Jetsettersblog

WestJet will start daily non-stop service between Chicago and Vancouver and between Chicago and Calgary May 14. It will also market the flights it codeshares with American Airlines from Chicago to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Introductory fares start at $149 from Calgary and $169 from Vancouver.

Alberta, Canada’s Premier Ski Destination
New winter packages available online at www.remembertobreathe.com

Banff National Park – Canada’s oldest and protected playground, nestled in the Rocky Mountains – is Alberta’s premier ski destination.

From the majestic mountains and glistening glaciers, Banff National Park will take your breath away. For an active ski adventure, new winter packages have been added to www.remembertobreathe.com  including family-friendly, adrenaline-pumping and romantic getaways from $77 per person.

Ski-lovers and powder-hounds aren’t the only ones planning a trip to Banff National Park this season; over the January 14th weekend, The 2012 Fairmont Banff Springs Celebrity Invitational saw big names like Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor Alec Baldwin, legendary actor Peter Fonda and singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins among others enjoying Alberta’s winter wonderland on the slopes.

Some winter packages available in Banff National Park include:

• Fairmont Banff Springs –

Luxury Ski the Canadian Rockies from $469 per couple per night – Stay at the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs and enjoy a hearty complimentary buffet breakfast before you hit the slopes with your ticket for two allowing you the opportunity to ski at any one of three world-class ski areas: Banff’s Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village or Lake Louise Ski Area
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• Ski-in ski-out at Sunshine Mountain Lodge and get your 5th night free from $150 per person per night – Stay at the ski-in/ski-out Sunshine Mountain Lodge and when you buy four nights you get one night free.
Package includes all lift tickets and VIP parking.

• Lake Louise Winter Adventurer – from $199 per person per day – Discover Lake Louise with this ultimate winter experience.

Participate in a 1.5hr dogsledding adventure along the Continental Divide and enjoy the beauty of the lake itself. Later, borrow a pair of showshoes, go for a skate or shop inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

• Ski and soak for the weekend – from $426.88 per couple—Ski and save with this perfect ski package!

Offer includes two nights accommodation, Canadian Rockies continental breakfast daily, two passes to the Banff Upper Hot Springs and two one-day ski tickets to either Mount Norquay, Sunshine or Lake Louise Ski Area

• Family Friendly Getaway at Douglas Fir Resort – from $101 per person per day – Stay at the family-friendly Douglas Fir Resort and get your 4th night free and the 4th day of skiing free. Brand new waterslides and outdoor hot tub this winter!

For more information about travel to Alberta this winter and to book a package visit www.remembertobreathe.com

No one knows a country better than a local. Travellers to Canada can now access real local knowledge and tips via social media with the new Explore Canada Like a Local online travel tool.

Social media has given everyone a voice for honest, tell-it-like-it-is recommendations on bars, restaurants, shopping, events and more. The Canadian Tourism Commission gives travellers direct access to real traveller voices by combining information from local users of Foursquare, Yelp and Gowalla.

The result is a one-stop-shop website where travellers can create their own online itineraries based on recommendations from Canadians and Canada devotees and then carry them on their smart phones for instant access.

Itineraries can be developed on the Explore Canada Like a Local website by themes based on interests or by destination. Users can also access other travel itineraries and lists developed by fellow travellers.

Whether you’re looking for culinary hotspots of Montreal, ski resorts of British Columbia or shopping in Toronto, it is all there at the one site including real time reviews, comments, images and videos from other travellers who have ‘checked in’ at the destination.

No marketing hype, no brochure speak, just real traveler to traveler reviews.

First time users simply view a how-to video then Canada’s your oyster.

For more information on Explore Canada Like a Local visit www.explorecanadalikealocal.com 

Award-winning Rocky Mountaineer invites travellers to spend a little more time exploring Western Canada with its Stay and Play offer. Guests who book a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation of six nights or more from January 15 until April 15, 2012, can extend their stay in Vancouver, BC with a free additional hotel night and a complimentary day trip adventure on the West Coast or a dinner for two in the Canadian Rockies. Choose from a delicious dinner in Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise, AB or explore Vancouver on a city tour. GoldLeaf guests can also choose a Victoria Day trip with the Butchart Gardens tour, Whale Watching tour or North Shore Tour in Vancouver.

“We are thrilled to give our guests the opportunity to discover more of Western Canada and stay longer in the beautiful coastal city of Vancouver, BC,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Global Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer.

“Whether it is a day trip excursion on the West Coast or a memorable dinner for two in the Rockies, our Stay and Play offer adds an authentic Canadian experience to our exciting rail journeys through British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.”

A popular package option is the Canadian Rockies Highlights, a six night/seven day vacation, which includes a two day, all daylight rail journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer, between Vancouver and Banff.

Guests enjoy delicious gourmet cuisine and panoramic views in GoldLeaf and the new SilverLeaf Service while travelling in comfort and style through the stunning scenery of British Columbia and the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

The package includes two nights of accommodations in Vancouver and two nights at iconic Canadian Rockies properties in Banff and Lake Louise.

Several day trip adventures are included such as a Glacier Helicopter tour in Banff National Park, Summit Helicopter Flightseeing tour as well as a Columbia Icefield Excursion.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Calgary, Alberta. This exciting journey can also be done in reverse, travelling from Calgary to Vancouver.

The Stay and Play offer is only valid on new 2012 bookings for trips of six nights or more, made between January 15 and April 15, 2012 and must be requested at the time of booking. RedLeaf and SilverLeaf Service offer will be limited to a one night stay in Vancouver and either a Vancouver City Tour or a dinner for two in Banff, Jasper of Lake Louise. Offers are based on availability and may be modified, withdrawn or travel dates may be substituted without prior notice. Further restrictions may apply.

For more information on the Stay and Play offer or to receive a copy of the 2012 Rocky Mountaineer brochure, please contact your local travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer directly at (800) 665-7245, or visit rockymountaineer.com. For the latest news and offers, follow us on Twitter @rmountaineer  or become a fan on Facebook.

For more information about Rocky Mountaineer, please visit www.rockymountaineer.com

VIA Rail is offering discounted packages of up to 50 percent off. The package allows for travel anywhere in Canada on VIA Rail’s network in any of their quality service classes. Those who book a train trip between eastern and western Canada or Quebec and Ontario will receive 50 percent off the adult regular fare from VIA’s most popular Canadian destinations. The deal is available for travel until May 31, but must be booked by Jan. 26.

VIA Rail is also offering discounted business and economy class trips between Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal until April 3. One-way trips departing from Toronto to both Ottawa and Montreal are $39 for economy class and $79 for business class with free Wi-Fi included.

Here are five more activities to put the wonder back in winter. Click here for the first five:

1. Poles fit for a prince

Cross-country skiing, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta

Lake Louise is for lovers. Ski lovers, that is. You can check out tree-lined cross-country trails or fly downhill in waist-deep powder, all under gorgeous blue skies. And if you’re up for more rustic adventure, try the famous Skoki Lodge, where Prince William and theDuchess of Cambridge visited in the summer.

TIP: Bring a camera to take great snaps of deer and elk as you shush by on your Nordic skis.

Lake Louise area cross-country ski trails

The Lake Louise Ski Area

2. Get seriously soaked, Radium Hot Springs, Kootenay National Park, Alberta

You can get me into hot springs at any time of year but on cool, crisp winter days, just try to get me out. Surrounded by snow-covered trees and the icy Mount Rundle, I love to wade shoulder-deep into the soothing mineral-rich waters and just smile.

TIP: For more warmth, try Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park.

Radium Hot Springs

3. Mush ado about winter

Dog sledding, Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon

Here’s one for the bucket list. A chance to mush a team of gorgeous huskies through Kluane National Park and Reserve. Contact a local dog sled tour operator for itineraries.

TIP: Canada’s highest mountain, Mount Logan (5,959 metres; 19,545 feet), is located within the park.

4. Go waterfall ice climbing

Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, Alberta and British Columbia

If you were born with a silver pick-axe in your hands, here’s news. Some 1,000 waterfalls exist through the Canadian Rockies, making it one of the world’s premier waterfall ice climbing destinations. Experienced climbers have easy access and incredible options.

TIP: Massey’s and Pilsner Pillar are classic climbs near the village of Field in Yoho National Park.

5. Plan a family below zero family boil-up

Winter picnicking, Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Bundle up the family and head out for a picnic along the lake, stopping at one of the park’s enclosed camp kitchens. Cook lunch over a wood stove, seasoned with a dose of the stunning Rocky Mountains.

TIP: Snowshoe up and over the Akamina Pass and have a picnic on the continental divide.

Holland America Line will offer 27 cruises on three ships — the Maasdam, the Eurodam and the Veendam — to Canada and New England this year. Scheduled from May through October, the itineraries range from seven to 15 days and also visit the region during the height of the fall foliage display.

The Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal.

Highlights include an overnight call at Quebec City, the line’s only call at Sept-Iles this season. From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, the Maasdam offers 15 seven-day sailings between Montreal and Boston.

The itineraries feature cruising along the St. Lawrence River. The Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing departing Oct. 6 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale.

The Eurodam will sail on three 10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Quebec City.

The itinerary features an overnight call at Quebec City and cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 14, the Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale.

The Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from New York to Montreal, departing Sept. 2. It will include an overnight call at Quebec City. In September and October, the Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries between Montreal and Boston.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two seven-day sailings for a 14-day roundtrip journey. Fares on 14-day Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings. Fares for Maasdam’s Canada and New England cruises start at $749, Eurodam’s cruise fares begin at $1,499, and Veendam’s fares start at $1,349. Seven-day cruises offer reduced third and fourth fares. All fares are per person, double.

The Rocky Mountaineer’s Stay and Play offer allows guests who book a rail vacation of six nights or more from now until March 31 to extend their stay in Vancouver with a free additional hotel night and a complimentary day trip adventure on the West Coast or a dinner for two in the Canadian Rockies.

Choose from a dinner in Banff, Jasper or Lake Louise, or explore Vancouver on a city tour. GoldLeaf guests can also choose a Victoria Day trip with the Butchart Gardens tour, Whale Watching tour, or North Shore Tour.

A popular option is the Canadian Rockies Highlights, a six-night/seven-day vacation, which includes a two-day, all-daylight rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer, between Vancouver and Banff. Guests receive gourmet cuisine and panoramic views in GoldLeaf and the new SilverLeaf Service while traveling through scenic British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies.

The package includes two nights of accommodations in Vancouver and two nights at Canadian Rockies properties in Banff and Lake Louise.

Several day trips are included such as a Glacier Helicopter tour in Banff National Park, Summit Helicopter Flightseeing tour as well as a Columbia Icefield Excursion.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Calgary, Alberta.

This journey can be done in reverse, traveling from Calgary to Vancouver.

The Stay and Play offer is only valid on new 2012 bookings for trips of six nights or more, made by March 31 and must be requested at the time of booking.

RedLeaf and SilverLeaf Service offer will be limited to a one night stay in Vancouver and either a Vancouver City Tour or a dinner for two in Banff, Jasper of Lake Louise.

Offers are based on availability and may be modified, withdrawn or travel dates may be substituted without prior notice.

Further restrictions may apply.

For more information, call 800-665-7245.

Tailor Made Travel (0845 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk), the upmarket specialist operator, has unveiled its programme of holidays to Canada and Alaska for 2012 covering British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, the Maritimes, Yukon and the US state of Alaska.

Designed to offer an extensive menu of options from which clients can custom build their perfect itinerary, the brochure features everything from flexible multi-centre and self-drive itineraries to wildlife-watching, cultural experiences, journeys by rail and even cruises though Alaska’s famed Inside Passage. Particular highlights include the introduction of “motorhome” self-drive itineraries through the wilds of Western Canada, plus the chance to share in the excitement of the Calgary Stampede (which celebrates its centenary in 2012 and is widely considered to be the ‘greatest outdoor show on Earth’) or spot beluga whales, grizzly bears and their ethereal cousins, the spirit bears, all in their natural environment.

This new brochure follows their recent ‘CTC Explorer Award’ at the British Annual Canada Travel Awards in recognition of the work that Tailor Made Travel has done to promote innovative holiday itineraries to Canada.

Being such a scenic, vast and sparsely-populated country, Canada is ideal for exploring by rail. The new brochure leads with a selection of truly remarkable journeys by train (including an epic coast-to-coast odyssey from Toronto to Vancouver) as well as some suggested rail/coach and rail/self-drive combinations. New for 2012 is the nine-day Western Explorer itinerary (from £2,899 per person), a fully inclusive tour that includes two days aboard the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train service. The journey begins in Vancouver and continues via beautiful Lake Louise and the Jasper and Banff National Parks and on to the cowboy city of Calgary. Other highlights along the way include a sightseeing trip in a helicopter and of course the spectacular scenery of the Rocky Mountains themselves.

Also new is the 12-day Eastern Explorer, which tours from Toronto to Halifax, travelling by train for the entire journey. The itinerary benefits from guided tours in Toronto and Montreal, plus a chance to climb aboard the famous Maid of the Mist to witness the mighty forces at Niagara Falls. This package costs from £2,039 per person, with both prices including flights, accommodation, sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary, and the exclusive VIP Home Departure service (which collects clients from – and returns them to – their own front door, no matter where they live in the United Kingdom).

For customers who prefer to travel under their own steam, the brochure’s selection of flexible, self-driving itineraries offers a phenomenal choice of experiences. These multi-centre tour suggestions incorporate all ground arrangements including accommodation, car rental and recommended excursions, with each offering complete flexibility so that customers can mould the trip to their own specifications. New for 2012 is the Classic Yukon and Alaska itinerary, which delves deep into the lakes, glaciers and untouched wilderness of these far northern territories. With wildlife outnumbering people in much of this region, the opportunities for spotting such landmark species as grizzly bears, caribou and bald eagles are endless. Accommodation along the way is provided in deluxe lodges and B&Bs. This 17-day trip costs from £2,839 per person. Also new is the 16-day Wildlife, Flora and Fauna of the West itinerary, which takes in the staggering natural beauty of the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Highlights here include hiking, whale-watching, wine-tasting and bear-viewing excursions, plus visits to key sites including Vancouver, Lake Louise and three national parks. This exciting tour costs from £2,399 per person. Flights are not included.

Those looking to really blaze their own trail can opt for one of the new motorhome itineraries in Western Canada. The brochure suggests three sample itineraries that take in some of the region’s most amazing natural landscapes, with overnight stays in campsites along the way. The 9-day Fabulous Vancouver Island itinerary, for example, offers an enticing mix of coastal scenery, First Nations culture and vibrant cityscapes (from £589 per person). The more extensive, 15-day City and Views of the Canadian Rockies takes in some of the most incredible mountain scenery alongside the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the lively cities of Vancouver and Calgary. This holiday costs from £949 per person, with both prices including motorhome rental and full driving directions. Campsite recommendations are suggested along each route but are not included in the price.

Thanks to popular demand, the 2012 Canada & Alaska brochure carries a greatly expanded selection of wildlife and adventure experiences. This section of the brochure offers some truly inspiring ideas for lovers of the great outdoors, covering everything from heli-hiking and ranch holidays to wildlife-spotting and even a search for the Aurora Borealis in the winter skies of the Canadian far north. One of the most exciting new additions is the unique opportunity to visit Spirit Bear Lodge in the Great Bear Rainforest to search for the incredibly rare spirit bears (a pale-phase subspecies of the more common black bear). The lodge is only open for two months of the year (from early August until early October), which makes the chance to visit this beautiful region even more special. In addition to the hauntingly pale spirit bears, other wildlife in the area includes wolves and cougars in the forest and orcas and humpback whales in the waters just offshore. A five-day excursion (including flights from Vancouver, transfers, three nights at Spirit Bear Lodge, one night’s additional accommodation and most meals) costs from £2,099 per person.

Also new is the 7-day Lake Louise & Heli-Hiking package, which costs from £2,699 per person and includes accommodation, transfers, most meals, equipment hire and 2½ days of heli-hiking amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Another new addition is a 9-day cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage aboard the Innersea Discovery. This small expedition ship is the perfect vessel on which to discover these pristine waters. Activities such as rainforest hikes and sea kayaking are included in the price (from £1,435 per person), which also covers one night’s pre-cruise accommodation, all onboard meals the services of an expert guide.

The brochure also features a large variety of hotels and other accommodation options that have been added to the programme for the first time. Options range from the upmarket luxury of the Ritz Carlton in Toronto to a selection of charming and very individual lodges and B&Bs.

Commenting on the launch of the 2012 brochure, General Manager, Rachel Cooper said, “This is our first brochure since the merger between Tailor Made Travel and sister brand Connections, which means that Tailor Made Travel will now be sold both via the travel trade and direct to consumers for the first time. With our wide range of adventure and wildlife experiences, epic rail journeys, magical self-drives and some excellent accommodation options spanning high-end hotels to unique lodges and B&Bs, the 2012 Canada & Alaska brochure is effectively an A-Z directory of the very best travel experiences and truly reflects our knowledge, passion and commitment to the region. What’s more, with lots of added-value offers including free nights, free breakfasts and both car and room upgrades – plus hotel savings of up to £60 per room per night – this is surely one of our most definitive Canada & Alaska programmes yet.”

For details or to book call Tailor Made Travel on 0845 456 8050 or visit the website
www.tailor-made.co.uk

Canada loves Australia more this northern winter. How much more? Four cents more.

The Aussie dollar has, for the past thirty days, averaged CAD$1.04 which is good news for skiers and snowboarders. Canadian ski resort lift prices already around twenty five percent cheaper than Australian ski resort prices but skiing and snowboarding in Canada just got a whole lot more appealing , ok, four percent more appealing.

A one day lift pass at Red Mountain Resort in British Columbia will set you back AU$63.46, at Fernie Resort AU$73.79 and AU$70.96 at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Aussies wanting a true Canadian experience in the Rocky Mountain ski town of Banff can munch on the nation’s favourite comfort food, hot chips with cheese curd and gravy known as ‘poutine.’ Carlito’s famed three cheese poutine or Italian meat poutine in Banff is a steal at AU$7.64.

The Canadian twist on the Bloody Mary uses clamato juice instead of tomato juice and will set you back AU$5.76 at Citta’s Bar in Whistler Blackcomb or try the Canadian Molson or Kootenay True Ale for AU$4.80.

Whether you ski or snowboard or prefer to spend your time in the après bar, Canada delivers more love for Australians this season than ever before.

For more information on skiing, snowboarding, drinking and dining in Canada with a strong Aussie dollar contact Donna Campbell at D.C & Associates Worldwide 0419 268 116 donna@dcaworldwide.com