A Round of Canada News for 2017

Rough Guides Name Canada as one of Top Countries to visit in 2017

Rough Guides recently announced its top travel destinations for 2017. This definitive travel list covers countries, cities, budget destinations and the Rough Guides Readers' Choice and Canada was named as one of the top countries to visit this year. 

Lotte Cross, Web Editor at Rough Guides said : "I'm extremely excited to launch this year's Rough Guide to 2017 - it's our biggest and most indepth annual list yet. After canvassing our on the road authors and expert in -house editors for their top picks, we whittled it down to ten countries, ten cities and ten brilliant budget destinations".

Canada's 150th Anniversary means a slew  of fantastic events this year, showcasing everything from the country's chart topping music scene to its magnificent national parks yet most deserving of visitors attention are new developments in Aboriginal Tourism, which offer cruicial insight into the history of the people who have preserved this lands for generations - and the challenges they now face.

Each year, Rough Guides authors and editors travel thousands of miles, searching out the best destinations, sights and experiences. After much debate, the final list has been compiled of the places that should be top of your travel wish list for the coming year.

For more information about the Rough Guides List please contact hayley.cox@uk.dk.com  or on 0207 139 2512.

WOW Air to increase London Flights to Canada

Wow Air will increase the number of flights from London to Toronto and Montreal to a daily service this Spring.

From May 1st, the Icelandic Low Cost Airline will fly daily from London Gatwick to Toronto Pearson International  Airport (YYZ) and from June 13 to Montreal Trudeau Airport (YUL).

Fares start from £139.99 each way including taxes.

The year round service currently operates five times a week to  both cities.

The Clock is ticking - Montreal turns 375

Theres' never been a better time to visit Montreal. The new year marks the historic city's 375th anniversary and Montreal will be alive with celebrations and  activities.  There are over 150 activities happening through the anniversary year and they all kick of with Les Hivernales, the winter line up of celebrations which include a real life igloo village, an open air sub zero dance party, a foodie festival  outdoors and a snow bound adventure park for the whole family.   Once March arrives , the city will be going gaga in anticipation of the world premiere of "Another Brick in the Wall - The Opera", presented by the award winning Opera of Montreal and based on the lyrics and music of Roger Waters, "The Wall". Runs from March 11 - 24, 2017.

The Jacques Cartier Bridge will be lit up starting on May 17th with a different interactive light show every evening depending on weather, traffic conditions and feedback from social media.

Montreal secures New Cruise Terminal

The much anticipated redesign and renovation of the Alexandra Pier and the Iberville Passenger terminal is scheduled for completion in time for the  2017 cruise season and Montreals' 375 celebrations. The upgrade will integrate the terminal into the urban fabric of Old Montreal and make it possible to welcome even more cruise passengers to the city. The design also offers locals and visitors to Montreal better access to the St. Lawrence River and breathtaking views from the green rooftop terrace of the terminal.

Toronto designates Bloor St. West as Cultural Corridor

The City of Toronto has designated Bloor St. West , between Bathurst and Bay Streets , as a City of Toronto cultural corridor. The Bloor St. Cultural Corridor has been created by the arts and culture organisations along Bloor St. West. It is a creative cluster where arts and culture organisations work together to promote the area as a multicultural arts district. The official designation by the City is in recognition of these efforts.

All of the businesses in the corridor present arts and culture events for the public year round in venues located on this vibrant stretch of Bloor Street West.People can enjoy museums and art exhibitions, music, concerts, films, theatres, art classes - and the opportunity to experience some of Toronto's cultural mosaic, including French, Jewish, Italian, Japanese, Estonian and Aboriginal communities. The corridor is anchored by its most famous landmark, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

www.bloorstculturecorridor.com

New Eco Cultural Lodge opening 2017

Scheduled to open in 2017 is the resort Ocean House at Stads  K'uns GawGa, a 12 room fly in lodge which will be anchored off the rugged, unprotected and naturally spectacular coast of Haida Gwaii, British Columbia.  Ocean House will offer premium retreats that feature unique cultural and eco adventure all inclusive packages for savvy visitors who want to experence the untouched, natural habitat of the breathtaking coast of Haida Gwaii like never before. Getaways will focus on connecting with the Haida People and their culture and be offered in 3, 4, or 7 night packages. Highlights include : scenic float plane ride enroute to ancient village sites, a chance to observe the craft of in residence Haida artists , private forest and nature treks with cultural interpreters and exploring the Haida Culture through story telling.

Ocean House is the newest property being offered under the Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo) umbrella. HaiCo is the business entity of the Haida Nation, which has been a leader in Aboriginal business stewardship, actively promoting and creating well managed and well integrated businesses that generate revenue and provide meaninful employment for Haida People.

Bookings are now being accepted for the 2017 season for both Ocean House and its sister property Haida House at www.HaidaHouse.com.

For more media information please contact Ms. Nim Singh, Media and PR Manager, Destination Canada on 0207 389 9983 (not for publication) singh.nim@destinationcanada.com