Canada Woos Journalists touting Best of the Maple Leaf Country By Kathy Chin Leong BEVERLY HILLS- Several hundred North American travel journalists converged upon the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel recently to learn about the latest and greatest tours, hotels, family attractions the country of Canada has to offer. In a single ballroom, representatives from each of the ten provinces as well as major cities and regions met with writers in 15-minute segments. Organizers clanged a cowbell at every interval, moving writers along to meet with yet another tour operator or spokesperson manning one of the many tables. Clearly, Canada is the country of festivals, many of which last more than a week, compared to U.S. ones which often last a weekend. Montreal, for example, hosts an International Comedy Festival that lasts for 10 days in July. The Quebec City Summer Festival lasts 11 days, also in July. And from coast to coast, the country which boasts the second largest geographic footprint in the world (second to China) is filled with scenic wonder, from the icebergs of Newfoundland to the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia. Two railways (one high-end, the other more basic) deliver a wonderful experience for riders through various parts of Canada. And the country is also the venue for high adventure experiences including ice climbing, skiing, windsurfing, and more. Here’s what several of the western provinces announced for families this summer: BRITISH COLUMBIA One of the biggest events taking place here is the inauguration of the Rocky Mountain Rail Tour railway which reopens its route between Vancouver to Whistler on the Whistler Mountaineer. Also running from Whistler to Jasper, Alberta, the tour is an experience complete with dining cars and sleeping quarters. See www.rockymountaintrain.com . Of interest to prospective visitors is the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival slated for June 18-20 in Vancouver. It is a robust and colorful event with entries worldwide.
Pictured here is the trendy Opus Hotel in Vancouver. Canada has been receiving kudos from the press from the moment it opened, from "high-libido lodgings" and "an individualist’s delight" to "it’s about time a hipster hotel popped up in Hollywood North." According to promoters, the acclaim has been universally positive. Visitors can overnight it in one of 5 uniquely different decorated guestrooms. Ranging from sleek minimalist to eclectic contemporary, the unifying elements are comfort and style. Located in vibrant Yaletown, home to some of Vancouver’s most chic restaurants, coffee bars, boutiques, and clubs. See www.opushotel.com .
And in Whistler, new hotels are opening in preparation for the Winter Olympics slated for 2010. First is the Adara Hotel unveiled this January. According to media representatives, Adara offers its guests a stylish alternative to traditional Whistler accommodations, bringing urban sophistication to Whistler lodging style. The hotel's 41 guestrooms highlight British Columbia’s best contemporary design elements and is Whistler’s first member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Website: www.adarahotel.com Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa, which opened January, is the culmination of a major renovation to the former Delta. The new Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa features 87 guest rooms and 202 suites. Many suites are equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, balconies, steam rooms and deep soaker tubs. At the heart of the village, the Hilton has 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and another new spa for Whistler, the Artesia Spa. Website: www.hiltonwhistler.com Nita Lake Lodge, ready for visitors winter 2006/2007, is a boutique hotel that will feature 77 studio and one-bedroom suites. All suites will face Nita Lake located in the Whistler Creekside area. The Lodge will boast a full service spa, restaurant and bar, and 4,000 square feet of meeting space. The adjacent residences will be distinctive – guests and owners can stay in one of 14 luxury villas set on 23 acres of land on the shores of Nita Lake, beautifully set among old growth cedars. Website: www.nitalake.com Crank it Up! Biking on Whistler Mountain The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is taking mountain biking to new heights with extended hours, self-guided bike access to the top of the Whistler Gondola and the addition of three new trails, including "Crank It Up", a thrill-a-minute trail perfect for intermediate riders. And the new "Air Dome" at Base II on Blackcomb is a 10,000 square foot covered training facility for bikers featuring a foam pit and trampoline. Website: www.whistlerblackcomb.com Rap, Rock & Ice with Whistler Alpine Guides Experience the rush of rap jumping off the top of Whistler Peak, 5,000 feet above the valley floor. Rap jumping is face-forward rappelling – guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. For a tamer alpine experience, Canada’s first "Via Ferrata" provides access to the summit of Whistler Peak via a system of fixed cables and metal ladder runs. Glacier walks and hikes offer a "cool" summer activity. Website: www.whistlerguides.com
ALBERTA Home to mountains and breathtaking parks, Alberta is a family-fun destination that won’t break the bank. Hostels in Calgary, Banff, Waterton Lakes, Jasper and Edmonton are fantastic for those who want more for their dollar. These aren’t your rag-tag shacks. According to media reps for Alberta, they are all really beautiful facilities. "It’s not like roughing it....they are very nice." Prices at the Banff hostel run $79 for a private room or $29 per person for a shared dorm. See www.hihostels.ca/hostels/alberta . For outdoor fun, Stone Provincial Park , and many others are sure bets for a wilderness experience like none other. Clear skies, blue-turquiose waters and purple mountains are unmatched. Look up www.parkscanadianrockies.com . Partying is part of the Canadian lifestyle, and in Alberta, th eBanff Summer Arts Festival is a sure hit with everything from Aboriginal dance to opera. What other festival runs from May until August? See http://www.banffcentre.ca/bsaf/2006/default.htm . Those flying into Calgary can opt for the ultimate in luxury by taking an upscale railway excursion. Now in its sixth year of operation, the Royal Canadian Pacific brings tourists back to the days of the 1920s and 1930s in its style and décor. Offering an all-inclusive package for food, excursions and train transportation, these trips offer 5-night stays for over $5,000 per person, double occupancy. See www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/RCP for more details, itineraries, and photos. Saskatchewan: Family-friendly activities include the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Centennial Museum and the new RCMP Heritage Centre (opening in May 2007) located in Regina, the province capital city. See www.rcmpheritagecentre.com  and www.rcmpmuseum.com .  For those interested in education and history, Wanuskewin Heritage Park - the interpretation of 6,000 years of aboriginal history, can be found just outside the City of Saskatoon. Click on www.wanuskewin.com . Families that love green spaces will be pleased to know the province is home to 2 national parks - Prince Albert National Park and Grasslands National Park (see www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/sk/princealbert/index_e.asp  and www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/sk/grasslands/index_e.asp p  ) According to Saskatchewan visitor bureau reps, there are 101 regional parks and 25 provincial natural/recreation parks. Check out www.se.gov.sk.ca/saskparks/ . Adventure is high on the priority list. Of note to moms who crave an adrenalin high, "women’s only" canoe experiences are available  For additional information, please visit www.canoeski.com  and www.churchillrivercanoe.com . Potential visitors can sign up for Saskatchewan’s online newsletter - SaskSecrets.  Please visit www.sasktourism.com/newsletter . **** [Back to Top]   [Back to Index]