Canada's wide (and wild) open spaces, strong safety protocols, world-class ski resorts and professional conferencing facilities are prompting a flood of enquiry from Australian businesses planning 2022 meetings, incentive rewards and much-needed team bonding excursions.

Canada specialist travel agent, Greg Mangos, believes the interest in Canada is driven by pent-up desire for corporate teams to reconnect in a meaningful way after many months of remote working.

“We're receiving an abundance of enquiry for Canada from businesses of all sizes wishing to revitalise their teams and reward them for hanging in there throughout the pandemic,” says Greg.

“We're seeing an interest in group ski trips to British Columbia and Alberta, as well as enquiry for corporate packages for summer, when business delegates can take advantage of Canada's iconic outdoor experiences, like wildlife viewing and kayaking the turquoise lakes.”

With Canada's borders now open to fully vaccinated travellers and direct flights available from December, Australian event planners can organise with confidence. Read on for seven reasons why Canada is the ideal host destination for business events and meetings in 2022.

1. Health and safety first

Canada puts the health and safety of its visitors first, with strong protocols in place throughout the country. Destination Canada's Business Events team offers specific resources and tools to help planners design custom programs and experiences that adhere to up-to-date health and safety codes.

2. Ready – set – ski!

Canada's internationally recognised ski resorts are the perfect destinations for incentive programs and business meetings where you can work hard and play hard in equal measure. Australian businesses understand the power of networking and brainstorming outside the office, in exhilarating, naturally beautiful settings. The world-class winter wonderland offerings of Canada, both on and off the slopes, are the ideal reward for hardworking teams. See Whistler and Sun Peaks to find out more.  

3. The great outdoors

From rugged team-building adventures in British Columbia to boating on the pristine lakes of Ontario, Canada serves up an abundance of opportunities for groups to bond and build connections in remarkable, natural landscapes. In this vast, beautiful country, spacious outdoor venues can be found close to knowledge hubs and dynamic urban centres.

4. Innovators in every sector

From life sciences and natural resources, to finance and tech, next-generation innovators in multiple sectors can be found in Canada's vibrant cities. Destination Canada's Business Events team can help you tap into local industry connections to source the right talent, professionals and academics to augment business events and conferences. By enriching programs with expert speakers and technical tours, business event organisers can attract more delegates and inspire future generations.

5. Prioritising sustainability

Big impact doesn't have to mean a big footprint. As the host of the United Nation's 2019 Climate Conference, Canada knows how to walk the talk. With climate change and sustainability top of mind for planners and organisations around the world, Canada's nation-wide dedication to sustainability makes it easy to design environmentally friendly events.

6. Legendary experiences

Take your team into the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above; stay in a wilderness lodge deep in the forest and share the wonder of locking eyes with a grizzly bear (from a safe distance); marvel at the northern lights as they perform a unique, blazing dance across the night sky; enjoy an exclusive performance by Cirque du Soleil – just for your group. Magical moments are par for the course when you meet in Canada.

7. Hybrid made easy

There's no doubt about it, hybrid events are here to stay. Canada's cities and conference centres, with their impressive bandwidth for technical and logistical event support, are dedicated to ensuring international meetings of the future are inclusive and collaborative, no matter where in the world you are.

Start planning your business event or team building adventure HERE.

Note for all travellers:

Travel to Canada is going to be a little different than it was prior to the pandemic, and we encourage all travellers to be fully informed of the pre-entry and on-arrival public health and testing requirements both federally and provincially. This includes the mandatory use of the ArriveCAN app. Travellers should plan for extra time in the lead up, and upon the arrival of their trip. For the latest information on travel to Canada including the updated requirements and restrictions, please visit the Government of Canada website.