21 Jul 2016
Tags: Canada, Experiences, Adventures, Coastal
Canadian Signature Experiences Collection announces four new Coastal adventures
Destination Canada is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to the Canadian Signature Experiences (CSE) collection, which allow visitors to explore some of Canada's most rugged coastlines and experience the rich culture of Canada's First Nations and coastal communities.
The Canadian Signature Experiences are a curated collection of innovative travel experiences designed to encourage visitors to keep exploring Canada. As diverse as Canada itself, these unique experiences are offered from coast to coast and provide an introduction to the best of Canada - and Canadians - have to offer , from urban gems to wilderness adventures.
With over 200,000 kilometres (over 124,000 miles) of coastline, Canada boasts the longest coastline in the world. The four new CSE's have been chosen for the exceptional ways they connect visitors to Canadians and Canada's geography and rich cultural heritage, with an emphasis on coastal communities and marine adventures.
Canadas East Coast : Fins and Fiddles by One Ocean Expeditions explores Eastern Canada's coastline over an 11 day expedition cruise, providing unrivalled access to remote communities, abundant wildlife and diverse cultural experiences representing Canada's rich history. Guests set sail from historic Louisbourgm Nova Scotia, and can enjoy excursions on and off the ship. These include exploratory trips aboard zodiacs, sea kayaks or stand up paddle boards, on shore hikes and bikes. A highlight for many will be encountering fabled wild horses of Sable Island, Parks Canada's newest natural reserve off the mainland of Nova Scotia. Exploration of the coastal shores and communities in Gaspe, Gaspe Peninsula and Havre Aubert, Magdelene islands in Quebec's maritime region will also be explored , including a guided tour and hiking excursion in Gros Morne National Park and the secluded settlement in Francois Bay, where guests are hosted by locals at a traditional kitchen party.
Experience Life on the Edge: The West Coast trail Ecosummer Expeditions leads small groups on an epic seven day hike that traces the pristine Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island, BC. This rugged coastline was known as the graveyard of the Pacific , with unpredictable weather and sea conditions resulting in thousands of ship wrecks over the years, and whose survivors created the original trail. Today this demanding 76 km (47 mile) route passes through old growth rainforest, and along sandy and rocky ocean shoreline. Guides assist avid hikers in expertly navigating tidal flows, ascend multiple ladder climbs, and guest are encouraged to get hands on with daily camp life. A highlight is falling asleep to the sound of the wild west coast waves hitting the shoreline every night.
Bones Bay Lodge offers Wildlife Eco Tours to a maximum of eight guests , who are flown in via sea plane to a floating lodge in Knight Inlet, off the coast of Vancouver Island. With abundant wildlife in the region, guests can view orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, porpoises, stellar sea lions, seals, eagles , black bears and grizzlies . Each day , the guided itinerary provides guests with a very intimate wildlife viewing opportunity in the four day/three nights , all inclusive excursion. Knight Inlet's abundant grizzly and black bear population makes this a haven for wildlife photographers , as bears can be viewed during the spring feeding on tender new plant growth and in the fall gorging on salmon as they prepare for hibernation. For whale lovers, this area of Northern VAncouver Island is well known for its robust whale population and is a prime spot for whale watching and research.
Sea Wolf Adventures : Grizzly Bears of the Wild ; a First Nations Wildlife journey in the Great Bear Rainforest, immerses guests in both Canadian West Coast nature and First Nation culture. The journey begins by boat along the coast of Northern Vancouver Island into traditional territories occupied by First Naion communities for more than 15,000 years. Local rivers within the famous Great Bear Rainforest are the gathering places for grizzly bears where guests can view these 300 kilogram bruins as they feast on spawning sockeye salmon. A local Musgamakw Dzawada'enuxw First Nations guide will ensure guests uncover the powerful bond between British Columbia's natural realm and local First Nations Culture.
Since the programmes inception , CSE has grown to 198 members and Destination Canada works in partnership with all 13 Canadian provincial and territorial marketing organisations to build and maintain CSE members. The progamme brings to the global stage Canadian experiences that are memorable and authentic. Somes CSE's are currently being sold by UK tour operators but not all are and the programme also helps facilitiate the development of new tour experiences and packages.
To see this release on line and download images : www.destinationcanada.com/media
For more media information please contact Ms. Nim Singh, Media and PR Manager, Destination Canada , UK at singh.nim@destinationcanada.com or on 0207 389 9993 @canadanim (not for publication)
