Ryan Reynolds to narrate British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest documentary

#ExploreCanada #Canada

Ryan Reynolds to narrate British Columbia documentary GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST, a visually stunning journey to one of the last wild places on earth

The Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear, is a rare subspecies of the American black bear living in the Central and North Coast regions of British Columbia, Canada. It is the official provincial mammal of British Columbia.

Spirit Bear Entertainment and MacGillivray Freeman Films have announced celebrity
A-Lister Ryan Reynolds is the confirmed narrator of Great Bear Rainforest set in one of the planet’s most exquisite and secluded wilderness locations in British Columbia, Canada.

The worldwide premiere will be released in select IMAX and Giant Screen Theatres in the Northern Hemisphere on 15 February 2019. Dates for release in Australia are anticipated to be in the latter half of 2019 and early 2020 in Melbourne and Sydney.

Hidden from the outside world, British Columbia - Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is home to an immense array of wildlife, including the fabled all-white Spirit Bear—the rarest bear on earth—and the indigenous First Nations, who have provided stewardship of the forest for millennia. Great Bear Rainforest is the first time this wildlife-rich world will be experienced in IMAX and giant screen theatres.

“We can’t think of a more perfect fit for this project than Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds,” says director Ian McAllister, who is also Canadian and has lived and worked in the Great Bear Rainforest for 30 years. “Ryan is a wonderful representative for the ongoing conservation of this globally significant rainforest which is part of his Canadian heritage and we are thrilled he will be our narrator.”

“I want my children to know there is still an area in this world that has remained wild and will remain that way, because of the long history of stewardship shown by indigenous people,” says Ryan Reynolds. “I hope this film inspires the younger generation that there is hope for the future if we all work together and take care of our planet’s remaining wild places.”

For more information about the movie, to view the trailer and behind the scenes footage visit: http://greatbearrainforestfilm.com

Ryan Reynolds is the star and producer of Fox’s hit Deadpool franchise. He is currently shooting Michael Bay's 6 Underground for Netflix and will soon be heard as the voice of ‘Detective Pikachu’ in Legendary/Warner Bros Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. He is currently working on a slate of films as a producer through his company Maximum Effort.

Great Bear Rainforest is a Spirit Bear Entertainment film presented by Seaspan and directed by Ian McAllister, produced by Jeff Turner and executive produced by Kyle Washington and Byron Horner. The film is distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Films. Great Bear Rainforest will be released in select IMAX and giant screen theatres beginning February 15, 2019. The film will be accompanied by a companion book written by Ian McAllister and Alex Van Tol and published by Orca Book Publishers.

Québec Hôtel de Glace - ice hotel

In its 19th season, the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) in Valcartier Vacation Village nature abounds with its new theme: Hotel Gardens. From snow gardens to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the nature theme has opened up countless opportunities for artists and artisans taking part in designing the ephemeral hotel’s entire new theme. To impress its visitors, the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) will cover over 42,000 ft2—that’s 40% more surface area than last year—and will feature both the largest bar and biggest lobby to date.

An inspiring theme

Artistic director Pierre L’Heureux is behind the unique concept for 2019. “Landscape art inspired the aesthetics for the Hôtel de Glace’s (Ice Hotel) 19th edition. We’re exploring a winter garden concept, among others, to make it a place where nature, including winter, can create charming, pleasant, and comfortable spaces."

Erected on the Valcartier Vacation Village site for a third year, the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) offers a unique experience to nearly 100,000 visitors each year. "The Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) is now part of the amazing experience that Valcartier Vacation Village offers its winter visitors. Through combining the unique sensory experience of the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) with the comfort and charm of a stay at Hôtel Valcartier, we promise our guests an unforgettable experience," explains Sylvain Lauzon, President and Chief Operating Officer of Calypso Valcartier Group. "This year, for the first time ever, the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) lobby is curved; it’s an architectural innovation and an exciting challenge that our technical team has handled brilliantly. This new feature is in line with the Valcartier Vacation Village tradition of innovation.”

On the eve of its 20th anniversary, the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) has outdone itself yet again. This winter, 42 rooms and theme suites will host guests who have come to enjoy a peaceful, quiet night at the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel). Year after year, around fifty artists and sculptors shape the snow and ice for more than a month to create a magical universe comprising a chapel, several bars, a huge indoor slide, an impressive chandelier, and the various rooms with furniture entirely made of ice, where close to 4,000 people come to spend the night.

Events throughout the entire season

From the end of December until March 24, we invite visitors from all over the world to marvel and celebrate winter at North America’s one and only Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel). We have a special evening planned on December 31 to ring in 2019 in style, and come December 27th, visitors will be able to spend the night in a room carved entirely from snow and ice.

To mark the close of the artists’ work and highlight the official opening of the 2019 edition, the Grande Soirée Inaugurale Desjardins—a must for all Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) visitors—will take place on January 18. The festivities, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., will feature entertainment, a pop/rock concert, and colourful fireworks. On this same night, we will announce the three winners of the ephemeral architectural competition.

Several other events will also be added to the winter activity schedule, including those organized in collaboration with the Quebec Winter Carnival. Details will be announced on both the Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel) and Valcartier Vacation Village social media accounts.

It's winter in Valcartier!

The winter season kicks off this Saturday, December 15, at Valcartier Vacation Village. The slides and skating trails will once again delight both children and adults, while Bora Park, will continue to offer its visitors a unique tropical experience in Eastern Canada throughout the winter. For information, visit www.valcartier.com.

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Canada: New Hotels and Wilderness Lodges for 2019

From the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world, , to remote wilderness lodges, travellers to Canada can choose the ideal unique property to complement and enhance their unforgettable Canadian adventure.

Read on for the top six new Canadian properties for 2019.

1. Hotel Birks, Montreal

Surrounded by Montreal's finest restaurants and designer boutiques, the historical Birks jewelry building has been restored to its original magnificence and tastefully redesigned to encompass an enchanting old-meets-new style, with its imposing 19th Century columns and intricate ceiling moldings. Hotel Birks is located in the downtown core on St Catherine Street. 

2. Gray Ridge Lodge, Yukon Territory

Disconnect from the world at the beautiful Gray Ridge wilderness lodge in Yukon Territory, 45 minutes from Whitehorse, off the Klondike Highway. Who needs WIFI when you've got lake and mountain views from every window, the shimmering northern lights dancing overhead, and outdoor adventures in every season.

3. Hyatt House, Winnipeg

Opening in summer 2019, Hyatt House Winnipeg Southwest will offer guests the convenience of hotel living with the comforts of home. The new property is a short drive from the International Airport and the globally acclaimed Assiniboine Park Zoo, boasting the most comprehensive northern species sanctuary in the world, home to polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic fox, wolves and more.

4. The Josie, British Columbia

The first true ski-in, ski-out hotel to open in Canada in more than a decade, the luxury Josie Hotel at Red Mountain in Rossland, British Columbia, will be open for the 2018/19 ski season. This independently-owned, luxury boutique hotel right at the base of Red Mountain offers 106 stylishly appointed guest rooms, studio suites and one-bedroom suites looking out to catch-your-breath vistas of Canada's winter wonderland.

5. Nobu Residences, Toronto

Located on dynamic Mercer Street in Toronto, Ontario, Nobu Residences is the brain child of Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, who has extended the elegant Nobu brand far beyond its culinary roots. Academy Award-winning actor, Robert De Niro, invited this illustrious chef to establish a restaurant in NYC over 20 years ago, the eponymous Nobu. By establishing Nobu Residences Toronto just steps from the Toronto International Film Festival, Robert De Niro will be right at home.

6. Broadleaf Guest Ranch, New Brunswick

Broadleaf Ranch is an 800-acre, family-owned and operated adventure business found deep in the heart of the Bay of Fundy, in the eastern Maritime province of New Brunswick, home to the highest tides in the world. Guests can immerse themselves in the stunning surrounds with horse-back riding, canoeing, biking, hiking, and sleigh rides in the winter months.  

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane, with year-round direct flights from Melbourne available four times per week from 1st December to 4th February, plus connecting flights to the eastern provinces. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas.

www.keepexploring.com.au

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Wickaninnish Inn #1 Resort in Canada - Conde Nast Traveler's 2018 Readers' Choice Award

Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 31st annual Readers' Choice Awards with the Wickaninnish Inn recognized as the # 1 RESORT in CANADA.

"We are thrilled and honoured to be acknowledged as one of the best hotels in the world, and the top resort in Canada, among such esteemed company," said Charles McDiarmid, Managing Director at the Wickaninnish Inn. "We are proud of every award we receive, but this one feels more personal because the recognition comes directly from our guests. There's much for our team to be proud of."

Nearly half a million Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted a recording-breaking number of responses rating their travel experiences to provide a full snapshot of where and how we travel today.

Released online today, the 2018 Readers' Choice Awards provides an impressive list of illustrious locations and outstanding resorts in a variety of categories.

This is the third time the Wickaninnish Inn has received Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Award, taking the number one spot in both 2013 and 2014, and the second award from Condé Nast this year. In January 2018, the Wickaninnish Inn was given the Gold List Award which highlights the editors' favourite hotels from the best across the globe.

A notable addition to the Wickaninnish Inn since last winning the top resort in Canada award is the creation of Howard's Wine Cellar. The first of its kind on the West Coast, this temperature-controlled space divided by floor-to-ceiling glass has transformed the Inn's ability to showcase its impressive wine selection, which offers hundreds of exceptional labels curated from regional vineyards and from wine producers around the world. The Wickaninnish Inn also shared the celebrated cuisine of The Pointe Restaurant with the release of their first cookbook in 2018 The Wickaninnish Cookbook: Rustic Elegance on Nature's Edge.

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as "the best of the best of travel."

The 2018 Readers' Choice Awards are published exclusively on Condé Nast Traveler's website at www.cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue on newsstands nationwide on October 16.

About the Wickaninnish Inn

Perched on the western edge of Vancouver Island, the Wickaninnish Inn is an iconic year-round destination. Combining elegant accommodation and refined dining in spectacular natural surroundings, the Wickaninnish Inn is a haven on Vancouver Island's wild and rugged coastline. A Relais & Châteaux property since 1997, the Wickaninnish Inn is owned and managed by the McDiarmid family of Tofino, and is exclusively located on beautiful Chesterman Beach. Each oceanfront guestroom is designed to AAA/CAA Five Diamond standards, welcoming guests with a beach or ocean viewscape, gas fireplace, soaker tub with view, local art and an individual balcony. The Pointe Restaurant boasts 240-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, and an innovative culinary program which supports local suppliers and sustainable harvesting practices. The award-winning Ancient Cedars Spa provides an exceptional menu of services to promote wellness and relaxation. For more information, please visit www.wickinn.com.

Instagram: @wickinnbc Twitter: @wickinnbc  Facebook: Wickaninnish Inn #WickInn #RelaisChateaux #WickaninnishCookbook #petthebook #explorebc

Canada throws down the gauntlet to Africa with exceptional wildlife encounters

#keepexploring

Canada is rivalling the world's iconic wildlife destinations as a prime location for animal encounters, voted second behind Africa in the Readers' Choice edition of International Traveller magazine.

More than 3000 readers divulged their favourite place, 'Where you go to be one with wildlife and nature', with Canada coming in ahead of New Zealand, Malaysia, and Galapagos.

"Increasingly, Aussie travellers are choosing Canada to tick of their bucket-list dreams, including getting up close with awe-inspiring fauna in their natural habitat," said Donna Campbell, Managing Director, Destination Canada GSA.

"The stunning vistas of the Canadian Rockies, the vast, mountainous wilderness of places like Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories, and the Arctic tundra of Manitoba, are as mind-blowing as the wildlife that live there."

Aussies are exploring Canada in increasing numbers each year, playing wildlife bingo with Canada's 'Big Five'. Just which creatures make up the 'five' is a matter of opinion and could include moose, bear, elk, wolf, whale, bison, caribou, and bighorn sheep, to name a few.

"Our Big Five are frequently encountered during road or boat trips through Canada's west, but Canada's diverse forest habitats mean you're bound to witness unique fauna right across the country, from enormous bison and quirky mountain goats, to our smaller critters, such as beavers, porcupines and countless bird species."

Canada's arctic animals, most easily viewed in the central province of Manitoba, include the polar bear, arctic fox, beluga whale, and the mystical narwhal.

Bird watchers have the best chance of viewing bald eagles in British Columbia, while Witless Bay Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland and Labrador is home to more than 500,000 Atlantic puffins, with their distinctive black and white plumage, and bright orange beaks.

"Whether travelling solo, in a group, or with family, many Aussies are taking advantage of the numerous wildlife packages that are available through local tour operators, taking the stress out of planning their holiday," said Donna.

"Outfitters like Adventure World offer polar bear tours that allow you to come face-to-face with these humbling beasts from the comfort of Polar Rover vehicles, while Intrepid and Canada and Alaska Specialist Holidays provide tours of the Rockies and self-drive itineraries, including world-class whale watching and wildlife spotting."

Other heart-stopping Canadian wildlife experiences include witnessing the thundering caribou migration, locking eyes with the elusive Spirit Bear, snorkelling with friendly beluga whales, and watching the rivers run red during the salmon run, as thousands of fish swim upstream, attracting eagles and other predators along the way.

"Canada's wildlife experiences offer so much more than just animal encounters," said Donna. "Travellers have the chance to immerse themselves in pristine wilderness, learn about the First Nations people who live there still, and get to know the friendly locals, who often become lifelong friends."

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Additionally, Air Canada has now commenced year-round direct flights from Melbourne to Vancouver from June 2018. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas.

www.keepexploring.com.au

Canada: 8th most peaceful country in the world

AUSSIE TRAVELLERS SEEK 'SAFE' ADVENTURES IN CANADA

Canada ranks in top 10 most peaceful countries in the world #ExploreCanada

Dog sledding in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

The tenth edition of the Global Peace Index released this month by international think-tank Institute for Economics & Peace ranks Canada 8th most peaceful country in the world, ahead of Australia and Japan.

As the gap between the most and least peaceful countries continues to widen, due to increased terrorism and political instability, Australian travellers are seeking destinations like Canada that offer incredible experiences without the threat of violence or unrest.

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"In 2015, more than 279,000 Australians travelled to Canada, and this figure is set to rise again in 2016," said Donna Campbell, Managing Director Destination Canada, GSA Australia.

"We know that Australian travellers want to get off the beaten track, explore amazing wilderness, witness incredible wildlife, and immerse themselves in local culture, but they want to do it in a safe environment."

Kayak in Newfoundland and Labrador

Predictably, the Global Peace Index ranks Canada much higher for safety than the USA (ranked 103), and also places it ahead of Singapore, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK.

"With the increasing number of terrorist attacks in Europe, mass shootings in the US, as well as political unrest in Asia and the Middle East, Canada is becoming the ideal destination for outdoor and urban adventures in a safe, non-violent environment," said Donna.

"One thing is certain: Australians won't stop seeking new experiences in far-flung destinations, and every year more and more Aussies are travelling to Canada for some of the world's best road trips, events, urban adventures, wildlife, and winter sports, in destinations that are exhilarating, yet free from terrorism and conflict."

Getting there: Air Canada flies daily from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, connecting through to the eastern provinces. For great Canada travel deals and packages click HERE

ABOUT THE GLOBAL PEACE INDEX

The Global Peace Index is the world's leading measure of global peacefulness produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). It gauges ongoing international and domestic conflict, safety and security in society, and the degree of militarization in 163 countries and territories by taking into account 23 indicators.

www.keepexploring.ca

Visiting British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, spans nearly a million square kilometres (364,764 square miles) of mountains, forests and beaches, cosmopolitan cities and friendly little towns. Set between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and home to 4.5 million people, BC’s diverse landscapes encompass more than 13 world-class ski resorts, thriving wine regions, thousands of miles of coastline and dozens of championship golf courses, all offering unbeatable opportunities for outdoor adventure and urban experiences.

Heliskiing’s 50th Anniversary:

Fifty years after heliskiing was founded in British Columbia by Canadian Mountain Holidays, over 40 heli- and cat-ski operators have planted their flags on BC’s slopes, showcasing diversity within the sport that boasts few equals. Many operations offer multi-day excursions that set up camp at remote lodges, complete with perks that include cosy accommodation and hearty menus to fuel the fire. Purcell Heliskiing and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing are two that have been in operations for many decades. Resort-based options include Whistler Heli-Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb, rk heliski at Panorama Mountain Resort, and Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort. For those interested in snow-cat operations, check out Mustang Powder near Revelstoke, where it’s all about fresh tracks in the Monashee Mountains. Fernie-based Island Lake Catskiing offers no less, thanks to guided exploration through the private bowls and gladed forest of the Lizard Range.

First Nations Experiences:

With the highest diversity of distinct First Nations in Canada, British Columbia is rich in Aboriginal culture, from ancient village sites to sophisticated interpretive centres, museums and tours. Visitors are encouraged to unravel the culture of these people, whose presence and influence in the province — seen everywhere in their artwork, carvings and totem poles — is impossible to miss. Where to start? Dip your paddle for a Traditional West Coast Canoe Tour of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm with Takaya Tours, explore the private beaches (and overnight in everything from rustic yurts to timber frame beach lodges) at Vancouver Island’s Wya Point & Resort or travel farther afield to view the new Gwaii Haanas Legacy Pole in Northern BC, a 13-metre (42-foot) monumental pole that was the first to be raised in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in 130 years.

Craft Beer & Spirits:

In the past year alone, there have been nine new breweries that have opened across the province, from Wheelhouse Brewing Company as far north as Prince Rupert to The Heid Out Restaurant and Brewhouse as far east as Cranbrook, with the greatest concentration opening in Vancouver, including Brassneck Brewery, 33 Acres Brewing Company, Four Winds Brewing, Bridge Brewing Company and Green Leaf Brewing Company, among others. That’s just a small sampling though, with even more breweries scheduled to open in 2014. Not to be left out, spirits are also making their presence known, with Vancouver’s Odd Society Spirits, The Liberty Distillery and Long Table Distillery joining already established Victoria Spirits, Island Spirits Distillery, Shelter Point Distillery and Pemberton Distillery in the Vancouver Island and Vancouver, Coast & Mountains regions respectively. Expect to find everything from smooth, sipping vodka made with malted barley grown in Prince George to flavourful gin infused with juniper berries and blackcurrants picked in the Comox Valley.

Urban Outdoors:

While British Columbia’s urban centres offer cosmopolitan experiences, a defining feature of our cities is their proximity to nature. On the doorstep of mountains, oceans, forests, beach, trails and more, cities here offer access to amazing outdoor adventure — most within a 30-minute drive of downtown cores. In Vancouver, you can bike, golf, sail and ski (sometimes all in one day), just beyond the city lights. It’s little wonder then that BC offers a host of outdoor adventures sure to get the blood pumping. There’s singletrack for mountain bikers in Whistler, North Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Williams Lake and Nelson. You can take to the sky with Whistler’s Superfly Ziplines, a thrilling mountaintop adventure with two ziplines that have the distinction of being Canada’s longest. Or, for a change of pace, trade mountains for the beach, and paddle big waves off Tofino or Masset.

Okanagan Valley Wines:

Think wine tours are solely for summer? Not so at these year-round Okanagan Valley vintners. In West Kelowna, Quails’ Gate was founded in 1956, ingenious intuition that has paid off with winning reds and whites. The winery features rare varietals, including Old Vines Foch and Chenin Blanc. Set in Summerland, Sumac Ridge excels in red and white production in equal measures, but it is the burgundy-hued blends, with grapes grown on the Black Sage Bench, that are cause for pause. Further south in Penticton, Poplar Grove Winery holds the distinction as one of five original wineries to set up shop along the province’s Naramata Bench, and for nearly 20 years, this ground-breaking team has never wavered in its dedication to crafting premium wines that deliciously reflect the Okanagan Valley’s distinctive terroir. Oliver’s Hester Creek boasts some impressive views, and along with producing wine also offers Terrafina restaurant and overnight Villa accommodations.For a final stop, head to Nk’Mip Cellars, Canada’s first Aboriginal-owned-and-operated winery, further south in Osoyoos. Here, ripe reds like Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon all benefit from the intense heat in Canada’s only pocket desert.

The Canadian Arctic 2014: A New Search for Franklin's Lost Ships

170 years on and one of the world's most enduring maritime mysteries is still unsolved.

In 1845, Sir John Franklin's expedition left England for the remote Canadian Arctic amid much optimism. Their goal was to find the Northwest Passage, but it would become the greatest disaster in British arctic exploration. Franklin, his entire crew of 128 men and two ships, HMS Erebus and HMS Terror, disappeared into the vast wilderness of Canada's Arctic, while searching for a way through the fabled waterway.

This year, during the northern Summer, One Ocean Expeditions has been invited by the Canadian Government to join a new search for Franklin's ships.

Announcing the research expedition in Ottawa, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq said,

“Our Government has made the North a priority. The 2014 search for the Franklin ships not only provides the greatest opportunity yet for finding the historic Franklin vessels, it will contribute significantly to our Government's Northern Strategy. Information gathered on this expedition will provide benefits to Canadians in the areas of Arctic sovereignty, marine safety, environmental protection, science and technology, history and culture.”

The 2014 Victoria Strait Expedition is the most ambitious to date, with more partners and more sophisticated technologies than ever before. The use of multiple platforms has the potential to significantly increase the amount of Arctic seabed mapped this summer. Ice and weather conditions permitting, the expedition could exceed significantly the amount of ocean floor scanned and mapped during any previous attempt.

Australian Manager for One Ocean Expeditions, Richard Cunningham explains,

“Various government departments, including Parks Canada and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society have been searching for the remains of the Franklin ships for the last seven years. This year, One Ocean Expeditions offered the use of one of its ships to work alongside three other research vessels. She is perfect for this type of research work and was designed for exactly this kind of mission. Her high ice classification allows her to work in areas the other ships cannot”.

The Akademik Sergey Vavilov, currently operating in Spitsbergen, will re-position into the Canadian Arctic after completing the cruise season.

One Ocean Expeditions' Akademik Sergey Vavilov will work alongside vessels from the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Arctic Research Foundation. A number of additional smaller vessels, along with autonomous and remote-controlled underwater vehicles, will be utilized. Together, these platforms, vessels and vehicles will enable the teams to deploy high-resolution multi-beam sonar and side-scan sonar in a carefully choreographed effort to survey and map the seabed while searching for evidence of Franklin's lost ships.

Limited berths are available to interested clients with the cost of participation being passed to the Royal Canadian Geographic Society as a donation.

Travellers interested in the history of exploration of the Canadian Arctic can travel through these very waters in 2015, with One Ocean Expeditions. The operator has just released its 2015 Canadian Arctic schedule including a 12-night voyage through the fabled Northwest Passage.

For further information contact ONE OCEAN EXPEDITIONS on 02 8096 8787 or email richard@oneoceanexpeditions.com

Air Canada Opens Maple Leaf Lounge at New London Heathrow Terminal 2 Showcasing Canadian Design and Artwork

Air Canada today officially opened its latest International Maple Leaf Lounge at London Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 2, also known as The Queen's Terminal, Departures Area 2B.

Located at Star Alliance's largest airport hub and Air Canada's largest international station, Air Canada's London Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge is a serene, stylish oasis where eligible Air Canada and Star Alliancecustomers can rest, refuel or refresh before their flight in an inspiring, contemporary environment that is a celebration of Canadian design, artistry and craftsmanship.

"We are delighted to welcome Air Canada and Star Alliance eligible customers to our new Maple Leaf Lounge at London Heathrow's new Terminal 2," said Craig Landry, Vice President, Marketing at a reception with invited guests to mark today's official opening of the lounge. "Our newest International Maple Leaf Lounge was created as an extension of the overall travel experience for our International Business customers.  Our Heathrow customers will enjoy a calm and inspiring environment in which to work or relax before their Air Canada or connecting Star Alliance flight. We are proud to showcase contemporary Canadian design, artwork and the majestic natural beauty of Canada in our Maple Leaf Lounges."

Designed by Bennett Lo Toronto's award-winning firm dialogue 38 who also designed Air Canada's Frankfurt Maple Leaf Lounge, Air Canada's Heathrow 700-square-metre Maple Leaf Lounge is a home away from home prior to flight, featuring:

• A Quiet Zone comprising three reclining pods equipped with personal satellite-fed TV screens, USB ports and Sony noise-cancelling headsets
• Spa-inspired shower area featuring showers with large rain-shower heads, ambient music
• Business Centre equipped with individual flat-screen Dell PCs, colour laser printing and scanning
• Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access throughout
• A cooking station with chef to prepare meals upon request
• Tended bar with Molson Canadian beer on tap along with a large selection of wines, beer and spirits
• Bistro-style dining area offering a selection of hot and cold food items
• Showcasing Canadian art and products from 2Loons a Toronto based design and production house, laminated glass art walls from Accura Glass, Concord, Ontario and Cloud lamp by Frank Gehry among others
• Hours of operation: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Eligible customers include Air Canada Altitude Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K and Elite 50K members, Star Alliance Gold members and customers travelling in Business Class, who have confirmed same-day travel on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.

In 2014, Air Canada will operate up to 77 round-trip flights each week between Canada and London Heathrow with non-stop flights to eight destinations across Canada: Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal,Halifax and St. John's.

Air Canada's London International Lounge is the airline's 21^st Maple Leaf Lounge, and the fourth in Europe, along with departure lounges at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt. In the United States, Air Canada operates Maple Leaf Lounges at Los Angeles International Airport and at New York LaGuardia. 

In Canada, Air Canada has 15 Maple Leaf Lounges at airports across the country. For more information on Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges please visit aircanada.com/lounge.

Ripley’s Aquarium Of Canada Launches In Toronto

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto's newest and most highly anticipated attraction, opened its doors on 16^th October 2013, locals and tourists flocking to the 12,500 square-metre ‘Dangerous Lagoon’ at the base of the CN Tower in the heart of Toronto.

Canada’s largest indoor aquarium houses more than 16,000 marine animals and 450 species, including the world’s most exciting jelly fish exhibition, Planet Jellies, and the thrilling underwater tunnel showcasing the biggest shark collection in North America, alongside sawfish, barracudas, moray eels, spadefish and green sea turtles.

Ancient lobsters, sting rays, touch pools and daily live shows will captivate visitors, while Rainbow Reef will mesmerize its audience with a kaleidoscope of colour emanating from the vibrant exhibition of tropical fish.

Expected to draw more than two million visitors per year from around the world, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is home to 20 marine biologists and aquarists responsible for the ongoing care and welfare of the animals.

"The thrilling "Dangerous Lagoon" in Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a 2.9 million litre underwater adventure filled with 17 sharks, green sea turtles, sawfish, and more, and features a 97 metre underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk. (CNW Group/Ripley's Aquarium of Canada LP)

Ottawa Museum Round Up

Museum Round-up: What’s shakin’ in Ottawa’s museums? 



Nature Nocturne is a brilliant new promotion at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Once each month, on a Friday night, the museum is transformed into a nightclub, with music, dancing, food & drink, and interactive exhibits. Next dates are October 25, November 22, January 24…all the way to May.

Canadian Museum of Civilization (to be renamed Canadian Museum of History by 2017): until February 23, 2014: Vodou: Travel through a showcase of over 350 Haitian cult objects, all witness to the power of belief over destiny.

Canadian War Museum: until January 5, 2014: Peace: The Exhibition explores the concept of peace, and how we achieve it. It is the story of how Canadians have understood and acted for peace, from street protest to humanitarian service, and from the conference table to the battlefield.

Bytown Museum: until February 17, 2014: Mexico Fantastico shows the beauty of Mexican culture and the significance of the relationship between Canada and Mexico.

The museum also ties into the Movember movement (whereby men grow facial hair and raise money for men’s health charities) with an exhibit called Great Mo-ments in Bytown that highlights some of the best moustaches and beards in the city’s history (November 1-December 31, 2013).

Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum: until December 31, 2013: The Diefenbunker: at a point in time by Guy Lafontaine: unique and powerful photographs of the Diefenbunker when it was decommissioned in the mid-1990s.

Read more about what's happening in Ottawa