Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories: Aurora Borealis by the Numbers

 

Few natural experiences compare with watching the Northern Lights in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Green, purple and blue ribbons sweep across the sky, often seeming close enough to touch. Thanks to its position beneath the Auroral Oval, low light pollution and generally clear skies, the region offers some of the most reliable aurora viewing in the world.

Let's go to Canada's Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but it has the scale and texture of a destination made for slow discovery. 

Set in the Gulf of St. Lawrence off Canada’s east coast, PEI is a compact island of red-sand beaches, rolling farmland, fishing harbours, lighthouses, small towns and a capital city, Charlottetown, that blends history with a lively contemporary food and cultural scene. Tourism PEI positions the island around open roads, coastal views, outdoor activities, food and drink, theatre, festivals and the feeling of an easy, restorative escape.

Canada: Ignite your wanderlust in the Yukon

With endless daylight stretching deep into the night, Canada's Yukon Territory is a summer playground like no other. Beneath the glow of the midnight sun, this northern wonderland offers an unparalleled canvas for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you're hiking through untouched wilderness, paddling historic rivers, or spotting wildlife under a never-fading sky, the Yukon's extra hours of sunshine ensure you'll pack more thrills into every unforgettable day. Read on for some of the best ways to soak up the sun.

What's New in Canada for 2023

 From wilderness resorts to meaningful Indigenous immersions, Canada's newest tourism offerings reflect the nation's commitment to travel as a force for good. Read on to discover eight new adventures you can only have in Canada:

Enchanting Winter Solstice Scenes in the Yukon, Canada

Winter solstice in the Yukon heralds a night when the north turns nocturnal. With show-stopping northern lights, glittering snow-drenched forests, and unique northern wildlife, locals and visitors alike welcome the snowy season with open arms (covered in layers of flannel).

Five Magnificent Ways to See the Northern Lights in Canada

The greatest light-show on earth, the aurora borealis, is taking centre stage in Canada as the winter months provide a perfect dark-sky canvas for their spell-binding display.  

This enchanting natural phenomenon, best witnessed between October and March, can be viewed from Canada's northern destinations, where cosy wilderness lodges provide the perfect setting for this magical performance. Or, for something a little different, consider these five unique ways to weave aurora viewing into an incredible winter wonderland experience.

1. Fat biking under an aurora sky

Combine two of the most exhilarating experiences imaginable: pedal through snow and ice on bikes designed for the conditions. As you careen through the Narnia-like forest, pause for a break, and turn your eyes skyward to take in the splendour of the northern lights dancing and shimmering overhead. Catch this latest winter craze in two of Canada's best aurora viewing points, Yukon Territory and the Northwest Territories.  Boreale Lodge in Yukon and Borealis Bike Tours in the Northwest Territories offer unforgettable fat biking experiences.

2. See the northern lights – from the inside!

The only experience of its kind in North America, winter visitors to Yukon Territory may now view the northern lights from 36,000 feet in the air, taking off from Whitehorse with Aurora 360 from 23 – 27 January 2020. Once airborne, the pilot will follow a custom flight path, determined by a team of scientists to optimise aurora viewing potential. The full Aurora 360 package includes outstanding cuisine, an evening of Yukon First Nations stories and dance, scientific presentations and a special 'nature day' showcasing Yukon's unique land, water and sky. With only 70 seats available, Aurora 360 comes with serious bragging rights!

3. A spiritual experience

Many cultural groups hold their own spiritual beliefs about the aurora borealis, involving everything from dragons to dancing souls. Some Inuit believe that the lights are the souls of the departed on their way to the afterlife, while others believe they are the souls of unborn children. Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture as you witness the rippling, whirling spectacle

at the Aurora Village in the Northwest Territories. You'll gain a deep understanding of Indigenous heritage as you feast on home-made soup, bannock, and delicious desserts, before relaxing in a traditional tee-pee to await the magical light show. 

4. Step back in time

Get off the grid in one of Yukon's remote wilderness lodges, where you can combine crystal-clear aurora viewing with a spot of ice-fishing or snowmobiling. Want more? Step back in time in a prospector-style wall tent, formerly used by gold seekers and trappers, just 20 minutes outside the capital city of Whitehorse. Marvel at the ribbons of colour blazing overhead in the night sky, then warm up inside over a wood-fired barrel stove, a mug of hot chocolate, and home-made maple syrup taffy. 

5. Understand the science behind the wonder

Nature's most spectacular phenomenon can be viewed 300 days per year in Churchill, due to its position directly under the aurora oval in Canada's central province of Manitoba. At the Churchill Northern Studies Centre (CNSC), take advantage of the 360-degree glass aurora dome and observation deck that offer ideal vantage points to marvel at the glowing streams of light as they cascade across the pitch-black sky like shimmering Christmas garlands. By day, participate in the Winter Skies: Aurora & Astronomy in Churchill program and learn all about this atmospheric wonder during expert-led presentations at this active research facility.

www.keepexploring.com.au

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with connecting flights to the eastern provinces and northern territories.

Vancouver’s Top Five Landmarks to Visit

Vancouver is Canada’s most populous city on the west coast, and is arguably the most popular tourist destination in British Columbia, having hosted over 10 million visitors in 2016.

A popular filming location for Hollywood movies, Vancouver is close to the gorgeous mountainscape of the Canadian Rockies. With its exciting art, culture, and entertainment, the city offers a unique heritage as North America’s most ethnically diverse city.

Begin your foray into Vancouver by visiting these iconic attractions, recommended by our Pan Pacific Vancouver team.

1. The Refurbished Old Dame: Woodward Building

Look for a big “W” on Vancouver’s horizon: it’s the new sign of its historic Woodward Building.

Originally built in 1903 and once North America’s biggest supermarket, this historic site has now become a residential and office complex housing downtown campuses of several leading Canadian universities. If you are sightseeing from the nearby Vancouver Lookout, you can see the entirety of the Woodward Building from the top down, plus a 360-degree view of Vancouver city.

2. Appreciate Japanese Botany at the UBC Botanical Gardens

Located at the University of British Columbia, UBC Botanical Gardens is Canada’s oldest university botanical garden, established over 100 years ago in 1916. Entry rates vary depending on which sections you are heading to: check its website for details. The garden’s traditionally Japanese-style Nitobe Memorial Garden is considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens with a teahouse in North America.

Spread over one hectare of forest, the garden has each plant and stone carefully placed to emphasise harmony among natural elements. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, irises in summer, and fiery maples in autumn.

3. The Heart of the City: Vancouver City Hall

Vancouver City Hall houses Vancouver City Council on 453 West 12th Avenue, and features a 12-floor tower. Completed in 1936, it was declared a schedule A heritage building in 1976.

Snap a photo of the statue of Captain George Vancouver by renowned sculptor Charles Marega. Gracing the front of City Hall, it pays tribute to the 18th century English officer who charted the west coast of Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the US.

4. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Considered the first Chinese “scholar’s” garden built outside of China, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Classical Garden is located right in the middle of Vancouver’s Chinatown area.

Adorned with beautiful pavilions and a jade green pond filled with koi fishes, the garden features a rare collection of 150-year-old miniature trees and tai hu rock specially imported from China.

5. Capilano Suspension Bridge

Thrilling visitors since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Canada’s most popular outdoor attractions.

Suspended over the picturesque Capilano River, the 137-metre long and 70-metre high Capilano Bridge offers visitors a unique experience combining British Columbia’s nature, culture, and history through interpretive signs and knowledgeable staff. Visitors can also explore the adjoining Treetops Adventure which takes guests into the mid-story of a coastal rainforest, traversing across seven suspension bridges.

Stay at the Pan Pacific Vancouver where you will be just a few steps away from the convention centre with panoramic views of the Coastal Mountains, Coal Harbour, and city landmarks in Vancouver. Pick a Pacific Club room or suite for club access and a host of privileges!

Need more reasons to visit Vancouver? Here's what our Concierge Recommends.

Why Manitoba is Canada’s top destination for freshwater adventures

The secret is out: Canada's central province of Manitoba is the place to be for Aussie travellers who want to live like a Canadian on their summer holiday. Picture the quintessential lake-life culture, complete with lakeside lodges and lazy days filled with kayaking, swimming, windsurfing and fishing.

Read on for our top five freshwater adventures beckoning this summer.

• Manitoba's remote, wild north is Canada's final frontier. In the midst of roaming bears, moose, caribou and wolves, crystal-clear lakes and pristine forests, lies Gangler's Wilderness Lodge on the shores of Lake Egenolf. Learn about the diverse habitats of the area at this fly-in wilderness lodge, check out an authentic trappers' cabin and take a tour of the glacial 'erratics', huge granite boulders that adorn the landscape.
• Try your hand at catching your own lunch in one of the many lakes in this this prime fishing region. When night falls, turn your eyes skyward for the shimmering, dancing aurora borealis – the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
• Less than 100 kilometres east of Winnipeg is the stunning lakes region of Whiteshell Provincial Park. Check into a hand-crafted, lake-front cabin at Falcon Trails Resort, nestled in a boreal forest on the shores of Falcon and High Lakes, where canoeing, hiking, fishing and biking is high on the agenda.
• Spend days (or weeks) hiking the wilderness trails, explore the numerous glittering lakes throughout Whiteshell, and immerse yourself in the local culture and majestic nature that has inspired so many artists, singers and athletes.
• Take a road trip 200 kilometres north-east of Winnipeg to breathtaking Nopiming Park. The Anishnaabe word 'noopiming' translates to 'entrance to the wilderness', and the moment you dip your paddle into your first lake you'll see why. Nopiming is the crown jewel of paddling in southern Manitoba, and one of the wildest backcountry areas in the province.
• Book a two-night Twin River Travel canoe trip, taking in the Seagrim Lakes chain within the Park. This is the perfect introduction to canoe camping, traversing easy, small lakes and staying at comfortable camp sites. Keep your eyes peeled for the boreal caribou that call this beautiful place home, as well as extraordinary bird life.
• There's no doubt about it, Manitoba has more than its fair share of beaches. Soak up the sun on the shores of one of the world's largest freshwater inland lakes, Lake Winnipeg. Make a bee-line for the east side of the lake, where pristine beaches within a one-hour drive of Winnipeg beckon, and the sparkling water offers itself up for swimming and wind-surfing.
• Grand Beach, next to the historic La Vérendrye Trail, boasts powdery sand and grass-topped dunes that make it one of the top beaches in North America. Keep your camera poised to capture the birds that live in the nearby lagoon. Alternatively, soak up the sun on Patricia Beach, with its natural white sands, a quiet alternative to the busier beaches further north.
• Why settle for a day trip to the beaches of Lake Winnipeg? Stay a while longer, discover the fertile marshlands, teeming with birdlife, that surround the rugged western shorelines of the lake. Spend a few days at Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park, home to Gull Harbour Marina and Lighthouse Inn and the high-end Hecla Lakeview Resort, the latter boasting its own waterpark, day spa and golf course.
• Rent a boat to cruise around the Hecla Island, or spend the day kayaking around the breathtaking limestone cliffs. With its pretty beaches, outstanding fishing and endless hiking trails, one thing is certain: you'll never want to leave.

Getting there

Air Canada has daily direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, with connecting services to Winnipeg. Alternatively, VIA Rail, the national Canadian rail service runs from Vancouver to Winnipeg. The two-day journey spans British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan before reaching the Manitoba, the heart of Canada.

www.travelmanitoba.com

What's New in Ottawa's Food and Drink Scene

• Throughout 2019, beloved cheesemakers St. Albert Cheese Co-operative celebrate 125 years of making delicious cheese—especially loved are the squeaky cheese curds used in poutine!
• Speaking of poutine, Ottawa gives you two separate opportunities in spring to indulge your cravings. Enjoy French fries, gravy, and cheese curds at Poutinefest on Sparks Street(April 25-28) and Ottawa Poutinefest outside Ottawa City Hall (May 2-5).

Three wildlife encounters you can only have in Yukon, #Canada

Yukon Territory, in Canada’s north west, is one of the few natural havens on Earth where wildlife is not just surviving but thriving. Home to only 38,000 people, the population of moose, bears, caribou, and sheep (to name a few), far exceeds the human residents.

The number of Australian travellers, photographers and wildlife-lovers visiting Yukon is increasing each year, and with good reason. Read on for three close-encounters of the wild kind you won’t find anywhere else.

Yukon ‘Ice Bears’

Only in Yukon can you encounter grizzly bears in their sub-arctic wilderness home. The Ni’iinlii’njik (Fishing Branch) Territorial Park in the Territory’s far north is one of Canada’s most pristine wilderness areas, its limestone caves, salmon runs and grizzly bears undamaged by civilization and the passing of time.

Located in the Park, Bear Cave Mountain Eco-Adventures offers once-in-a-lifetime grizzly bear excursions, with professional guides providing safe encounters with breathtaking grizzlies and other wildlife, starting with a two-hour helicopter ride from Dawson City, with incredible views of snow-covered mountains, rivers and arctic tundra.

Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation, dating back thousands of years, and allow the serenity of this tranquil piece of heaven permeate your being and make you wish you could stay forever.

Celebration of Swans

Canada’s leading bird festival swoops into Yukon Territory in April, as thousands of trumpeter and tundra swans come home to rest, feed and breed. Each year, bird-lovers flock to Marsh Lake, where the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre is the festival hub for this spectacular phenomenon.

Up to 13,000 swans fly over Whitehorse and the southern regions annually, signalling the end of winter, as they return to raise their young after spending the winter in the Canadian Pacific Coast region.

Yukon is a bird-lover’s paradise, home to more than 200 species of birds throughout the territory, including the Bald Eagle, Great Gray Owl, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Bufflehead, Northern Hawk Owl, Great Horned Owl, Boreal Owl, and Horned Lark.

In addition to Swan Haven, key places to observe birds in the Yukon include the Albert Creek Bird Observatory near Watson Lake, Teslin Lake Bird Observatory, and McIntyre Marsh Bird Observatory.

Yukon Wildlife Preserve

The whole of Yukon is a wildlife sanctuary; a place where the moose outnumber the humans two to one. The Territory boasts three national parks, six territorial parks and four Canadian Heritage Rivers, a haven for more than 165,000 caribou, 70,000 moose, 22,000 mountain sheep, 7,000 grizzly bears, 10,000 black bears and 250 species of birds.

You’re in with a great chance of spotting wildlife meandering alongside the road and on the hiking trails, but for a fail-safe way to encounter these magnificent creatures, head to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where 700 acres of lush green hills, marshes, steep cliffs and flat-lands, are the perfect ecosystem for 13 species of northern Canadian mammals. We’re talking bison, moose, mule, deer, woodland caribou, elk, mountain goats, Canada lynx, and foxes, to name a few.

Just 25 minutes from downtown Whitehorse, you can walk, ski, snowshoe or bike the five-kilometre viewing loop, or jump on a bus tour with a knowledgeable interpreter. However you choose to experience it, be prepared for wildlife encounters you’ll never forget.

Getting to Yukon Territory

Air Canada has direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with connecting flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City available on Air North.

For more information about Yukon visit www.travelyukon.com.

Alaska Highway road trip: 5 show-stoppers along the way

Aussie road trippers seeking the ultimate driving holiday can’t go past the renowned Alaska Highway in Canada’s Yukon Territory. The term ‘scenic drive’ doesn’t begin to describe the rugged beauty along this wilderness route, with snow-covered mountains, spruce forests, ancient glaciers and abundant wildlife making this a driving paradise.

As this iconic route winds through historic communities and soaring mountain ranges, you won’t want to miss the key photo opportunities along the way. Read on for five unmissable stop-offs on this unforgettable journey.

Five of the Best Winter Wilderness Lodges in Canada

Australian travellers are making the most of early bird specials to experience Canada's untamed wilderness from December to March, when it transforms into a quintessential winter wonderland.

Read on for five of Canada's best winter lodges, offering an idyllic, immersive experience, from wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures, to log fires, charming villages and fine dining.

Blachford Lake Lodge, Northwest Territories
Fly on a bush plane – equipped with skis in winter– and land alongside Blachford Lake Lodge, an oasis of rustic luxury in the Northwest Territories' wilderness near Yellowknife. Skate on the frozen lake, mush huskies, stomp off on snowshoes or hop on a snowmobile and experience the wide-open northern backcountry. Sit down to fresh, local cuisine like bison and pike, then slip into the hot tub and watch curtains of colourful northern lights shimmer and loop across the horizon like fireworks on a cosmic scale.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta
Bedding down in a remote wilderness lodge doesn't mean you need to rough it. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge maintains its 1920s appeal, with its cozy communal lounge area and cedar chalets, and combines it with award-winning cuisine, a luxury spa and all the trimmings you'd expect at a prestige Fairmont resort. Wrapping around the shores of pristine Lac Beauvert in Jasper National Park, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to epic winter adventures. Ice skate on the lake, go cross-country or downhill skiing, or simply stroll the snow-covered forest and say hello to the elk, goats, big-horned sheep, wolves, and moose, who call this beautiful place home.

Tagish Wilderness Lodge, Yukon Territory
 Tagish Wilderness Lodge in Yukon Territory in north-west Canada, is an authentic wilderness retreat. With no road access, you'll arrive by dog sled or ski plane and be treated to crackling campfires, howling wolves, winter adventures and, of course, the unforgettable aurora borealis. Learn how to mush your very own team of sled dogs, witness the magnificent northern lights, try your luck at ice fishing, relax in the herbal sauna, or just curl up with a book by the wood-burning stove. It's your very own magical Narnia.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Manitoba
The sheer remoteness of Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge in Canada's central province of Manitoba means you'll be treated to some of the most pristine wilderness in the world. Strategically located on the Hudson Bay in close proximity to polar bear dens, and directly under the aurora oval, it's one of the only places on Earth where you can encounter polar bears and other Arctic animals by day, and unobstructed views of the shimmering northern lights at night.

Featured in the prestigious National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge serves up the ultimate winter wilderness experience, with large picture windows overlooking the coast and passing wildlife, as well as incredible food, prepared from the lodge's famous cook book series, Blueberries & Polar Bears.

Skoki Lodge, Alberta
High in the alpines of Banff National Park, at the end of an eleven-kilometre trail from Lake Louise, Skoki Lodge is the gateway to breathtaking mountain ridges, valleys and crystal lakes. This backcountry Lodge is only accessible by hiking or skiing and has a true back-to-nature mentality. Just ask Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who stayed at the rustic lodge in 2011. Chef, Katie Mitzel, hovers over the wood-fired creating gastronomical masterpieces from local ingredients and seasonal fare. Think seafood chowder, Alberta beef, Canmore coffee, cheese and wine.

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane, with direct flights from Melbourne available three times per week. Year-round direct flights from Melbourne to Vancouver are also available, with connecting flights to the eastern provinces. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas.

www.keepexploring.com.au

Ten Tips for Canada Travels in 2018

With Australian visitation to Canada rising exponentially each year, more Aussies than ever are expected to make 2018 the year they explore this diverse North American country. Read on for our top ten tips for planning bucket-list adventures in Canada this year.

• Don't be fooled by unauthorised websites when you apply for your electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). Use the official website to register for an eTA at a cost of $7 CAD. Beware of 'scam' websites charging up to $122 USD for the application. Australian citizens require an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying to Canada.
• Peak tourist months in Canada are July and August, when flights and accommodation are more expensive. Consider travelling outside peak season during autumn for spectacular foliage in Quebec and the Atlantic provinces, or winter and early spring for the ultimate winter wonderland.
• Heading to Whistler? Make sure you experience the epic Peak 2 Peak Gondola and the new Peak Suspension Bridge, the tallest in North America, for mind-blowing panoramic views in every season. If you're there during winter, spend a day skiing or snowboarding with an Olympian, learning expert techniques, and hearing their stories of success. 
• Head to the Maritime province of New Brunswick to witness the highest tides in the world at the incredible Bay of Fundy. Walk the ocean floor during low tide at the Hopewell Rocks or abseil down cliffs into the bay at Cape Enrage. Jump on a zodiac with Red Rock Adventure for a memorable Fundy Trail Tour, where you'll explore the longest stretch of coastal wilderness on the eastern seaboard, meeting seals and porpoises along the way.
• For a true 'bragging rights' experience, road trippers can now drive the road made famous through the Ice Road Truckers television series. The 137-kilometre Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road, two hours from Inuvik in Canada's Northwest Territories, forms part of the famous Dempster Highway, allowing travellers to drive all the way from Whitehorse, in Yukon Territory, to the Arctic Circle in Northwest Territories on a sealed bitumen road, rather than sheets of ice!
• Discover Banff Tours is now offering small group tours taking travellers from Vancouver to Banff and vice versa. This is a great option for those who catch the Rocky Mountaineer one way and would prefer to drive back rather than fly. It's also ideal for those wishing to explore the Rockies by road. The tour includes lunch in Revelstoke and accommodation at the Plaza Hotel in Kamloops. 
• Who wants to stay in a conventional hotel when you can bed down in a house boat? From May 2018, visitors to Canada's capital city of Ottawa in Ontario can cruise the Rideau Canal on a state-of-the-art Horizon cruiser by Le Boat. Glide effortlessly through the charming downtown precinct, enjoying tranquil views of Parliament Hill the rolling green banks.
• EdgeWalk at the CN Tower in Toronto holds the Guinness World Record for the “Highest External Walk on a Building” at 116 storeys high. This is an epic bucket-list attraction for thrill-seekers.
• Visiting the east coast during summer? Get to know the salt-of-the-earth characters of Newfoundland and Labrador during the George Street Festivalfrom 26 July - 1 August 2018. George Street has been a magnet for musicians for decades and is famous for comprising two blocks of bars, pubs, restaurants – and nothing else.
• If you're travelling to the US east coast, consider a road trip to Quebec. Make the 500-kilometre journey from Boston to Montreal via the picturesque Eastern Townships for an authentic French-Canadian experience. We're talking sparkling lakes, wineries, and chocolatiers, where the welcoming locals speak their native French.

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Additionally, Air Canada will commence year-round direct flights from Melbourne to Vancouver from June 2018. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas.

www.keepexploring.com.au

How to rub shoulders with Manitoba's famous residents

They're dazzling, beautiful and permanently trending on social media.

Manitoba's famous inhabitants are household names, attracting travellers from around the world whose greatest desire is to merely stand in their presence.

Read on for the inside scoop on where to find seven of these wild celebrities. 

Polar bear: best viewing time July to November

Should you ever come face to face with these Arctic royals, you may wish to curtsy – and then back away quickly. In Churchill, you can safely view the largest land carnivore in the world from a tundra vehicle or from a fenced wilderness lodge. You can even walk among them with a guide or see them from on high during a helicopter tour.

Bison: year-round

Perhaps Manitoba's most iconic resident celebrity, the bison reflects the province's First Nations' heritage, still as relevant today as it ever was. These majestic beasts are the largest mammal in North America and can run up to 60 kilometres an hour. Riding Mountain National Park and FortWhyte Alive are ideal locations for a personal encounter with these famous giants. 

Belugas

Belugas: July – August

Hearing the beluga whales sing their sweet 'canary' chirps and whistles is a spine-tingling moment. Thousands of white beluga whales congregate each summer in the mouths of the northern Churchill and Seal Rivers that empty into Hudson Bay. Jump in a zodiac for a closer look. Better still? Swim with the belugas! They're among the friendliest of whales and are just as curious about people as you are about them. 

Canada lynx: year-round

In Riding Mountain National Park cat-lovers might just be lucky enough to spy the elusive Canada lynx. Warning – these guys are paparazzi-shy so keep the camera ready to capture its gleaming eyes and over-sized paws.
Caribou: October migration season

Witnessing a caribou migration is the stuff of dreams. As the winter begins, Manitoba's boreal woodland, coastal, and barren ground caribou embark on an epic journey across the tundra. You'll be mesmerised by this incredible wildlife spectacle and the wild beauty of these creatures, resplendent with antlers and huge, kind eyes.

Arctic Fox

Arctic fox and hare – Year-round

There is something infinitely fascinating about snow-white foxes and bunnies frolicking in the chill, blending in with their surroundings, like cotton balls dancing on ice. Despite their small size, Manitoba's cutest creatures are widely sought after for their photogenic qualities. They're found year-round, but their coats only turn white when the snow begins to fall.
Bald eagle: May to September

Here's a tip for bird-loving travellers on the look out for the regal bald eagle: stay close to the water. The famous white feathered heads of the bald eagle will most commonly be spotted swooping near the rivers and lakes in search of fish. Try Whiteshell Provincial Park, Riding Mountain National Park or Pembina Valley Provincial Park.

Getting there

Air Canada has daily direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, with connecting services to Winnipeg. Alternatively, VIA Rail, the national Canadian rail service runs from Vancouver to Winnipeg. The two-day journey spans British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan before reaching the Manitoba, the heart of Canada.

www.travelmanitoba.com

Take a trek through British Columbia’s wilderness with Google Maps and BC Journeys

British Columbia Canada is getting put on the map, literally. Through a partnership with Google, stunning imagery from British Columbia’s wild places has been added to Google Maps, complemented with interviews with BC locals, imagery, drone footage, immersive 360° video, and featured businesses on the new BC Journeys platform www.bcexplorer.com/journeys.

Using Google Street View, people from around the globe can now virtually hike in some of the province’s vast wilderness and be inspired by the powerful nature they see around them. 

British Columbia joins a select group of bucket-list Google Street View Trekker destinations such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Canyon and the Galapagos Islands.

There are currently 176 new British Columbia Google Street View Treks now featured on Google Maps, with 14 more to be uploaded by Google. Here is a sample of the Treks:

Sunshine Coast Trail
Kettle Valley Trail (Myra Canyon)
Blackcomb Mountain (Decker Loop)
Lake Magog (Assiniboine Lodge)
108 Lake Accessible Trail
Anthony Island, Gwaii Haanas
Bridge Glacier
Pacific Rim (Schooner Cove Trail)
Windfall Lake (near Tumbler Ridge)

Find treks in British Columbia by reviewing the BC Explorer platform http://www.bcexplorer.com/journeys or through Google Maps, by searching for BC’s Google Street View Treks.

Quotes:

Marsha Walden, CEO, Destination BC
“There are over one billion monthly users of Google Maps. Through these Treks and our new interactive platform, BC Journeys, we can give people a window into our wilderness like never before – creating a connection before people even leave their homes. Combining this powerful, immersive video footage with compelling, authentic stories creates an augmented reality experience that is a pretty potent recipe for driving visitation.”

Nicole Bell, Google Street View Trekker Expert
“We’re incredibly proud to partner with Destination British Columbia in this Trekker project. We’ve worked together for years to bring the world to British Columbia and bring British Columbia to the world. These new Street View images, especially some of the more remote locations in BC, are an important part of Google’s goal to create the world’s most comprehensive, accurate and usable map. More than one billion people around the world use Google Maps every month, and we are thrilled to share some of British Columbia's iconic landscapes.”

Here’s how you can see BC’s Street View Treks:

• Search for a place in Google Maps. Drag the yellow ‘Pegman’ to a place on the map.
• The blue areas on the map show where Google has collected ‘Street View’ content.
• To move around, hover your cursor in the direction you want to go. Your cursor becomes an arrow that shows which direction you're moving. To see where you might go next, look for the “X”; click once to travel to the “X”. To look around, click and drag your mouse. You can also use the arrows to the left and right of the compass. 

Ancient Voices, Modern Travels: Aboriginal Tourism in BC

From the Haida and Tsimshian of the North Coast to the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island and the Stó:lō, Secwepemc, Okanagan and Ktunaxa people inland, British Columbia is home to Canada’s most diverse composition of First Nations bands, languages and societies.

British Columbia also boasts some of the longest inhabited regions in the world. The area around Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii, for example, has revealed evidence of 12,000 years of human settlement.

Each of BC’s First Nations has its own language, traditions and history, and most are currently experiencing a cultural renaissance. At the same time, BC's many Aboriginal cultures are increasingly accessible to visitors, with growth in everything from Aboriginal-owned art galleries and cultural centres, to First Nations-operated wilderness treks, wildlife viewing tours and cultural experiences. 

Five reasons Canada’s wilderness lodges are the best in the world

Australian travellers are venturing deep into Canada’s pristine wilderness, with more than 280,000 Australians visiting Canada in 2016 seeking to lose themselves in the country’s epic landscapes and jaw-dropping wildlife. It’s little wonder that when it comes to authentic wilderness lodges, Canada wrote the rule book. Here’s five of the best:

Southern Lakes Resort, Yukon Territory
Explore Yukon, one of the last true frontiers, at the newly opened Southern Lakes Resort, overlooking Tagish Lake, just one hour from the capital city of Whitehorse. Stay in luxurious log cabins on the shores of the crystal lake and learn the true meaning of serenity. Set amidst the boreal forest, fill the long summer days with hiking, kayaking, and fishing. During winter, the cosy cabins offer the perfect vantage point to view the shimmering aurora borealis.
http://www.southernlakesresort.com/

Nimmo Bay Resort, British Columbia
The only way to reach the exclusive Nimmo Bay Resort in British Columbia is by helicopter, float plane or boat. Once there, your private heli-guide will escort you to glaciers, mountain tops, old growth forests, white sand beaches, pristine lakes, hot springs and isolated rivers. Each location in this remote wilderness sanctuary offers unique adventures, including heli-hiking, swimming, rafting, drifting, fishing, and unbelievable wildlife viewing. http://www.nimmobay.com/

Parc Adventures Cap Jaseux, Quebec
It doesn’t get more ‘wilderness’ than a treehouse. The Parc Adventures Cap Jaseux takes the concept of eco-lodge to a whole new level. Bed down in the tree canopy eight metres above the ground, in a luxurious treehouse that sleeps four. Want more? Futuristic silver domes suspended in the forest sleep two, offering panoramic birds’ eye views of the Fjord du Saguenay. By day, make the most of exhilarating zipline adventures, Via Ferrata, hiking and kayaking.

Nimmo Bay

E’Terra, Ontario
Nestled amongst the white cedar within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve is the award-winning E’Terra eco-lodge, carefully crafted from stone and salvaged timbers for a truly elegant wilderness getaway. Spend your days exploring the trails of the Bruce Peninsula National Park, abundant with extraordinary wildlife and migrating birds, or take a boat across to Flowerpot Island.

Skoki Lodge, Alberta
High in the alpines of Banff National Park, at the end of an eleven kilometre trail from Lake Louise, Skoki Lodge is the gateway to breathtaking mountain ridges, valleys and crystal lakes. This backcountry Lodge is only accessible by hiking or skiing and has a true back-to-nature mentality. Just ask Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who stayed at the rustic lodge in 2011. Chef, Katie Mitzel, hovers over the wood-fired creating gastronomical masterpieces from local ingredients and seasonal fare. Think seafood chowder, Alberta beef, Canmore coffee, cheese and wine.

Getting there: Air Canada flies daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, connecting through to the eastern provinces. For great Canada travel deals and packages click HERE

Tweet: Why Canada is the best place to get lost! http://bit.ly/29N4Tpe #ExploreCanada

www.keepexploring.ca

Toronto's Casa Lomo: Home is a Castle

ENSURING THAT YOUR HOME IS YOUR CASTLE
David Ellis

IT'S anyone's guess what members of Canada's Toronto City Council thought when they met one day back in 1903.

Because amongst the usual applications for alterations to city buildings, changes to trading hours, requests for better street lighting and all the other regular humdrum, was one from a wealthy local businessman, Sir Henry Pellatt.

He wanted approval to build a new home. In town, on a hill and in the belief that every man's home is his castle, one that would be exactly that.

A castle.

And across a whopping 25 building blocks he'd bought just for the job.

Not having been confronted with a request for a castle before, the Council took some time to mull it over, and it wasn't until 1911 work got underway on the new home of Sir Henry and Lady Mary Pellett.

And some home, sorry castle, it would be, with 98 rooms, a banquet hall with 18m ceiling, a library with 10,000 volumes, a three-lane bowling alley( that was never quite completed,) a kitchen with an oven big enough to roast a whole ox, and a wine cellar with enough bottles to last a good drinker a couple of lifetimes.

Sir Henry and Lady Mary also had separate suites incorporating private bathrooms, Lady Mary's alone covering 278 square metres – over a quarter of a normal suburban building block – while Sir Henry's had a secret tunnel leading to an outside garage in the event he had to slip away without disturbing Lady Mary.

And to keep in touch with each other amid all this, with their staff, Sir Henry's many businesses and the outside world generally, a private 59-line telephone exchange handled more calls in its first years than the entire surrounding city.

In the grounds were 2ha (5 acres) of landscaped gardens, a winter ice-curling rink, 2-storey hunting lodge, stables (whose horse's names were in gold leaf,) carriage room, heated conservatory/potting room and, in the event of rain or snow, an official 250m long tunnel 6m underground from these into the castle – as opposed to Sir Henry's own secret one from his suite.

All this cost C$3,500,000 (around $50m in today's terms,) and took 300 workers three years to complete, with the walls being built of imitation stone blocks from Sir Henry's own Roman Stone Company. And when completed, Sir Henry had to find 40 butlers, maids, cooks, cleaners, gardeners and stable-hands to run it all.

Although born into a wealthy family, Sir Henry was also an astute businessman in his own right, investing in everything from real estate to mining, insurance, the Canadian Pacific Railroad, sitting as chairman of 21 company boards  – and earning his knighthood for bringing electricity to the city of Toronto from Niagara Falls.

And he found time to also be highly active in the volunteer Canadian Queen's Own Rifles, while Lady Mary was a tireless worker for the Canadian Girl Guides.

The Pellatt's called their castle Casa Loma, Spanish for House on the Hill, but sadly WWI and subsequent stock crashes hit them hard, and in 1924, just ten years after moving into their castle, they were forced to auction-off C$1.5m worth of art works and $250,000 of furnishings, and retreat to their farm a little outside town.

Lady Mary died there that same year, and Sir Henry in 1939.

Casa Loma fell into disrepair, and with over $27,000 owned in back taxes, the Toronto City Council seized the property in 1933. Because of its dilapidated condition, first plans were to raze it and sell the land, but the Kiwanis Club of Toronto could see the value of a real, live castle as a tourist attraction, obtained a long-term lease, and refurbished and opened it to the paying public in 1937.

They ran it until last year when the Toronto City Council established the Casa Loma Corporation to take it over.

Casa Loma is open year round except December 24 and Christmas Day, and the gardens open from May through October. For entry costs and about tours covering its Gardens, History, Architecture and sites where over 130 TV shows, movies and commercials have been made there, go to www.casaloma.org

For help with visiting Canada and Casa Loma, contact Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays 1300 79 49 59 or www.canada-alaska.com.au

…………………..

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1.CASA Loma: Sir Henry and Lady Mary ensured their home was their castle. (Central

   Toronto Realty)

2. CONSERVATORY Potting Room simply for looking after the pot plants. (Casa Loma

    Corporation)

3. OAK Room, one of the many sitting rooms throughout the 98-room Casa Loma.

    (Steven V. Rose)

4. SECTION of the Rose Garden, open May through October. (Toronto Tourism)

5. TUNNEL 250m from hunting lodge and stables in event of bad weather. (Casa Loma

    Corporation)

6. SIR Henry Pellatt, visionary extraordinaire. (Casa Loma Corporation)

Australia’s leading Canada holiday specialist Sensational Canada

Wondering why Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel has listed Canada as one of the world’s HOTTEST destinations?

According to Lonely Planet, Canada is primed and ready to be explored next year. Whether travelling there in winter or summer, there are plenty of activities and experiences awaiting the unsuspecting visitor.

Australia’s leading Canada holiday specialist Sensational Canada gives you five reasons to quench your curiosity and make you question why Canada isn’t at the top of your ‘hot places to visit’ list for next year.

“We have a range of travel and accommodation packages on request to all these unique and special locations that are unlike anything else you will experience,” Sensational Canada Director Sue Thorley said.

1. King Pacific Lodge – A resort that floats

King Pacific Lodge is a luxury wilderness resort unlike any other, where resort buildings are actually towed to a docking location in a sheltered harbour along the shores of Princess Royal Island during the summer months amid the temperate rainforest of British Columbia on Canada’s Pacific coast. A favourite destination of Kevin Costner and featured in Architectural Digest, the lodge is just two hours north of Vancouver and accessible only by boat or floatplane, and is one of the few Canadian destinations where you can view the Komode bear population.

Key activities include whale watching (where migrating whales actually swim past the lodge), fly fishing, heli-fishing, wildlife viewing and cultural programs in partnership with the indigenous Gitga’at Nation, hiking and kayaking and a day spa. The lodge has no television or mobile coverage but does have wireless internet.

2. Spectacular Sonora - Gourmet, Spa & Adventure Retreat

Sonora Resort, located on Sonora Island in Canada, is a high end luxury resort providing the best in pampering and gourmet experiences with daily degustation menus.

You can also fly to Sonora in the resort’s own helicopter from Vancouver.

The Wellness Centre is among the best in the world, with a fitness room, yoga/pilates studio, gym facilities, sauna, steam-room and three mineral pools.

Activities include golfing at Stoney Creek, a guided Grizzy bear tour, white water rafting, guided All Terrain Vehicle Tours through Holmalco First Nations land discovering wildlife in its natural habitat, a guided Zodiac nature tour, guided drift-boat fly fishing, helicopter fly-fishing and helicopter glacier tours.

The Deluxe Gold Rooms have fireplaces and soaker tubs while the resort offers an outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, tennis court, nine-hole putting green and games room, including virtual golf games and a state-of-the-art movie theatre, plus a stocked Rainbow Fly-Fishing pond.

3. Hiking with Huskies in the Yukon

The immensity of the Yukon landscape provides unparalleled choice for discovery. More than 80% of the Yukon is natural with its spectacular panorama preserved within comprehensive national and territorial parks and other protected areas.

An ideal destination for the adventurous type, Yukon offers spectacular day hikes usually joined by sled dogs, boating on Lake Laberge with visits to sites of historical interest, summer dog team rides, canoeing and lakeside picnics.

Staying at the colourful Bombay Peggy’s at Dawson City, this newly restored building still bears the name of its former Madam. Built during the Gold Rush era it served as a mining company’s headquarters and residence, a family home, brothel, boarding house, art gallery, and now an historic inn and pub.

4. The Okanagan Valley – A golfer’s nirvana

Discover this jewel in central British Columbia with more than 100 vineyards and 75 golf courses, the majestic Monashee mountains, refreshing lakes and rivers, lush orchards all meet to create one of Canada’s most loved golfing, gourmet and vacation destination - The Okanagan Valley.

Ideal for the avid golfer and located within the Okanagan Valley, Gallagher’s Canyon Golf Club is a spectacular par 72, 18 hold championship course full of challenging fairways, well-protected greens, woodland glades and absolute cliff-hangers. You will marvel at the scenery around you as you play through tall groves of ponderosa pines and along the very edge of the picturesque canyon. Framed by rugged mountains and crystal sky, Gallagher’s Canyon is your getaway to the quintessential Okanagan golf experience.

Golfing is not all that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. The Mission Hill Winery can be thought of as a refuge from the hurried pace of daily life. You are invited to experience the nature and art of winemaking by walking through their glorious on-site vineyards and visiting their underground cellars. Sample fine wines by the glass, marvel at the vista and reflect on a process that’s almost as old as time itself.
If you’re after a great place to retire from golfing on the lush greens or sampling the highest quality wines, the Hotel Eldorado is the perfect boutique Kelowna hotel in British Columbia. Situated on beautiful Okanagan Lake and just steps from Kelowna's sunny beaches, this boutique hotel has a private boardwalk and marina. With twenty wonderfully intimate guest rooms, convention facilities and a lakeside dining room the Hotel Eldorado offers an atmosphere all of its own.

5. Aurora Borealis – A getaway in the land of the midnight sun

Take part in the Aurora Borealis adventure and experience the northern lights dancing in spectacular multi-coloured displays. You'll have an exclusive, front row seat for nature's own light show after dark.

In late summer, the Aurora often fills the night sky, reflecting off the shimmering waters of Blachford Lake. On crisp winter nights, the Aurora, the moon and the stars light your way on snow covered paths. The northern lights have been in existence since the earth formed an atmosphere, and shine most intensely in this region.

Blachford Lake Lodge sits on a remote jewel of a lake set in Precambrian rock, just 20 minutes by charter aircraft from Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories. The spacious, handcrafted log lodge and cabins offer a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

Gourmet meals are prepared by talented chefs, and the lounge offers a cozy retreat in the evenings. Embark on a hiking trail or join an authentic dog sled excursion.

For more information or to book any of the listed packages please visit www.sensationalcanada.com or email info@sensationalcanada.com.au or phone 1800 446 302.

Tradition and Innovation in Canada's Festival City

Tradition and Innovation in Canada's Festival City

Edmonton's longest running festival is K-Days.

The festival began in 1879 as a forum for farmers to share ideas and trade goods. Like today's farmers' markets, the event showcased locally produced products including vegetables, grain and livestock. The inaugural exhibition took place on the site that is now the city's historic Fort Edmonton Park.

As the city grew so did the exhibition, reaching 80,000 visitors by 1910. The fair relocated to its current site at Northlands Park, which is a slap shot away from Rexall Place, home of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers. Over the years, organizers added attractions including midway rides and family entertainment to augment the popular agricultural showcase.

Producers gave the fair a facelift in 1964. They renamed the festival Klondike Days as a nod to Edmonton's past as a trading post for prospectors bound for the Northwest Territories during the Gold Rush. The theme was an instant hit, and attendance records grew to over 740,000.

This year, the festival celebrates a new name. Organizers asked Edmontonians to rename the festival, and the people picked K-Days, a nickname locals often used to refer to Klondike Days. Classic events have been brought back this year. People can pan for gold in Klondike Park or enjoy songs performed by Klondike Kate, the festival's iconic ambassador. But K-Days also looks to the future with its varied programming.

Today, music is as much a part of K-Days as the agricultural exhibition.  Expect to catch Colin James and Down with Webster at this year's festival. In addition, K-Days showcases the next generation of talent with the K-Days Talent Search. The talent competition has featured rising stars, including last year's winners Jessy Mosop and Stephen Lecky, who went on to perform at the 2012 Canadian Youth Talent Competition. This year, the format expands to include different acts and older performers.

Organizers say the 'K' in K-Days can mean anything you want, which is fitting since anything can happen at the festival. In 2012, Mark and Kari-Ann Rattray celebrated their wedding day by doing what they did on their first date: they slid down the Kiwanis Giant Slide.

Across the river, a fledgling festival has tuned into the city's love of outdoor music concerts. Shauna de Cartier of Six Shooter Records combined her love of music and wine to create the Interstellar Rodeo.

She had attended Edmonton's popular Folk Music Festival since she was 14 and believed the popularity of the festival meant Edmonton had a huge appetite for great music, and the city could accommodate another outdoor music festival. A song lyric by Veal, one of the bands de Cartier represented, inspired the name of the festival while her love of Americana music shaped the line-up, but as the festival name suggests, she wasn't afraid to pick artists outside the genre.

The Heritage Amphitheatre in William Hawrelak Park played home to some amazing acts during the first festival. Randy Newman and Blue Rodeo were familiar faces, but it also featured some surprise hits such as the Caroline Chocolate Drops, who brought people to their feet after almost every song.

The new finds were not limited to artists either. Festival goers also discovered new wines, courtesy of Gurvinder Bhatia, a wine connoisseur who lent his expertise. He paired wines with artists, looking for the right notes in wines that best characterized the artists' musical personalities. The clever insights into artists and wine were a hit.

He is excited about finding the right wines for this year's performers, which include the Alabama Shakes, Steve Earle and the Dukes, Serena Ryder and John Fullbright. Whatever your musical or wine tastes are, Interstellar Rodeo will have something for you.

A new festival feature, Interstellar All-Stars, invites various artists such as Jim Cuddy, Danny Michel and Quique Escamilla on stage to learn and play each other's songs. This rare chance to watch artists collaborate is a music lover's dream. This isn't Edmonton's first Interstellar Rodeo, and it certainly won't be our last.

K-Days
July 19 - 28, 2013
For more information go to:
www.k-days.com

Interstellar Rodeo
July 26 - 28, 2013
For more information go to:
www.interstellarrodeo.com