Holidays To Canada

Visit the Bay of Fundy

2011-02-04T02:22:00.000-08:00

Canada is a big country for sure. But it is not just big in size. It is also big in scope and in ambition, and if you’re looking for a big holiday with lots to offer in plenty of different ways, you won’t be disappointed with any trip you take here. However with that said you have to narrow down the scope a bit. You can’t tackle the whole country in one visit.

One good place you might want to start in is the Bay of Fundy. This may not be instantly familiar to you as some other places in Canada are. But you will definitely want to find out more about it.

The bay itself sits between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and it is also very close to the border with America. This gives you the additional possibility of venturing into American territory for part of your holiday if you wish, although there is plenty to keep you entertained in this part of Canada alone.

The bay is certainly big enough to give you lots to see and do for an entire trip. At 170 miles in length, it isn’t something you can set out to explore in a single day. But then, you would want to spend as much time as possible here as it is a delightful place with plenty to share with you.

For starters you can make a point of enjoying the wealth of superb seafood that comes out of this area. Local restaurants will be eager to tempt you with all the seafood you can eat, and you will find it hard to resist. You can explore much of the coastline, rocks and cliffs from day to day as well, finding out just how this part of Canada was created in the process. Watch out too for the Fundy Aquarium, which provides another way to get used to the great amount of marine life that lives here.

This is just a small taster of what you can expect to find in the Bay of Fundy. To find out more, plan a trip there to discover it all first hand.

Visiting the West Edmonton Mall

2011-01-05T02:20:00.001-08:00

You might think that shopping is pretty much the same wherever you go. But this isn’t necessarily the case when it comes to visiting other countries. Each place has its own unique way of developing shopping malls for instance, and some are definitely bigger than others.

If you want to see the mall that was the biggest in the entire world for some twenty three years from 1981 onwards and into the new Millennium, you need to head to Edmonton in Canada. This is where the giant West Edmonton Mall can be found, and you can happily spend more than a day here wandering around all the shops that reside inside it.

The mall is millions of square feet in size and you shouldn’t have any trouble parking there, since the complex caters for some twenty thousand cars at a time. Visiting just before Christmas will certainly be an experience, but whenever you decide to go you will be guaranteed to have a great time.

One of the main things that will make you realise just how big the mall actually is would be the fact that it also plays host to an amusement park. Known as Galaxyland, the amusement park sits inside the mall and thus provides a great day out even if the weather isn’t at its best.

It also boasts the biggest indoor roller coaster in the world, called the Mindbender. Alongside this major ride there are plenty of other rides as well, each one designed to appeal to one or more members of the family. While major rides such as the Mindbender, Galaxy Orbiter and Solar Flare are ideal for adults, there are plenty of other rides designed for beginners and for the younger members of the family as well.

It might seem a bit strange to head to a mall for a family day out. But as you can see, the West Edmonton Mall is far more than just rows upon rows of shops to explore. If you come here for the day while you are in Canada, be prepared to want to go back for day two as well.

The Cabot Trail

2010-12-07T06:32:00.001-08:00

Canada is famous for plenty of things, but if you really want to explore one of the highlights of the country, you should head directly for the Cabot Trail.

We’re talking about the area of Nova Scotia here, and it is quite beautiful to see no matter when you decide to take a look at it for yourself. The Cabot Trail winds through much of Nova Scotia and is an impressive length, trailing out to over a hundred kilometres in length. You shouldn’t run out of things to see or do once you start on its path.

Of course the main delight here is the scenery. When a trail such as this one cuts through the landscape in an area such as Nova Scotia, you will be amazed at how spectacular it looks throughout the year. The road itself runs in a circle, so you can plan to drive the entire length at your leisure and then wind up back where you started again. There are lots of locations to stop off at and lots of reasons to ensure you do just that. The scenery is such that many people try to find the words to describe it, and most of them fail to do it justice.

If you love driving you will certainly love the trail since it has a great road that is a pleasure to follow. Once you arrive near Cape North you will be travelling along the coast, so expect to come across some delightful bays around here. One of the highlights is Pleasant Bay – and very aptly named it is too! You will be able to look out for the whales here, and it is just one example of why you might want to linger in some places more than in others.

You can spend most of your holiday exploring the secrets to be discovered along the Cabot Trail. Whatever you want to get out of a holiday to Nova Scotia in Canada, the Cabot Trail will not leave you feeling disappointed. Other than, of course, the disappointment you will feel in leaving it behind.

An Introduction to Ottawa

2010-11-05T02:03:00.001-07:00

Ottawa is a pretty well known location in Canada. But would you have any ideas about the things you could see if you decided to pay a visit to this part of the country?

It’s the second biggest city in the country after all, so there should be plenty to discover. This is one good statement to make that is totally correct; it’s just a question of what you want to see first.

For starters Ottawa itself is an attractive city by any standards. There are large areas of green space to be found as you wander around the city, giving you time and the opportunity to stop and appreciate your surroundings at every turn. You can explore and see some scenic views if you are travelling by car as well; a good example of this being the Ottawa River Parkway. This looks rather strange from the air as it has a big looping road built specifically to allow you to drive round one of the prettiest areas of Ottawa, near the river itself. It allows bicycles as well and you can walk along the route too if you wish.

Elsewhere in Ottawa the Rideau Canal can also be seen. In fact if you visit during the winter months you’ll be able to skate on it, as it freezes over and is safe enough to allow this delightful pastime. The ByWard Market is another must see because it offers a huge and heady mix of stalls in the market place. Be prepared to spend a few hours here wandering around and spending money, because it tends to reel you in and you won’t want to let go.

There are different things going on all the time in Ottawa, as you might imagine. Whatever time of the year you visit, you will find fresh attractions and events taking place to tempt you as you find out more about the city. From Ottawa rickshaws to guided tours and haunted walks, there is always a lot to do. You just have to decide where to begin and then enjoy the journey this city will take you on.

Touring Toronto

2010-10-07T03:52:00.001-07:00

Toronto – we’ve all heard of it and most of us would know it is in Canada. But beyond that, how much do you really know about this city?

It is the biggest city Canada has and this is just one reason you should give it a try. It has lots to share with you and you can make some amazing holiday memories if you base your holiday in Toronto or visit the city while you are in Canada.

One of the most famous sights in Toronto you will probably already be familiar with is the CN Tower. This has been a significant part of the Toronto skyline since the mid 1970s, and it soars more than 1,800 feet into the sky. You can ‘only’ go up to around 1,450 feet when you ascend the tower to look out onto Toronto from above though, since the observation decks are not right at the very top.

A visit to the CN Tower is ideal if you want to see out over the city itself. Indeed you can see a lot further than this – seventy five miles is about the furthest you can see when the weather conditions allow it.

But what else does Toronto offer down below? A visit to the St Lawrence Food Market is a must if you love your food; it is packed with gourmet treats and has been voted as one of the best of its kind in the entire world. Be sure to stop somewhere here for lunch too – you will have plenty of choice of things to munch on!

Elsewhere the waterfront area is heavily visited by many tourists as well as locals. Not only is there a lot to see and appreciate about the cityscape, you can also visit the Harbourfront Centre. This has lots of activities, exhibitions and shows to see that are changing all the time, so check what’s on before you plan a visit.

This is just a tiny example of what Toronto has to share with you. When you arrive you will start to realise just how good it is, and you will wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.

Visit The Assiniboine Park Zoo

2010-09-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Most people have heard of Winnipeg in Canada, and if you are thinking of heading over there for a well earned break you can rest assured there is plenty to see and do.

One of the key sights is the Assiniboine Park Zoo. You can visit the park itself as well, but the zoo has plenty to share with its visitors. It doesn’t matter when you are in town either because the zoo never closes. You can even visit on Christmas Day if you want to.

It is also good to see if the weather happens to turn bad. There is plenty to look at indoors as well as outdoors so if you get a showery day you can nip in and out whenever you need to.

But what can you see here – either indoors or out? Well, the animals you will see could depend on the work that is going on to improve all aspects of the zoo. For instance the bears are currently not able to be seen because the zoo is in the process of having a new enclosure built for them. However the new enclosure for the lions has recently been opened so you can see them getting used to their new area when you pay a visit.

There is also a tropical section that has many other delights to discover inside. A lot of attention has also been paid to the surroundings and not just the animals in the zoo. Watch out for the murals that have been carefully painted onto some of the walls for example. They fit in beautifully with the zoo and they also make it stand apart from some of the other zoos you may have visited in the past.

With everything from bobcats to cougars and gibbons to pandas, you can see there is a wide range of animals to see at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. But don’t forget to take a look round the park itself as well. You can see a very famous bear there too – or at least a statue of him. Winnie the Pooh was named after Winnipeg itself, so be sure you see his virtual birthplace.

Why Pay A Visit To Stanley Park?

2010-08-09T00:55:00.001-07:00

Every area has its parks and open spaces to visit. But one of the best in Canada – indeed the whole world, depending on who you talk to – is Stanley Park.

The park covers some 1000 acres in the downtown region of Vancouver. This makes it slightly larger than the famous Central Park in New York and Stanley Park has an equally attractive piece of land to call its own. In this case it is almost completely hemmed in by the Pacific Ocean. This makes it even more attractive because the forest areas and open spaces of the park almost all come out onto the shore line.

Indeed there is a sea wall which extends virtually all the way around the park, and this is a key feature of Stanley Park itself. Lots of people walk along the wall when they pay a visit, and you can also cycle along it as well. There is little chance of a mishap since there are dedicated areas for each group of people to use in this case.

You can even get a horse drawn carriage around the park if you wish to see it in style. There is no doubt that the park draws many different people to it for many different reasons. There are many monuments and sights worth seeing as well, which you will find as you wander around. It is well worth having a map of the park when you arrive, so you can make the most of it as well as making sure you don’t miss anything.

You will have a better idea of how big the park is when you realise there are four separate places you can have a bite to eat. From a cafe to a tea house, the park has everything. And if you want to eat on the run you can even hot foot it to one of Stanley Park’s food stands, just to grab a quick and easy snack instead of something more substantial.

As you can see the park has plenty to offer. You can have an active time walking, cycling or jogging round its perimeter and everywhere in between, or just sit back and watch as life goes by.

Visit The Sleeping Giant

2010-07-08T03:16:00.001-07:00

Now admittedly it doesn’t sound like one of the best ideas for a day trip, does it? A sleeping giant isn’t really something you would want to get near, surely?

Unless it happens to be the superbly named Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. You’ll find it on the Sibley Peninsula and in fact it used to take this as its name – the Sibley Provincial Park. It has only been in recent years that the new name was given to it.

Not surprisingly this is an excellent place to go walking or hiking in. There are miles and miles of trails here and if you plan your route carefully you can enjoy an entire holiday in the park. It has been set up to provide camping grounds for you to set up camp in, which is why planning your route ahead of time is a good idea if you are going to camp out. You can go from one campsite to the next quite happily, exploring more of the park as you do so.

To give you some idea of how big the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is, the Marie Louise Lake has the biggest camp ground in the park. This area alone has a couple of hundred points where you can bed down for the night. Does this give you a better image of the size of the park? When you consider this is just one spot to settle down in for the night, you can see how massive the area is.

But don’t assume that all you can do here is walk or hike. As you might expect from reading about Marie Louise Lake, there are water sports to enjoy in the park as well. Why not hire a canoe and explore the park in a completely different way? This will give you a totally different angle to enjoy as you see more of your surroundings.

So if you want to visit Canada but you don’t want to visit the cities or towns, why not head for a holiday out in the open in the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park instead?

Visit China In, Er, Vancouver?

2010-06-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Yes it does sound rather unlikely doesn’t it? But you can at least visit a proper Chinese garden – the only one of its kind that you can visit without actually going to China itself.

We should really give this garden its proper name at this point, which is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. It opened back in 1986 and since then it has proved to be a great place to go in Vancouver. This applies to people who live there as well as to those who are out and about and enjoying a holiday in Canada.

So what does this amazing garden have in store for you? You would certainly forgive yourself for thinking you were in China itself, thanks to the amazing level of detail that this garden gives you. Every inch of your surroundings is true to all the best that Chinese gardens have to offer. You can even take a look at the Koi fish that are on site, and watch them being fed at around a quarter to twelve each day. This is one of the highlights of visiting the garden, so make sure you time your visit accordingly.

The garden itself is made up of several different areas. For instance there is the Water Pavilion, the Ting (basically a smaller pavilion) and a look out point. Be sure you see every inch of the garden because there is a lot to be found here. And since it is open between 10am and 6pm every single day you will have plenty of time to explore once you are there.

It is amazing to think that the inspirations for this classical Chinese garden in Vancouver come from a tradition which held sway from the middle of the 14th century onwards. Even today in the 21st century we can see how beautiful these garden ideas are, and it is a real privilege to have the opportunity to see them in Canada.

Who knows, this could lead to other Chinese gardens opening up in other parts of the world in the future. But for now you have to make do with China itself – or of course Vancouver.

See How The West Used To Be In Calgary

2010-05-10T03:50:00.001-07:00

It’s no wonder this particular venue is known as Canada’s living history museum. You’ll have to head to Calgary to find the Heritage Park Historical Village, but once you get there you will be amazed at the range of things that awaits you.

There is a lot to get through once you arrive, so make sure you have a whole day ready to spend here. Gasoline Alley is just one of the attractions that await you, and this is a museum that is open between 9.30am and 4pm. If you are interested in how the car really transformed society in America (or should we say the automobile) you’ll love what you find here.

Firstly there is the chance to see what a drive in cinema was like back in the day, and there is even a service station from the 1930s ready and waiting to be discovered. If you or anyone in your family has an interest in cars, you’ll love the experience of seeing old classics right in front of your eyes.

The Haskayne Mercantile Block is also waiting to be discovered. This consists of a small handful of shops which include one for antiques and collectables and another which contains all kinds of toys both old and new. Everyone will love coming and exploring the delights to be found in these shops.

When you’ve had enough of looking around this area you can visit the Railway Café for a bite to eat. Over a century ago Calgary had a Canadian Pacific Railway Station, and while the café isn’t in the original station it is in a closely modelled replica. It certainly gives you another look into the history of Calgary and Canada in general, as you sit and enjoy your drink and bite to eat.

As you can see the Heritage Park Historical Village is a real walk back in time and you can see how the West used to be back then. Whether you are visiting alone or with the entire family, there really is something here to delight people of all ages.

Could You Spot A Dinosaur?

2010-04-09T00:24:00.001-07:00

You might just be able to if you head out to the Dinosaur Provincial Park in Canada. This has the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Park, so you can see you are heading for somewhere totally unique and well worth seeing while you are in the country.

You’ll find the park in Alberta near to the Red Deer River, which runs through badlands and provides a chance to see just about the best location on the planet when it comes to finding old dinosaur bones. Fossils of all kinds have been dug up here, and there is every chance they will continue to be dug up as we head into the future as well. This is really a very notable area for dinosaur fans to see – and you can certainly imagine what it would have looked like with dinosaurs roaming the area many millions of years ago. Somehow certain parts look as if they have never changed since then.

The park itself has existed for more than fifty years, so it is a mere baby when compared to the many fossils that have been found in the area. There is the added benefit of having a visitor centre there to look at as well, and it is certainly worth doing so. It has been carefully constructed to give you all the information and details you need on the park’s history as well as the many finds that have been unearthed there.

There is no doubting the beauty of the scenery in the Dinosaur Provincial Park. Some forty different dinosaur species have been discovered here over time, and at certain times of the year you can even go on a Dino Dig. Who knows what you will discover if you happen to be in the area at the right time to book a spot on one of these?

We all find something fascinating in the story of the dinosaurs. But this park in Canada will bring you closer to understanding this story than you ever have before. Are you brave enough to set foot in the park?

What Can You Find On Granville Island?

2010-03-10T03:44:00.001-08:00

If your holiday to Canada is going to take in Vancouver, you must add Granville Island to your itinerary. It’s great for the budget conscious traveller because you can wander around and not pay a cent for anything unless you want to. This is because it offers plenty of free things to see and do, so you are in full charge of your own wallet.

The Public Market is probably one of the most famous parts of Granville Island itself. The market is open every day of the week (apart from obvious dates like Christmas Day and Boxing day) and you have all day to browse round too, since it is open from 9am right through until 7pm. There are dozens of vendors here, some of which are always there and some who only come along for the day. So whenever you visit you’ll be assured of something different to see.

You can grab some fresh produce here if you happen to be staying close by in self catering accommodation. In fact we think you’ll find it impossible not to leave with something. There are plenty of crafts here too, so it’s also a good place to go for those souvenirs you want to take home.

Eating out at Granville Island is easily done too. Although you might find it hard to make a decision on where to stop, since there are all kinds of tastes and sensations waiting for you. The Beanstalk Bistro is located in the Kids Market, while the Blue Parrot Espresso Bar is equally tempting in the Public Market. And with Italian food, curries, fish and chips and plenty of other choices available as well, you can see why so many people head here for a great meal.

It’s hard to believe the whole area used to be the hub of industry. But in fact Granville was the original name for the area which later became Vancouver, so you can see the city owes a lot to Granville Island. Come and see it for yourself and experience the past where it meets the present.

Go To The Edge Of Canada

2010-02-08T01:32:00.001-08:00

Ontario in Canada shares a border with New York City in the US. And it has what is probably the most stunning border that any two countries could hope to share – the Niagara Falls.

The falls themselves are in three sections – two of which are extremely large and the remaining one of which is small. The smallest one is aptly known as the Bridal Veil Falls because of its size and likeness to the veil worn by a bride on her wedding day.

The other two falls are known by the side of the area they are on. One is known as the American Falls and the other is known – predictably – as the Canadian Falls. It is arguably the Canadian side that is better known, as they fall in a horseshoe shape which gives them their name of the Horseshoe Falls.

Organised boat trips take sightseers as close as they can possibly get to the falls themselves, coming up close to the bottom of the falls so you can look up at them. You will be amazed by the noise and power of all the water coming down every second of the day.

You shouldn’t just make the most of going near the falls in a boat though. There are plenty more activities to try when you are there, including the chance to stay on dry land and get closer to them. The Journey behind the Falls is one of the most popular events you can try, as this is exactly what it sounds like – the opportunity to go behind the water as it churns down and reaches the bottom. Be prepared to get wet, but be prepared for the experience of a lifetime as well. It is something to be remembered for a long time.

The chance to see both the American and the Canadian Falls is one of the most delightful benefits of Niagara Falls themselves. We all know countries meet at their borders, but on this occasion it provides us with the chance to delight in one of nature’s most stunning spectacles.

Canada – It’s Not Just About Skiing

2010-01-07T05:45:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows there are some superb places to go to in Canada if you love skiing. But does that mean it’s not worth visiting unless you love strapping on those skis?

Not a bit of it. In fact, British Columbia alone offers a wonderful capital city to explore. It goes by the name of Victoria. You’ve probably heard of it, but how much do you really know about it? Let’s find out what you can do there.

You probably wouldn’t think of doing any marine activities when you head for a capital city. But that rule doesn’t apply to Victoria. You can look forward to watching some whales in their natural habitat here – how many other capital cities can you say that of?

Just head to Victoria Harbour and look for the various boats that offer day trips and the chance to explore the whales that are close by. There are seals and porpoises as well as the whales, and you can expect to see plenty of birds as well. How about spotting the odd heron here and there?

If you’d rather stay on dry land you can explore one of Victoria’s most popular outdoor spaces. This comes in the shape of Beacon Hill Park. Spread over two hundred acres the park has been open and well loved for over a century now. When you pay a visit you will soon see why – it is filled with native trees and plants and plenty more besides. Why not pack up the kids and a packed lunch and go and take a look for the day?

You can also book yourself onto a guided tour of the city, which is undoubtedly the best way to get acquainted with it. Try this on your first full day as it will give you ideas of all the best places to visit while you are in town. Whether you love shopping, visiting the local sights and attractions or simply exploring whatever you come across first, you’re bound to love Victoria. It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Canada itself.

Lake Louise – See It To Believe It

2009-10-30T04:05:00.001-07:00

There are some sights in Canada that are absolutely unmissable. And while Lake Louise would probably come to mind if you are an avid skier, don’t let it pass you by if you don’t usually go in for skiing. There is plenty more to see and do here as well.

For starters Lake Louise is beautiful at any time of the year. Whether it’s covered in a blanket of snow or enjoying nice warm temperatures in the summer months, you won’t find yourself short of things to do.

During the summer many hikers head to the area to enjoy walking around the lake and through the various parts of the forests and wooded areas close by. You can also indulge in some mountain biking in some areas, but do check before you go to make sure you get the right trails. You might prefer to take a guided tour if you are new to the area and you want to find your feet without getting lost!

The winter offers equally pleasant activities to get up to around the Lake Louise area. Skiing is obviously the most popular one, and with various hotels you can stay in around the lake you can enjoy the best of the scenery throughout the day and evening. Ski boarding is another opportunity to get going on the slopes, although depending on your talent level you might end up in the powder a lot more often than you’d like!

But perhaps the most impressive and breathtaking sight concerning Lake Louise is its colour. While most lakes are blue, the only word that adequately describes the colour of Lake Louise is emerald. This green colour is quite something, and prompts even the most hardened photographer to whip out their camera to commit it to film.

In short, this area of Canada has lots to offer no matter what you expect to get from a holiday. If you think of it purely as a winter sports region you will be missing out on what could be one of the best holidays you have ever had.

Whistler earns top rankings among magazine readers

2007-10-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

Whistler's record breaking snowfalls, chart topping hotels, number one ski resort ratings and incredible savings on early booking packages are adding up to one of the most anticipated ski seasons in recent memory.

In the November 2007 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, Whistler hotels ranked tops among their Canadian counterparts, securing six of the top 15 Canadian resort hotels. In the magazine's feature "Top 100 Reader's Choice Awards - The Best in the World; Top 15 Canada Resorts", the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre was awarded the coveted No. 1 spot, while the Four Seasons Resort Whistler ranked No. 3, followed closely by Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside at No. 5, Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa at No. 7, the Westin Resort & Spa Whistler at No. 10, and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler at No. 11.

As skiers and snowboarders anxiously gear up for another superlative season on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb (opening November 22), Whistler remains the reigning ski resort in North America for the eleventh year in a row, upholding its No. 1 ranking on the U.S.-published SKIING Magazine's "Top 25 Resorts in North America" list. Meanwhile, TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine ranked Whistler Blackcomb the No.1 overall ski resort in North America for a second year in a row, and SKI Magazine's annual "Top 50 Resort Guide" bumped Whistler Blackcomb up one spot to No.3.

"These fantastic resort ratings and hotel rankings are an incredible win for Whistler," said Ian Dunn, Director of Marketing, Tourism Whistler. "Of course we are fortunate to have an amazing annual average snowfall of 33.5 feet, but our thanks is sincerely owed to our visitors and readers of these magazines who continue to recognize the excellence of Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler's hard working hotel and service employees."

Last season was Whistler's second snowiest on record with over 14 metres (46.5 feet) of the treasured white stuff gracing the legendary slopes. That followed the previous year's record breaking snowfall in January 2006 of 469 centimetres (185 inches) of snow in one month.

Whistler's incredible lineup of Book Early & Save packages will save visitors up to 33 per cent on accommodation and lift tickets when booked before November 15 through whistler.com. Families can save even more with the Kids Stay, Ski & Rent Free promotion, where kids 12 and under can stay, ski and rent equipment for free. All vacation packages include accommodation and lift tickets. More information and bookings are available through 1-800-WHISTLER (1-800-944-7853) or whistler.com.

Visitors this year will likely be swept up by the Olympic and Paralympic spirit as Whistler prepares to welcome the world as the Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The construction phase of the Whistler Nordic venue (including cross country skiing and ski jumping) and the Whistler Creekside Alpine skiing course (including downhill and giant slalom) will be complete this year, just in time to host several national and international competitions in January and February.

Visitors can earn bragging rights by snapping photos as they are about to descend the men's and women's alpine courses, all with official signs marking the runs to prove it. The Whistler Sliding Centre (bobsleigh, luge and skeleton) will complete its construction phase by January of 2008, followed by venue and track testing this winter.

There's more history in the making as Whistler Blackcomb continues with summer and fall construction of the $52 million CDN Peak to Peak Gondola, destined to break records for the longest free span (3.024 kilometres) and highest vertical point (415 metres above Fitzsimmons Creek). After a winter construction hiatus, the Peak to Peak Gondola is set to open as Canada's newest tourism icon in December 2008.

Whistler is a year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is site of the alpine, Nordic, and sliding events for the 2010
Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler has a range of accommodations totalling 3,200 hotel rooms, and more than 5,000 other tourist accommodation units including condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler offers a wide selection of restaurants, bars, spas, boutiques, and activities from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. Whistler Blackcomb Mountains feature 3,036 hectares (8,171 acres) of terrain and receive an average of 10.22 metres (33.5 feet) of snow annually. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents.

Tourism Whistler is the member-based marketing and sales organization representing Whistler, operating the TELUS Whistler Conference Centre, the Whistler Golf Club, the Whistler Visitor Centres and tourismwhistler.com, as well as 1-800-WHISTLER and whistler.com - Whistler's official source for visitor bookings and information. As the convention and visitors bureau for the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Tourism Whistler represents more than 7,000 members who own, manage and operate properties or businesses on resort lands including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops.

For more information click here

Edmonton Hosts Canada's Most Exciting Summer Sporting Events

2007-07-03T05:38:00.000-07:00

From Golf to the Grand Prix, This Summer's Edmonton Events Keep Visitors Entertained

Canada's 2007 Cultural Capital, Edmonton, is proving itself to be a sports mecca this year, as well. From the FIFA World Cup Canada to the CN Canadian Women's Open Golf Tournament, the city is hosting some of Canada's most famous sporting events, and fans can easily pair an Edmonton vacation with their favorite event.

The festivities begin with the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada from June 30-July 22. Ideal for an Alberta family vacation, this international event features the best under-20 players in the world from 24 nations. Edmonton is one of six host cities for the three-week event, which includes 52 matches.

From July 20-July 22, the Grand Prix of Edmonton will take place at the City Centre Airport. In its third year, the Grand Prix of Edmonton is one of the largest international, world-class sports events in Western Canada. One of the most popular Edmonton events of the year, the Grand Prix attracts more than 200,000 visitors for an Edmonton vacation every year in addition to millions of television viewers in over 60 countries.

From basketball and badminton to soccer and sailing, the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games from August 3- August 11 feature seventeen different youth sports. The Games bring together over 2,300 youth athletes, coaches, officials and performers from the four western provinces and three northern territories to compete in Strathcona County.

With over 70 area golf courses, Edmonton is an attractive choice for an Alberta golf getaway, and from August 13-August 19, golfers will descend on the city for the CN Canadian Women's Open at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club. High profile players like Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochao, and Paula Creamer will battle it out for the title in one of the world's most beautiful cities.

Visitors for this summer's events will enjoy a new convenient way to see Edmonton attractions. The EDDIE Sightseeing Tour Bus includes 17 stops where passengers may visit Edmonton's major attractions, historical sights and shopping areas. The bus runs hourly from 9:00 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. between June 30 and September 3.

The World's Top 50 Tourist Attractions

2007-05-21T02:48:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2007

The Sydney Opera House has been named by Forbes Traveler website as one of the top 50 visited tourist attractions in the world. The Sydney icon came in at No. 38 with more than four million annual visitors and is the only attraction in the southern hemisphere listed.

Thirteen countries are represented in the list with the US home to 20 of the locations, followed by France and Britain with seven each.

Amusement and theme parks are the world's dominant attractions with 16 in the top 35 including all five Disney theme parks (Orlando, Paris, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Hong Kong) and the three Universal studios (Orlando, Osaka and Los Angeles).

Times Square in New York topped the list with an estimated 35 million visitors while Trafalgar Square (No.4) was the most popular attraction outside of North America.

Paris featured seven attractions, the most from any one city.

Forbes Traveler excluded shopping centres and religious pilgrimage sites, such as Mecca, from the list. Although some religious sites, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Vatican, were included for their cultural significance.

The top 10
1. Times Square, New York
2. Memorial, Washington D.C.
3. Disney World, Orlando
4. Trafalgar Square, London
5. Disneyland, Los Angeles
6. Niagara Falls, Canada/USA
7. Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco
8. Disney Resort, Tokyo
9. Notre Dame, Paris
10. Disneyland, Paris

Summer Looking Hot for Tourism

2007-05-08T04:14:00.000-07:00

8 May 2007

Alberta's tourism industry is driving toward a healthy summer, despite passport confusion in the U.S. and the high cost of gas at home, a Travel Alberta official said yesterday.

Record-high gasoline prices expected this year aren't likely to have a significant effect on the province's tourism industry, said Travel Alberta managing director Derek Coke-Kerr, after addressing industry partners and stakeholders in Calgary.

"The industry will see growth right across the board," he said.

"We don't think the price of gas really deters travellers."

Historically, Albertans venturing into their own backyard have made up the largest share of tourism spending in the province, 47%, while other Canadians account for 23%.

Those are the travellers affected by high gas prices, but who aren't likely to scrap plans because of fuel costs, said Coke-Kerr.

Where there is concern is in regards to the U.S. market, which ranks third, contributing 15% of tourism dollars generated in Alberta, said Coke-Kerr.

"The U.S. market has stalled," he said.

"Americans have a lot of reasons not to travel, such as passport confusion and the strong Canadian dollar."

That has kept U.S. travellers - who used to see Canada as a place where their dollars went further - at home, said Coke-Kerr.

But there's optimism that despite the strength of the loonie and stringent security measures, Americans will continue to visit Alberta.

Although the latest figures don't indicate a trend, the number of Americans crossing the border to Alberta or flying into Calgary has increased 14.4% over the last two months, said Coke-Kerr.

"We will grow the U.S. market, if not this year, then definitely the next," he said.

Aristocracy Sponsors Bed in Winterlude Bed Race

2007-02-12T04:20:00.000-08:00

Ottawa, ON (OPENPRESS) February 10, 2007 - Even though the Lord Elgin peerage goes back over 400 years in Scotland, this is the first time they have put their crest upon a bed built like a pirate ship to be pushed in a race across a frozen lake.

The Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa, Ontario Canada is named after James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin and Governor General of Canada from 1847 to 1856 and a direct ancestor of the current Lord Elgin in Scotland. The Lord Elgin Hotel, built in 1941 during World War 2, was named in his honor after Prime Minister Mackenzie King contacted the father of the current Lord Elgin for his permission. The family has been involved with the hotel ever since.

This is the third consecutive year that the Lord Elgin Hotel staff has participated in the annual Winterlude bed race. The staff picked a pirate theme for their entry and the maintenance staff set to work building a masterpiece. As the bed neared completion, Lord Elgin suggested the bed/ship be name named “The Blue Lion” after the rampant lion on the Elgin Crest. Lord Elgin even gave permission for the bed/boat to be emblazoned with part of the Elgin Crest. This honor is not bestowed lightly as the crest goes back over 400 years. The motto on the crest “Fiumus” means “We have been.”

The staff of the Lord Elgin Hotel are thrilled that Lord Elgin still takes interest in the hotel named after his ancestor. Each member of the team has put together a pirate costume to wear while pushing the bed and even the children of the staff members will be there, in pirate costume, to support the team.

General Manager, David Smythe, who will be one of the people pushing the bed, says “ we are very fortunate that our hotel is a family. The people who work here really care about what we do. These types of events are fully supported by the staff and management.”

Built in 1941, The Lord Elgin Hotel is a prominent hotel in downtown Ottawa with 355 guest rooms, located on Elgin Street at Laurier Avenue, across from Confederation Park. The twelve-storey limestone structure was named after James Bruce, the 8th Earl of Elgin, and the first Governor General of the United Canada’s. The Lord Elgin underwent an extensive expansion and renovation completed in 2004.

Two majestic new wings, clad in handpicked limestone have added 60 new guestrooms, warmly decorated in the classic Biedermeier style. Many of the rooms feature beautiful views through large windows that overlook Confederation Park, the Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial, or the National Arts Centre. The location and architecture of the hotel along with its charm and elegance have made it a favorite for many visiting Ottawa.

Winter Wonderful in Ottawa, Toronto

2007-02-06T04:08:00.000-08:00

Now that Mother Nature and Old Man Winter have teamed up to provide some normal weather, it's appropriate to take a look at some winter festivals.

Officially known as the second-coldest country in the world, Canadians are adept at finding ways to keep warm and have fun in the great outdoors, despite the snow and frigid conditions.

There are two major urban winter festivals in Ontario - Winterlude in Canada's Capital Region and Toronto's WinterCity - along with numerous smaller winter festivals all over southern Ontario.

Wintercity

WinterCity festival is a city-wide celebration from January 26 to February 8 to showcase Toronto's vibrant arts scene and cuisine - and a reason to throw a party in the middle of winter.

There are three distinct segments, starting with Wild on Winter, with six days of free outdoor spectacle shows, live music concerts and performing arts throughout Nathan Phillips Square and at city hall.

The Warm-Up Series has "dazzling performances" and discounts to some of Toronto's leading cultural and tourist attractions.

There's also the return of the popular prix fixe promotion Winterlicious with an expanded restaurant selection. Taking part are 126 of the city's top dining spots offering three-course menus at $15 or $20 for lunch and $25 or $35 for dinner.

Partner hotel is the Sheraton Centre Toronto with a WinterCity Getaway package from $219 a night with breakfast at Bistro on Two and free parking (416-361-1000; www.sheratontoronto.com, code word: winter).

For more information about winter festivals in Canada please visit: http://travel.canoe.ca/Travel/Canada/Ontario/2007/01/20/3425338-sun.html

St Lucia Lures Cricket Fans in Canada

2007-02-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

In partnership with the Canadian Cricket Association, the St Lucia Tourist Board is wooing Canada’s cricket fans to support their players in St Lucia next month when they arrive for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Director of Tourism, Maria Fowell and Dr Ernest Hilaire, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket World Cup, St Lucia Inc., will travel to Toronto for a special “Farewell Dinner” on Sunday, February 11, 2007, held in support of the Canadian cricket team which bats against , Kenya, New Zealand and England in the first round of the competition in St Lucia from March 14 to 24, 2007. St Lucia also hosts one of the semifinals of the World Cup on April 25.

To be held at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club, the fundraiser dinner is being held for the Canadian national cricket team who have made enormous personal and financial sacrifices to participate in the competition. “We are ready to welcome not only the Canadian cricket team to the Caribbean, but their friends, family and all cricket fans in Canada who not only want to follow the matches, but who want to have an amazing experience in St Lucia,” said Maria Fowell.

Fowell said St Lucia values the Canadian travel market and no effort will be spared to attract Canadians to St Lucia for cricket and for other special events throughout the year, such as the St Lucia Jazz festival and Carnival. “With our new and diverse accommodations, attractions and solid infrastructure, St Lucia has become an extremely attractive destination for travellers of all tastes,” said Fowell, who predicted 2007 will be a very busy and successful year for the island’s tourism industry.

At the St Lucia-branded Toronto affair, Canadian cricket players will be on hand for autographs, while cricket memorabilia will be auctioned.

St Lucia has earned CWC 2007's "Blue Package" which includes six first round or group stage matches between Canada, England, Kenya, and New Zealand in Group C in March 2007, and the semifinal between the number one (1) and four (4) teams in April. Jamaica will host the other semifinal and Barbados handles the final.

Tickets were still available for the first round matches, while the semifinal, which will attract 20,000 spectators, had already been "sold out" in the public ticketing phase.

Besides St Lucia, the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 will be held in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago. St Vincent and the Grenadines will host a number of the warm-up matches.

For more information visit Caribbean Net News

Visitors from Bulgaria, Romania Still Need Visas

2007-01-30T02:38:00.000-08:00

Citizens from the EU's newest states still require visas to travel to Canada, though one envoy is encouraged by visa changes for diplomats.

Romanian and Bulgarian citizens visiting Canada will require visas, despite the two countries' entry into the European Union earlier this month.

Melanie Carkener, a spokeswoman for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, confirmed that the visa requirement for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens is still in place, but declined to mention when it will be lifted. The move to stay the visa requirement lumps Romania and Bulgaria together with six other eastern European EU member countries whose citizens are still required to get visas to travel to Canada.

Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary all joined the EU in May 2004.

They all dropped their respective visa requirements for Canadian visitors to their countries in accordance with EU regulations. However, Canada did not reciprocate the move, only dropping the visa requirement for visitors from Cyprus, Slovenia, Malta and Estonia.

Last October, the EU released a report assessing the issue of visa reciprocity with the six countries whose citizens are subject to Canada's visa regime. It concluded that Canada is reluctant to recognize the competence of the EU's visa policy and insists on a bilateral approach with these countries.

Romanian Ambassador to Canada Elena Sava Stefoi said her country has discussed the issue with Canadian officials and has also raised Romania's concerns with EU authorities in Brussels. However, she stressed that since Romania is now an EU member, it will be dealt with in that context.

"I don't think it's a matter of dispute, and I think Canada will adjust its policy," she said.

"I hope it will come sooner than later."

Dimiter Dimitrov, chargé d'affaires at the Bulgarian Embassy in Ottawa, also said Canada hasn't lifted the visa restriction for Bulgarian citizens.

"What I can tell you is that Bulgarian passport holders need visas to come to Canada," he said.

However, Ms. Stefoi says she is encouraged by a recent decision by Canadian officials to lift the visa restriction for Romanians carrying diplomatic passports. She also said Romania and Canada have reached a mutual agreement to fast track the visa application process for Romanian entrepreneurs visiting Canada on business.

In March, the EU is scheduled to release another report on visa reciprocity with Canada. However, it is unclear whether Romania and Bulgaria will be included in the report.

Roy Christensen, a spokesman for the European Commission in Ottawa, said he has no information on whether either country will be included in the March report, but stressed the Commission is ready to assist if need be.

Canada Awaits iPhone

2007-01-12T03:55:00.000-08:00

In the wake of the buzz caused by the introduction of the Apple Computer Inc. iPhone this week, Canadian consumers were left wondering where, and when, they'll be able to get the latest gadget to hit the wireless market --and how much it will cost.

Observers say Rogers Communications Inc. would be a shoo-in to launch the product here, if for no other reason than it is the only carrier in the country that uses the same Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) technology as the iPhone.

"The iPhone is a GSM phone. Rogers is the only GSM operator in Canada, so I would expect that they would have those rights," said Joseph MacKay, an analyst with Desjardins Securities.

Some worry that Apple's notorious iron fist on pricing and Rogers' technological monopoly will keep the price for the devices, which retail for between US$499 and US$599, out of reach for many consumers.

"I think a lot of people will be really interested in it and think it's the coolest thing out there, until they have to open their wallets," said John Ruffolo, national leader for Deloitte & Touche's technology, media and telecommunications practice. "Rogers is in a pretty sweet spot right now."

He said there is a distinct group of consumers who will want the i Phone as soon as possible, regardless of price or provider. If Rogers is the only carrier with the i Phone, then it will get that burst of initial business.

That's a point Rogers' spokesman Nadir Mohamed wasted no time making clear to investors earlier this week in Las Vegas.

"Being the only GSM player in Canada, it puts us in a very good position. More to come," he said on Tuesday. He would not say, however, whether Rogers was in talks with Apple Canada to distribute the device. "It's a competitive issue in terms of timing, but we're very encouraged."

The iPhone is a stylish, virtually buttonless device, save for the i Pod's iconic scroll wheel. It uses a touch-sensitive screen to make phone calls, send e-mails, listen to music and surf the Web.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs promised at its launch that the sleek handheld device would "reinvent" mobile communications, though he said he expected sell only 10 million units in 2008, or 1% of the U.S. market.

Nevertheless, Apple shares soared on the news, jumping 8.3% on Tuesday. The trend continued yesterday, with shares closing at US$97, up 4.7%.

Meanwhile, Cisco Systems Inc. said yesterday it is suing Apple for trademark infringement over Apple's use of the iPhone name.

Exclusively launching the iPhone in Canada would be another feather in the cap of Rogers, which saw its fourth quarter wireless subscriptions outdo analysts predictions this month, with more than 244,000 net wireless subscribers.

Rogers has discounted the price of the Pearl for longer subscription plans -- ranging from $250 for a three-year contract to $450 for a one-year term. But it's unclear whether it would be able do the same with the iPhone.

AT&T Inc.'s Cingular, the largest U.S. cellular carrier, negotiated the exclusive multi-year U.S. distribution rights for the i Phone. It is keeping tight-lipped about the details of the deal, what its subscription rates will be, or if it has control over the price.

Canada's Whistler Mountain Resort Selected for October 4-6, 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit

2007-01-10T03:40:00.000-08:00

SEATTLE, WA -- Selected as a site for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and recognized as a world-class environment focused on outdoor adventure, recreation and responsible tourism, Whistler today was chosen by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) as the site for the 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit.

Hosted by the ATTA, the 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit will be held at the award-winning TELUS Whistler Conference Centre October 4-6.

In its third year, the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS) will continue to deliver a premier international forum for executive-level industry networking, multi-disciplinary sessions aimed at sustainable and responsible growth, and solutions-oriented dialogue, debate, and deliberation on critical topics.

In addition to Whistler ranking top in a delegate survey conducted by the ATTA about future Summit locations, "Tourism Whistler, Whistler's mayor and the Canadian Tourism Commission have made the 2007 Adventure Travel World Summit organizers feel welcome from the start," said ATTA President Shannon Stowell. "Commitment to partnership, a fantastic venue, and sharing a common vision for the thoughtful development of adventure travel in this region and beyond was crucial in our selecting this spectacular site."

"Conversion" is the underpinning theme for the 2007 ATWS. Keynote presentations and a mix of strategic and tactical interactive roundtables, workshops and forums will help adventure travel organizations turn operational, marketing, partnership and prospect opportunities into results-oriented endeavors. Select areas of emphasis for the 2007 ATWS will include:

Tourism Operators in Eastern Canada Hoping for Colder Winter Weather

2007-01-10T03:34:00.001-08:00

TORONTO - While there's plenty of snow in Western Canada to thrill skiers and snowboarders, tourism operators elsewhere in the country are starting to get a little nervous.

Winter weather has yet to arrive in Ontario and Quebec, and Environment Canada's long-term forecast isn't inspiring any optimism for substantial snowfall. Senior climatologist David Phillips says almost the entire country is expected to be warmer than normal from January through March.

That doesn't mean there won't be snow or freezing temperatures, but it's not good news for tourism operators already stressed by the mild season thus far.

The world's largest ice rink, Ottawa's Rideau Canal, is currently closed, a major Ontario ski resort has only three of 35 runs open, and the province's coming snowmobile and ice fishing seasons could be in jeopardy.

Phillips says businesses are desperately hoping that customers stay in a winter mood as temperatures hover above zero - otherwise, the season may be over before it begins.

"If your livelihood depends on winter, you're getting to the point where you're beginning to really worry," Phillips said.

"There's no insurance, there's no government bailouts that can help you out, and you really depend on nature - and nature has just been absent."

There's also a public safety worry that people will make bad decisions at the first sight of snow, he said.

"They bought equipment, they're anxious to try it out ... and sometimes don't make wise decisions," Phillips said.

"They go out there in very unsafe waters and they say, 'Gee, it's a short season, we better go for it while we can,' even though the ice is not safe."

For more information visit CTV.ca