Australians are often referred to as a ‘mature travel market’, which means when we hit the road we’re not just looking for a regular tourism experience.
On the contrary, we want to get to the heart of a destination so we can try the latest attractions and experience what it’s like to live like a local.
That’s why this year’s Canada Corroborree event was all about showcasing the unique and new parts of Canada that most Aussies are yet to see.
Speaking at the annual media lunch last week, Destination Canada CEO David Goldstein said ahead of next year’s 150th anniversary, the marketing bureau is aiming to entice more Aussies to visit by exposing the “glorious destination” as well as revealing its new features that both first time and return visitors will enjoy.
“A part of our job is to try to convince you that there’s more to discover.”
David Goldstein, Destination Canada CEO
So here it is, 22 new things to try and do around Canada:
1. Canada isn’t always cold, it’s cool
Goldstein said studies show that people have an idea of Canada always being “dark and snowy” and he plans to dispel these rumours by sending the message that Canada “isn’t cold, it’s cool”.
2. A 17th Century monastery joins the Fine Arts Museum
In Quebec City the rich heritage of the Augustines has been incorporated into the Fine Art Museum to showcase the destination’s history and culture.
3. It’s also a part wellness centre/hotel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le4isMie_Ss
Le Monastere des Augustines is made up of 65 rooms in a restored former cloister, a museum, a specialised culture and wellness program, and a restaurant.
4. Yukon has a lot of light
Yukon is famous for the Northern Lights, but that’s not the only light it gets.
5. No really, 24 hours of light
Although this may not be new, a lot of Aussies don’t realise the destination has 24 hours of daylight during the summer.
6. And 5,000km of nature to discover
A lot of daylight mixed with stunning scenery and 5,000km of roads to explore, this makes Yukon ideal for road trips. Or a great bucket list item to tick off the bucket list for those who just want to drive a fraction of the Arctic Circle.
7. Yukon Wild’s got the scares
Love a little scare? The Caribou Hotel in Yukon Wild is quickly being dubbed the place for paranormal activity thanks to its regular appearance in TV series Yukon Paranormal.
8. But Victoria’s got the cuteness
Victoria has welcomed nine new adorable baby orcas between December 2014 to January 2015 – that’s the largest number of babies born since record keeping began in the 1970s.
9. So. Much. Cuteness
Victoria is also home to the oldest orca in the world – her name is Granny and she’s an incredible 104 years old – 20 years older than the average life span of a female orca.
10. Over in Banff they’ve got heated asses
Love a warm ass during winter? No problems, Banff Lake Louise Tourism has upgraded its chairlifts with heated seats – it’s the first of its kind for Canada.
11. And they’ve got sushi
Also in Banff is a new sushi bar, which their local representative says has been a hit because of its custom rolls and traditional menu.
12. Oh and don’t forget this epic activity
Not quite done with Banff yet, the destination has a new must-do activity, the Via Ferrata – a 2.5 hour walk over fixed anchoring system of cables, ladders and a suspension bridge. It’s the first new activity in recent years and apparently it’s not as hard as it looks.
13. Aussies are huge in this part of Canada
Thanks to travel agents and media, Australians are now the largest overseas market for Frontiers North.
14. Which is home to the best dining view of the Northern Lights
Frontiers is located in the middle of Canada and is blessed with an incredible view of the Northern Lights. To build on this, from 10-12 March Frontiers is launching the 58º North latitude – a pop-up restaurant structure with a transparent roof so guests can look up during their meal and see the Northern Lights directly above them.
15. Over in Calgary it’s not just about the cowboys
It’s actually very much about music and believe it or not, 2016 is the Year of Music for the destination.
16. It’s actually very musical
This year, Calgary is not only opening Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, it’s also hosting 30 music related festivals over the next 12 months.
17. Surf’s up in Kensington
This is so random, it’s amazing. A pair of surfers who missed the surf so much decided one day to pick up their surf boards and ride the fast waters in Kensington Bow River – they do it every Wednesday and attract quite an audience.
18. While Brewster is offering a completely immersive experience
Brewster Travel Canada is redeveloping its Gondola Upper Terminal to be an immersive experience with state of the art facilities and more things for guests to see and do than ever before.
19. Sun Peaks is not a resort, it’s a destination
Yes, it’s now officially the place to be with 5,000 acres of new terrain and the second largest ski area in Canada.
20. And recently opened its own school
Aside from pitching itself as a destination, Sun Peaks now has its first fully established school sitting at the top of a mountain – kids literally catch the chair lift to school and ski home. Last year, the school has its first high school graduate.
21. Oh and there’s Segway riding in the winter
Can’t forget those Winter Segway tours – they only run for about one hour because the Segway batteries don’t last as long in the colder weather.
22. And finally, Vancouver is ballin’
The city will open a new hotel in 2017 called Parq Vancouver. It’s going to be quite the stay with with JW Marriott suites, the city’s biggest hotel ballroom, eight restaurants and lounges plus a two-level casino featuring high-end private salons.
