UNIVERSITYOF VISIT FLORIDA

UNIVERSITYOF
VISIT FLORIDA
The Official Travel Education Program
of the State of Florida
Comprehensive Study Guide
2010
general
Florida
information
Northwest
Florida
Northwest
general
florida
Florida
information
Pensacola
Fort Walton Beach
Destin
Panama City
Before your clients leave for their vacation time in Florida, you should ensure that they are aware of the
laws and customs of the state of Florida. Be advised that a passport is now required to enter the U.S. from
Canada. As is the case throughout Canada, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle while under the
influence of alcohol. Seatbelts are mandatory for all drivers and passengers, a law that is strictly enforced,
and all children under the age of 3 must be secured in a proper safety seat. While it is legal to operate a
motorcycle without a helmet, it is surely foolhardy to do so. Again, like Ontario, it is legal to make a right-hand
turn from a red light, but only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. The minimum age for renting a
car is 21, but many car rental agencies charge a premium on insurance if the driver is under 25 years of age.
Shopping is a great past-time in Florida, so your clients should be aware that there is a state tax of 6% on
most purchases. For your spring break clients, or those travelling with teenaged children, be advised that the
legal drinking age is 21.
It is advisable that your clients purchase travel insurance, regardless of the duration of their stay. Even those
clients that are covered through credit card benefits, group employee benefits or Government Health
Insurance Plans should consider supplementing their coverage with independent travel insurance.
When returning from Florida, your clients are entitled to bring up to $400.00 in goods into the country Duty
Free, provided they have been outside of the country at least 48 hours: if they have been outside of Canada
for more than 7 days, the Duty Free entitlement increases from $400.00 to $750.00. Included within both the
48 hour and 7 day exemptions, provided your clients are a minimum of 19 years of age,
they are entitled to up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1.5 litres of wine or 1.14 litres of liquor or 24 standard
size cans of beer.
❝A traveler without observation
is a bird without wings.❞
Moslih Eddin Saadi
Miniature Golf
general
Florida
information
Northwest
Florida
Northwest
general
florida
Florida
information
Pensacola
Fort Walton Beach
Destin
Panama City
If your clients are flying to Florida, it may interest them to know that WestJet flies to 5 cities in Florida,
including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. They can select their seats at no fee from 24 hours up to
60 minutes prior to departures and print their own boarding passes.
If your clients are booking a package holiday several tour operators offer packages from Canada including
WestJet Vacations, Air Canada Vacations, Sunwing Vacations and Transat Holidays. In addition to a wide selection of
hotels and resorts to suit any budget, vacation homes are an affordable alternative ideal for families or groups.
A couple of little known facts about Florida: While it is known for its beaches, attractions, theme parks
and great shopping, it surprises many people to learn that over 50% of the state’s land area is covered in
Pine Forest. The state does its best to maintain a healthy balance between growth and development and
maintaining its vast, natural beauty. Also, while the majority of the state operates on Eastern Standard Time,
the time zone in the Panhandle is as laid back as its people and operates on Central Standard Time, one hour
behind the rest of the state.
Good luck and happy selling!
❝Certainly, travel
is more than the
seeing of sights; it
is a change that
goes on, deep and
permanent, in the
ideas of living.❞
Miriam Beard
Scuba diving
Northwest Florida
Northwest
Florida
Pensacola
Fort Walton Beach
Destin
Panama City
Beaches of south
walton
Transportation
Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast has a relaxing, come-as-you-are atmosphere that welcomes residents and
visitors alike. The region is serviced by three airports; The Panama City-Bay County International Airport,
the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport and the Northwest Florida Regional Airport.
Like all of Florida, the Northwest is serviced by an excellent network of Interstate and major highways,
secondary and scenic routes. The Interstate-10 is a four lane divided highway, which runs east/west directly
across the region.
Of course, the entire state of Florida is filled with great routes for biking and hiking once you venture off
the Interstates and major highways. One such route, perfect for cyclists, is Scenic 30-A, which connects 11
of the 15 beach communities in Beaches of South Walton. Beaches of South Walton is located in the heart
of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and is home to the quaint beach communities of Seaside, Sandestin and
Grayton Beach, covering 50 km of trail, 42 km of beach and 5 State Parks. For more information visit www.
beachesofsouthwalton.com
Cars and bikes are not the only method of transportation in the Sunshine state: there is an endless network
of rivers and lakes ideal for canoeing and kayaking. The Blackwater River, with its tea-coloured water and
soft sand bottom is popular with canoeists. From the town of Milton’s Coldwater Creek, there is easy
access to Blackwater River and Sweetwater/Juniper Creeks.
Geography
The beaches of this region are known for their sugar white sands and emerald green waters, earning the
Emerald Coast nickname.
It is little wonder why the producers of the 1998 film The Truman Show, starring Canada’s own Jim Carrey,
chose the beautiful and idyllic beachside community of Seaside, with its lovely pastel coloured homes and
carefully manicured lawns for the film setting. Other beautiful cities are the historical town of Pensacola, the
old fishing village Destin and Apalachicola, a gorgeous coastal town that is responsible for 90% of the state’s
annual oyster harvest.
Florida has taken great strides to protect its natural assets through National Reserve Parks. The Florida
Caverns State Park in Marianna is worth visiting, with caverns with stalactite and stalagmite formations
known as The Cathedral, The Wedding Cake, The Cavern Waterfall and The Christmas Tree.
Northwest Florida
Northwest
Florida
Pensacola
Fort Walton Beach
Destin
Panama City
Beaches of south
walton
General information
Canadians generally think of Florida as a wintertime destination, but there are festivals, activities and events
to keep Canadians coming year round. Every year in April there is a week long party in Perdido Key,
typically known for its pristine shores and exceptional beaches that routinely rank in the country’s top 20,
that culminates in the “Interstate Mullet Toss.” After a week of festivities, dancing, drinking and dining, there
is a contest to see who can toss a Mullet fish the farthest across the state line into Alabama. Perdido Key and
Pensacola, with its beautiful Spanish Renaissance and Victorian-style homes, also play host to the Frank Brown
International Songwriter’s Festival each November.
Seafood is not just for tossing across state lines. Florida’s coastline boasts some 16,000 km of sandy
beaches, some of which are up to 90% quartz, like those of the panhandle’s Emerald coastline. Great
beaches and great coastlines usually result in great fishing, and that is so true in Florida’s Northwest region.
The Destin Seafood Festival, held every year in October, is among the best of the state’s many seafood
festivals, with fresh catches of cockles, mussels, shrimp and crab prepared into mouth watering dishes.
If seafood, great beaches, music festivals and week-long parties aren’t enough, perhaps the opportunity to
view spectacular hot air balloon ascensions, view skydiving demonstrations and even take a balloon ride
will prove uplifting. The Northwest Florida Balloon Festival, held every year in May, is just the ticket!
Attractions
The state of Florida is perhaps the attractions capital of the world, and Northwest Florida has its share.
Competing with Destin’s annual seafood festival is the Pensacola Seafood Festival which takes place in the
third week of September each year. In addition to lots of great, fresh seafood, local artisans are on hand
with arts and crafts and local entertainment. You should go, just for the halibut!
Seafood is not just for eating, sea creatures are fun to watch, too! Florida’s Gulfarium in Ft. Walton has
been wowing kids and adults alike for over 50 years with their live performances and exhibits. Looking for
something a little more prehistoric? Dinosaur Adventure Land in Pensacola allows kids to dig for fossils,
experience the science center, enjoy rides and even win prizes. This is fun bigger than a T-Rex!
Northwest Florida is chock-full of attractions for every interest, age group, budget and level of activity. Fort
Walton Beach is also home to the Northwest Florida Ballet, which puts on wonderful stage productions of
all your favourite ballets. And you can go from pirouettes to airplanes, as you make your way to Pensacola’s
National Museum of Naval Aviation, which houses an impressive array of Blue Angels, Flying Tigers, a Coast
Guard Helicopter, a K47 Airship and even a Flight Simulator to give flight to your dreams of flying.
Northeast Florida
Northeast
Florida
Amelia Island
Jacksonville
Ponte Vedra Beach
St. Augustine
Transportation
Northeast Florida contains an enviable blend of history, culture, nightlife, great beaches and attractions.
Serviced by Jacksonville International Airport, a mere 60 km from the beaches of St. Augustine, Northeast
Florida has something for everyone. St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Ponce de Leon, is considered to
be the oldest city in the United States and, with its beautiful beaches and interesting history, it is often
combined with Orlando as a two-centre holiday destination, as it is only 158 km away. Northeast Florida is
also serviced by a good selection of major highways and secondary routes. The I-95 runs in a north/south
direction through Northeast Florida, while the I-10 intersects the region in an east/west bearing. Those
preferring a more scenic route will undoubtedly select the A1A, which follows the region’s coastline from
its northern tip at Fernandina Beach all the way south to Flagler Beach.
Geography
The Northeast region of Florida, lined with first-rate beaches, historical cities and vast, open state parks,
is topped at its northern coastline by the Victorian resort city of Fernandina Beach, just across St. Mary’s
River from Georgia. In addition to being a former Pirate’s den, Fernandina Beach is the birthplace to
Florida’s shrimping industry, a fact that is celebrated each April with the Isle of 8 Flags Shrimp Festival.
About 100 km south of Fernandina Beach, on the same coast, is the historic town of St. Augustine; founded
in 1565 by Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine and its environs boasts over 70 km of sandy beaches. The Northeast
region is also home to the longest river in the state, the St. Johns River which, remarkably, flows from south
to north.Visitors to the area will not want to miss the town of Olustee, the site of the state’s largest Civil War
battle and the location of a vast and visually compelling reenactment each February.
General information
Northeast Florida is home to a wide selection of state parks and public lands, many of which offer hiking
and biking trails, picnic grounds, canoeing and fishing. For a free official statewide directory of campgrounds,
please call the Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, toll free at 850-562-7151. If your clients
are fishing enthusiasts, they will want to try their luck in the waters around a tiny town called Palatka,
where the largest bass in the state’s history was caught, weighing in at a hefty 15 pounds, 15 ounces.
Another record-breaker is the incredibly beautiful light shows that takes place each year between midNovember and the end of January; few sites match the beauty of the lovely city of St. Augustine aglitter
with over 2 million tiny white lights. Northeast Florida, like the rest of the state, hosts a variety of festivals
and celebrations throughout the year, the details of which can be found at www.VISITFLORIDA.com or
one of the many area convention and visitor bureau sites, such as www.visitjacksonville.com, which has
detailed information related to Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and area. Similarly, more details about the
Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, held each year in June, can be found at www.ameliaisland.org.
Northeast Florida
Northeast
Florida
Amelia Island
Jacksonville
Ponte Vedra Beach
St. Augustine
Attractions
Northeast Florida, in addition to being a short drive from Central Florida and Orlando, is home to many
great attractions of its own. St. Augustine, a modern and historic city, has attractions both modern and
ancient. From the country’s oldest schoolhouse, believed to be built in the 1700’s, to the massive Spanish
fort known as Castillo de San Marcos, which rebuffed the attacks of pirates for many years, St. Augustine
has many sites of historical significance to explore. The city also has a very modern complex in the
World Golf Village, which houses two championship golf courses, a golf academy, hotels, an IMAX theatre,
restaurants, shops and much more. There are also many noteworthy museums situated in Northeast
Florida including the Museum of Science and Natural History in Jacksonville which houses artifacts dating
back thousands of years, with living reptiles and a 3-D laser show, and an interactive area that’s great for
kids. The Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, which is also worth visiting, was once a luxury hotel of Henry
Flagler’s and remains an exceptional example of Hispano-Moorish architecture. The splendid rooms are
filled with beautiful period furnishings, Tiffany lamps, musical instruments, original art and an impressive
array of stained glass.
Amelia
❝ Henry M. Flagler, the
Standard Oil magnate,
may have been searching
for the Fountain of
Youth when he first
visited St. Augustine, in
the winter of 1883-84, or
he may have just wanted
to get warm.❞
Philip Hamburger
North Central Florida
North central
Florida
Tallahassee
Lake City
Gainesville
Cedar Key
Transportation
Located just 23 km from the Georgia state border, Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee, is a fitting gateway
to the state of Florida. North Central Florida is not serviced by its own international airport, the closest
being Jacksonville, located about 260 km east by way of the I-10. North Central Florida is serviced by
an impressive network of roadways; the major interstate running north/south through this region of the
state is the I-75. The driving distance from Tallahassee to Key West, continental US’s southernmost point,
is approximately 1,000 km, giving you some idea of the vastness of the state. North Central Florida also
has a vast network of biking and hiking trails and rivers ideal for kayaking or canoeing. One such trail is the
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, stretching over 320 km, and easily accessible from a number of points
including Fanning Springs State Park and Ichetucknee State Park.
Geography
In addition to housing Tallahassee, the state’s capital, North Central Florida is a vast region of green rolling
hills, oak-canopied roads, winding rivers, natural springs and great, sprawling state parks. Along the Gulf of
Mexico, where the handle meets the pan, so to speak, is an area affectionately known as Big Bend, made
up of hundreds of little islands. Among them is Cedar Key, once a busy seaport during the flourishing
lumber trade of the 19th century, now a fishing village and thriving artist’s community. The region’s cultural
capital and home of the Gators football team, Gainesville, is also close to Ginnie Springs, great for camping,
kayaking, swimming and snorkeling. North Central Florida boasts over 30 state parks and public lands
for camping, hiking and exploring. One such is the savannah-like Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in
Southern Alachua County where bison, deer, bobcat, wild horses, otters, alligators and over 270 species
of birds are known to reside.
General information
North Central Florida is home to a great number of historically significant sites including Florida A & M
University; founded in 1887, it’s the only historically black institution in the state of Florida. The city of
Tallahassee, which was selected as capital of the region in the 1820’s, has a large historic district with such
sites as the former capital building, the 1820 Columns and the Brokaw-McDougall House, a fine example
of the Greek revival style of architecture favoured in the mid 1800’s. A full list of all the many sights and
attractions within the city of Tallahassee can be found on the official web site, www.seetallahassee.com.
An interesting fusion of the region’s historical and cultural significance along with its vast landscape, ideal
for camping, canoeing and hiking, can be found in the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, so
named for the composer of the state song, “Old Folks at Home.” Of course, like the rest of the great state
of Florida, North Central Florida is known for much more than history, culture and outdoor activities.
Some of the best scallops in the country are harvested from the crystal clear waters near Steinhatchee
and Cedar Key.
North Central Florida
North central
Florida
Tallahassee
Lake City
Gainesville
Cedar Key
Attractions
North Central Florida, while not famous for its attractions, has many that are worth viewing. In Tallahassee
you’ll find the Challenger Learning Center which includes a planetarium with space related exhibits and
activities for the kids. Gainesville, the region’s largest city by population, has a number of attractions, both
historic and modern, including the Cracker-style home and estate of Pulitzer-prize winning author of Cross
Creek, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Another more modern attraction is the Butterfly Rainforest in the Florida
Museum of Natural History. Among the many varieties of butterflies to see at the Butterfly Rainforest is
the beautiful and colourful monarch, which can also be seen at The St. Mark’s National Wildlife Refuge,
south of Tallahassee, where it rests while en route to its winter home in Mexico. North Central Florida is
also home to one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world: Wakulla Springs. Spend a day
visiting and explore the springs on a glass bottom boat.
❝The World
is a book, and
those who do
not travel read
only a page.❞
St. Augustine
Steinhatchee
central Florida
central
Florida
Ocala
Orlando
Kissimmee
St. Cloud
Transportation
Central Florida is serviced by one major-international airport near Orlando, and is easily accessible by an
excellent network of major and secondary highways. Orlando is serviced by a variety of Canadian airlines
including WestJet, Air Canada, Sunwing and Air Transat. WestJet flies non-stop to Orlando from Calgary, Halifax,
Winnipeg, Hamilton, London, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Once in Orlando, your clients are only 30 km from the
peaceful resort area of Kissimmee and 170 km from the award winning beaches of St. Petersburg/Clearwater..
Geography
As the name of the region would imply, Central Florida is in the centre of the state and as such does not
have a major body of water surrounding it, but it does have a large number of rivers and lakes throughout.
Around Winter Haven alone there is a chain of over 500 lakes including Howard, Cannon, Ship, Lulu and Eloise.
Other water based activities can be enjoyed at Ocala’s Silver Springs, including glass bottom boat rides, jungle
cruises and even exotic wildlife. At Discovery Cove, your clients can swim with dolphins and snorkel through
a glistening tapestry of tropical fish. And of course while your clients are in Florida, they should take the
opportunity to see an alligator, and Gatorland in Orlando provides a safe and natural environment to view these
strangely prehistoric looking creatures.
General information
There is a wide selection of excellent accommodations throughout Central Florida including 5 star resorts,
budget properties, vacation homes and campgrounds. Your clients can book accommodations in beautiful
and secure gated communities such as the Bahama Bay Resort and Spa, offered by WestJet Vacations. For
younger clients, consider Nickelodeon Family Suites in Orlando where kids can have breakfast with Spongebob
Squarepants and Dora the Explorer.
Attractions
Central Florida is renowned for its attractions and it would be easy to fill several pages with all the great attractions,
such as Disney World. Florida’s original theme park is Cypress Gardens and it recently reopened with a great variety
of thrilling rides, fabulous shows, botanical gardens and even a butterfly arboretum. For film buffs, suggest the
Florida Film Festival held every year in the town of Maitland. Other unusual attractions for those of your clients
looking for something beyond the theme parks include the Annual Central Florida Scottish Highland games held
each January in Maitland, and Westgate River Ranch near Lake Wales where your clients can enjoy a genuine ‘dude
ranch’ experience. Seaworld is a favourite for young and old alike and its waterpark, Aquatica is sure to make a
splash with visitor. Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket, Universal Orlando Resorts newest rollercoster is now open.
For something out of the ordinary, your clients can attend Cow Camp in Kissimmee and visit with real wranglers and cattle.
The sky is truly the limit in Central Florida and they can have that too with Fantasy of Flight; located outside Orlando in an
old air strip and hangar; here your clients can walk through the trenches of WWI, experience a chilling re-enactment of
WWII bombing mission, try out a flight simulator and see a fine selection of the history of military aircraft.
central East Florida
Central east
Florida
Daytona Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Cocoa Beach
Melbourne
Vero Beach
Transportation
Central East Florida stretches in the north from one of the original winter resort towns, Ormond-By-The-Sea,
to Hutchinson Island in the south, and throughout it is blessed with postcard-perfect beaches. The region
is well serviced by two international airports: Daytona Beach International Airport and Melbourne
International Airport. There is a fine network of major and secondary highways, including the I-95 which
stretches across the region in a north/south direction, allowing fast access to many other Florida cities
including Jacksonville, about 140 km to the north, and Orlando, 90 km to the west. In addition to convenient
international airports and well maintained roadways, the region has an impressive array of state parks to
explore by foot or canoe. The DeLeon Springs State Park has several lakes and creeks and a tasty restaurant
that was once a sugar mill. One of the state’s busiest cruise ports, Port Canaveral, is also found in this region.
Geography
When your clients are exploring the Central East region of Florida, they should make note of the many
activities and events that take place each year such as Biketoberfest, with races, parades, bands and more,
held each year in Daytona Beach, or the Wings ‘n Wheels Air & Military Vehicle Show held each year in
Fort Pierce, which provides a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with vintage and modern
aircraft. If your clients are interested in the supernatural, you will want to direct them to Cassadaga; a
winter retreat for spiritualists since 1894, this town is populated with many palm and card readers – so they
may already know your clients are coming. If you have clients staying on the Space Coast or sailing from
Port Canaveral they should plan a drive along Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, close to the Kennedy Space Center,
they’ll have a good opportunity of sighting some local wildlife. Also nearby is the Sterling Casino Boat Cruise;
setting sale from Port Canaveral’s Terminal B twice daily, it houses a full service casino.
General information
Daytona is well known for its great speedways, and if your clients are fans of car racing, they will want to
schedule their trip to coincide with the Pepsi 400, held each July at the Daytona International Speedway.
The family friendly Wyndham Ocean Walk Daytona Beach offers 1-2-3 bedroom condominium
accommodations. Like the rest of Florida, Central East Florida is blessed with a wide array of natural habitat.
Near Port Canaveral, at the Canaveral National Seashore, your clients will find nature trails, camping, over
300 species of birds and the nesting grounds for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Another incredible site is the
annual migration of the Manatee, known locally as sea cows, which can be best viewed from the observation
platform at Blue Spring State Park. The Space Coast is primarily known for the Kennedy Space Center and
the site of the shuttle launches, it also has beautiful beaches and a vast array of wildlife; lesser known, but no
less worth seeing, is the annual Space Coast Art Festival held each November
central East Florida
Central east
Florida
Daytona Beach
New Smyrna Beach
Cocoa Beach
Melbourne
Vero Beach
Attractions
The Central East region of Florida is great for young and old. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
is a thrill for children and adults, allowing your clients to tour space shuttle launching and landing sites,
and even have lunch with an astronaut: Do they really drink Tang with lunch? When in Cocoa Beach, your
clients will want to visit the Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s most famous surf shop, which is open 24 hours
a day. NASCAR has become extremely popular with Canadians, and Daytona USA has everything that
a NASCAR enthusiast can look for including interactive exhibits, motion simulator rides and an IMAX
theatre. Close by, on Merritt Island, your clients will find Merritt Square with over 90 specialty shops,
18 restaurants and 16 cinemas. If your clients prefer live theatre, Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach has two
stages and over 250 performances per year.
❝We
wander for
distraction,
but we
travel for
fulfillment.❞
Hilaire Belloc
Daytona
Southwest Florida
southwest
Florida
Bradenton
Sarasota
Punta Gorda
Fort Myers
Naples
Marco Island
Transportation
Southwest Florida is serviced by two major international airports: Fort Myers Southwest International Airport
and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, both of which are offered by a number of Canadian and
international air carriers. Southwest Florida is also well served by a number of major and secondary highways
allowing your clients a comfortable 90 minute scenic drive from Sarasota to Clearwater, and to conveniently
traverse the 340 km of Everglades that separates Fort Myers from Miami. To drive from Fort Myers to Miami,
your clients have the option of driving the I-75, the quickest route, or Highway 41, the more scenic route.
Geography
Some of Florida’s most well-known and well-loved cities are found in Southwest Florida including Fort Myers,
Naples, Venice and Sarasota. Fort Myers, a favourite winter home for many Canadians, was also a favourite
winter home to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. They were great friends and next door neighbours. Today,
your clients can visit the Edison-Ford Winter Estates and explore Edison’s lab, the botanical gardens and a
museum filled with artefacts from the careers of both of these incredible men. If your clients are looking
for something extraordinary, they will find a spacious “home away from home” at the SunStream Hotels and
Resorts. The luxurious 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites offer warm hospitality and convenient access to all of the
irresistible attractions of Fort Myers Beach and Naples. Just across a short bridge from Fort Myers are the
beautiful and peaceful islands of Sanibel and Captiva. These glorious, romantic islands known for breathtaking
sunsets are most famous for their beautiful shelling beaches. Within the spectacular city of Sarasota is a region
known as St. Armand’s Circle with upscale shops, boutiques, galleries and fine restaurants. Your clients should
have no difficulty finding a tee time in Naples, only 60 km from Fort Myers, with 55 golf courses; it has more
courses per capita than any other city in Florida.
General information
If your clients do intend to visit the beautiful shelling islands of Sanibel and Captiva, caution them to bend carefully
when collecting shells for fear of acquiring “Sanibel Stoop” or “Captiva Crouch.” Another reason to visit Southwest
Florida is the great surfing on Anna Maria Island, across from Bradenton, or the Sarasota Music Festival held each
June. It will bring music to your client’s ears to learn that WestJet’s Gullwing Beach Resort offers spectacular views of
the Gulf of Mexico, Estero Island and Estero Bay.
Attractions
While in Florida your clients will want to make the most of their time by enjoying the great outdoors. The Ten
Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge will offer them at least ten thousand ways to enjoy its more than
14 hectars of mangroves, inland channels and water bays, including kayaking, camping, exploring and hiking. The seafood
in Florida is always served up fresh, hot and expertly prepared. Nowhere is this truer than at the Everglades Seafood
Festival held each February. After feasting on some fresh seafood, your clients may want to enjoy a live theatre
performance by the Asolo Theatre Company in Sarasota, or explore the state’s pre-historic and pre-Columbian
past at the South Florida Museum in Bradenton. While your clients will see the tusks of an ancient mastodon in
Bradenton, it might be a great white shark they’ll see in Naples; Greg Norman, the ‘great white shark’ designed the
challenging Tiburon Golf Club in Naples.
southeast Florida
and the Florida Keys
southeast
Florida
and the
Florida keys
Transportation
With international airports in Miami, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, your clients will have no
difficulty in finding a wide selection of flights into the Southeastern region of Florida; even the Keys has
Port St. Lucie
a small, international airport at Key West. Some resorts in this region, such as the Ocean Reef Club just
West Palm Beach
outside Key Largo, even have their own, private airstrip to accommodate business travellers and private
Fort Lauderdale
charters. During peak season, WestJet flies non-stop to Fort Lauderdale 26 times per week. The region is
Miami
also well served by a very good network of roadways, allowing your clients to drive between Orlando and
Key Largo
Fort Lauderdale, usually in about 3.5 hours. There is only one way to get to Key West by road, and that’s
Key West
Highway 1; the drive from Miami to Key West, which is just over 240 km, can easily take over 4 hours due
to traffic. In contrast, your clients will find the Tri-Rail, the commuter train between Miami and Palm Beach, a
speedy mode of transportation.
Geography
Despite their great distances politically and philosophically, Cuba and the US are only 144 km apart at
their closesest point, the southern tip of Key West. If your clients were to follow Highway 1 north to
Miami, it will hook up with the I-95, which will take them all the way to the point where Maine meets New
Brunswick, some 3,000 km. Much of southern Florida’s geography is made up of the Everglades National
Park, which covers 1.5 million acres. A trip to this region is not complete without an airboat ride into
the park. If your clients would like to spend some extended time in the Everglades, they should consider
Flamingo, which is a great starting point for hiking or boating and provides overnight accommodation.
There is a great, large lake in Southeast Florida, that also touches on Central Florida and Southwest Florida
called Lake Okeechobee which, suitably, means “big water.”
General information
You will find accommodation in this region that will suit every client’s needs and budget. In Fort Lauderdale,
the popular Sheraton Yankee Clipper is both offered by WestJet Vacations and will open from renovation
January 2010. A great excursion for your clients while in the Fort Lauderdale area is a
cruise on the Jungle Queen Riverboat; in addition to an “all they can eat BBQ and shrimp fry”, your clients
will have an excellent view of the priceless mansions and estates that line the coast. A little farther south,
the area of South Beach has become a very trendy part of Florida to stay . And if your clients do make
the drive from Miami to Key West, the half-way point is marked by the town of Marathon, a frequent
refreshment stop en route.
southeast Florida
and the Florida Keys
southeast
Florida
and the
Florida keys
Port St. Lucie
Attractions
Key West is an entity unto itself. Its laid-back, bohemian lifestyle has attracted many artists; perhaps the
most noted being none other than Ernest Hemingway. During his years in Key West, many hours were
spent in his favourite bar, Sloppy Joe’s, which remains a popular tourist attraction to this day. Another
West Palm Beach
famous name in Florida is that of Henry Flagler who, due to his ambitious railroad development and hotel
Fort Lauderdale
construction, is widely considered to be the father of Florida’s tourism industry. Henry Flagler’s former
Miami
winter home, known as Whitehall, now stands as a museum in Palm Beach, and is very much worth a visit.
Key Largo
If your clients are bringing their children to Fort Lauderdale and they want to introduce them to a fun way
Key West
to think about a future career, they should explore Wannado City, America’s first indoor role-playing theme
park for kids. Other local attractions include the Billie Swamp Safari, where your clients can experience an
authentic native Indian village, and the Miami Film Festival, held each year in March.
❝One’s
destination is
never a place,
but a new
way of seeing
things.❞
Henry Miller
central west
Florida
central west
Florida
Inverness
Clearwater
Tampa
St. Petersburg
Transportation
Central West Florida is home to some of the country’s very best beaches which are blessed with soft
white sands and remarkably blue seas. The region is serviced very well by two international airports: one
in St. Petersburg/Clearwater and the second in Tampa Bay. Only 35 km separate the two airports, but the
St. Pete/Clearwater airport is considered to be closer to Dunedin, winter home to the Toronto Blue Jays .
WestJet flies to Tampa from Toronto and Ottawa.
Geography
The geography of Central West Florida lends itself well to activities that centre on the beach and
outdoors. Coastal expert Dr. Beach named Caladesi Island Beach America’s top beach for 2008. DeSoto
Park (also in the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area) was given the top honour in 2005. Where there’s water
there must be...mermaids! At least that’s true of Weeki Wachi Springs where your clients can snorkel and
scuba dive among gentle manatee and colourful fish, and they can view the state’s only live mermaid show.
This region also produces fabulous sponges, and a small Greek community developed around the sponge
trade known as Tarpon Springs. Here, your clients can enjoy some tzatziki, baklava and other Greek
specialties while shopping for sponges. Your clients will find a wide selection of beautiful resorts, brand
name hotels, superior small lodgings and B & Bs. Included are very popular condominium and condotel
accommodations that line the coastal area along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Moving inland, your clients
will find many reasons to explore Ybor City in Tampa Bay including many Cuban influenced activities such
as meringue, flamenco and salsa dancing, cigar rolling demonstrations and some excellent Cuban style
restaurants.
General information
Central West Florida with its fabulous beaches and abundance of activities is a perfect family destination.
The city of Clearwater, while known primarily for its fabulous beaches, has so much more to offer: From
its spectacular sunsets, street performers, musicians and artisans at Sunset Celebrations at Pier 60, to
the spectacular Clearwater Marine Aquarium where your clients can get up close and personal with an
ocean of sea life or meet Winter, the famous Blue Nose dolphin who swims with the first ever man made
prosthesis tail. The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary is home to over 500 injured and recovering birds, and the
Ruth Eckerd Hall is home to great musicals such as Mamma Mia, Annie and more. If your clients are in the
Central West region of Florida and they would like to explore a city with European flair, you can suggest
Hyde Park Village with its beautiful tree-lined streets, sidewalk cafes and great shopping just south of Tampa
Bay’s downtown core.
central west
Florida
central west
Florida
Inverness
Clearwater
Tampa
St. Petersburg
Attractions
Florida and baseball go together like apple pie and ice cream; many of Major League Baseball’s franchises
spend their spring training in Florida. While your clients are in Florida taking in some spring training Blue Jays’
games, they might want to explore the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame in Hernando. For the kids,
take in a day at Great Explorations, the Hands-On Museum in St. Petersburg where kids can take a hands-on
approach to science. Looking to get the heart pounding? Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster, SheiKra,
the largest in Florida, is sure to thrill as it drops vertically, reaching speeds of up to 112 km/h. If your clients
prefer to stay a little closer to earth, they might like to experience the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, one
of the finest zoos in America or, if they’re seeking a little art and culture, St. Petersburg delivers with the
Salvador Dali Museum.
Shell Island
❝A journey is best
measured in friends,
rather than miles.❞
Tim Cahill
SPONSORS
WestJet
WestJet Vacations has Florida covered with hotels, theme parks, attractions and car rentals across the
state. WestJet fl ies to fi ve cities in the Sunshine State from several Canadian gateways.
Orlando
This year, don’t miss out on sharing all the wonderful experiences Orlando has to offer. Conquer the biggest
roller coasters, ride the fastest spinning teacups, see unbelievable dolphin shows and enjoy breakfast with
the Grinch! Your clients can share with their families an exploration of new and unique water parks, magical
theme parks and rides that will leave them breathless.
East Coast Florida (Ft Lauderdale, Daytona, Hollywood and Miami)
The East Coast of Florida is a long time favourite for Canadians. There is plenty of sunshine along the 23
sparkling miles of Daytona Beach and vacationing in any of Ft Lauderdale’s beach communities can be as laid
back and relaxing or as exciting and invigorating as your client want it to be.
West Coast Florida (Clearwater, St, Petersburg, Ft Myers, Naples, Marco Island, Tampa)
The West Coast of Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is truly the fun
family beach vacation your clients are looking for. St. Pete/Clearwater is only 30 minutes from Busch Gardens
in Tampa and 90 minutes from the Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld and Universal Studios in Orlando.
Ft. Myers, Naples and Marco Island have many fun activities for families and wide sand beaches where shelling
in unrivalled.
Gateways (winter schedule)
* All flights are direct non-stop
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
Calgary to Orlando: 3 fl ights per week on Tues/Thurs/Sundays
Winnipeg to Orlando: 3 fl ights per week on Tues/Thurs/Sundays
Hamilton to Orlando: 1 weekly fl ight on Saturdays
London to Orlando: 1 weekly fl ight on Saturdays
Ottawa to Fort Lauderdale: 1 weekly fl ight on Saturdays
Ottawa to Orlando: 6 fl ights per week (every day but Thursdays)
Ottawa to Tampa: 3 fl ights per week on Thurs/Sat/Sundays
Toronto to Fort Lauderdale: two daily fl ights
Toronto to Fort Myers: daily fl ight
Toronto to Miami: daily fl ight
Toronto to Orlando: Two daily fl ights
Toronto to Tampa: Daily fl ight
Montreal to Fort Lauderdale: 11 fl ights every week (two fl ights on Tues/Thurs/Fri/Sunday, daily fl ight
on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays)
Montreal to Orlando: 3 fl ights per week on Mon/Wed/Saturdays
Halifax to Orlando: 1 weekly fl ight on Saturdays
Car partners:
v Alamo
v Avis
v Budget
Properties:
v Orlando area (36 properties)
SPONSORS
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
v
Bahama Bay Resort & Spa
Caribe Cove
Clarion Hotel Maingate
Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista
Comfort Suites Maingate
Disney’s All-Star Resorts
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney’s Yacht Club & Disney’s Beach Club
Florida Vacation Homes Rental Offi ce
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Universal
Nickelodeon Family Suites
Oak Plantation Resort
Omni Orlando at Championsgate
Quality Inn International
Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration
Residence Inn SeaWorld
Seralago Hotel & Suites Main Gate East
Sheraton Vistana Villages
Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista
Holiday Inn International
Holiday Inn Maingate East
Holiday Inn Sunspree
Staybridge Suites International
Universal Studios Orlando Hotels
ß Hard Rock Hotel
ß Loews Royal Pacifi c
ß Loews Portofi no Bay
Fort Lauderdale area (18 properties)
o Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort
o Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort
o Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa
o
Daytona Beach area
ß Plaza Ocean Club
ß The Plaza Resort & Spa
ß The Shores Resort & Spa
o
Fort Lauderdale
ß Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
ß Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort
ß Harbour Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
ß Ocean Sky Hotel & Resort
ß Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort
ß Sheraton Ft Lauderdale Beach Resort
SPONSORS
ß
ß
ß
o
The Westin Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale
Lauderdale Beachside Hotel
W Ft Lauderdale
Miami area
ß Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort
ß Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach
ß W South Beach
v
St. Petersburg-Clearwater (via Tampa) (11 properties)
o Alden Beach Resort & Suites
o Bilmar Beach Resort
o Dolphin Beach Resort
o Doubletree Beach Resort
o Oceanfront Condominiums
o TradeWinds Sandpiper Hotel & Suites
o Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater
o Marriott Suites Clearwater
o Residence Inn Treasure Island
o Sunset Vistas, Treasure Island
o Tradewinds Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach
v
Fort Myers (8 properties)
o Bellasera Hotel
o Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
o Inn on Fifth
o Marriott Marco Island Resort & Spa
o Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
o Outrigger Beach Resort
o DiamondHead Beach Resort, Ft Myers
o Gullwing Beach Resort, Ft Myers
Theme Parks
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
Walt Disney World
o Typhoon Lagoon
o Blizzard Beach
Epcot
Animal Kingdom (WDW)
Hollywood Studios
Aquatica
SeaWorld
Busch Gardens
Universal Orlando
o Universal Studios
o Islands of Adventure
Kvtu!cfzpoe!BnfsjdbÖt!cftu!cfbdift-!b!xpsme!
pg!bewfouvsf!bxbjut/!Gspn!tbjmjoh!pvu!pg!
Dmfbsxbufs!Cfbdi!po!b!qjsbuf!tijq-!up!fyqmpsjoh!
uif!npsubs!cbuufsz!pg!ijtupsjd!Gpsu!Ef!Tpup/!JuÖt!
bnb{joh!uif!uijoht!zpvÖmm!mfbso!bcpvu!uijt!
tvsqsjtjoh!eftujobujpo/!Tff!gps!zpvstfmg!bu
WjtjuTuQfufDmfbsxbufs/dpn
Pirate cruises, John’s Pass, Madeira Beach, FL