1. THERE IS STILL AVAILABILITY FOR 2020
With a host of tours and activities at your disposal now is the time to book with 2020 availability remaining on Cruises, Rocky Mountaineer, city accommodation and much more. Plan your trip accordingly for seasonal offerings such as the northern lights, wildlife viewing and the best ski conditions by booking in advance.
2. WESTJET LAUNCH MANCHESTER TO HALIFAX ROUTE
Getting to Atlantic Canada from the UK just got easier with the launch of WestJet’s direct flights operating from Manchester to Halifax this summer. WestJet will operate four weekly flights to Nova Scotia operated by a two-class Boeing 737-700.
3. UNMISSABLE CANADA OFFERS YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NOW!
First Class Holidays have a number of offers to delve into such as £800 off the fabulous Rockies Explorer & Alaska Cruise package or 1 hotel night and 1 transfer valued up to £300 per couple on the Journey Through the Clouds Explorer package. Currently all escorted tour bookings will also receive a free home pick up but get in quick as these offers won’t last long.
4. THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED LAKE IN THE WORLD
Lake Louise is easily one of the most recognizable lakes in the world, it’s hard to beat the imagery of the lake’s turquoise blue waters amongst a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery. Considered to be the crown jewel of Banff National Park Lake Louise is great for kayaking in the warmer months and to skate on when its frozen over, no matter the season Lake Louise will always remain picture perfect.
5.A BEARS PARADISE
British Columbia is home to the Great Bear Rainforest stretching an impressive 250 miles along the coast containing 21 million acres of wilderness. From August to October the increase of spawning salmon attracts grizzly and Kermode bears to the local rivers providing some incomparable bear viewing opportunities.
6.THE PERFECT PLAYGROUND FOR NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Canada is home to a remarkable 48 national parks spread out across the country including Yoho, Jasper, Pacific Rim, Kootenay and Banff National Park. Each park offers unique and protected playgrounds for nature and wildlife to flourish, you can easily spend days or weeks camping, hiking and exploring the endless beauty of these remote parks.
7. YOUR GATEWAY TO ALASKA
The Port of Vancouver is a home port to ships from the world’s leading cruise lines including Holland America, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean International. Alaska-bound departures leave Vancouver year-round but during Alaska’s cruise season from May to September you’ll find a departure almost daily. An Alaska cruise is the perfect addition to a connecting Rocky Mountaineer or escorted tour package.
8. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S 'UNIQUE LODGES OF THE WORLD'
With a focus on uniqueness, architectural innovation and traditions of North America’s pioneers National Geographic highlight some of the world’s most innovative lodges 4 of which are in Canada. Fogo Island Inn invites you to experience the peaceful quiet of nature on an island off the coast of Newfoundland meanwhile Churchill Wild offer a wilderness lodge on the edge of Hudson Bay inviting you to track polar bears listen to beluga whales and connect with nature.
9. YUKON'S NATURAL WONDERS
The Yukon is a wonderous place full of natural delights including the midnight sun which delivers endless sunlight during the summer across the province. During winter the Yukon plays host to an unmissable phenomenon as shimmering colours of the northern lights dance with the stars of the night skies.
10. FIRST NATIONS HISTORY
Canada’s First Nations people are believed to have lived here for at least 12,000 years. Today there are 634 First Nations in Canada speaking more than 50 languages
11. RECOGNISED AS THE UK'S OFFICIAL AGENT FOR VIA RAIL
With a country as vast as Canada you need to be able to get around and, as an award-winning Canada specialist, you'll be talking to the right people. First Class Holidays are the UK's appointed sales agents for VIA Rail. The VIA Rail network provides comfortable rail travel to passengers across the nation, from the Atlantic to the Pacific they have it covered.
12. YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION
Canada is a great place to visit no matter the time of year. Winter is full of snow bringing with it a host of fun such as skiing, skating, snowboarding and sledding. Spring is ideal for wildlife watching and to catch a glimpse of those hungry bears waking up from hibernation. Summer offers a plethora of outdoor activity including water sports, hiking, biking and hours of sunlight to be spent in the great outdoors. Autumn brings with it the colours of fall setting the scene for a picture-perfect backdrop to your travels.
13. PERFECT POWDER SNOW FOR SKIING
Canada is known for having some of the best snow conditions in the world take Whistler in BC which boast the largest annual powder snowfalls in North America. There is also the legendary ‘Powder Highway’ referring to the high concentration of ski resorts along the Rockies in the southeast corner of British Columbia including resorts such Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Fernie, Panorama and Kimberley.
14. CALGARY STAMPEDE
The famous Calgary Stampede has been running since 1912 and brings together competitors from all over the world to compete in one of the world’s biggest rodeos for a $1,000,000 cash prize. The annual celebration combines arts, culture, sport and food with high quality entertainment, markets and eateries over 2 weeks in July.
15. PASSION FOR SPORTS
Canadians love their sport and as such there is ample opportunity to catch a game when visiting Canada. Ice Hockey is deemed the national winter sport of Canada while lacrosse is known for the summer, other games you may encounter include basketball, soccer, curling and baseball.
16. FRIENDLINESS AND SAFETY
Canadians have a reputation for being kind natured and welcoming people and in 2019 Vancouver was named the friendliest city in the world thanks to its outgoing locals and their proud sense of community.
17. THERES IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Canada has a lot to offer its visitors of any age from thrill rides at amusement parks to world class ski resorts and some of the most stunning national parks in the world. Take a relaxed rail journey across the country, maybe partake in a 2 day hike up a mountain or simply visit one of the many museums and attractions in the big cities. Canada offers up something to keep the whole family entertained.
18. MAPLE SYRUP SNOW TAFFY
If there’s one thing you must try during the Canadian winter, it’s the winning combo of snow and maple syrup known as maple syrup snow taffy. The simple process involves heating the maple syrup before pouring it over fresh snow and rolling the sticky taffy that’s formed onto a stick then enjoying the sweet taste of a DIY ice lolly, this is one of Quebec’s signature recipes.
19. OKANAGAN WINE AND VINEYARDS
Canada is known for its ice wine because it produces about two thirds of the worlds ice wine thanks to its cooler temperatures providing ideal growing conditions for their vineyards. Okanagan wine country however is still a very competitive producer of wines such as Syrah, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
20. WHALE WATCHING
Canada borders the Arctic, North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans so it’s no surprise 30 species of whale visit Canada’s 200,00km stretch of coastline, making it one of the best countries for whale watching in the world.
21. THE WORLD'S LARGEST ICE SKING RINK
Ottawa is home to Rideau Canal – the worlds largest skating rink. Rideau Canal was added to the Guinness Book of World Records in 2005 for the largest naturally frozen ice rink spanning roughly the size of 90 Olympic-sized hockey rinks.
22. TORONTO'S 'THE PATH' NETWORK
Unlike most cities in winter when it gets too cold to venture out into the open Toronto offers ‘The PATH’ this network of underground tunnels serves as a shopping complex, eatery and walkway in one. The PATH connects more than 50 buildings, 20 parking garages, 6 subway stations, 8 major hotels and a railway terminal.
23.MOTORHOME HEAVEN
Canada is full of stunning driving routes making motorhome rental extremely popular. Open roads, beautiful landscapes, campsites and nature are all waiting for those eager to get on the road and enjoy the perks of camping without the tent.
24 CALGARY'S PLUS 15 NETWORK
Similar to the PATH in Toronto, Calgary has its own network of connecting tunnels called the Plus 15 with the major difference being its located above ground. The Plus 15 is made up of 62 bridges and extends 18 kms in length around the city, its name stems from the fact the bridges are positioned 15 feet above street level - perfect for snow days in winter.
25. OUR TEAM HAVE BEEN TO CANADA - LET THEM SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH YOU AND HELP PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY
First Class Holidays team of destination experts take their passion for travel seriously and as such have made their own lasting memories in the great white north. With 750 years combined experience and the drive to create tailor-made itineraries to suit you, expect plenty of handy tips and recommendations to get the most out of your next Canadian holiday.
Inspired to visit this incredible destination? See our holidays here or contact us on 0161 888 5630 today.
