THE popularity of active, resort-based family holidays in the UK countryside has led to a similar type of product being introduced in Ontario for the British market.
Canada specialist 1st Class Holidays has produced a dedicated brochure called Canada Naturally, offering a selection of seven-night family breaks in a range of resorts with rustic accommodation located in national park and lakeside settings.
Ontario Tourism is supporting the marketing of the programme, which is seen as a long-term UK development.
Ontario’s UK representative Sharon Bernstein said: “It is similar in some respects to the cottage holiday in England and Wales, and to Center Parcs, where active families have the flexibility to do what they want.
“New England, with its picturesque resorts and country houses, is also popular with UK families. Now we want to introduce Canada to this family holiday market in spring and autumn, as well as in the summer.”
Many of the resorts featured in the new programme offer inclusive activities and organised children’s programmes.
“Up to now, most tour operators featuring these resorts have been targeting upmarket couples rather than families. The product is not cheap but many families are prepared to spend a fair amount on a main holiday and Ontario is good value for money because of the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar.”
Bernstein said 1st Class can tailor-make stays at the resorts and build in car hire and flights to Toronto, from where the properties are no more than 3hrs driving distance.
She added: “Ontario should be considered as a full holiday option for families and our aim is to get clients to spend 14 nights in the province, including some sightseeing in Niagara Falls and a stay in Toronto.”
Ist Class is distributing the brochure to selected travel agents.
Many of the resorts offer inclusive activities such as canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing and nature trails, as well as tennis and squash, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub and sauna.
Optional sports packages at extra cost, such as golf, sailing, horse riding and fishing excursions, can usually be offered on site or at a location nearby.
1st Class is offering around 25 properties, with a selection of five featured in the brochure. These include Deerhurst Resort on the shores of Ontario’s Lake Peninsula, and Elmhirst Resort by Rice Lake.
1st Class managing director Paul Ainsworth said: “We are confident the programme will generate a lot of interest from consumers, particularly when they recognise what excellent value for money Ontario offers families.
“The programme will also provide the retail trade with the opportunity to generate extra revenue.”
Ontario park and lakeside resorts
Deerhurst Resort:offers self-catering accommodation with prices from £224 per adult twinshare for a week in May. Children under 18 years of age stay free.
Elmhirst Resort: prices are from £216 per adult for a week’s self-catering in June. Children under 18 years of age are charged from £58 per week.
Irwin Inn: set in 200 acres of private woodland features half-board stays from £290 per adult and £145 per children aged from three to 12 years.
The Viamede: with over 130 acres along the north shore of Stoney Lake in the Kawartha Lakes region. Self-catering and half-board. Prices range from £217 per adult and £108 per child for self-catering and from £511 and £255 half-board.