Canada is the world’s second-largest country after Russia. And yet the strength and depth of its tourism offering is often overlooked.
Kuoni America and Canada product manager Mandy McGlade says: “Canada is unique because of its landscapes, unforgettable drives, charming cities, quaint towns, amazing wildlife and adventure.”
Canadian Affair communications and marketing director Kathryn Munro says: “It’s an all-year-round destination with friendly people and it offers excellent value for money for British travellers. And with airfares so cheap, direct access from the UK is easy.”
After a slow start last year, bookings gathered pace towards the end of the year as the spotlight turned to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Whistler. “We’ve seen good growth in eastern Canada, particularly in Toronto and Atlantic Canada,” says McGlade.
“2010 summer bookings are going well and there are some unprecedented early-bird offers, although ski bookings have been affected by the slow down in the economy,” McGlade adds.
Guaranteed to wow your clients, here are five of the best travel experiences Canada has to offer:
Luxury rail journeys
Why is it special? There’s no better way to experience the majesty of the Canadian Rockies than from a window seat in a deluxe railway carriage.
Don’t miss? The service, the food, and the awe-inspiring scenery as the train pulls up from the Pacific Coast.
Sample package: Canadian Affair offers a seven-night, fly-and-rail Canadian Rocky Getaway from £1,119 per person. The price, based on twin-share in May, includes two days on the Rocky Mountaineer and flights from Gatwick, Glasgow or Manchester.
Clients can also add a cruise to the package. A seven-night, five-star Alaska Cruise with Holland America Line costs from £589 per person.
0141 223 7517
East coast self-drives
Why is it special? A chance to experience Atlantic Canada. The route takes in the fishing villages, national parks, and dramatic coastlines of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
Don’t miss? A highlight of Canada’s Atlantic coast is the opportunity to go whale-watching.
Sample package: Kuoni offers a 13-night Maritime Highlights self-drive tour for £1,583 per person, departing in May. The price includes flights from Heathrow, car hire, and 13 nights’ three-star accommodation. 01306 747002
Quebec and Montreal city breaks
Why is it special? The Canadian cities of Quebec and Montreal are rich in history, charm and cultural assets. Canada meets France with some weird and wonderful results.
Don’t miss? The underground shopping malls in Montreal.
Sample package: Frontier Canada has a three-night Montreal city break in the spring from £499 per person, twin-share, including flights. 020 8776 8709
West coast wildlife holidays
Why is it special? This is a terrific Pacific adventure, exploring Vancouver Island with the chance to see bears and whales. Suggest clients combine the pristine wilderness with a stay in cosmopolitan Vancouver.
Don’t miss? The grizzly bears, sea eagles and foxes.
Sample package: Kuoni offers an eight-night Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island self-drive tour from £2,057 per person, in May. The price includes flights, three-star accommodation, ferry crossings, and return floatplane transfers between Campbell River and Knight Inlet Lodge. 01306 747002
Mountain self-drive
Why is it special? This itinerary offers a chance to see the best of the Canadian Rockies, including Calgary, Banff, Jasper and Moraine Lake. A self-drive exploration of scenic British Colombia and Alberta that is sure to provoke positive feedback.
Don’t miss? Banff and Jasper National Parks, two of Canada’s finest.
Sample package: Complete North America offers a 15-day Ultimate Canadian Rockies tour in May (May to mid-September offers the best weather for driving in the Rockies) for £2,439 per person.
The price includes return flights, car hire, 14 nights’ accommodation, entrance to national parks, and a two-day trip on the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff. 0845 2637100
