Agent guide to Alberta Canada

Destination Canada recently hosted Australian agents across provinces on a global mega-famil. Helloworld Stanthorpe agent Sean Gordon shares his experiences from the trip.

Is this your first time to Canada?

I thought it was but actually found out that I had crossed the border briefly on a family holiday in Maine, USA when I was 9 years old but since I can’t remember this at all, I will say yes, this is my first time!

What were your expectations and how did they stack up?

My preconceptions of Alberta were based on the beautiful landscape images on the brochure covers in our store but not only were my expectations exceeded but we were all blown away. Best word to describe Alberta and its scenery is stunning!

Best wildlife sighting? 

We watched a very elegant male Elk (or Wapiti) with the most impressive antlers I’ve ever seen strutting his stuff along the riverbank in Jasper. It was rutting season so he was most likely off to challenge another male and win his harem. Traveler tip: stay away from these beautiful animals and watch from a distance especially in rutting season as things can get very dangerous if you come between a male elk and his girls.

The one wow moment of the trip?

I think one of the most wonderful things you can do in Alberta is drive along the Icefields Parkway. It is a real ‘pinch me’ moment when you look to either side and there are the most picturesque landscapes with snow capped mountains, flowing glaciers and mirror lakes. There is also plenty of wildlife to be seen especially at dawn & dusk.

Best meal of the trip (preferably with some local Canadian flavour)?

Ok so not technically a meal but I have to mention the Canadian Ceasar cocktail. It consists of clamato juice (clam & tomato = clamato)& vodka with various foody garnishes. Similar to a bloody mary, I enjoyed several of these foody cocktails with one garnished with chorizo, cheese & pickle and another very spicy one garnished with a large piece of crispy bacon. I also have to give a special mention to the tastiest lobster ever that we ate on our last night in Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Most striking natural wonder?

It has to be the amazing aquamarine waters of the lakes in the Rocky Mountains. Of course we visited the famous Lake Louise but we were also treated to a stop at a lookout over Lake Peyto, another glacier fed lake in Banff National Park. I would highly recommend stopping and getting the camera out for this one as you can get awesome selfies with the entire lake from above, definitely one to make the friends at home jealous!

What activity got your heart pumping or potentially stopping?

In Jasper National Park we had an afternoon with Jasper Raft Tours paddling down the Athabasca River, the very same river that starts at the Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefields where I drank Icey water straight from the glacier. I also got to do my Kate Winslet Titanic impression at the front of the raft whilst heading into some rapids and got a very refreshing slap in the face from the river or as our guide called it “a glacial facial!”.

Which hotel will you be recommending to clients and why?

I really liked The Rimrock Resort Hotel which is perched just above Banff on Sulphur Mountain just a few steps away from the Banff Upper Hot Springs & Banff Gondola. You get the most amazing views from the hotel over Banff and it is in a great location only a few minutes walk into the town center. It is also home to Eden restaurant which is one of only 5 five diamond star restaurants in Canada.

How has this famil changed the way you will sell Canada?

Well there is nothing like seeing a place yourself and experiencing what it offers first hand. I had a blast in Canada and will now sell it with love & passion for sure!

Best three tips for selling what you have seen?

Share tips only someone who has been would know, recommend activities you experienced first hand and take lots of photos & to show to your clients.

Group strategy for dealing with bears?

I did keep saying to our group that if we saw one up close, we would probably just scream and run which is definitely what not to do by the way!

Favourite Canadian word, phrase or saying?

Right? I like how many Canadians use it at the end of every sentence as if they are seeking reassurance for everything they say right? I may adopt this.

How many times did you see a moose?

0 times unfortunately but we did see plenty of Elk in Jasper National Park which was just as impressive to us.

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