DESTINATIONS CANADA | WINTER


exper expert ASK THE


adam hanmer trade manager,


Destination Canada


“Canada does winter well. Skiing, boarding, skating, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing – we have it all at world-beating resorts or lesser-known but equally stunning forests and lakes across the country. Holidaymakers can book into a luxury ski-in ski-out resort, find an outdoor skating rink in city centres or simply buy tickets and capture the adrenaline of a live ice hockey match. And there is no shortage of winter events to experience: Carnival in Quebec City, Winterlude in Ottawa, Sourdough Rendezvous in the Yukon, Ice Magic in Banff, Festival du Voyageur in Winnipeg, although many may not be confirmed quite yet for 2022. Agents should be sure to check on all current arrival requirements through the official government website and check for local conditions too, as these may vary by province. They can also register for our new Canada Travel Specialist training programme, so that they are always up to date with their Canada knowledge, via canadaspecialist.co.uk.”


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler; Quebec City; northern lights; Jacques-Cartier Square, Montreal


PICTURES: Shutterstock/Nataliia Korzhenevska, Benoit Daoust; Digital-Photo.co.uk; Logan Swayze; Prestige Holidays


BEST FOR . . . WILDLIFE SPOTTING It’s true that many animals hibernate for the winter, but that doesn’t mean wildlife viewing opportunities are hard to come by. Alberta is home to some of Canada’s most famous national parks, and when winter rolls around and tourist numbers dwindle, many animals venture out through the beautiful snowy landscapes. “Canadian favourites moose and elk can be spotted


in winter, often much more easily without the summer foliage to hide behind,” says Tim Greathead, product manager at Premier Holidays. “The lucky few will also have the chance to spot coyotes and wolves throughout Banff and Jasper national parks.” Premier Holidays’ Alberta Winter Wonders itinerary also gives travellers the chance to try out some wintry


activities too, including snowshoeing and sleigh rides. Book it: The 11-night Winter Wonders holiday costs from £1,499, based on a December 3, 2021, departure. The price includes flights, room-only accommodation in Edmonton, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff and Calgary, nine days’ car hire and some excursions. premierholidays.co.uk


BEST FOR . . . CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Cities across Canada pull out all the stops when it comes to celebrating the festive season. Montreal and Quebec, located around three hours


apart, are perfect to pair as a twin-centre break thanks to their seasonal settings. The cities are ornamented


42 21 OCTOBER 2021


Canadian favourites moose and elk can be spotted in winter, often much more easily without the summer foliage to hide behind


with decorations, lights and Christmas markets. Jacques-Cartier Square is the heart of Montreal’s winter festivities, while several of the cobbled streets in Quebec City’s old town look like they’re plucked straight from the front of a Christmas card. “Everyone will be mesmerised by the celebration of Christmas that both cities put on and some last-minute shopping could be thrown in too,” says Ruby Briggs,


managing director at North America Travel Service. Book it: Four nights in Montreal and three nights in Quebec City start from £1,527 with North America Travel Service. The price includes room-only accommodation, flights and train travel, departing December 8. northamericatravelservice.co.uk


BEST FOR . . . WINE AND WATERFALLS While some of Niagara Falls’ attractions haven’t yet reopened, winter is still a great time to visit. Outside peak season and without tourist crowds, visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the impressive falls, before heading


² travelweekly.co.uk


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