises we capture that too, every crater and valley crisp through his 800mm lens.

Indigenous experiences

That same moon watched over Canada’s Indigenous communities for thousands of

“Many tours and services close for the winter, but most stay open until midOctober, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s autumnal splendour in peace”

years before white settlers arrived. Today Indigenous tourism – that is, tours owned and operated by Indigenous people, not those simply about them – is growing, with many guests keen to learn about Canada’s diverse First Nations cultures.

One of Jasper’s leading lights is Matricia Brown from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation in northern Alberta – her Indigenous name is Isko-achitaw waciy (She Who Moves Mountains). Matricia runs Warrior Women, offering Indigenous cultural experiences including fireside chats, workshops and the one I do – a medicinal plant walk.

Tours are tailored to the seasons and since, it’s October, Matricia teaches us about the autumnal plants we find.

There are tiny white snowberries, which can be used to treat eye infections, and rose hips, which bloom after the first frost and are made into a tea with anti-inflammatory properties. “Many modern medicines contain the same active ingredients as these plants,” she explains, “but they focus on the symptoms, not the cause. We want to treat whole package - body, mind and spirit - so we use the whole plant.”

After only a few days, I’m convinced. With mild weather, vivid colours and fewer people, autumn in Jasper has won me over.

My only problem is this: getting places took me ages as I kept having to get the taxi to stop for another photo. •

maligne lake, jasper national park

elk are out in force during rutting season

‘warrior woman’, matricia brown

BELLA FALK PASSPORT & PIXELS

BELLA FALK PASSPORT & PIXELS

Neighbourhoods in

CALGARY, ALBERTA

From the boutique shops of Downtown to the live music venues of Inglewood, get an insider’s view of Calgary’s top neighbourhoods

Inglewood

This historic neighbourhood is an eclectic mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and live music venues that are all part of the Music Mile. Local favourites High Line Brewing, Cold Garden, and Ol’ Beautiful all serve a great pint, foodies flock to The Nash for the wood fired rotisserie chicken or Deane House for the weekend brunch and music lovers can enjoy live swing or jazz at Ironwood Stage & Grill.

Kensington

Snap a must-have Instagram shot at the Peace Bridge before a walk across the Bow River to Kensington, one of the most walkable neighbourhoods in Calgary and considered Calgary’s Urban Village. Locals can’t get enough of the organic, fair-trade coffee at Higher Ground. Sweet treats at Crave Cupcakes are always a favourite or you can get some kitten cuddles and a hot drink at the Regal Cat Cafe.

Downtown

Calgary

Downtown is a shopper’s paradise, with many luxury boutiques at Bankers Hall and The CORE Shopping Centre. On busy weekdays you will see Calgary’s business crowd mix with buskers and street performers. There’s also world-class restaurants, like Major Tom, a great place to try a classic Alberta steak. Calgary’s arts and culture scene is also anchored in this entertainment district.

East Village

From musical performances to fresh baked pastries, this former industrial area is bringing new life to Calgary one building at a time. Tune up with some music history at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre. Feeling hungry? The historic Simmons Building has an Argentine wood-fired grill at Charbar, coffee roasting at Phil & Sebastian and fresh baked bread at Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. The Central Library is also a must visit.

Beltline

Known as the design district, The Beltline has art galleries and unique home decor stores aplenty. Start with breakfast at Monki with its massive hot sauce collection, take a walking tour of the public art and make the Chinook Arc light up using a phone, or check out the Caesar bar at The Beltliner to try cocktails with add-ons like bacon, pepperoni and cupcakes. Don’t forget to visit the Alberta Boot Company for their hand-made cowboy boots.

Bridgeland

Bridgeland has gained a reputation as the breakfast capital of Calgary. Head to 1st Avenue NE for organic eggs served up at OEB Breakfast Co. or try the Bridgeland Breakfast Sammy at Blue Star Diner. Flip through the vinyl record collection at Lukes Drug Mart, a family run business since 1951, before lining up for the legendary ramen at Shiki Menya. Finish with a tasting at Bridgeland Distillery and dinner at award-winning JinBar.

KELL y HOFER

BRANDON w ALLIS

seeing the lights

Canada is the ideal place to see the northern lights, with viewings across the country from October to March, says Stuart Forster

Like the spectacle we’re hoping to view later tonight, the campfire flames dance, flicker and warm our souls.

Some in our small group gaze expectantly upward from high-backed Adirondack chairs ringing the fire while the rest of us set cameras onto tripods.

Tonight’s conditions are ideal for viewing the northern lights and, excitedly, we’re willing the phenomenon to appear.

Here in northern Manitoba, as with other destinations across Canada, the aurora borealis can be seen for much of the year. The exception is midsummer,

when daylight’s enduring brightness makes sighting the northern lights as tricky as watching a feature film screened outdoors under the midday sun.

However, now that it’s late August, and autumn is fast approaching, the aurora puts on a near-nightly show.

Wrapped in layers, and wowed by the occasional distant howls of wolves, we’re ready to follow a day of bountiful fishing at Gangler’s Sub-Arctic (ganglersadventures. com) with a lengthy session of aurora viewing. The sky is clear – a prerequisite for seeing the northern lights.

Well over 600 miles north of Winnipeg,

this remote fly-in lodge is far removed from the light pollution which makes seeing the aurora borealis tricky in urban areas.

Aurora hunting is a way of appreciating the beauty of the northern wilderness as well as the star-swathed night sky, whose full magnificence is rarely seen by residents of light-polluted cities.

“There!” shouts one of our group. Heads swivel and bob, all of us eager for our first glimpse of the northern lights.

A gloved finger points out a low cloud scudding above treetops. Dismissive groans and laughter express collective disappointment as the wait continues.

But we don’t have to wait much longer.

“Look!” utters a wonderstuck voice minutes later. High in the sky, a white, ghost-like swirl gains intensity.

“I thought the northern lights were green or even red, yellow and purple,” muses one of our party.

“Ha, this is just the beginning of the show,” comes the answer as a glimmering band forms and takes on a greenish tone that’s even more pronounced when viewed through my camera’s lens.

After what seems almost like an initial celestial shyness, the 0aurora rolls and twists, fanning out and shimmering in bands across the night sky like an expressive interstellar peacock.

Aurora borealis and Canada

Canada is home to between 80% and 90% of the accessible land inside the northern auroral oval, the region around the geomagnetic pole that experiences the most frequent and brightest auroral displays. Across the country, vast swathes of the sky are free from light pollution.

The aurora borealis phenomenon is caused by charged particles emitted from the sun that interact with Earth’s atmosphere, mainly over the magnetic poles. Oxygen causes particles to grow green or red while purples and blues are

the result of interactions with nitrogen. Solar activity rises and falls in multi-year cycles and will be peaking until 2026.

Consequently, experts are predicting frequent and intense auroral displays, making the coming years ideal for planning a holiday to view the northern lights.

First Nations experiences

Indigenous legends surround the northern lights and travellers will likely hear some of these ancient tales during a First Nations aurora viewing tour.

In the Northwest Territories, B. Dene Adventures bdene.com invites guests to experience storytelling with Dene elders, traditional drumming and eat fish cooked over a fire while waiting for the aurora.

With Northstar Adventures northstaradventures.ca, holidaymakers can hunt the aurora with a Dene guide while listening to stories and legends.

The Indigenous-owned Aurora Village auroravillage.com has 21 traditional teepees and offers viewing experiences along with daytime activities including snowshoeing. Heated outdoor seating pivots to present 360-degree views of the night sky.

Where to visit

Crisp, clear nights are common from midNovember into April in Alberta, Manitoba,

the Northwest Territories and The Yukon, making them among the most popular aurora viewing destinations.

Aurora Pod nathab.com and Aurora Domes auroradomes.ca are designed to maximise northern lights viewing experiences in Churchill, Manitoba.

In the Northwest Territories, low humidity is one factor in the northern lights being visible up to 240 nights a year.

Across Canada, 17 dark sky preserves present opportunities for visitors to appreciate star constellations in addition to the northern lights.

Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, in Alberta, hosts an annual Dark Sky Festival jasperdarksky. travel every October.

Numerous aurora-viewing tours depart from Whitehorse. Staying at Mount Logan EcoLodge mountloganlodge.com near Haines Junction in the Yukon presents opportunities to view the northern lights by the warmth of a fireside.

On Canada’s east coast, head to Newfoundland and Labrador with the best chances for good viewing are remote spots away from light pollution.

Popular gathering spots include the coast, the national parks and the northern reaches. The province’s large tracts of wilderness, accessible with a guide, are also worth the effort to get there. •

night sky appears to glow green due to the aurora borealis

the northern lights glows green above clouds

the sky burns bright above the gaze of campers

looking for the lights in manitoba

ISTOCK.COM/ BEIJINGSTO r Y

Solar Cycle

in the yukon

With the current solar cycle set to reach its zenith in 2024, there has never been a better time to plan a northern lights viewing trip to the Yukon

Arevised prediction for solar activity shows that it will increase more quickly and peak at a higher level than was predicted in 2019, when Solar Cycle 25 began.

The updated forecast indicates that Solar Cycle 25 is expected to reach its pinnacle between January and October, 2024. This increase in solar activity results in more aurora activity here on Earth, creating an exceptional window for aurora viewing.

Yukon’s pitch-black winter sky offers the perfect backdrop as sulphurous-green sheen ripples, ebbs and flows, before exploding across the full expanse of the night sky.

“Although this peak period will slowly ebb from 2025, the aurora activity will persist for years, providing remarkable northern lights viewing opportunities throughout the entire cycle,” says Yas Yamamoto, Market Development Manager, Yukon Tourism.

The solar cycle is a periodic 11-year change in the sun’s activity. During the cycle, the levels of solar radiation and ejection

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

How to view the aurora

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

There’s something magical about soaking in a natural outdoor hot spring nestled within a snow-drenched forest, the mesmerising northern lights dancing overhead, in one of Canada’s most epic wilderness destinations.

The Eclipse Nordic Hot Springs, just 20 minutes from Whitehorse, is heated by natural geothermal activity, with multiple outdoor soaking pools, saunas, steam rooms, cold water plunging and fire pits. Combine two favourite Yukon past times, ice fishing and northern lights viewing,

with North Country Outdoor Adventures. Starting at sunset, you’ll fish for bubot and lake trout while you wait for the magical light display to begin. Your fishing guide will help you build up an appetite for a fresh fish midnight lunch cooked right there on the ice.

Go aurora hunting with an experienced guide, such as Nomada Excursions, Epic North, or Up North Adventures who take you from your hotel in Whitehorse out into the wilderness, where a perfect, blacksky canvas displays a the shimmering, dancing ribbons of aurora. Listen to tales of northern life and learn the folklore of the aurora borealis as you sip on hot chocolate around a hot wood-fired stove or fireplace. High quality winter gear, including boots, is available for hire in Whitehorse.

Alternatively, experience this magical phenomenon with Arctic Range Adventures, which offers northern lights viewing at the Aurora Centre, an idyllic location just outside Whitehorse. An adventure with Northern Tales will take you 30 minutes into

MICHEAL OVERBECK

the wilderness o watch the Northern Lights at their brightest. Relax in a prospector-style wall tent once used by gold seekers and trappers then bundle up and head outside to marvel as the night sky billows with mysterious curtains of rainbow colours.

Aurora viewing in Dawson City

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

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

During the day, Klondike Experience offers guided tours to Tombstone Territorial Park along the Dempster Highway, including a gentle snowshoe hike along the frozen North Klondike River. Back in Dawson City, take a guided tour of the famous Yukon gold rush sites, including the Midnight Dome and Dredge No. 4 historical site.

Top experiences

Wilderness lodge adventures

Check into the enchanting Inn on the Lake, overlooking Marsh Lake and revel in a winter wonderland. Witness the blazing northern lights, drive a dog sled, cut through metre-thick ice to fish for trout, take a skiplane flightseeing tour, take in the wintry views from the outdoor hot tub, and enjoy world-class cuisine from the in-house chef.

Stay in a glass-fronted chalet at the Northern Lights Resort & Spa, built for optimum aurora viewing, with large floor-to-ceiling glass .Just 20 minutes from Whitehorse and far from any light pollution, the resort is framed by pine forests and snow-drenched mountains, with cabins created from Douglas fir trees.

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

At Mt Logan EcoLodge, you’ll watch the sun set over the mountain ranges that are home to Mount Logan, Canada’s highest peak. Choose from a range of guided tours, from electric fat biking and northern lights viewing to glacier flightseeing and dog mushing.

Don’t wait for winter

The Yukon: it is one of the few locations on Earth where the northern lights are visible from late summer through to spring.

Autumn evenings in the Southern Lakes Region are relatively mild, allowing for active night time adventures. Meander along the hiking trails to a secluded spot to capture the very best photographs of the night sky rippling with ribbons of colour.

If you visit in summer when the midnight sun reduces the chances of seeing the northern lights, head to the Northern Lights Centre in Watson Lake: its domed theatre with a panoramic video and surround-sound system is as close to the real thing as it gets. •

T AKESHI H ANATANI

WOLFGANG BUBLITZ

DAN CARR

I NES G OOVAERTS

In the mood for

some seasonal fun

There’s plenty to keep visitors entertained during the autumn months in Canada. April Waterston highlights five events that are worth planning a visit around

Autumn is undoubtedly a magical time to visit Canada. As leaves transform to rusty hues and hats, gloves and scarves come out of summer storage, a new warmth can be found rooted in both community spirit and celebration.

From coast to coast, festivals and events feature the best of Canadian food and culture. Here are a few to plan a visit around.

Celtic Colours

Showcasing the musical culture of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, the annual Celtic Colours festival has become one of Canada’s premiere musical events. For nine days in October, visitors can discover hundreds of events and activities taking place in communities across the Island. Cape Breton’s best singers, dancers, actors and story-tellers take to the stage in venues that range from community halls and churches to schools and theatres. In 2024 the festival will take place October 11th–19th. celtic-colours.com

Vancouver Fringe

2024 will mark the 40th anniversary of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, where local stages in and around Granville Island come alive with theatre, comedy, dance, drag, spoken word and music talent from across the world. vancouverfringe.com

Lights, camera, action

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) brings an annual buzz to Toronto as worldclass international and Canadian filmmakers and movie buffs descend upon the city.

And 2024 will mark the 47th edition of TIFF, as well as the 47th People’s Choice Award, as voted for by ticket holders of the event.

The festival takes place for around 11 days each September, but film fanatics can visit the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto all year to catch a movie on one of five big screens and learn about TIFF’s impactful work. tiff.net

Up, up and away

In High River, Alberta, take to the skies in a hot air balloon during the Heritage Inn International Balloon Festival, next taking place in late September 2024. Tickets are available to go up for a ride, but just as much magic can be felt from the ground.

Get up close and personal with the gentle giants as they are inflated but anchored to the ground during the night-time ‘Balloon Glow’. Feel the heat from the flaring burners as the balloons light up against the dark sky.

heritageinninternationalballoonfestival.com

Shellfish Festival, PEI

Seafood lovers should head to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in September for the annual Shellfish Festival. Expect a wide array of shellfish-related competitions – from oyster shucking to mussel tying – plus live cooking demonstrations and celebrity chef sightings. In the evening, dance the night away with some of Atlantic Canada’s finest entertainment. peishellfish.com

getting ready for shellfish tying in charlottetown

celtic sounds in nova scotia

the toronto international film festival

DESTINATION TORONTO

Where the

wild things are

With its vast tracts of wilderness, which includes the Boreal Forest and millions of trees, Canada is the place to be during Autumn for natural beauty and a feast of wildlife viewing, says Lynn Houghton

Polar Bears of churchill

Manitoba is well known for an annual wildlife event that takes place each autumn in late September, October and early November.

The King of the Arctic, the Polar Bear, congregates in and around the southern coast of the Hudson Bay as well as around the town of Churchill, a tiny community of just 900 residents.

While here the bears scavenge and build up fat stores as they wait for the water to freeze. These amazing marine mammals then move out onto the sea ice from where they spend the rest of the year hunting seal and fish.

These Megafauna are viewed from the safety of a tundra buggy which can hold up to 40 people. The enclosed vehicles are propped up on extremely large tires with some even having an outdoor viewing platform.

Depending on conditions, it can be a tight timeframe to experience this phenomenon for as soon as the bay freezes over the bears leave.

Those that come back to shore are mostly pregnant mothers seeking icy dens to give birth in the spring.

Whale Watching

Humpback Whales spend from April to October in the North Atlantic waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick. Early fall is an excellent time of the year for whale-watching as this is when the whales migrate from the Caribbean to warmer seas.

Humpbacks are often seen breaching or jumping out of the water – a behavioural pattern that always draws gasps from onlookers.

The whales can often also be seen from land on many viewpoints on Canada’s eastern coastline, or even by sea kayak, while several vessel operators offer tours.

Minke, Fin, Blue, Sperm, Pilot whale and Orca (technically a large dolphin) are all found in abundance; however, the North Atlantic Right Whale is now considered near extinction: the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says only about 450 of these whales remain along the Atlantic coast of Canada and the U.S.

For whales, dolphins and porpoises species that are neither endangered nor threatened, a general minimum approach distance of 100 metres applies.

DESTNAT ON CANADA

hudson Bay’s

KasKa coast

Autumn is the ideal time to visit Manitoba’s Hudson Bay lowlands, with a strong possibility of seeing Cloud Wolves.

One unique feature of this region is that the Boreal Forest (a forest biome) butts up against the Arctic biome which begins at Hudson Bay, frozen for many months of the year.

The wolf pack’s range encompasses this coastline and also the area’s gorgeous forests and heathlands, which are ablaze with vivid colours in the fall.

Cloud wolves are thought to be a subspecies of Canis Lupus (Grey Wolf), and the pack, which numbers about 13, is named Opoyastin (Big Wind in Cree), that runs alongside the Nanuk Lodge. The lodge in this remote place is only reachable by flying in, with the final leg on a prop plane flight from Churchill or Thompson.

During their stay at Nanuk, guests go out on the icy salt marshes in snowmobiles accompanied by expert guides.

They study the behaviour of the wolves and other forest animals such as fox and moose, using camera traps, collecting scat for forensic review and listening out for wolf howls. Data gathering is critically important when there are no other scientists, researchers, or facilities to speak of in an area. in fact, there are almost no people living in a region twice the size of Switzerland, but it has been home to the Swampy Cree and Moose Cree for at least 6,000 years, who have lived in harmony with nature in this unforgiving land.

cariBou of northern canada

Autumn is a fabulous time of year to spot caribou as huge herds migrate from the north to spend fall and winter in Canada’s forests.

Caribou herds roam across the vast open spaces of the north during warmer months, and one of the largest is the Qamanirijuaq Caribou herd, thought to number 350,000.

This herd moves to the northern tundra of the Nunavut province in spring and then, in the autumn, returns to the Boreal Forest. Migration is the time to see these incredible ungulates and there are specific places on route, such as Baker Lake in Nunavut, where guides will take guests to see the animals. A First Nation-run lodge is nearby and offers very comfortable accommodation.

Another example of a migratory group is the Pen island herd of northern Ontario, thought to number at least 10,000. As the eastern part of Pen island is in the Northwest Territory, this is part of its range, as is northern Manitoba. Migratory caribou are often of a specific type known as barren ground caribou, but it is thought that the Pen island herd is woodland caribou or perhaps even a unique subspecies.

There are also caribou tours in British Columbia, in the most northern areas in the Rocky Mountains or to the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area, a significant area of wilderness and wildlife known as the Serengeti of the North.

ARCT CW LD ET

Autumn

Drives with colour

Canada’s resplendent natural colours are at their vivid best during the Autumn months. Here are four scenic routes that frame the very best of the season

Cape Breton’s wonders

Cape Breton in Nova Scotia is home to an array of natural wonders: winding rivers, pristine lakes, rollicking hills and ethereal waterfalls. In Autumn the landscape blooms, transforming into a kaleidoscope of vibrant warm shades.

Just off the Trans-Canada Highway, St Ann’s Bay is made for an autumnal drive. The road here winds past waterways and up and down the small hills. Visit Nova Scotia’s tallest waterfall, North River Falls, and stop for a picnic lunch at North River Provincial Park. Meat Cove is an area that is just as picturesque from the comfort of a car as on a hike. The road reveals a side of Cape Breton that shouldn’t be missed, with incredible views over the valley.

Quebéc’s scenic drives

Canada’s largest province is criss-crossed with scenic drives, with both lengthy journeys and shorter day-trip and weekend options. Travelling the Fjord Route – a 235-kilometrelong road trip between Petit-Saguenay and Tadoussac – is an enchanting way to see the Autumn foliage. Crossing both shores of the Saguenay Fjord, it takes drivers on a route where they are surrounded by 300-metre cliffs and a multitude of quirky and historic towns and villages.

Or there’s The Gaspesie Tour, a 10-day drive that is home to stunning sea and mountain scenery. Photo-worthy throughout the year, Gaspésie offers a riot of colours in the autumn.

Ontario’s body perfect

For an iconic experience in Ontario, road trippers should take the route around the world’s largest freshwater body of water, the aptly named Lake Superior. Lighthouses, waterfalls, cliffs and Indigenous markers including the famous Agawa Rock, a sacred Ojibwe site covered in pictographs next to Lake Superior, make this a drive to remember. By late September, the hardwood forests surrounding the Agawa Canyon light up with crimsons and golds. Although the drive can

be done in 24 hours, the vibrant colours and scenery are best enjoyed at a more leisurely pace over several days. Or for island-hopping by car, the Long Sault Parkway skirts over 12 islands between the towns of Ingleside and Long Sault in the St Lawrence River.

Yellowhead Trails

The Yellowhead Highway is a 2,859- kilometre route that runs from the Pacific Coast of British Columbia through Alberta and Saskatchewan into Manitoba, finally ending in Winnipeg.

It is the gateway to a multitude of Indigenous attractions, events and experiences and also traverses the lands of the First Nations, Metis, and First Peoples of Canada.

Notable stops along the way include Metis Crossing in Alberta, where travellers can hear Indigenous stories; Duck Lake Interpretive Centre, Saskatchewan; and Haida, known as ‘the Galapagos of the north’.

Drive some of the highway and expect the meadows, colourful forests and valleys to be ablaze with seasonal colours - and all framed by majestic snow-capped mountains. •

Cabot trail, Cape breton

Memorable

Autumn Adventures

Canada’s provinces and territories provide an attractive choice of adventure playgrounds during the crisp and colourful months of autumn, says Charlotte Flach

Bikes

Head to Montréal and saddle up to take on some of the more than 435 miles of bike paths that wind their way through the city’s many neighbourhoods.

Among the options offering stunning views and green spaces, the Lachine Canal is a main cycling artery, the waterside route stretching for 13.5km. It is suited to all abilities due to its flat paths and roads.

Lovely year-round, autumn draws bikers and walkers but not the large crowds.

Fishing

British Columbia is known for its phenomenal fishing scene – and none better than Sooke on Vancouver Island. Salmon runs too are a photographer’s favourite. All five species of Pacific Salmon pass through these rich waters, with Chinook (Blackmouth) available year-round.

Coho (Silver) salmon can still be fished in October, while Chum is on offer in both October and November – at a time when most other fish are not as eager to bite.

Whale Watching

Summer and autumn are the best seasons for whale watching in Nova Scotia. Dedicated whale watching tours feature plenty of local stories which eulogise over the 12 species of whales, including the rare North American right whale, that inhabit these waters. Cape Breton and the Bay of Fundy, in particular between the town of Digby and Brier Island, are among the best bets. Several tours head out from here.

Hikes & sites

Home to numerous national parks and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberta is a hiker’s paradise. Banff National Park is the country’s first, and arguably the flagship, of Canada’s park system. As the summer heat fades and autumn sets in, the stunning jewel tones of the season take the breath away, providing a backdrop to long hikes and walks among the foliage. Autumn’s cooler weather is also a bonus.

Kayaks, rafts and canoes

With over half-amillion lakes, rivers, waterways and thousands of miles of coastline, Ontario is a magnet for water sports fans. One of the world’s great freshwater destinations offers top canoeing, kayaking and whitewater rafting. Choose autumn to explore the quiet inlets and lagoons of The Toronto Islands, the rich biodiversity of The Grand and Nith Rivers, or Killbear Provincial Park with Georgian Bay’s 30,000 islands.

Camping

With just 20% of Canada inhabited, pretty much any region has room for pitching a tent and gathering around a crackling fire. Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland feels like a set from the Lord oftheRings , with its peaks and verdant plains. Its Tablelands area is one of the few places where you can see the earth’s mantle. Make camp and view wildlife returning from a summer on the mountains to enjoy the last of the snow-free conditions.

KEVIN ARNOLD