Sensational Canada

Wondering why Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2009 has listed Canada as one of the world's HOTTEST destinations?

According to Lonely Planet, Canada is primed and ready to be explored next year. Whether travelling there in winter or summer, there are plenty of activities and experiences awaiting the unsuspecting visitor.

Australia's leading Canada holiday specialist Sensational Canada gives you five reasons to quench your curiosity and make you question why Canada isn't at the top of your 'hot places to visit' list for next year.

"We have a range of travel and accommodation packages on request to all these unique and special locations that are unlike anything else you will experience," Sensational Canada Director Sue Thorley said.

1. King Pacific Lodge - A resort that floats

King Pacific Lodge is a luxury wilderness resort unlike any other, where resort buildings are actually towed to a docking location in a sheltered harbour along the shores of Princess Royal Island during the summer months amid the temperate rainforest of British Columbia on Canada's Pacific coast. A favourite destination of Kevin Costner and featured in Architectural Digest, the lodge is just two hours north of Vancouver and accessible only by boat or floatplane, and is one of the few Canadian destinations where you can view the Komode bear population.

Key activities include whale watching (where migrating whales actually swim past the lodge), fly fishing, heli-fishing, wildlife viewing and cultural programs in partnership with the indigenous Gitga'at Nation, hiking and kayaking and a day spa. The lodge has no television or mobile coverage but does have wireless internet.


2. Spectacular Sonora - Gourmet, Spa & Adventure Retreat

Sonora Resort, located on Sonora Island in Canada, is a high end luxury resort providing the best in pampering and gourmet experiences with daily degustation menus.

You can also fly to Sonora in the resort's own helicopter from Vancouver.

The Wellness Centre is among the best in the world, with a fitness room, yoga/pilates studio, gym facilities, sauna, steam-room and three mineral pools.

Activities include golfing at Stoney Creek, a guided Grizzy bear tour, white water rafting, guided All Terrain Vehicle Tours through Holmalco First Nations land discovering wildlife in its natural habitat, a guided Zodiac nature tour, guided drift-boat fly fishing, helicopter fly-fishing and helicopter glacier tours.

The Deluxe Gold Rooms have fireplaces and soaker tubs while the resort offers an outdoor heated pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, tennis court, nine-hole putting green and games room, including virtual golf games and a state-of-the-art movie theatre, plus a stocked Rainbow Fly-Fishing pond.


3. Hiking with Huskies in the Yukon

The immensity of the Yukon landscape provides unparalleled choice for discovery. More than 80% of the Yukon is natural with its spectacular panorama preserved within comprehensive national and territorial parks and other protected areas.

An ideal destination for the adventurous type, Yukon offers spectacular day hikes usually joined by sled dogs, boating on Lake Laberge with visits to sites of historical interest, summer dog team rides, canoeing and lakeside picnics.

Staying at the colourful Bombay Peggy's at Dawson City, this newly restored building still bears the name of its former Madam. Built during the Gold Rush era it served as a mining company's headquarters and residence, a family home, brothel, boarding house, art gallery, and now an historic inn and pub.


4. The Okanagan Valley - A golfer's nirvana

Discover this jewel in central British Columbia with more than 100 vineyards and 75 golf courses, the majestic Monashee mountains, refreshing lakes and rivers, lush orchards all meet to create one of Canada's most loved golfing, gourmet and vacation destination - The Okanagan Valley.

Ideal for the avid golfer and located within the Okanagan Valley, Gallagher's Canyon Golf Club is a spectacular par 72, 18 hold championship course full of challenging fairways, well-protected greens, woodland glades and absolute cliff-hangers. You will marvel at the scenery around you as you play through tall groves of ponderosa pines and along the very edge of the picturesque canyon. Framed by rugged mountains and crystal sky, Gallagher's Canyon is your getaway to the quintessential Okanagan golf experience.

Golfing is not all that the Okanagan Valley has to offer. The Mission Hill Winery can be thought of as a refuge from the hurried pace of daily life. You are invited to experience the nature and art of winemaking by walking through their glorious on-site vineyards and visiting their underground cellars. Sample fine wines by the glass, marvel at the vista and reflect on a process that's almost as old as time itself.

If you're after a great place to retire from golfing on the lush greens or sampling the highest quality wines, the Hotel Eldorado is the perfect boutique Kelowna hotel in British Columbia. Situated on beautiful Okanagan Lake and just steps from Kelowna's sunny beaches, this boutique hotel has a private boardwalk and marina. With twenty wonderfully intimate guest rooms, convention facilities and a lakeside dining room the Hotel Eldorado offers an atmosphere all of its own.


5. Aurora Borealis - A getaway in the land of the midnight sun

Take part in the Aurora Borealis adventure and experience the northern lights dancing in spectacular multi-coloured displays. You'll have an exclusive, front row seat for nature's own light show after dark.

In late summer, the Aurora often fills the night sky, reflecting off the shimmering waters of Blachford Lake. On crisp winter nights, the Aurora, the moon and the stars light your way on snow covered paths. The northern lights have been in existence since the earth formed an atmosphere, and shine most intensely in this region.

Blachford Lake Lodge sits on a remote jewel of a lake set in Precambrian rock, just 20 minutes by charter aircraft from Yellowknife, the capital of Canada's Northwest Territories. The spacious, handcrafted log lodge and cabins offer a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

Gourmet meals are prepared by talented chefs, and the lounge offers a cozy retreat in the evenings. Embark on a hiking trail or join an authentic dog sled excursion.

For more information or to book any of the listed packages please visit www.sensationalcanada.com or phone 1800 446 302.