How you can get the ultimate Canadian winter holiday
We know winter has barely started yet, but if you love the cold and snow as much as we do, you’re probably wishing you were somewhere much, much cooler than 15 degrees.
Like Canada! Except its winter season doesn’t start for a few months yet, which gives you plenty of time to plan. Oh, and if hurling yourself down a vertical slope on skis doesn’t tickle your fancy – don’t worry. There’s more to the Canadian winter than you think.
Think majestic snow-capped mountains, stunning scenery, friendly locals, northern lights and carb-loading. And guess what? You can have it all in one trip thanks to our friends at Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays.
Lake Louise
After flying into Calgary, head on up to Lake Louise, through one of the most beautiful, scenic routes imaginable into the Rocky Mountains.
In winter, the lake freezes over, which makes it perfect for ice skating on, and the scenery sure beats any old ice-skating rink at home.
If you plan your trip for January 2019, you’ll be able to see ice sculptures on the lake – built as part of the Ice Magic Festival.
There are also a ton of walking tracks around the lake, plus a delectable high tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise to warm you back up. And did we mention you can go on a sleigh ride? Christmas dreams? Done.
Banff
After you live out your winter dreams at Lake Louise, head down to Banff and get lost in the thriving downtown area. Visit one of the million souvenir shops, head into the Banff Ave Brewing Co. for a couple of beers and finish off your day at the Bison restaurant to gorge on Bison Short Ribs.
After you get your bearings around Banff, get out and about to see what animals can be spotted! The Discover Banff and its Wildlife tour is a great way to get to know the area, – plus you’ll get a knowledgeable guide to tell you all there is to know about the many breeds of local animals. Pro tip: bring a camera.
Next, soak yourself silly in the Banff Upper Hot Springs! Because is it really winter holiday without melting your day away in some form of hot water? If you don’t have your swimmers handy (or even if you do), you can hire a replica of the original 1920s bathing suit to take your experience to the next level.
Yellowknife
Say goodbye to the Rockies and say hello to Yellowknife!
Yellowknife is a base for many activities like touring the city, visiting galleries and museums, sampling the local cuisine and witnessing the natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
But first, eat your way through the downtown area – with maybe a few breaks at galleries along the way. There’s also a ton of other snow-related activities nearby, like snowshoeing, dogsledding or visiting one of the famous ice roads. Plus, if you visit Yellowknife in March, then you can also take part of the Snowking Festival where a snow castle is built and there’s live music, hockey games, craft sales, comedy nights, throat singing performances and much more.
With your package booked through Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays Tour, you get two nights of Northern Lights viewing – where they even provide warm winter clothes! Both nights you get a four hour guided Northern Lights viewing experience, where you will be transferred to the Yellowknife wilderness and away from any light pollution. Try find a better end to your holiday, we dare you.
For more information on how to book your trip, contact Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays on 1300 794 959 or visit their website on https://canada-alaska.com.au/.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
banff canada Canada & Alaska Specialist Holidays Lake Louise northern lights YellowknifeLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!