AVOID LAST MINUTE DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE AIRPORT : BRITISH VISITORS TO CANADA MUST HAVE  ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORITY (ETA)

To avoid disappointment at the airport, a reminder that all British visitors to Canada arriving by AIR must as of November 2016 have an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to Travel to Canada. Those planning trips for 2018 are advised to apply in advance of booking airline tickets. The ETA costs $7.00 and is valid for 5 years. Purchase is done on line through : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp .

PLEASE NOTE : Any site charging more than $7.00 is not the official government site.

Expansion of Arctic Cruise Fleet

One Ocean Adventures (OEE)  has recently announced the expansion of its operations and expedition cruise fleet with the addition of RCGS Resolute.  Named after HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic Exploration vessel , as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada's Nunavut Territory, RGCS  Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural  One Ocean Adventures  polar Voyage. RGCS also carries the name of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RGCS) marking the society and OEE's exclusive education, environmental science and expedition partners in Canada's North .  RGCS Resolute has an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms and exceptional manoeuvrability. It is ideally equipped to guide guests through Canada's pristine arctic . It will carry 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests interests and individual , personalised service.

For more information : www.oneoceanexpeditions.com

Panorama Mountain resort to implement RFID Technology for 2017 – 18 Winter Season

Panorama Mountain resort in British Columbia recently announced that SkiData RFID (radio frequency identification) technology will be implemented at the resort for the upcoming 2017/18 ski season, providing efficient, hassle free lift access this coming 55th anniversary season. This makes them one of the first in Western Canada to  move to a  leading ticketing and lift access system

All daily lift tickets, seasons passes and other products will be available on cards, which are embedded with an RFID chip to enables hands free access to lifts. When a guest passes through the RFID gate the gate will open automatically after  registering the card. As in previous seasons, lift operators will be on hand to assist with the access gates to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

“RFID systems are standard in Europe , Australia, and New Zealand, offering skiers and riders faster access to the mountain, Beginning  this winter, Panorama guests will be able to buy  what they need online and then go straight to the lift”, says Marke Dickson, Panorama Director of Sales and Marketing.

For more information : www.panoramaresort.com

Canada's First Pod Accommodation Concept to open in Whistler, British Columbia 2018

In April 2018 , Whistler will be opening the Pangea Pod Hotel  - a visionary property situated in the centre of the pedestrian village . Designed for the discerning solo traveller seeking a boutique hotel feel, impressive design and a prime location at an affordable price point, Pangea is set to fill  Whistlers void between hostel and hotel.

“Pangea is unlike anything else offered in Canada at this time and we are thrilled to launch this concept in Whistler. Our unique hotel experience will speak to sophisticated , value conscious guests unwilling to compromise on location, function and aesthetics”, says co-founder  Russell Kling.

Pangea will offer a series of custom suites housing a total of 88 private sleeping pods. Each boutique pod will be luxuriously lined in wood and comfortably outfitted with memory foam double mattresses and high end linens. They'll also be equipped with individually controlled LED lights, multiple charging points  and an integrated fan for ventilation and white noise.

The Toy Box, Pangeas meticulously planned designed open plan gear area will offer secure storage for skis, boards and bikes, places to hang wet gear  and private lockers for boots and accessories  meaning everything Pangeas guests  need to enjoy Whistlers great outdoors.

Pangea will reinvent accommodation in Whistler for a generation of travellers who expect more for less and want to spend money on their experiences no on several hundred feet of hotel room space in which they simply sleep.

For more information :  https://www.pangeapod.com/

Rocky Mountaineer introduce  two new packages  for 2018

 

Two exciting new packages that combine the best selling Rocky Mountaineer Holidays with culinary and adventure themes will launch in 2018. First Passage to the West Culinary Exploration includes additional top rated dining experiences and food tours on top of the five star dining onboard the train. With an increased desire for adventurous activities in Vancouver and the Rockies, the company has introduced Journey through the Clouds Outdoor Adventures, creating new ways to explore the destinations with outdoor activities both at sea and in the mountains, from canoeing on Lake Louise to hiking in Jasper. Lake Louise will also be available on every First Passage to the West Journey between Vancouver and Banff.

For more information :  http://rockymountainholidays.com/rocky-mountaineer/2018-vacations.html

 

OPENING 2018: FLOATING OCEAN HOUSE TO OFFER LUXURY INSIGHTS INTO HAIDA GWAII, BRITISH COLUMBIA

A new luxury floating lodge on the remote west coast of Haida Gwaii promises to give visitors fresh insights into a seldom seen side of this “Galapagos of the North”. Surrounded by calm waters on the quiet shoreline of Haida Gwaii's Peel Inlet, Ocean House at Stads K'uns GawGa will offer a launching point to explore the natural beauty and culture of the First Nation in this destination. Visits will packaged in stays of 3 or 4 nights , and both offer the opportunity to discover the mystical beauty of towering cedars in old growth forests, ancient village sites, dramatic coastlines, broad beaches and the living culture of the Haida.

For more information : http://www.haidahouse.com/ 

OPENING 2018: SOLSTICE LODGE , NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Canada's Northwest Territories will soon be home to Canada's first and only five star Aurora experience. Nestled in the boreal forest at the edge of Yellowknife's wilderness, this boutique lodge and spa will welcome you for authentic  cultural and nature based adventures, romantic getaways, executive business, weddings , events and retreats.  Amenities will include a striking main lodge, multiple guest lounges, private  dining and bar, fireplaces in every room, a wine cellar, a stunning spa and infinity pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and sauna's. After an exhilarating day on the land, you'll come home to Solstice and your very own Aurora. Skylights will bring the heavens into the privacy of your fireside soaker tub and the warmth of your bed. The hill top skywatch lookouts , hot tubs and fire circles will entice you into the crisp air to see the  moon rise and the stars fall – a glass of wine in hand of course.

For more information : www.spectacularnwt.com

LE BOAT COMES TO CANADA, ONTARIO IN 2018 

Le Boat proposes a $16M investment on the Rideau Canal in the province of Ontario  with new state of the art canal boats specially designed to meet Ontario Maritime and Le Boat Customer requirements. The fleet will be imported over a 5 year period from 2018 to 2022 with investment in Le Boat infrastructure. Holiday makers will be able to pick up a vessel on the Rideau Canal and make a journey to explore this region of Ontario in depth from the water.

For more information check out : http://www.leboat.co.uk/

For more media information please contact :

Ms. Nim Singh, Destination Canada , Media and PR Manager

0207 389 9983 singh.nim@destinationcanada.com (not for publication)