THOMAS COOK Holidays has increased the product range in its independent Canada brochure and separate coach-touring brand.
Three new flydrives and three more escorted holidays cover the east and maritime provinces, while a new 11-day Scenic Adventurer coach tour from Vancouver is designed to appeal to the more active market. In the programme, Thomas Cook has divided sections into special interests, such as wildlife viewing, adventure, ranching and country retreats, to attract a younger clientele.
Thomas Cook Canada product executive Diane Sutton said: “We have made it more like a directory, which is easier to use and focused on particular interests rather than just having sections on each province. Adventure packages are completely new for this year and we want to expand our choice in the future. We want to get across that Canada is not cold and boring and a destination just for older clientele. It is very pretty and there is lots to do – that’s why we have introduced a section of adventure itineraries.”
These include river rafting in the east and west, a quad-biking bush tour and a trail ride from Banff.
She added that another section on country retreats is designed to distinguish this type of property from hotels as they are located in scenic areas with plenty of activities on hand.
Three new independent flydrives include a 14-day Route of the Loyalists, taking in Toronto, Niagara and Quebec’s eastern townships, from £1,029 with Air Canada flights. The others are a 16-day East Coast Trail from Toronto, through Quebec to the Maritime Provinces, from £1,125; and a Maritime Magic flydrive of 15 days from £1,019 from Halifax.
In the escorted touring programme, the Scenic Adventurer is priced from £1,295 and includes wildlife viewing, steam train journey, cruising in the western Gulf Islands and opportunities for land activities.
Quebec, Ontario and the Maritimes are also featured in three other newcomers, priced from £1,175 for 14 days including flights.
Thomas Cook has also added more hotel accommodation in Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler, as well as the new Charlton Royal Canadian Lodge in Banff from £34 per person per night twinshare.