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 Several resorts in and around Banff, Alta., are offering a free night's accommodation for packages booked before Nov. 30. (Clipart.com) |
The leaves haven't completely fallen, but out west they're thinking snow.
Several resorts in and around Banff, Alta., are offering a free night's accommodation for packages booked before Nov. 30.
The deals include lift tickets valid at Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Area and Sunshine Village. Rates start at $87 per person per day, based on double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Phone 1-877-754-8195 or visit banfflakelouise.com/plan-your-trip/current-special-offers.
If you'd rather hunker down in the town of Banff, there are deals to be had there, too.
One example: The Juniper Hotel & Bistro has a Hibernation Package until Dec. 22 that includes a night's accommodation, a chocolate lover's platter for sharing and two passes to Banff Upper hot springs. Prices start at $99 per night for two.
At Whistler, B.C., an Olympic Winter Games site, tourism officials says their Book Early and Save packages offer reductions of up to 39% on lodging and lift tickets. In addition, children 12 and under stay, ski, rent and obtain bus transfers free.
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If you book before Nov. 15, and the price drops on an equivalent package later in the season, that price will be matched. Visit whistler.com or call 1-800-944.7853.
Tourism officials dismiss concerns about the impact of the Olympics on Whistler's regular activities, saying more than 95% of the skiable terrain will be open during the Games.
More leisure travel news:
- Mont Saint-Sauveur, north of Montreal, expects to have a new attraction, the Alpine Coaster, ready for the winter season. It's been compared to a toboggan, but these are connected to an above-ground track and can hit 35 km/h. Visit mssi.ca.
- At Niagara Falls, the Niagara's Fury attraction begins with a family friendly pre-show that tells the story of Niagara's creation. Visitors then enter what is described as an "immersive environment'' to see and feel the sights, sounds and sensations of Niagara's birth. Visitniagarasfury.com.
- Turned on by top-level junior hockey? The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship is being staged Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Saskatchewan. All the Canadian team's games and medal round games will be played in Saskatoon; 10 round-robin games and two Canada pre-tournament games will be staged in Regina. Ticket packages can be bought by visiting ticketmaster.ca or phoning 1-800-970-SEAT.
- The Rose Carousel, featuring hand-carved wooden animals, is expected to open in early December in the Children's Pavilion at Butchart Gardens, near Victoria. The carousel will also have two chariots to accommodate disabled persons. Visit butchartgardens.com.
- A new schedule for VIA Rail's flagship train, the Canadian, allows for an extended layover in Winnipeg, allowing travellers to take in some of the attractions in that lively and often underrated city. Visit viarrail.ca.
- Meal service has been enhanced on VIA's new Renaissance cars between Montreal and Toronto. The cars have elevated seats and a service lounge for business-class passengers. Visitviarrail.ca.
- Intrepid Travel, in conjunction with World Nomads, has launched free online language guides. Travellers can download the portable mp3 lessons in 20 languages. Visitintrepidtravel.com/languageguides.
- Eurail Pass is marking its 50th anniversary by extending an off-peak offer to students through December. Those travelling on a 21-Day Eurail Global Pass will receive two extra free travel days. Young travellers constitute a significant market for Eurail. More than 30% of all passes sold last year were youth passes. Visit eurailgroup.com oreurailtravel.com.
- Cheapflights.ca, a travel price comparison website, has introduced its first Fall/Winter Travellers' Handbook, a 12-page guide that can be downloaded. Visitcheapflights.ca/travel-tips/cheapflights-fall-winter-travellers-handbook to download the handbook.