22 Jun 2017
Tags: Canada, Canada 150, travel, The Travel Corporation, contiki, Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, luxury gold
The red maple leaf is flying high in 2017 as Canada celebrates 150 years of Confederation. On 1 July 1867, the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, the Province of Canada and New Brunswick were federally united into one Dominion of Canada – the event is considered the “birth of Canada”. To celebrate the 150th anniversary, the Canadian Government has planned events and celebrations throughout 2017, and there's no better time to visit. TTC has compiled some of the finest Canadian itineraries from across its family of award-winning travel brands, so that guests can enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer in 2017.
The Rockies in luxurious style
Guests travelling with Luxury Gold have the opportunity to explore the majestic Rockies by road, rail and sea in the ultimate comfort and style. The journey starts in Vancouver, where guests will enjoy luxury escorted touring through the verdant National Parks of Western Canada. Aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, one of the world's most romantic train journeys, travellers will witness the incomparable scenery of the Rockies; before cruising on the glacial waters of Alaska. Mountains, bountiful national parks and uncompromising luxury make the 14 day Majesty of the Rockies – Goldleaf trip an unforgettable way to celebrate 150 years since Canada's “birth”.
Luxury Gold's (www.luxurygoldvacations.com / 0808 301 2503) Majesty of the Rockies trip is priced from £5,295 per person and includes 13 nights of accommodation, transport via the Rocky Mountaineer with Goldleaf service as well as luxury coach, daily breakfasts and selected epicurean dining experiences, sightseeing highlights and the services of a Travel Concierge.
East Coast Canada's maritime history
On the 12 day Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes trip with Insight Vacations, guests will journey around the nautical east coast of Canada. A region replete with striking ocean vistas, colourful harbours and an intriguing history, this Premium itinerary provides an immersive insight into the maritime history of the region whilst also providing ample opportunity to breathe in the fresh sea air and relax. The journey begins in Halifax, Nova Scotia before heading on to the historic insights and natural of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Baddeck.
Luxury Gold's (www.luxurygold.com / 0808 301 2619) Landscapes of the Canadian Maritimes is priced from £2,745 per person and includes 11 nights of accommodation at the best addresses, transportation between the islands, first class coach transport on land, daily breakfasts and selected dining experiences, sightseeing highlights and the services of Local Experts and a Tour Director to bring the destination to life.
Honing photography skills in the mountains
It's clear young Brits are a big fan of Canada's Insta-worthy landscapes, as youth travel expert for 18-35 year olds Contiki has reported a significant 53% year on year increase on UK sales across its Canadian summer programme*. The incomparable beauty of Canada's national parks provides the ultimate backdrop to practise photography skills. Contiki's brand new Limited Edition SNAP trips take travellers to the most photogenic corners of the world to help hone even the rustiest of skills. NEW for 2018, travellers will head to Western Canada and journey from Vancouver to snow-capped Whistler, Jasper and Banff National Park; the crystal clear waters of Lake Louise are the ultimate backdrop for envy-inducing Instas!
Contiki's (www.contiki.com / 0808 281 1120) 11 day SNAP Canada trip is priced from £1,559 per person with departures beginning June 2018. Price includes all accommodation and on-trip transportation as well as ten meals, including five breakfasts, sightseeing highlights to test travellers' photography skills, and a dedicated Trip Manager with some serious photography know-how.
Upon the icy waters of Alaska
Venturing into the dramatic, glacial landscapes of Alaska, Trafalgar takes guests on a seven night cruise of the 'Inside Passage'. Icy waters are framed by dramatic mountains as guests gain an unparalleled viewpoint of Alaska only accessible by boat or plane. Guests will stop off to soak in the region's history and heritage or explore by kayak and dogsled, before arriving into Vancouver for a guided exploration on dry land. From Vancouver through the national parks of Jasper and Banff, Trafalgar's Spectacular Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise is picture-perfect.
Trafalgar's (www.trafalgar.com / 0800 533 5619) Spectacular Canadian Rockies with Alaska Cruise is priced from £3,145 per person for the 17 day journey, price includes on-trip transportation (including cruise), cherry-picked hotels, daily breakfasts and selected evening meals, sightseeing highlights and Insider Experiences and the services of an expert Travel Director to bring the destination alive.
Eastern Canada's endearing cities
With CostSaver travellers will explore French speaking Quebec's fortified city, cobblestone streets and tasty delicacies before heading on to Ottawa and Toronto. With plenty of free time to see the sights of Eastern Canada, guests with CostSaver can opt for a sailing trip to Boston, an excursion to see iconic Niagara Falls, and plenty of time to explore the streets of Canada's cities. Essence of Eastern Canada from CostSaver is a fantastic, cost-effective way to see this North American gem in this landmark year.
CostSaver's (www.costsaver.trafalgar.com / 0800 533 5619) Essence of Eastern Canada trip is priced from £1,125 per person for the eight day trip. Price includes seven nights' accommodation, luxury coach transportation, sightseeing highlights across the cities visited and an expert Travel Director.
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*Contiki year on year percentage increase refers to 2016 vs 2017 UK booking data (year to date)
ABOUT TTC:
Operating in 60 countries, TTC (The Travel Corporation) offers an extensive selection of award-winning international travel and tourism companies including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Contiki Holidays, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, and more. TTC is committed to sustainable tourism through the TreadRight Foundation which has to date donated more than two million dollars to sustainable tourism projects worldwide. To see to full scope of TTC brands please visit www.ttc.com.