SUPER FAM REPORT Ontario
Special Feature
FAM ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS Byward Market, cycling, Aboriginal Experiences and Museum of Civilisation in Ottawa; Gatineau Park; Ottawa River cruise; Rockport; 1000 Islands cruise; Kingston; Fort Henry; Elmhirst's Resort, Rice Lake; Toronto.
GABRIELE SCHOLES Hallmark Travel WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FAM?
It actually wasn’t my first choice. Everyone else in our shop has been to Canada at least once but I hadn't. In terms of 'shop knowledge' we have Vancouver and British Columbia covered, so my boss said 'I’d like you to go to Ontario'. I am so pleased I did – it’s a wonderful destination.
HIGHLIGHTS? The whole trip was a highlight! It wasn't on the itinerary but we were invited by the owner of Elmhirst's Resort, on the shores of Lake Rice, to take a flight in his own light aircraft. We saw the lake and region at sunrise, which was out of this world. I also enjoyed the Segway experience
we had in Toronto, in the city's restored Distillery District, in brilliant sunshine. This is a great way of seeing a slice of the city. Also, it was fun seeing Ottawa by bike; and I was really impressed with Kingston. It has 22 museums and historic sites, several art galleries and some really great restaurants.
WHICH CLIENTS? We have a lot of independent travellers, some of whom you would describe as 'mature', and I think Ontario is perfect for them. But it would also appeal to young people wanting to do an activity holiday. Similarly, it'll suit adventurous people with a healthy holiday budget looking to do a Canadian fly-drive holiday.
JASMIN RUSTUM IBRAHIM Tailor Made Travel WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FAM?
I’d never been to Canada before and, as a qualified Canada specialist, it obviously always helps if you’ve been to the destination you are selling every day. Toronto and Ontario are among the most popular destinations for our clients who request Canada.
22 WINTER 2011 • SELLING CANADA
ONTARIO
Top Tips... • Toronto/Ottawa twin-centre • Aboriginal culture • Cruising the Rideau Canal • Kingston, the 'Limestone City' • Scenic 'cottage country'
HIGHLIGHTS? My absolute favourite place was Elmhirst's Lodge up in Ontario's ‘cottage country’. The most obvious places that spring
to mind about Ontario are Toronto, Niagara Falls and Ottawa, but staying in a cottage on the lake provides a very different experience. It allows visitors to experience Canada's outdoor lifestyle. The people are so welcoming. We
went on boat rides, in a private float plane, a helicopter and stayed with locals who had us in their own homes. They all made such an effort. Another memory is that the various
tourism bodies that met us were so passionate about their cities and regions, which I found very endearing.
Clockwise from top: The Ontario group at Niagara Falls; Elmhirst's Resort, on the shores of Lake Rice; Town crier in Kingston
"Touring Ottawa, the nation's capital, by bike is a great way to discover the city. It's on a hill, and reminds me of Adelaide. Ottawa is very attractive and well-laid out"
WHICH CLIENTS? I will now sell Ontario's many different regions. For those clients requesting Toronto I
will stress some of Ontario’s other many attractions, such as a boat trip from Rockport and cruising through the magnificent 1000 Islands, which are absolutely beautiful. I'll also recommend going up to cottage country for a couple of days, perhaps signing up for kayaking, canoeing or water skiing – not things you might typically associate with Ontario but all easy to arrange. I'll be passing on the names of several fantastic restaurants in Ottawa, great wine bars, and will suggest a cycling tour as an introduction to the capital.
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