Trip Planner 2016-17 Trip Planner For Group Leaders | Page 29
Canada
MONTRÉAL
JEAN-FRANÇOIS GRATTON, SHOOT STUDIO
PARKS CANADA/SCOTT MUNN
EDMONTON
Cité Mémoire
Elk Island National Park
Canada’s Elk Island National Park is gentle wilderness that is home
to aspen woodlands and prairie meadows, bison and elk, and rolling
hills and wetlands. Located just east of Edmonton, the park provides a
quiet oasis for travelers looking to connect with nature and learn more
about Alberta’s earliest settlers.
Groups can hear stories of the First Nations tribes—primarily Cree
and Métis—who inhabited the area for hundreds of years. Ranger-led
programs detail the natives’ hunter-and-gatherer lifestyle, as well as
their customs and traditions.
Wildlife viewing is a popular option, with the resident plains and
woods bison being the stars of the show. As part of the Bison
Backstage Tour, participants get a VIP pass to the park’s bison
handling facility. They learn about the conservation staff’s work with the
animals and take part in hands-on activities throughout the tour. There
also is a Grazing with Bison Experience featuring a gourmet meal
prepared by a local chef that’s served overlooking Astotin Lake as wild
bison graze in protected aspen stands nearby.
The park also provides a nearly endless array of outdoor activities
ranging from hiking, biking and canoeing in warmer months to
snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
To learn more, contact Katherine Florence of Edmonton Tourism at
[email protected] or visit exploreedmonton.com.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
West Edmonton Mall, Rogers Place/Ice District
When a group of French missionaries founded Montréal in May
of 1642, it is doubtful they could foresee that their new village on
the shores of the St. Lawrence River would become one of North
America’s most vibrant cities. Montréal will host a 14-month-long
375th birthday celebration starting this December and running through
January of 2018.
The commemoration will be focused around four themes—Montréal
Lights Up, Montréal Gets Moving, Montréal Ignites and Montréal
Reinvents—which will be the base of the more than 175 activities and
programs that will take place. Some of the celebration’s signature
events are:
Montréal en Lumière This popular annual festival, held each
February, includes many immersive interactive activities that are
focused on light.
Cité Mémoire Every night at dusk, images presenting scenes from
the city’s history are projected on walls, trees and other surfaces.
The Giants The oversized marionettes of the Royal de Luxe theater
company will be roaming the city’s streets and waterways in May.
Jacques-Cartier Bridge Illumination Beginning in May, the
bridge will be the backdrop for a series of artistic light installations.
“Another Brick in the Wall: The Opera” The Opera de Montréal
will present the world premiere of a production based on Pink Floyd’s
legendary album.
To learn more, contact Isabelle Cyr of Tourisme Montréal at icyr@mtl.
org or visit tourisme-montreal.org.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Au Sommet Place Ville Marie, Belle Centre
TOP FESTIVALS
Silverskate Festival (Feb. 10–19, 2017),
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival (July 2017)
TOP FESTIVALS
Montréal en Lumiere (Feb. 23–March 12, 2017),
Montréal Jazz Fest (June 29–July 8, 2017),
Montréal Completement Cirque (July 6–16, 2017)
TOP CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Shake and Taste: A Cocktail Adventure, Dutchess Bakery,
Taste of Edmonton (July)
TOP CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Local Montréal Food Tours, Spade & Palacio: Beyond the
Market Tour, YUL EAT Festival (Sept. 1–3, 2017)
ntaonline.com
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