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Sea to sky sightseeing en route to Whistler


A NEW scenic aerial-gondola has opened 40 minutes from Vancouver - halfway through the drive to Whistler. The Squamish Sea to Sky aerial-


gondola tram is a $22-million facility which takes guests on an eight-minute journey 2,800ft above Howe Sound. The fully-enclosed gondola cabins can hold up to eight passengers at a time, travelling along a five-acre strip of land between Stawamus Chief Provincial Park and Shannon Falls.


At the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy a suspension bridge, hiking trails, viewing platforms, a First Nations interpretive trail (where they can learn about the history and mythology of the local aboriginal community, the Squamish Nation), as well as a brand-new lodge with restaurant, cultural exhibits and event space. Landsea Tours & Adventures includes


the gondola as part of a day tour stopping at Shannon Falls, the Britannia Mine Museum and the gondola. It is priced at $89 for adults (plus tax) and $59 for children. seatoskygondola.com


First Nation hotel opens up experiences in Vancouver


ABORIGINAL


VISITORS interested in learning more about Canada’s rich First Nations culture can now stay in an Aboriginal- themed hotel in downtown Vancouver. The Skwachàys Lodge is an 18-room boutique arts property featuring distinctly cultural accommodation styled to create an 'experiential hotel'. Situated at the crossroads of Gastown and Chinatown, the rooms were designed by six Aboriginal artists and a local interior design firm. Each room is designed around a unique theme featuring animal spirits and original indigenous artwork, carvings, blankets and paintings. The property also features a lodge


and gathering places that include an artists' workshop, smudge room (for religious ceremonies) and guest lounge. The lodge also has a traditional longhouse with a 40.5ft totem pole (called the 'Dreamweaver'). Closer to street level, visitors and passers-by alike can view a video display celebrating First Nations culture that sits half- submerged in a glass sidewalk. Guests also have the opportunity for


more hands-on First Nations experiences through carving, weaving and painting classes, and can meet with local Aboriginal artists and discuss their work and inspiration directly with them. skwachays.com


IN BRIEF


A new wilderness experience is now available close to Edmonton, Alberta. Elk Island National Park is an oasis of natural beauty and now offers fully-equipped campsites perfect for a visitor travelling without all their gear. Packages that start from $55 per night include the tent, sleeping pads, dining shelter, camping chairs, propane stove, lantern and cooking gear. All your clients need bring is food, their personal items, sleeping bags and a sense of adventure. exploreedmonton.com


ADVENTURE Canada has upgraded


its charter fleet with the addition of the Ocean Endeavour. The ice-class ship replaces the Sea Adventurer, beginning with the 2015 Arctic summer itinerary. Purpose-built for passenger service and outfitted with 20 Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, multiple lounges and a top deck observation room, Ocean Endeavour is a stylish vessel ideal for intimate expeditions to remote environments throughout the Arctic, Greenland and Canada’s east coast. adventurecanada.com


VANCOUVER is one of the most


bike-friendly cities in North America and visitors can make the transition to two wheels with ease by downloading the free Vancouver Bike Routes app. The app lays out the city’s dense network of bike routes and separate bike lanes, giving users the ability to map out a personalized and scenic cycling tour. Our advice? Set your route to rip through the downtown lanes before hooking up with the seawall, then finish with a meandering cycle through the lush environs of Stanley Park. vancouver.ca


001-905-357-5672 www.niagarahelicopters.com For more information, email: anna@niagarahelicopters.com


CRAIG MINIELLY AT AURA PHOTOGRAPHICS


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