Six years ago, Canada was a destination traditionally popular with parties approaching the higher end of the age scale, on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to an exotically far-flung destination. Several years on, visitor numbers are 50% higher, with a predicted figure of 850,000 arrivals for 2001 and a vastly changed age profile, with more and more people of all ages realising the accessibility of the country and the variety of options within it.As playgrounds go Canada is one of the biggest in the world. It is the second largest country in the world after Russia, thus offering a massive area for spring and summer holidays

Canadian Tourist Commission’s perennial focus has been cities and culture holidays. Visits to cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and, to a lesser extent, Halifax, are increasingly popular with visitors staying in the city for three or four nights and then pursuing other options within Canada, such as car hire/touring or soft adventure holidays.Promoting Canada in India, Canadian High Commission senior commercial counsellor, William Johnston says: “These are exciting times for us with two Canadian carriers flying into India. It is as though the stars are in alignment.

“We have a unique tourism product that we plan to highlight in coming months. Our challenge is to change the perception our two countries have of each other.”To create awareness, a Canadian food festival is planned for November in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. A Canadian circus will perform in Mumbai for a week and a film festival too is expected by the end of the year.

Canada ranks a dismal 25 on trade with India. Johnston says work is afoot to encourage more trade between the two countries in agro foods, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and IT.“Canadian companies have expressed a willingness to be involved in the reconstruction of Gujarat,” he added. All this business activity, he anticipates will increase traffic significantly.

Vancouver is situated in the southwestern corner of the province, right on the Pacific Ocean, and is the hotbed of culture and entertainment within the province. The off seasons sees the staging of a constant series of festivals. Shows events and concerts, so much so that Tourism Vancouver has dubbed it the ‘entertainment season’.The ultimate draw to Vancouver for tourists are activities such as taking the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain to see the spectacular view over Greater Vancouver, visiting the Aquarium Marine Science Centre or shopping, among other things. However, once the arrive they will will find a constant source of entertainment for those chill-out days and for the evenings where they are not pursuing tourist attractions.

Billed as the City of Festivals, Montreal is the ideal destination for a fun-filled and lively stay. The city is fashionable and cosmopolitan, with an underground city and plenty of museums and art galleries. Those looking for quaint architecture will with its historic buildings and cobbled streets.Toronto is located on Ontario southern peninsula, on the Great Lake of the same name, and is a large. Vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a young ‘buzzy’ feel. Over the past two and a half years Toronto has become extremely trendy, with lots of new bars and restaurants opening. The city has a thriving economy and the many young people there have a high standard of living.

For those who want to see as mutt, as possible in a relatively short time. a car is a must and most Canada specialist tour operators offer pre-planned itineraries. A trans-Canada tour can be achieved in 16-days.
A typical itinerary would take in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec via Toronto. Niagara Falls, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City with a flight to western Canada for Vancouver, Calgary and the Rockies at Jasper and Banff national parks.Ontario’s Toronto has excellent shopping and a great nightlife. Its also very close to Niagara Falls, one of the finest spectacles in the world. The French heritage of Quebec City and Montreal in Quebec province has made them popular in short breaks. Both offer colourful festivals, excellent shopping malls and boutique shopping as well as historic sites, fine restaurants and pavement cafes.

2001 Historic Newfoundland Circumnavigation, September 24 -October 1: Author Farley Mowatt and Adventure Canada’s ‘Newfoundland Circumnavigation’ runs the cruse from outport fishing communities to a 16th century Basque Whaling station at Labrador, offering wildlife viewing and magnificent landscapes. It all acids up to an eight day journey of Newfoundland’s unique landscape and people, on board the 234 ft.

Toronto’s attraction as a city in its own right rests with shopping, food and culture. An underground tree-lined shopping centre links all the malls and restaurants with walkways, to enable Torontonians and tourists to get out and about in the bitterness of winter. The city is the world’s number three theatre capital and the backdrop for a series of famous festivals and shows, which attract travellers from all over the world.

Ottawa, Canada’s capital is an underrated city with an unfairly gained reputation for being dull, according to the locals. The city is vibrant and has good shopping, but the main attraction is its aboriginal product, located right in the city itself. This includes the world famous Museum of Civilisation, which details the history of the native Americans.The city is small and friendly and popular with older couples looking for a cultural break in the country’s capital. Visitors can also combine the city with some of the fantastic white water rafting,

Best time to visit:
Spring, summer and autumn are all ideal for touring. July and August best for tourists to the far north and for campers. Mid-June to mid-September is peak time for visitors so clients may wish to avoid those months, although the weather is best then and some tourist attractions may be closed in the shoulder season.Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road. A valid driver’s license from any country can be used in Canada for up to three months.Canada covers six time zones, ranging from Newfoundland Standard Time in the east to Pacific Standard Time in the west.

Tipping:
Visitors should tip 10-15% of a bill. Usually tip waiters, cab drivers, hairdressers, and hotel attendants and bar staff.

Shopping:
The exchange rate is excellent at the moment and Canada is cheaper than the US. Many bargains can be found, including clothing and CDs. No sales tax in Alberta.