a brochure - Meetings Canada Travel
Transcription
a brochure - Meetings Canada Travel
Canada Where a full business day is more than a day full of business. Metro Toronto Convention Centre Where a full business day is more than a day full of business. W hen it comes to planning an extraordinary event, the more you know about your destination, the better your event will be. That’s where the Canadian Tourism Commission’s (CTC's) team comes in. CTC’s team provides unsurpassed assistance and helpful information to meeting and incentive planners, helping to match the perfect venue to specific programs and clients. Whether it’s finding a gourmet world-class restaurant to seat 200, a wilderness adventure that will wow even the greatest outdoor enthusiast or the cultural experience of a lifetime, we are certain you’ll find more than you’re looking for. Contents Vancouver, British Columbia Victoria, British Columbia Whistler, British Columbia Banff and Lake Louise, Alberta Jasper, Alberta Calgary, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta Regina, Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Winnipeg, Manitoba Churchill, Manitoba Toronto, Ontario Ottawa, Ontario Niagara Falls, Ontario Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Muskoka, Ontario 2 Banff Centre 4 6 8 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 Montebello, Quebec Montréal, Quebec Québec City, Quebec Charlevoix, Quebec Mont-Tremblant, Quebec Halifax, Nova Scotia Fredericton, New Brunswick Moncton, New Brunswick Charlottetown, PEI St. John’s, Newfoundland Whitehorse, Yukon Dawson City, Yukon Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Iqaluit, Nunavut Map of Canada 27 28 30 32 33 34 36 37 38 40 42 43 44 45 46 3 Vancouver British Columbia City of Vancouver; Photo by Vancouver Convention Centre Lunch at LIFT; Photo by Tourism BC / Albert Normandin Big city luxuries, small city price. Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, BURNABY offers all the luxuries of the great West Coast, but at a lower cost. Burnaby’s conference space provides state-of-the-art facilities while delivering unparalleled value. From a 7,500-squarefoot grand ballroom with two-storey floor-to-ceiling windows to a 1920s ice cream parlour, Burnaby has everything you’re looking for. The city with something for everyone. Gravity Pope Green and gorgeous. From the design of the facility to the use of the latest green technologies, Vancouver Convention Centre is committed to being as environmentally sustainable as possible. In fact, it is the only convention centre in the world to be LEED® Platinum certified. However, the allure isn’t all environmental – with 1.1 million square feet of pre-function, meeting, exhibition and ballroom space, it’s a meeting planner’s dream come true. A s a thriving city in the middle of a rainforest, Vancouver is the perfect blend of nature and urban, and the ideal destination for pleasing a group of delegates with a wide range of interests. It’s also one of the only places on earth where you can ski, golf and sail all in one day; a perk often enjoyed by both Vancouverites and visitors. Decisions, decisions. The only problem with Vancouver’s plethora of swanky, five-star hotels is that it’s too hard to choose between them. With the deluxe Shangri-La, luxurious services at the Fairmont Pacific Rim®, and the stunning views of Coast Coal Harbour Hotel®, you’ve got a tough decision on your hands. 4 Vancouver’s kind of a big deal. Whether it’s due to Vancouver’s unusual blend of nature and city, or the fact that it’s only a two-hour flight from Hollywood, Vancouver has hosted more than its fair share of film productions. Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar, LIFT, and Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar are a few key places for celebrity-spotting during a group dinner. For more information about Vancouver as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Vancouverites dine out more than people in any other North American city. The result? A lot of great restaurants. Check out Gastown for a great selection. Vancouver 5 Vancouver Convention Centre; Photo by Vancouver Convention Centre Victoria Fit for royalty. One of Victoria’s most beloved long-standing landmarks is the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, a luxury oceanfront resort and spa offering numerous Victoria venues throughout the property for professional events. In the elegant Manor House style, guests will enjoy private board meetings, presentations in the full-stage theatre, cocktails on the terrace, and outdoor team-building activities. Be welcomed by the warm and gracious hospitality that has made the Oak Bay Beach Hotel one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Victoria for over 80 years. British Columbia Oak Bay Beach Hotel; Photo by Oak Bay Beach Hotel Wickaninnish Inn; Photo by Christopher Pouget Kayakers in Victoria’s Inner Harbour; Photo by Tourism Victoria Wickaninnish Inn; Photo by Ivan Hunter Nature, refined. Perched in the midst of a serene natural habitat, Pacific Ocean, expansive beaches and old-growth forest, Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn is the epitome of relaxation. Recipient of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Award, this unique meeting destination is perfect for those wanting both the comfort of the Inn’s Ancient Cedars Spa® and fivestar cuisine, as well as the rugged outdoors. L i v e l i f e o n th e w i l d l i f e s i d e . Vancouver Island’s protected wilderness makes it ideal for spotting wildlife while its inlets create ideal conditions for world-class surfing. Vancouver Island Special Places is a collection of prestigious, authentic and independently owned destination experiences that ensure visitors discover the best that Vancouver Island has to offer. Where business and pleasure meet. M eet Victoria: charming, beautiful and a little wild. Old-world traditions meet new-world experiences in BC’s capital, offering a unique setting for any meeting or incentive program. The Victoria Conference Centre is the city’s meeting hub where people come together to share ideas, stay connected and be inspired. During free time, delegates can embark on whale-watching adventures, play golf year-round, indulge in fresh West Coast cuisine or visit a winery. 6 Year-round wonder. Get lost in the beauty of The Butchart Gardens® at any time of year, world renowned for its 55 acres of cultivated show gardens. The real deal. Getting to Victoria is not only easy, but an experience. Victoria is easily accessible via the Victoria International Airport, but quintessential West Coast experiences also include arriving by ferry, cruising past picturesque islands and inlets, or landing in the Inner Harbour after a scenic flight-seeing tour by seaplane. Once in Victoria, it’s easy to get around on foot, but you can mix it up with pedicabs or horse-drawn carriages. A different kind of commute. There’s nothing quite as calming as paddling in Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour and along its rugged shoreline with harbour seals occasionally popping up to say hello. Introduce the team to one of the best places in the world for a group sea kayaking trip with the orcas. Explore like a local Thirsty? Victoria’s brew pubs are full of character, housed in heritage buildings dotted around the Inner Harbour. Experience the Ale Trail on foot or by harbour ferry, adding a unique twist to what’s on tap. For more information about Victoria as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Orca whale; Photo by Christina Craft Royal BC Museum; Photo by Royal BC Museum A function that will go down in history. Hold a function in one of the galleries of the Royal BC Museum™, which showcases human and natural history of British Columbia, and temporary exhibits from other countries and cultures. Experience the majestic natural beauty, diverse cultures and exquisite tastes of British Columbia, all in one evening. Make time for afternoon tea in the historic Tea Lobby of The Fairmont Empress, one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Victoria. Victoria 7 Whistler British Columbia Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre; Photo by Gary Fiegehen Araxi Restaurant; Photo by Jason Van Bruggen Whistler Village; Photo by Tourism Whistler Peak 2 Peak® Gondola; Photo by Tourism Whistler Tip for the trade. Canadian Outback Adventures & Events is great for customized events and group activities. Adrenaline junkies rejoice. Feel the love. Embodying the spirit of working together, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is the perfect locale for a special event, representing the union between the Squamish and the Lil’wat Aboriginal people. It’s an architectural masterpiece, featuring 30,000 square feet of space and nine glass sides overlooking the forest and mountains. F or those who love the great outdoors and adrenaline rushes, Whistler is a gold mine. With some of the world’s best skiing, mountain biking and golf, combined with some great meeting spots, Whistler could easily serve as a one-stop shop. 8 Ski into your meeting. Boasting the largest conference capacity of any North American ski resort, the spectacular Whistler Conference Centre is a coveted destination. There’s no other place in Canada that can so seamlessly integrate work and play. Offer an extended lunch break for a little heli-skiing jaunt. For more information about Whistler as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Go to Nicklaus North for the most beautiful golf games of your life. When the scenery is snow-capped mountains, wildlife and vast wilderness it won’t matter whether you shoot 72 or 120. Whistler Hiking in Whistler; Photo by Steve Rogers 9 Banff and Lake Louise Jasper Alberta Alberta Little town in a big park. I t’s hard not to walk around Jasper with your mouth hanging open. Firstly, in awe, and secondly, to breathe in the fresh air. It’s truly a magical place, with the glistening frozen Maligne Canyon, and Marmot Basin, best known for its steep, high-alpine bowls. Take in the colourful history of one of North America’s coolest frontier towns as you sample a local beer made from some of the freshest water on earth. Chill out. Jasper’s Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield south of Alaska at 389 square kilometres. Discover new depths of knowledge with a team-building Glacier Ice-Walk through an ancient, sculptural canyon, or dogsledding expedition. A sight worth seeing. Jasper National Park is a UNESCO™ World Heritage Site, deemed one of the most significant sights on the planet. For more information about Jasper as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Banff Centre Maligne Canyon Canada’s protected playground. P aradise. Heaven on earth. These are just a few words that attendees use to describe Banff National Park. You will be hardpressed to find a finer balance of unspoiled wilderness and refined amenities available in Banff and Lake Louise. Pristine wilderness effortlessly blends with modern, luxurious accommodations and meeting facilities in the vibrant town setting of Banff. All-season destination. In winter, Banff National Park becomes a giant playground full of fresh snow and impressive peaks – a dramatic wonderland of unique recreation awaits, including world-class downhill skiing, heli-tours, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice-skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides. In summer, Banff National Park’s wilderness provides the perfect inspirational setting for activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, fishing, mountain biking and rafting. 10 Sleep in the wild. Perched on the bank of Canada’s most famous lake is the extraordinarily beautiful Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, one of Canada’s grand old luxury railway hotels. Rocky Mountain Specialists. As the longestoperating Banff-based destination management company, Banff DMC Inc. knows just about everything about everything when it comes to the Canadian Rockies and Southern Alberta. They have perfected the art of creating unique, customized itineraries and personal program management for meetings, incentives and conventions. Jasper Park Lodge; Photo by Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge For more information about Banff and Lake Louise as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Explore like a local The Rockies by bus; Photo by Banff and Lake Louise Get the best of the west from the best in the west. The knowledgeable employees at Brewster Travel Canada know Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies like the back of their hands. After 118 years of providing highly customized vacation packages and tours for meeting, conference or incentive travel, they should. There’s nothing quite like getting first tracks on the mountain, premeeting. People come from all over to indulge in some of the world’s best powder skiing. Canadian Mountain Holidays® can take it a step further with their offer of heli-skiing and heli-hiking. Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course; Photo by Travel Alberta™ Banff Columbia Icefield; Photo by Travel Alberta Treat your delegates to a game of golf at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course, rated the #1 Best Golf Resort in Canada by SCOREGolf Magazine. Jasper 11 Calgary Alberta Ice-Skating The City of Calgary; Photo by Gary Campbell Photography River Café; Photo by Dustin Parr Party for 11,000. Equipped with over 11,000 hotel rooms, the city of Calgary is prepared for large parties. Very large parties. With more than one million annual visitors during the Calgary Stampede alone, there are more than a few choices for meeting venues. Hotel Arts is a chic, modern option with in-house Raw Bar offering a spectacular, not to mention award-winning menu. H 12 Hangover be gone. Back in 1969, mixologist Walter Chell concocted a delicious cocktail containing vodka, Clamato® (a blend of tomato juice and clam broth), Worcestershire sauce and a bit of Tabasco®, which literally revolutionized mornings after drinking in Canada forever. Although tasty at any time of the day, Bloody Caesars are commonly the drink of choice following a great night out on the town. Western hospitality. Calgary TELUS Convention Centre is a world-class business space, located in the heart of the city with indoor connections to over 1,100 rooms located in one of three four-star hotels, such as the Fairmont Palliser. Its space options are as vast as the activities that you can do in Calgary, from private, intimate meeting rooms, to bright, airy exhibit spaces. Where city meets western. ome of the acclaimed Calgary Stampede®, Calgary is a cosmopolitan city with a small-town feel, cowboy culture and urban sophistication. Well-known for its proximity to the snow-capped Rocky Mountains and Canada Olympic Park™, Calgary is a hotbed for events and outdoor activities. School your delegates. In the heart of the University of Calgary campus, Hotel Alma® is Canada’s first full-service campus hotel, offering 81 euro-style standard rooms and 15 one-bedroom suites. Whether meeting for business, academic conferences or cultural events, Hotel Alma is a great new option in northwest Calgary. The hotel features five boardroom-style meeting rooms and a large room located on the top floor, which can accommodate 125 for theatre-style meetings or receptions. A chuckwagon race; Photo by Calgary Stampede A White Stetson® For more information about Calgary as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Treat the senses, and take your group to the Calgary Farmers’ Market on the weekend, just off Blackfoot Trail and Heritage Drive. There are lots of international delicacies, jewellery, fresh eats and yummy finds! Calgary 13 Edmonton Alberta Shaw Conference Centre; Photo by Edmonton Tourism The City of Edmonton; Photo by Edmonton Tourism VENUES GALORE. Whether it’s Shaw Conference Centre’s scenic vistas of North America’s largest urban parkland, Canada’s largest outdoor living museum at Fort Edmonton Park, the contemporary design of the Art Gallery of Alberta, or Western Canada’s largest meeting space at Edmonton EXPO Centre, there’s something for every event need. Canada’s festival city. A lberta’s capital city has a beautiful scenic river valley, wide open spaces, trendy Whyte Avenue district, and a year-round thriving music and art scene. To top it off, Alberta has Canada’s highest concentration of retailers and is free of provincial sales tax. It’s the ideal place for a group with many different cultural interests. Old Strathcona; Photo by Edmonton Tourism Explore like a local West Edmonton Mall is world-famous, with more than 800 shops, 100 eateries and nine world-class attractions. Get your day’s exercise by doing a lap. LIVE ON THE FRINGE. Stay in one of Edmonton’s 12,000 hotel rooms and plan a dine-around event in eclectic Old Strathcona, voted one of Canada’s 10 coolest neighbourhoods and home of North America’s largest and oldest Fringe Festival.® Or, check out downtown’s collection of intimate eateries specializing in regional cuisine. For more information about Edmonton as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel 14 Art Gallery of Alberta; Photo by Robert Lemermeyer Edmonton Art Gallery of Alberta; Photo by Art Gallery of Alberta 15 Regina Saskatoon Saskatchewan Saskatchewan RCMP Heritage Centre; Photo by Jenn Nelson The City of Saskatoon; Photo by Darrell Noakes Saskatchewan’s not all blue skies and golden fields. Young is fun. RCMP Heritage Centre; Photo by Heidi Allred R egina is a very unique place; home to both a 100-year-old symphony orchestra and the nation’s most passionate sports enthusiasts. With a thriving community of outdoor activities, international festivities complemented by extensive urban forest and parkland, Regina will keep your delegates busy, to say the least. Get cultured. Regina always has national-calibre masterpieces on display, boasting an eclectic array of art galleries, from Aboriginal art to the plethora of options at the Mosaic Cultural Festival. A good place to start would be New Dance Horizons, the Regina Symphony Orchestra or the Globe Theatre. Switch it up a little. For some truly unique meeting venues, the Conexus Arts Centre and the RCMP Heritage Centre are great for social or networking events. Explore like a local Business in Regina; Photo by Paul Austring A place with lots of space. Evraz Place is a vibrant sports, entertainment and business hub located in the heart of Regina. As Canada’s second-largest meeting and exhibition facility it features over 300,000 square feet of contiguous meeting and tradeshow space. For more information about Regina as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel 16 S askatoon is Saskatchewan’s largest city. It also happens to enjoy more hours of sunshine annually than anywhere else in Canada, which is perfect if you’re planning an event outdoors or taking advantage of its plethora of golf courses. Saskatoon’s young and eclectic community, combined with its unique and diverse culture has gained it a reputation as a great place to live, visit and play. Wascana Centre is the geographic and cultural centre of Regina. On a nice day take your delegates for a walk on the trails through this gorgeous prairie city. Hold an event fit for royalty. Saskatoon’s historical landmark, Delta Bessborough®, is known for its unique appearance, referred to by the locals as “the castle on the river.” It’s actually very fitting, as with 20,000 square feet of elegant function space you could throw quite the ball in there. PLAY AROUND. Saskatoon has several outstanding theatres and performing arts centres to choose from, like the long-standing Persephone Theatre or 25th Street Theatre Centre, producer of the annual Fringe® Theatre Festival. Plan a summer event to catch one of the 200 independent theatre shows that line the streets of the Broadway district. For more information about Saskatoon as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Regina Wanuskewin Heritage Park; Photo by Tourism Saskatoon Explore like a local Take a break from your meeting at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, where 6,000 years of Northern Plains Indians history is celebrated. Saskatoon 17 Winnipeg Churchill Manitoba Manitoba Bear hug. S ituated in northern Manitoba, Churchill has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, and it’s not hard to figure out why. In the summer, thousands of beluga whales make their way down to Hudson Bay and come October, Churchill takes on its alter ego as the polar bear capital of the world. Try and top this. The one way to ensure your event is like nothing they’ve ever experienced is to take your group to a place where no one’s ever been before. Like the Arctic. It’s one of those places that everyone is curious about, but few people have had the pleasure of experiencing. Plan for The Tundra Buggy® Adventure to see the polar bears, or stay up all night marvelling at the aurora borealis. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights; Photo by Dan Harper The heart of Canada. Literally. W innipeg is smack dab in the middle of Canada, with an outstanding reputation for holding national and international events. Home to Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Assiniboine Park Conservancy, world-class theatres, a host of multicultural experiences and The Manitoba Museum, it’s not a city to be overlooked. The best part of all is that it’s one of the most affordable cities in Canada. Beds for days. Accommodation choices range from modern chic boutique-style hotels, like Inn at the Forks, to cozy, bed and breakfasts and fivestar international brands. There’s even a castle if you’re so inclined. 18 For more information about Churchill as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel A different kind of venue. Winnipeg has some pretty unique venues. Try Fort Gibraltar and experience a special touch of Canadian heritage through the joie de vivre of the voyageurs, the rooftop terrace at the Winnipeg Art Gallery or the Qualico Family Centre, a striking glass and wooden structure nestled in a forest-like setting. FIND THE RIGHT PLACE. Winnipeg will soon be the proud home of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights™, opening in 2014 in The Forks™, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers – a location where First Nations people have met and gathered for thousands of years. For more information about Winnipeg as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Polar bears Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet; Photo by Tourism Winnipeg Explore like a local Explore like a local Follow the path along the duck pond that leads to art sculptures surrounded by gardens at Assiniboine Park.™ The best time to watch the aurora borealis is in the winter or spring, so try to book your program around then. Winnipeg Aurora borealis; Photo by Tourism Manitoba Diving with belugas; Photo by Tourism Manitoba Churchill 19 Toronto Ontario CN Tower EdgeWalk; Photo by Tourism Toronto Do Cho massage; Photo by Tourism Toronto Thompson Hotel The city of cities. Royal Ontario Museum; Photo by Tourism Toronto Authentic eats, at your fingertips. Rest assured, Toronto can satisfy any palate with delicious dishes from around the world served up with unique Canadian flair. From Little Italy to Koreatown to Chinatown and Greektown and many more – you name it, Toronto’s got it. Foodies will delight over some of Toronto’s finest, like Canoe, c5 and Ruby Watchco, to name a few. A vibrant, cosmopolitan destination infused with the traditions, flavours, imagination and perspectives of the over 100 cultures that live here, Canada’s largest city is guaranteed to keep you busy. With Toronto’s impressive Royal Ontario Museum™, spectacular Art Gallery of Ontario, pastoral Toronto Islands, trendy and eclectic collection of artistic finds at Kensington Market and bustling Distillery Historic District, you’re not going to know where to start. Ruby Watcho; Photo by Tourism Toronto 20 Toronto’s to-do list. It’s hard to fit the best of a city this big into a convention, but a few highlights that shouldn’t be missed include the trendy shopping strip along Queen Street West, the swanky Yorkville district for lunch, Dundas Square (there’s always some sort of music or entertainment), and a show at the The Opera House. Sit back, relax and get pampered. Toronto’s spas have a reputation for personalized service, innovation, excellence and signature treatments. Choose from Do Cho massage, aqua therapy, detoxifying seaweed body wraps, mud treatments, acussage, aromatherapy, reiki or Watsu and many more. Your delegates deserve the very best! Live on the edge. Visit the CN Tower, the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere. EdgeWalk lets adventure lovers take a walk outside around the CN Tower’s restaurant, 356 metres above the ground. To sleep, or not to sleep. There’s so much to do, we can understand not wanting to go to sleep. But, if you absolutely must, a great area to stay is along Front Street. It’s always alive with activity, and in close proximity to event, meeting and convention spaces, such as the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The InterContinental® or The Fairmont Royal York are a couple of great options in the heart of everything. For more information about Toronto as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Enjoy shopping on the Mink Mile, the stretch along Bloor St. between the intersections of Yonge St. and Avenue Rd. Toronto 21 Ottawa Ontario Ottawa Convention Centre Downtown Ottawa One cool capital. T his beautiful capital city, built on the banks of the Rideau River, elegantly straddles French and English Canada. Discover Canada’s story through original music, giant images and spectacular lighting effects projected on the capital buildings at Parliament Hill. Or check out the ByWard Market, kayak the historic Rideau Canal, and dine at fine eateries, restaurants and pubs, like the delectable Sweetgrass Aboriginal Bistro. NEW WITH A VIEW. Fresh on the scene as of April 2011, the new 200,000 square feet LEED certified Ottawa Convention Centre is an architectural wonder in the heart of downtown. With a 30-metrehigh sweeping glass facade showcasing panoramic views of downtown Ottawa’s iconic landmarks, it’s a sight to be seen, to say the least. EAT YOUR HEART OUT. Your delegates can’t leave Ottawa without trying a Beaver Tail. This tasty pastry, shaped like the tail of Canada's favourite industrious animal, is served warm with a dash of cinnamon and lemon juice. It is a local taste sensation that is often the reward from a day spent ice-skating on or cycling by the Rideau Canal. And enjoy the local culinary scene – Ottawa chefs and restaurants are making a name for themselves at home and abroad and in the process are establishing Ottawa as an award-winning culinary tourism destination. FLOWER POWER. Ottawa is justifiably famous for the millions (yes, millions) of tulips that bloom during The Canadian Tulip Festival each May. But what you might not know is the festival’s origin. In recognition of the role Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands, and the fact that Princess Margaret of the Dutch Royal Family was born in the Ottawa Hospital, the Dutch gifted Ottawa with one hundred thousand tulip bulbs. HAPPENING HOTELS. Ottawa is home to an accommodations community that includes international and national brands as well as unique local properties. All are highly skilled and experienced at group hosting, and many with significant meeting facilities. With over 6,000 hotel rooms located within walking distance of the Ottawa Convention Centre, your delegates will appreciate the city’s accessible, walkable downtown. For more information about Ottawa as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel 22 Rideau Canal ByWard Market Explore like a local Alexandra Bridge Tell your delegates they’ll get a free dinner if they get one of the guards at Parliament Hill to crack a smile. The guards will never budge – they may as well be made of steel, and it will be worth the laugh. Ottawa 23 Niagara Falls Niagara-on-the-Lake Maid of the Mist Jackson-Triggs® Estate Winery It’s like an adult amusement park in a city. Canada’s hidden gem. Ontario P eople come from all over to ride the classic Maid of the Mist® through the most powerful waterfalls in North America. Some great attractions in this one-of-a-kind destination include the Butterfly Conservatory and Clifton Hill's Street of Fun. There’s a new guy in town. The latest addition to world-famous Niagara Falls area is the recently expanded Scotiabank® Convention Centre, a whole 280,000 square foot LEED Silver certified convention facility. A mere 500 metres from the Canadian side of Horseshoe Falls in the Fallsview Tourist District makes this fun-filled city a serious contender for large conferences. Golf the longest round of your life. We all know that the most important business is done on the golf course. That’s why the new superextra-long 45-hole Legends on the Niagara™ golf complex was created. For more information about Niagara Falls as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel 24 Ontario J ust a short, scenic drive from Niagara Falls is Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of Canada’s most beautiful pockets of earth, known for its abundance of fine wineries, rolling hills, Shaw Festival Theatre, and the gorgeous architecture of the houses and buildings that line its quaint downtown. Winery-hop ’til you drop. Bar-hopping was for college years and winery-hopping is for all of the years after that. Spend an afternoon going from winery to winery, learning about the history of the estates and the fine Ontario wines. Scotiabank Convention Centre; Photo by Niagara Falls Tourism A destination within a destination. Although located near one of the world’s greatest tourist regions, you could go to Niagara-on-the-Lake simply for White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa, as it is a destination within itself. It boasts over 67,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and deluxe service, and is the only conference resort in Canada accredited by the International Association of Conference Centres. It’s a phenomenal event option, to say the least. Explore like a local Make sure everyone has cameras when heading to the Butterfly Conservatory. They will land all over your body and pictures are a must! Go back in time. Choose from your selection of vintage hotels like Moffat Inn, The Pillar and Post Inn® or the Prince of Wales. Another option is Queen’s Landing, a stately Georgian-style mansion with marble floors and stained glass ceilings. The largest conference space is 12,000 square feet, located in Queen’s Landing, Grand Georgian Ballroom with dozens of smaller rooms available for breakouts and more intimate gatherings. CULINARY CAPITAL OF CANADA. The town’s finest restaurants have made a commitment to present the finest cuisine and dining experiences. These restaurants, known as the Signature Kitchens of Niagara-on-the-Lake, feature award-winning chefs who will exceed your culinary expectations and prove to you why Niagara-on-the-Lake has earned the title of #1 Best Food and Wine Canadian Destination. Explore like a local Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for their icewine. Winter or summer, you’ve got to try a glass. For more information about Niagara-on-the-Lake as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Niagara Falls Niagara-on-the-Lake 25 Muskoka Montebello Ontario Quebec Small but mighty. M ontebello is a quaint village perched on the banks of the Ottawa River. It’s a small town, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in outdoor activity. Winter comes alive in Montebello, with cross-country skiing, dogsledding and snowmobiling in the cooler months, and cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing and golfing in the warmer months. Who knew there was such a thing as rugged luxury? As one of Eastern Canada’s leading destinations, the world-famous Fairmont Le Château Montebello is an exceptional Quebec hotel famed for its rugged luxury. Here, in the stunning red cedar log Château Montebello, you’ll experience rustic elegance and a warm welcome. Adjacent to the hotel is Fairmont Kenauk, one of North America’s largest and longest established private reserves, with over 70 lakes and 65,000 acres of carefully protected wildlife habitats. Muskoka Boathouse; Photo by Larry Wright. Fairmont Le Château Montebello; Photo by Dave Delnea / Fairmont Hotels & Resorts For more information about Montebello as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Torontonians’ weekend playground. T o really experience life as a true Torontonian, a trip to Muskoka is necessary. Muskoka is Ontario’s favourite year-round vacation destination, featuring 6,500 square kilometres of turquoise waters, sparkling waterfalls, towering pine trees and granite cliffs. A mere 90-minute drive north of Toronto, visitors and locals alike fall in love with the allure of charming villages, serene wilderness and endless recreational activities. The key to a good time. In operation from May to September, The Kee to Bala is the absolute best spot for live music. A summer concert tradition since 1942, this coveted restaurant and bar has seen many great, big-name performers go through its doors. If you’re looking for a place with great food, drinks, dancing and music – look no further. Meet in the serenity. Whether you are looking for a place for a small group of five or a convention of 500, Muskoka has state-of-the-art facilities, endless recreational and team-building activities, unlimited outdoor meeting space and cuisine to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Try Deerhurst Resort® or the Delta Grandview Resort for a great place to stay. Row row row your boat. Canoeing across lakes and along rivers is one of the greatest pastimes of this area. Bordered by Algonquin Park, Muskoka is a great place for a canoe trip. Algonquin Outfitters will suit you up with everything you need for an afternoon excursion up to a multi-day portage. For more information about Muskoka as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore 65,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness with Canada’s only Land Rover Experience Driving School, at Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Explore like a local The golf courses in Muskoka and its surrounding area are amazing. Rocky Crest Golf Club is a real beauty. 26 Explore like a local Muskoka Fairmont Le Château Montebello; Photo by Dave Delnea / Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Montebello 27 Montréal Quebec Palais des congrès de Montréal; Photo by Palais des congrès de Montréal Artsy-fartsy. Being the arts mecca that it is, Montréal is home to hundreds of festivals each year. Popular events include the Montréal International Jazz Festival and the Just For Laughs Festival. A great place to stay downtown is the Ritz-Carlton Montréal featuring the recently opened restaurant, Maison Boulud™, with world-renowned chef, Daniel Boulud, incorporating his traditional French culinary roots into dishes made with local products. St-Viateur Bagels Have a circus of a meeting. Looking for a venue? The Palais des congrès de Montréal is an obvious choice for a convention, with over 550,000 square feet of event rental space. Rocking the same chic vibe as its city is the new Claire and Marc Bourgie Pavilion of Quebec and Canadian art at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts. It’s a gorgeous venue accompanied by Bourgie Hall, a restored 1894 heritage church that’s been converted to a 444-seat concert hall. For a truly one-of-a-kind venue, check out one of the halls available at Cirque Éloize®, one of the leaders in contemporary circus arts. Sample the good life. R enowned for its superb fine dining, Montréal is equally legendary for its vivid arts scene and nightlife that doesn’t shut down ’til the sun comes up. The city exudes old-world charm, but it’s the decadent culinary delicacies of the second-largest city in Canada that will tug at your heartstrings. Hope you’re hungry. Montréal is renowned for its superb fine dining, but its casual snacking is just as good with La Banquise offering 23 varieties of poutine; an incredible concoction of fries, gravy and cheese curds. In terms of venues, check out Newtown®, with acclaimed Québécois chef, Martin Juneau, the recent recipient of the Gold Plate Award at the 2011 Canadian Culinary Championships. St. Lawrence River; Photo by Vlad Ghiea 28 For more information about Montréal as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Schwartz’s has been serving the best smokedmeat sandwiches since 1928, hands down. Don’t let this tradition pass you by. Montréal 29 Lunch in Montréal Québec City Quebec Place-Royale; Photo by Jean-Francois Bergeron Take a break in prison. Check out Morrin Centre, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, originally built over two hundred years ago as the city’s first prison. This Victorian-style national historic site is truly a gem. Some things are just better in French. Le Cochon Dingue® translates to “crazy pig” in English, which is why we kept the name in French. It’s a big restaurant that attracts even bigger lineups, so make a reservation ahead of time. The apple pie with maple cream and apples from Île d’Orléans will have you booking events again and again. A cool place. If you like a cooler room when you’re sleeping, Quebec’s ICEHOTEL® is a fabulous choice. Or, if you’d prefer the warmth of something like the copper-turreted castle of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, you can simply drop by the Ice Bar for happy hour. Rue du Petit Champlain; Photo by Louis Vezina For more information about Québec City as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Québec City; Photo by Jean-Francois Bergeron Fall in l’amour. Explore like a local Rue Saint-Joseph is the street to shop along. Cruise designer boutiques while you peruse over rare finds. T here’s nothing quite like riding a horse-drawn carriage through cobblestone streets of the province’s photogenic capital. Delegates will fall head over heals for its quaint boutiques, hip cafés, tempting bistros and stately heritage homes. Rue Saint-Anne; Photo by Louis Vezina 30 ICEHOTEL® Québec City 31 Charlevoix Mont-Tremblant Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu; Photo by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Mont-Tremblant Village; Photo by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Picture this. Resort life. Quebec J ust under an hour’s drive east of Québec City lies Charlevoix, a collection of villages best known for warm, local hospitality, exquisite gourmet dining experiences, and strikingly beautiful landscapes. Its Laurentian Mountains and St. Lawrence River have been inspiring artists and nature enthusiasts for centuries. Quebec M Extra-terrestrial charm. Charlevoix is unlike any other place on earth. Really. A meteorite actually fell on the region millions of years ago, which, combined with earthquakes and years of glaciation, has made it worthy of a designation as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Delegates will be delighted by its truly unique landscape featuring tundra, multiple parks, a river estuary, a fjord, a marine conservation area, moose, and even whales. Nothing beats French cuisine. Breakout sessions can be held on patios overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River, while cooking sessions are underway with one of Charlevoix’s local gourmet chefs. For a small group there are many cozy inns that provide an intimate setting, while the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu can accommodate up to 1,000 people. For more information about Charlevoix as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel ont-Tremblant Ski Resort has been ranked #1 East Coast Resort by SKI Magazine 15 years in a row (but who’s counting?). Mont-Tremblant charms everyone with its friendly laid-back people and rustic atmosphere. Combining a relaxing mountain retreat with the liveliness of a cosmopolitan city makes this an ideal Canadian meeting destination. Explore like a local Arts and culture are also a big part of the region, so send art lovers out to wander through Charlevoix’s numerous galleries, boutiques and heritage areas. Charlevoix 32 The all-season destination. Whether you’re cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biking, ice-climbing, playing on one of the town’s six golf courses or watching a car race at Circuit MontTremblant, Mont-Tremblant’s got something for every taste and lifestyle. Go to Tremblant Activity Centre to plan a dogsledding escapade, then visit Scandinave Spa® to soothe sore "mushing" muscles in Scandinavian baths. In the summer explore Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Québec’s largest and oldest park. With six rivers and 400 lakes and streams, it’s a canoer’s paradise. Tremblant’s pedestrian village; Photo by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Joie de vivre. Experience the warm and friendly atmosphere as well as the passionate and active people of this bilingual destination. Pedestrian village is always bustling with festivals, entertainment, shopping and a lively night scene. For a real rush, take it all in from the sky aboard a Robinson R44 helicopter, the world’s most popular civil helicopter. Ten-layer mattresses? Believe it. With over 4,000 hotel rooms in Mont-Tremblant, we can understand the difficulty in trying to choose a place to stay. However, after hearing about the 10-layer mattresses at Le Westin Resort & Spa, we’re sure that’ll help narrow your options. For more information about Mont-Tremblant as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Since maple-flavoured things are kind of an East Coast speciality, be sure to visit a local sugar shack, where you'll find everything from smoked maple syrup ham to maple taffy. Yum! Mont-Tremblant 33 Halifax Nova Scotia Sea kayaking; Photo by Destination Halifax The Five Fishermen Restaurant Something’s fishy here. For nearly 40 years The Five Fishermen Restaurant & Grill has been a staple of downtown Halifax, serving up delectable, freshly caught seafood in a charming East-Coast ambiance. If you’re craving more turf than surf, take in the sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere at CUT Steakhouse. Featuring the finest USDA prime beef, dry-aged and butchered in-house, its two storeys provide the option of an impeccable fine-dining experience upstairs or the trendy downstairs Grill at CUT. After all of the fresh East-Coast air and memorable meals, curl up at The Lord Nelson Hotel, which is just as grand and elegant as it sounds. Downtown Halifax; Photo by Janet Kimber Savour the East-Coast lifestyle. Y ou can’t help but have a good time in Halifax. The Atlantic Coast’s easygoing attitude is contagious and you’ll get right into the swing of things as you cruise the popular boardwalk on the waterfront, tour Alexander Keith’s Brewery, visit the famous Citadel or Pier 21 and enjoy some of the most delicious seafood you’ll find anywhere. 34 For more information about Halifax as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Atlantic Film Festival; Photo by Destination Halifax™ Sailing Halifax Harbour; Photo by Destination Halifax Peggy's Cove; Photo by Destination Halifax Make maritime history. Hold an event in the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, located on Halifax’s historic waterfront. Delegates can take a seat in a replica Titanic® deck chair or check out the Days of Sail Gallery, with room for stand-up receptions of 250 or more. Another great option is the World Trade & Convention Centre, combining world-class facilities and genuine Maritime hospitality. Explore like a local For a stunning view and some awesome pictures check out Peggy's Cove. Halifax 35 Fredericton Moncton New Brunswick New Brunswick Long rivers and longer nights. F redericton, capital city of Canada’s only officially bilingual province, has something for everyone. Visitors are charmed by magnificent Victorian architecture, manicured urban green spaces, and heartwarming Maritime hospitality. Fredericton’s majestic Saint John River is popular for boat tours, kayaking and canoeing, while Fredericton’s pubs in the lively Tannery Entertainment District are popular for live music and theatre, available most nights of the week. Brains and beauty. Atlantic Canada’s newest convention centre, the Fredericton Convention Centre opened its doors in January 2011. The centre is chic and stylish, filled with natural light and built to achieve Silver LEED Certification. It’s located minutes from the airport in the heart of the historic, vibrant downtown and is nearby accommodations, restaurants, boutiques and unique off-site venues. Hopewell Rocks at the Bay of Fundy; Photo by New Brunswick Tourism & Parks College-town liveliness with adult-style luxuries. Beaverbrook Art Gallery ; Photo by Fredericton Tourism Explore like a local You could spend a full day exploring Kings Landing Historical Settlement. Listen for the creaking wagons pulled by trotting workhorses, the whooshing of hoop skirts and melodies from lively fiddlers and dancing townsfolk. Free Internet, anyone? Fredericton has been touted among the top seven intelligent communities in the world. But don’t take our word for it. In fact, if you were in Fredericton you could look it up online, with their free award-winning citywide wireless network. Despite being an international leader in technology, research and innovation, the city is also rich in crafts and design, earning the title as one of the cultural capitals of Canada. For more information about Fredericton as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel 36 Fredericton Fredericton Convention Centre; Photo by Fredericton Tourism M oncton is a lively town with a great appreciation for live music and fine food. (Side note: Little Louis’ Oyster Bar is to die for, and has a beautiful room for private parties). Its dynamic and growing downtown core could be partly attributed to the fact that it is home to three universities, two public community colleges and multiple private, post-secondary colleges. Arts, arts and more arts. A mere 10 kilometres away from Greater Moncton International Airport is 10,000 square feet of meeting space at Crowne Plaza Moncton, located right downtown close to Moncton Coliseum Complex and Capitol Theatre, one of the eight historically restored theatres in Canada. Also nearby is the Clément-Cormier Pavilion of the Université de Moncton, where you’ll find the Acadian Museum as well as an art gallery featuring an eclectic collection of artifacts reflecting the Acadian culture from 1604 to present. Test the waters. A trip to Atlantic Canada must include at least a couple of excursions out on the water. There’s sea kayaking through the Bay of Fundy, one of the marine wonders of the world, or paddling through flowerpot-shaped rocks at the legendary Hopewell Rocks, where you can watch some of the world’s highest tides roll in twice a day. Or there’s a Shediac Bay Cruise, perfect for both a small, intimate group or a large party. For more information about Moncton as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel The Moncton skyline; Photo by Tourism Moncton Stay grounded. Or not. To challenge your delegates take them on a team-building initiative at TreeGO, an aerial obstacle course. Or keep it on the ground, exploring Moncton’s plethora of beautiful trails, such as the Bay of Fundy tidal marshlands, found right in the heart of the city. Explore like a local Magnetic Hill™ has been baffling visitors for almost 80 years. Take a rented car or the group bus to the bottom of Magnetic Hill, take your foot off the brake and watch the vehicle roll back uphill. Impossible, yet not. Moncton 37 Charlottetown Prince Edward Island National Historic Great George Street; Photo by Tourism Charlottetown Charlottetown Harbour; Photo by Tourism Charlottetown A golfer’s paradise. One of the things that makes Prince Edward Island one of Canada’s most desirable coastal meeting and convention destinations is its collection of 32 island golf courses, 10 of which are among the top 100 golf courses in Canada, earning the ranking of the #1 Golf Destination in Canada. In fact, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators has chosen the Island as its 2011 Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year. Lot 30 Restaurant and Bar Catch your own dinner. Pick a sand, any sand. When you’re in PEI, a stroll along the beach is a must, as its white sand dunes and red sand beaches account for some of the most distinct beaches in North America. Top off your day with dinner at one of many seafood restaurants featuring succulent local cuisine and unique menu items second to none. With Malpeque oysters, famous PEI mussels and the freshest lobster, PEI’s seafood cannot be beat. P rince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest and greenest province. Charlottetown’s endearing small-town charm is created by the perfect blend of open space, heritage landscapes and an abundance of worldclass culinary options. For dinner, all you need is a spade, a bucket and a soft touch; it will be the freshest clam feast you’ve ever had. 38 Crabbing in Charlottetown Crowbush Cove Golf Course; Photo by Tourism PEI / Russell Monk Lot 30 Restaurant; Photo by Tourism Charlottetown Life is grand in Charlottetown. With a spectacular new convention centre slated for completion in 2013, meeting and convention options are about to get even better. From unique coastal socials, to state-of-the-art hotels, charming bed and breakfasts and refreshing beach resorts, meeting options are endless. For more information about Charlottetown as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local If you like architecture visit St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a beautiful 100-year-old cathedral located in the heart of the city. Charlottetown 39 St. John’s Newfoundland O’Reilly’s Pub; Photo by Peter Helm Kayaking Iceberg Alley Music, anyone? S t. John’s kind and genuine people have earned it a spot as one of the top 10 friendliest cultures in the world. St. John’s also happens to be home to some of the country’s finest artists, with lively traditional music worked into just about every aspect of life. This artistic spirit is embodied by The Rooms™, Newfoundland’s largest public cultural space. In addition to this lively arts and culture scene is a rugged and picturesque coastline, providing opportunities for hiking, whalewatching, sea kayaking, and cod fishing in season. Hiking at Signal Hill; Photo by Destination St. John’s Foot-stomping tunes and breathtaking views. Framed by its sheltered harbour and rugged coastline, St. John’s is best known for its blend of soft adventure, eclectic sophistication and friendly people. While its modern amenities and venues provide all the tools necessary for a smashingly successful event, it is the colourful encounters and uncommon experiences that people take away from this unique Canadian adventure; a place where towering icebergs and pods of humpback whales float along Iceberg Alley, and smiling faces line music-filled streets. 40 The colourful Streets of St. John’s; Photo by Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism / Barrett and MacKay Go east. Really east. Begin your day at Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site, the most easterly point in North America. Then take in a couple of meetings at St. John’s Convention Centre, featuring 16,000 square feet of meeting space. Attached by pedway is the Delta St. John’s Hotel, or if you’re looking for views of the harbour or Signal Hill there’s the stately Sheraton® Hotel Newfoundland, located in the historic city centre. For more information about St. John’s as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Murray Premises is a trendy boutique hotel with 67 rooms – large enough to accommodate sizeable groups while still maintaining the cozy atmosphere of a B&B. St. John’s 41 The Rooms; Photo by Destination St. John’s Whitehorse Dawson City Yukon Yukon Dogsledding in Lake Laberge; Photo by Government of Yukon / Joseph Bradley Dawson City Dome; Photo by Government of Yukon It’s all about light. We’ll drink to that. W D hitehorse is the land of the midnight sun in the summer and the northern lights in the winter. In the summer there’s the Millennium Trail, Miles Canyon and the Whitehorse Rapids Fish Ladder, which, between mid-July and August, is filled with Chinook salmon rushing down the Yukon River. The winter brings hot springs, dogsledding, skiing and, of course, the aurora borealis with ribbons of colour streaming across the sky. For those who like to fit a lot in a day. If you’re trying to squeeze a lot of learning into a short amount of time, Whitehorse is your place, with almost 24 hours of sunlight a day during the summer. Or, delegates can use it to play golf through the night at Mountain View Golf Course. When you do need to sleep, Inn on The Lake is a great choice, as it’s one of the few places in North America where you can see the aurora borealis right from your suite. To top it off, it’s also been featured in Martha Stewart 42 Mountain View Golf Course; Photo by Government of Yukon / Cathie Archbould Living® and listed as one of the top 150 places to stay in 2009 by National Geographic Traveler. Get a rush. If you have some time on your hands, take a walk along the Chilkoot Trail, designated a National Historic Site because of the role it played in the mass movement of people to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. To truly get a feel for what the rush was like, book an event in the Modern History Gallery at the McBride Museum, which resembles a saloon from the good ol’ days. For more information about Whitehorse as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Canoeing the Yukon River; Photo by Government of Yukon awson City was the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush and thus is a city rich in history. See for yourself at Dawson City Museum, or discover what it was like to wrap up a day of panning for gold at a saloon and visit Diamond Tooth Gerties Gambling Hall, complete with cancan dancers. We’ve found it’s much easier to push yourself on one of the beautiful hikes through Tombstone Territorial Park, knowing that a frosty beverage at Gerties is waiting at the end. Explore like a local If you want a taste of true local cuisine visit Klondike Rib & Salmon, and choose from a wide selection of wild game. Whitehorse The best spot in the city? The brothel. Discover Bombay Peggy’s, Yukon’s only restored brothel. Whether you’re a history buff, an explorer, or into Victorian decor, you can be assured you’ll have a great stay. This fun-loving gold rush inn has an adjoining pub featuring Yukon-brewed beer, and the sassiest martini menu on the block. Klondike Gold Rush Fields; Photo by Jason Van Bruggen Red Feather Saloon; Photo by Dirk Schilling Anything goes in the Yukon. Any place that has a chainsaw-chucking contest or a wife-carrying contest has got to be a good time. During the annual winter at Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous the locals celebrate many skill sets, including a beard and moustache-growing competition to commemorate the anniversary of the Alaska Highway, which runs from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Whitehorse and then all the way to Alaska. The Dawson City Music Festival is another great time, featuring northern bands and foot-stomping Celtic parties. Explore like a local Bonanza Dining Room’s servers are dressed in period costume from the Klondike Gold Rush – a pretty cool way to get a feel for what Dawson City’s all about. You can’t go wrong with the Yukon salmon or Alaskan halibut. Dawson City For more information about Dawson City as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel 43 Yellowknife Iqaluit Northwest Territories Nunavut Smile much? L ocated on the north shore of Great Slave Lake is Yellowknife, home to the SnowKing Winter Festival, a yearly celebration featuring a full-scale snow castle that serves as a central hub for the local arts scene. It’s also a great place for fly-fishing, finding rare Inuit stone carvings, and of course, beautiful Arctic tundra. With migrating herds of caribou, glaciers and spectacular waterfalls plunging deep into canyons, it will be hard to wipe the silly grin of wonder off your face. Mother Nature’s light show. As a general rule of thumb, the further north you travel the more vivid the northern lights become. Thus, the Northwest Territories may be your best bet to see this natural phenomenon. A mere 20 minutes from the city you’ll find Aurora Village, where one of the world’s only Aboriginal tourism companies offer northern lights viewing from within heated teepees. Travel like a royaL. On one of Kate and William’s trips to Canada, they boarded a Twin Otter® float plane for a bird's-eye view of the boreal wilderness that covers the Canadian Shield, before landing at the handcrafted log Blachford Lake Lodge and Conference Resort. Get the royal treatment and try it for yourself. Dogsledding outside Yellowknife; Photo by Peter Helm Getting there is half the fun. Explore like a local The Aurora Village; Photo by Tania Spencer IT’S LIKE THE KING OF FISH ‘N’ CHIPS. Have you ever tried pickerel fish ‘n’ chips? It’s pretty much the best. Stop by Bullock's Bistro to blow your mind. Or before embarking on a big day of adventure hit up The Dancing Moose Café in Old Town and familiarize yourself with their extensive breakfast menu. The Explorer Hotel is one the largest and best hotels in Yellowknife. It also happens to have hosted royalty before, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. (Yellowknife is classy like that.) Yellowknife For more information about Yellowknife as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Yellowknife Harbour; Photo by Terry Parker 44 On the way to Iqaluit; Photo by Clayton Anderson A lthough you can’t reach Nunavut’s capital by road, you can reach Iqaluit by plane, which, let’s be honest, is much better than driving anyway. Delegates can take side trips to the Nunavut communities of Qikiqtarjuaq, Clyde River and Pond Inlet to spot icebergs, or to Hall Beach or Igloolik to see walruses. There are endless opportunities to hike, ski and snowshoe very close to town as well. DIFFERENT, GUARANTEED. You can bet that the majority of your delegates have never dogsledded in the Arctic before or snowmobiled through the Arctic tundra. They probably have never shared a caribou dinner with the friendly Aboriginal Elders either or learned about traditional customs while admiring the Inuit’s art displays. An event in Iqaluit will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone. Meet the locals; Photo by Nunavut Tourism Truly unique rooms in a truly unique place. Throw an event in the Kitikmeot Meeting Room at the Frobisher Inn, featuring classic historical portraits of Inuit dating back to the early 1900s. The Frobisher Inn is one of the largest hotel conference venues in Northern Canada, with meeting rooms capable of holding groups of up to 250 people. For more information about Iqaluit as a destination, visit meetings.canada.travel Explore like a local Iqaluit Challenge your delegates to a soapstone carving or inukshuk building contest. 45 Canada Tips from our team of representatives. Flying times between major international and Canadian cities. de Ja iro ne r Pa on nd Lo rt fu nk lhi De s us a Fr Br Be is nc 7.0 6.0 2.7 1.5 6.5 10.0 11.0 17.5 3.3 6.5 5.0 3.0 1.4 5.0 12.5 10.0 22.0 11.0 8.5 11.0 13.0 Halifax 1.4 1.4 3.0 4.5 6.4 4.0 1.6 7.0 6.2 2.0 14.5 6.2 15.2 6.0 5.3 6.0 Montréal 3.0 1.1 2.3 4.0 6.0 3.4 1.3 6.0 7.2 1.4 17.5 7.0 20.4 7.0 6.3 6.4 16.5 Ottawa 2.4 1.4 2.0 4.0 6.4 8.4 1.5 7.0 6.4 1.5 18.0 8.0 21.0 7.5 7.0 8.2 17.0 Québec City 6.5 3.5 1.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 1.4 5.4 5.4 7.0 20.0 8.0 17.1 8.3 7.0 8.0 20.0 St. John’s 7.0 4.0 5.0 7.0 9.3 7.2 6.0 10.0 9.1 4.5 19.4 14.0 22.3 10.0 11.0 9.4 19.0 Toronto 2.1 1.3 1.3 3.3 5.3 3.0 1.3 5.2 4.3 1.3 16.3 7.3 14.2 Vancouver 7.0 5.5 4.0 4.0 3.0 5.5 5.4 2.0 1.0 5.1 11.0 14.2 26.0 10.0 9.3 12.5 21.1 Winnipeg 2.4 2.4 1.3 4.0 3.0 3.5 2.4 2.3 4.0 4.0 11.5 7.5 7.3 16.0 8.1 14.0 9.3 8.0 8.3 8.8 7.0 is 3.0 4.3 els 3.5 3.3 g ijin 3.0 5.0 co i 7.8 5.5 iam rk Yo a Se a Fr w C ,D on gt e hin ttl o Ri as W n Sa M Nunavut les ge An s lla Iqaluit Da Northwest Territories Ne s Lo Whitehorse go ica Ch on Yukon 6.0 Edmonton a nt Dawson City Calgary Hours For a sense of amazement, take in the northern lights (aurora borealis), a luminous display of colour that dances across the dark sky. While the northern lights can be seen year-round in Canada, they are best viewed in fall and winter when the nights are longer. st Bo la At Yukon Quest® is an annual 1,000-mile dogsled race between Whitehorse and Fairbanks held in February. 9.0 13.5 9.5 8.2 12.0 Yellowknife Where can you enjoy an authentic fondue dinner after snowshoeing to a log hut? Whistler, the largest ski resort in North America and well known for it's alpine skiing. In an area known as Polar Bear Alley in the Arviat region of the Hudson Bay Coast, your group can observe and photograph polar bears from a private cabin camp. British Columbia Vancouver Island Tofino Whistler Vancouver Victoria Twillingate Island boasts one of Canada’s most beautiful coastlines. Cruise the scenic waters while viewing icebergs, mighty humpbacks, dolphins and puffins. Or snorkel with the whales off the coast of St. John’s, North America’s oldest city. Alberta Churchill Saskatchewan Jasper Edmonton Banff Calgary Manitoba Did you know that you can get up close and personal to watch thousands of beluga whales play every summer in Hudson Bay from Churchill, Manitoba? Saskatoon PEI is Canada’s smallest and greenest province. Its lovely rolling landscape, red soil, sandy beaches, lobster cuisine and friendly locals make for the perfect meeting or incentive. Prince Edward Island Ontario You can take the most unique stroll, walking on the ocean floor of the Bay of Fundy at low tide, where the water was 50 feet above your head six hours earlier. Charlottetown Charlevoix Winnipeg Looking for sunshine? Saskatchewan has more sunny days than any other province! It also features some pretty incredible fishing spots with over 100,000 lakes to choose from. 46 St. John’s Quebec Regina 2012 is the 100-year anniversary of the Calgary Stampede, which will attract thousands of people from around the world! Newfoundland and Labrador While in Montréal, don’t miss out on the best smoked meat in the world! Schwartz’s delicatessen has been in business for over 80 years and is an institution in the city… and they cater! Muskoka Niagara-on-the-Lake New Brunswick Fredericton Québec City Mont-Tremblant Montebello Montréal Ottawa Toronto Niagara Falls Moncton Halifax Nova Scotia Halifax – Where else would you be able to go tidal bore rafting in the morning, whale-watching in the afternoon, and end the day with a fresh lobster supper in the evening? In Niagara Falls don’t miss dinner at one of the many award-winning wineries. The food and wine experience is amazing, but the homemade icewine marshmallows you can toast over an open fire for dessert are over-the-top. meetings.canada.travel 47 Aurora Borealis; Photo by Randall Shirley