18th May , 2017

A ROUND UP OF CANADA NEWS

AVOID LAST MINUTE DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE AIRPORT : BRITISH VISITORS TO CANADA MUST HAVE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA) THIS SUMMER

To Avoid disappointment at the airport this summer , a reminder that All British visitors to Canada arriving by AIR must as of November 2016 have an Electronic Travel Authority (Eta) to Travel to Canada. Those planning trips for 2017 are advised to apply in advance of booking airline ticket. The ETA costs $7.00 and is valid for 5 years. Purchase is done on line through : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp .

PLEASE NOTE : Any site charging more than $7.00 is not the official government site.

CRUISING AND PLAYING CANADA'S TOP GOLF COURSES WITH FIDDLES & STICKS

Canadian small ship specialist One Ocean Expeditions are introducing a new Canada's East Coast Golf Expedition 'Fiddles & Sticks', which will run June 24th- July 1st 2018.  This innovative voyage promises to deliver the ultimate golf and expedition cruise experience for adventure enthusiasts, golfers and non-golfers alike.

 Expedition cruising has seen an increase in popularity as more travellers are looking to combine activities with the experience of being immersed in a destination. It is becoming a key decision-making factor for travellers and, once again, expedition cruise specialist OOE is leading the way with the one-of-a-kind 'Fiddles & Sticks' voyage.

The journey begins and ends in Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, a region that has evolved into a premiere golf destination, attracting golfers from around the globe. Golfers joining the voyage will have the opportunity to play one of North America's most talked about courses – the Cabot Link – also known as the nation's most authentic and demanding of all seaside courses.

The cruise will visit Prince Edward Island (PEI) one of the most picturesque of the three Maritimes provinces and smallest in both land and population. From the air, the island appears to be one giant golf course with its rolling greens, sand and water traps. It gets even better as the island is home to more than 25 golf courses making PEI Canada's number one golf destination.

 The voyage will also explore les Isle-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec's most charming and culturally diverse destination. Guests can choose to experience the breathtaking scenery from a zodiac, sea kayak or standup paddleboard. Or, some might opt for a land-based sightseeing option and choose a guided bike excursion. The bike tour will take cyclists along gentle rolling hills to discover small, colourful villages where they will be charmed by the distinctive Madelinois accent of the friendly locals.

 Throughout the journey OOE's guests will enjoy daily zodiac and wildlife viewing excursions, guided hikes and visits to coastal villages – all of which are included in the price of the voyage. They will take part in educational seminars given by special guest speakers and expert staff in various fields ranging from marine biology, geology and history to photography and visual art. Guests will get to savour regional culinary delicacies such as the famous Atlantic lobster and dance and laugh to the music of local musicians and animated storytellers.

Before heading back to Louisbourg guests relish in a day excursion to the mystical Sable Island, Nova Scotia – one of the trip highlights. The island is home to the infamous wild horses as well as diverse flora, rare bird colonies and hundreds of shipwrecks, a reminder of the ill-fated journeys of early European settlers.

 OOE's knowledge of Canada's East Coast is in the company's DNA. “Being born and raised in Cape Breton I always wanted the world to discover this special place”, said Andrew Prossin, OOE's Managing Director. “I've sailed and golfed all over the region and I know that our guests are in for a treat with this one-of-a-kind cruise experience”, added Prossin.

Price for the 7-night Canada's East Coast Golf Expedition: Fiddles and Sticks starts at $3,395 in triple share.

For more Information : www.oneoceanexpeditions.com

HERDING REINDEER IN CANADA

Tundra North Tours is an Inuit company based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. In this unique authentic Arctic experience you will get to herd 3000 reindeer by snowmobile over the Arctic Tundra, drive to the remote town of Aklavik via the Ice Road, visit Tuktoyaktuk, the most northern community in Western Canada, enjoy cultural displays and meals, and potential northern light viewing.

For more information on this package please go to : www.tundranorthtours.com

 NEW INN OPENING IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Mallard Cottage restaurant , an 18th Century Irish Newfoundland vernacular style cottage is a celebration of Newfoundland and Labradors incredible purveyors and a piece of Newfoundlands heritage. The Mallard Group is expanding with an Inn, with just 8 creatively appointed guest rooms creating an inspiring stay with care free comfort.

In June 2017 , the Inn by Mallard Cottage will open in the heart of Quidi Vidi Village, year round with a mission to share an authentic Newfoundland experience. Although the Inn is located 5 minutes from downtown and 12 minutes from St. John's International Airport, the charming fishing village offers endless outdoor activities and the sense of being hours away from the city.

The two guest houses of the Inn, nestled in craggy cliffs of the harbor are influenced in design and aesthetic of rural Newfoundland. Each house boats four guest room,s all creatively appointed with the best furnishings from the past and present and the highest quality linens and amenities.

Check it out via : www.mallardcottage.ca

OPENING INDIGENOUS OWNED WINERY

Indigenous World Winery in Westbank, opened in 2016 and is the second indigenous owned winery in British Columbia. Experience world class VQA wines and indigenous culture while taking in the beautiful view of Lake Okanagan. Inspiration for Indigenous World concept comes from owners Robert and Bernice Louie's love for their people and pride in their Aboriginal heritage. The goal is to create an Aboriginal themed destination that showcases Indigenous people in business while highlighting the culture and traditions of the indigenous people and the lands they are connected to. Be sure to indulge at the Red Fox Club; a locally sourced, Aboriginal inspired restaurant. Plans are also afoot to develop locally sourced water into an indigenous sparkling water brand.

Read more here :

http://indigenousworld.ca/#water

NEW 2018 HIKING TOUR WITH HF HOLIDAYS

HF Holidays are launching a new 2018 hiking package to Newfoundland and Labrador, or 'The Rock' as the island is affectionately known. It is the largest and most rugged of the Canadian islands, with dramatic coastlines and stunning panorama's. First colonized by the Vikings in the 11thC it is home to a rich mix of Norse and European heritage. Explore the rocky outcrops, including the National Historic site at L'anse Aux Meadows, landing site of Leif Eriksson and his crew. Venture through countless nature reserves including the UNESCO world heritage site, The Gros Morne National Park. This guided walk offers plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities as well as the opportunity to see ice bergs travelling down Iceberg Alley.

Prices include half board accommodation plus 8 lunches, experienced guide, all transport, entrance fees to National and Provincial parks, tips. The trips will depart on May 26th, 29th July and 2 September 2018 for 12 nights/13 days.

Places will be limited on these tours so book early to avoid disappointment. www.hfholidays.co.uk

 VISITOR JUMP EXPECTED FOR NEW UNESCO SITE IN NEWFOUNDLAND

The Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland is now preparing for its first full summer of visitations following its naming as a World Heritage Site in the summer of 2016. Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve is located near the community of Portugal Cove South on the southeastern tip of the Avalon Peninsula. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) last July.

Fossils found at the site are the oldest, largest multicellular life forms found on Earth and represent the remains of soft-bodied creatures that lived 560 to 580 million years ago. The rocks of Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve contain fossils of more than 20 species of ancient life-forms, from when the area was a sea floor.

"We're expecting visitations to increase greatly," said Mistaken Point geologist Richard Thomas. He cited visitor growth at Joggins Fossil Cliffs in Nova Scotia as an example of what might transpire at Mistaken Point. It was given a UNESCO designation in 2008, and its visitor numbers consequently grew by 150%.

Of the thousand-plus World Heritage Sites around the world, there are now 18 in Canada, with four in Newfoundland and Labrador: Gros Morne National Park, L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site, the Red Bay Basque Whaling Station and Mistaken Point.

For more Information: http://www.ecc.gov.nl.ca/parks/wer/r_mpe/

NEW LUXURY PASSENGER FERRY PREPARES FOR TRIPS BETWEEN VANCOUVER AND VICTORIA

Those seeking a more leisurely point to point sea trip between Vancouver and Victoria, can now consider bookings on the V2V Empress, BC's newest marine transportation service. V2V Vacations says it will operate the 254 seat vessel with 3 classes of travel for passengers only on the luxury catamaran. The V2V Empress will have daily departures and will take about 3 hours for the trip between the downtown docks in both cities. The ferry commenced service May 1st,2017

 In making the trip from Vancouver, the ferry will pass under the Lions Gate Bridge, through the waters of English Bay ,and then cross the Strait of Georgia before navigating past the Southern Gulf islands, including Mayne, Galiano, Salt Spring, Saturna and North and South Pender Islands. It will take in views of the Saanich Peninsula, just north of Victoria, before sailing into Victoria's stunning Inner Harbour.

The V2V Empress will depart the docks on the west side of the Vancouver Convention Centre at 08.00 and start back form the Steamship Terminal Building Docks in Victoria at 14.00. Tickets are priced at $120 for adult in Premium Comfort Class Cabin , increasing to $199 for adults and children in First Class . The ultimate ride in the Royal Class Cabin, where tickets will be $240.00 each.

 SUSPENDED GLASS PLATFORM WITH VIEWS ACROSS TO PERCE ROCK, QUEBEC

Work started back between August to December 2016, but due to open this June ,this suspended glass platform in a cliff of the Mont. St. Anne, is an ambitious project at 200 metres in altitude , creating a vertiginous effect and offering a breathtaking view across to the Perce Rocks. In addition the construction of the platform will allow a pleasant break for hikers. The departure of a Zip line and a bar is also due to be installed.

www.geoparcdeperce.com/en/glass-walkway

For more media information please contact :

Nim Singh, Media and PR Manager, Destination Canada, 0207 389 9983 singh.nim@destinationcanada.com (not for publication)