North America

CANADA

Toronto I Niagara Falls I Rocky Mountains I Vancouver I Whistler

Canada occupies most of the northern portion of North America. It shares land borders with the contiguous United States to the south and with the US state of Alaska to the northwest, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west; to the north lies the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country in total area.

Originally inhabited exclusively by aboriginal peoples, Canada was founded as a union of British colonies, some of which had earlier been French colonies. Now a federal dominion of ten provinces with three territories, Canada peacefully obtained sovereignty from its last colonial possessor, the United Kingdom, in a process beginning in 1867 with its formation and ending in 1982 when Canada gained the authority to amend its own constitution.

Geopolitically, Canada is divided into 10 provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador) and 3 territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut).

Canada is a land of vast distances and rich natural beauty. Economically and technologically, it resembles its neighbor to the South, the United States, and shares with it the longest undefended border in the world. Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 by an act of British parliament, and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Though a medium sized country by its population, Canada has earned respect on the international stage for its strong diplomatic skills. Internally, the country succeeds instead in negotiating compromises amongst a culturally and linguistically varied population. In Canada's different regions, you will find as many differences as similarities. Language, culture, cuisine and even history vary quite a bit over the country. Rather than the United States melting pot, Canada prefers to consider itself a mosaic of cultures and people. 

• F1 Montreal Destination Guide

Toronto:

Toronto is Canada's largest city, with a metropolitan population of more than 5 million people. It is the capital of the province of Ontario, Canada's second largest but most populous province.

Toronto's most famous landmark is the CN Tower, a 553 metre (1,815 ft) tall steel and concrete transmission tower and observation deck, the tallest free-standing land structure in the world. Directly west of it is the Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome), the world's first sporting arena to feature a fully retractable roof. It is currently home to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Argonauts. Nearby, the Air Canada Centre is the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, and the Toronto Rock. It was originally built to replace the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens.

Toronto's City Hall is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. Built to replace its predecessor — now known simply as Old City Hall — its modernist style still impresses today. (It has been used as a backdrop in American films to depict a city of the future.) Directly in front of City Hall is Nathan Phillips Square, a public space that frequently houses concerts, art displays, a weekly farmers' market, and other public events. It is also the site of a reflecting pool that, during the winter, becomes a popular skating rink. Dundas Square, nearby, is the city's newest and flashiest public square, located across the street from the Toronto Eaton Centre, a large, popular shopping mall. Another popular shopping mall, Yorkdale, even has its own subway station, which can be reached using the convenient TTC subway system. Queen's Park, a historic scenic park and public space, surrounds Ontario's Legislative Assembly.

The Toronto Islands form part of the largest car-free urban community in North America. Accessible by ferry, "the Islands" include a public park and a children's amusement park, Centreville. The Islands are also home to the Toronto City Centre Airport. The city has several large parks, the best known being High Park to the west of downtown.

The city is crisscrossed by a network of ravines that are still almost wholly undeveloped. Other popular attractions include the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Ontario Science Centre, the Leslie Street Spit, the Toronto Zoo, Little Glenn, and the city's oldest cathedrals, the Roman Catholic St. Michael's Cathedral and the Anglican St. James' Cathedral, both on Church Street. Casa Loma, a castle overlooking downtown Toronto, is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions.

The Cosmopolitan - Boutique (New Opening)

Location:

Nestled in the city's Financial, Entertainment and Shopping Districts, the Cosmopolitan Toronto Hotel satisfies the desires of travellers seeking intimate surroundings, functional accommodations, and the ultimate in modern comfort. This comfortable and chic hotel has many windows offering stunning views of lake Ontario and the landmark CN Tower building.

Accommodation:

Designed with a 'zen' focus, the interiors are intended to balance your energy and provide a serene and relaxed atmosphere for guests.  Sleek contemporary designs, with an attention to detail, highlight each of the 95 suites and 2 penthouses at the Cosmopolitan Toronto Hotel. A distinctive feel incorporates the ancient art of Feng Shui, transforming each suite into a Zen-like haven.

Calm and quietly sophisticated with floor-to-ceiling windows and both city and lake views, each light-filled suite reflects a balanced mix of Eastern design sensibilities with Western technology. Featuring the conveniences of a fully furnished kitchen, quality air purifier, washer/dryer, Sony CD player and LCD flatscreen televisions, guests also benefit from custom designed furniture, a meditation mat, 400 thread count Egyptian cotton bed linens, balconies and windows that open.

Facilities:

• Shizen Spa
• Jacuzzi
• Solarium
• Body treatments
• Holistic therapies
• 24-hour fitness centre
• Business centre
• Wireless internet access
• State of the art meeting rooms

Dining:

• Doku 15 - Asian tapas & Martini bar

Four Seasons Hotel Yorkville Toronto - 5 Star

Location:

Offering elegance without pretension, and boasting some of the city's most luxurious guest rooms, Four Seasons is in the heart of Yorkville, Toronto's fashionable shopping, dining and entertainment quarter, yet is only five minutes from the business district. 

Accommodation:

The 32-storey Four Seasons Hotel Toronto offers 380 guest rooms, including 150 suites, all featuring large bay windows overlooking the neighbouring streets and upscale boutiques of the chic Yorkville district.

Room amenities include: 100% cotton oversized bath towels, CD player, down pillows, duvets, exercise equipment available, hair dryer, in-room safe, iron and ironing board, non-allergenic pillows available, refrigerated private bar, thick terry bathrobes, twice-daily housekeeping service, video cassette and DVD players available and web TV

Facilities:

• Indoor heated pool with sundeck
• Spa
• Swedish, shiatsu, aromatherapy & reflexology massages
• Health Club
• Business services
• Meeting & conference facilities

Dining:

• Truffles - contemporary French cuisine
• Studio Cafe
• Lobby Bar
• Avenue
• In-room dining

Radisson Admiral Harbourfront - 4 Star

Location:

With a prime downtown Toronto location just minutes from Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Radisson Hotel Admiral Toronto-Harbourfront offers the kind of warm hospitality, inviting atmosphere and topnotch services sure to please business and leisure travellers alike.

Accommodation:

The spacious, newly renovated rooms and suites at the Hotel Toronto feature such welcome amenities as three telephones, voice mail, in-room movies, coffeemakers, hairdryers and irons/ironing boards. The large windows offer beautiful views of the city, marina and lake, providing lots of natural daylight. All guestrooms are conveniently equipped with a large writing desk, three telephones, two telephone lines and Wireless Internet Access.

Facilities:

• Outdoor swimming pool overlooking Lake Ontario
• Fitness Centre
• Azua Spa adjacent to the hotel
• Meeting & conference facilities
• Laundry/valet service

Dining:

• Commodore's
• Bosun's Bar
• The Gallery

Niagara Falls:

The Niagara Falls consist of three sections. The large Canadian falls – with their distinctive curved shape – are also known as the "Horseshoe" falls. They are separated by Goat Island from the American falls, which are separated by a small island at their south end, from the narrow Bridal Veil falls.

Each side offers a different perspective. The American side offers great views of the Canadian Horseshoe falls and the hotel skyline on the Canadian side. The Canadian side offers views of both the American and Horseshoe falls.

The Canadian side is usually the most popular due to it's view of both falls and the number of attractions and hotels. Although the Canadian side of the falls has more attractions and hotels it's always best to visit both sides to maximize your experience. Niagara Falls is two hours by car from Toronto and a half hour from Buffalo (New York). 

Sheraton on the Falls - 5 Star

Location:

Located in the heart of the tourist district and directly across from Niagara Falls, Sheraton on the Falls features 670 well-appointed guest rooms with the best fallsviews.

Accommodation:

With 670 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the Sheraton on the Falls is Niagara's largest and most luxurious resort hotel. The only hotel directly across from the Falls, guests enjoy the best views of the Falls guaranteed. In fact, the view from the Sheraton on the Falls is known as the "Official Postcard View of the Falls" and guests enjoy breathtaking vistas.

Many Fallsview rooms feature private balconies so you can enjoy the power of the Falls from the comfort of your own room or suite. Many feature full size fireplaces, sitting areas and Jacuzzi tubs - the perfect spot for a romantic getaway.

The hotel offers more than 20 suites, including a number of bi-level suites that include a second floor sleeping area and Jacuzzi tub overlooking the Falls.

Guests enjoy full access to the hotel's wide array of amenities and services including the Falls Avenue site with 20-acres of restaurants, casino, entertainment, shopping and attractions.

Facilities:

• Indoor heated swimming pool
• Outdoor pool
• Fallsview Spa
• Body treatments
• Fitness centre
• Casino
• Business centre
• 24-Hour front desk
• Parking available

Dining:

• Penthouse Fallsview Dining Room
• Starbucks Canadian Cafe
• Falls Avenue Themed Restaurants
• 24-Hour room service

Marriott Niagara Fallsview & Spa - 4 Star

Location:

Located just 100 yards from the edge of the Falls in the heart of the tourist district, surreal natural beauty fills specially designed windows of this premier hotel to create a remarkable experience of sight and sound.

Accommodation:

Standard room amenities include colour TV, Sony Play Station, in-room pay movies, in-room coffee maker featuring Starbuck coffee, minibar, iron, ironing board, hairdryer, telephone with voice mail and dataports, high-speed and wireless Internet access, individual climate control, in-room safes, and beds featuring Marriott duvets.

Facilities:

• Serenity Spa
• Body treatments
• Fitness Centre
• Nearby golf courses
• Indoor swimming pool
• Whirlpool
• Sauna
• Fallsview arcade & games room
• Laundry service

Dining:

• Terrapin Grill
• Terrapin Bar
• Starbucks Coffee Shop
• Lobby Bar

Brock Plaza - 4 Star

Location:

Niagara's grand hotel - experience the history and elegance of this classic hotel. The Best Fallsviews, exceptional service and amenities. The only hotel directly opposite the Falls and the only hotel with a direct enclosed walkway to Casino Niagara.

Accommodation:

The hotel offers 233 elegant guest rooms and suites. Some guest rooms offer full views of the falls and all rooms include pay movies, voicmail, direct dial phones and coffee and tea makers.

Facilities:

• Indoor pool
• Sauna
• Spa tub
• Fitness centre
• Tennis court
• Business centre
• Meeting rooms
• Dry cleaning service

Dining:

• Fallsview Restaurant

Rocky Mountains:

The Rocky Mountains stretch more than 3,000 miles from British Columbia, in Canada, to New Mexico, in the United States. The highest peak is Mount Elbert, in Colorado, which is 14,440 feet above sea level. The Canadian Rockies contain five national parks:

• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Kootenay National Park
• Waterton Lakes National Park
• Yoho National Park

Lake Louise is both an actual lake and a nearby hamlet located in the Canadian province of Alberta in Banff National Park. The unique emerald colour of the lake comes from Rock Flour carried into the lake by melt-water from the glaciers that overlook the lake.

Recreational activities in the area include hiking, scrambling, and exceptional down-hill skiing. Lake Louise is named after the Princess Louise Caroline Alberta (1848-1939), the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, and the wife of Sir John Campbell, who was the Governor General of Canada from 1878 to 1883. The province of Alberta is also named for the Princess Louise.

The hamlet of Lake Louise is located beside the Trans-Canada Highway, 180 km (112 miles) west of Calgary. The background of Lake Louise is filled with views of several snow-capped mountains including Mount Temple (3543 m / 11,692 ft), Mount Whyte (2983 m / 9,844 ft) and Mount Niblock (2976 m / 9,820 ft). The village has a small shopping centre called "Samson Mall" which includes a park visitor centre, grocery store, bakery, sporting goods store, liquor store, and fast-food establishments.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Location:

Surrounded with snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks.  Secluded next to a legendary lake.  Showcased by a majestic glacier. A world away from ordinary resorts nestled deep within Banff National Park; The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise awaits your arrival. Escape to a haven of inviting splendour. 

Accommodation:

Elegant and polished yet relaxed and inviting, The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise accommodations strive to live up to the natural wonder with whom they share their name. Unwind where the luxury of a bygone era has been perfectly preserved.  In a guestroom or suite with a heightened level of modern comfort, heartfelt welcome and genuine service. 

And the thoughtful touches - from an elegant, private lounge to indulgent bath products - never seem to end.  Unique, both for its 5,760 feet of altitude and its zero displays of attitude.

Facilities:

• Health Club
• Spa
• Indoor heated pool
• whirlpool
• Steamroom
• Canoeing
• Mountain biking
• Fishing
• Boat cruises
• White water rafting
• Horeseback riding
• Mountain Heritage programme
• Golf
• Laundry facilities
• Business centre
• Wireless internet

Dining:

• Fiarview Dining Room
• Walliser Stube
• Poppy Brasserie
• Lakeview Lounge
• Glacier Salon
• Chateau Deli
• In-room dining
   

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

The majesty of the castle-like Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel rivals that of the surrounding snow-tipped Rocky Mountains, and has become a symbol of Banff and everything it has to offer. Pamper yourself with the luxury of this finely appointed hotel with its mesmerizing views, fine dining, and luxurious spa.

Accommodation:

The Fairmont Banff Springs offers all the amenities of a world-class resort, with 770 superbly appointed guest rooms and attentive, personalized service. From cozy rooms tucked away in quiet corners of the castle to spacious suites with sweeping mountain views, The Fairmont Banff Springs has the perfect room for you.

Fairmont View rooms are well-appointed guest rooms equipped with all standard amenities. These cozy rooms offer a variety of beautiful valley side views. Best suited for two occupants, they have a chair and table. Available on non-smoking floors only. 

Facilities:

• Willow Stream Spa
• Indoor pool
• Outdoor whirlpool
• Tennis
• Water sports
• Horeseback riding
• Downhill & cross country skiing in winter
• 27 hole championship golf course
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Bowling centre
• Laundry services
• Parking
• Meeting & conference facilities

Dining:

• Waldhaus Restaurant
• Waldhaus Pub
• Banffshire Club
• Bow Valley Grill
• Castello Ristorante
• Golf Course Clubhouse
• Grapes Wine Bar
• Ramsay Lounge
• Samurai Sushi Bar & Restaurant
• Afternoon tea
• In-room dining
  

Vancouver:

Vancouver is the largest metropolitan centre in western Canada and the third largest in the country. The Port of Vancouver is significant on a world scale, and Vancouver is also the third largest film production centre for US-based productions in North America after Hollywood and New York. Vancouver will be the host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the 2006 United Nations World Urban Forum and the 2007 Memorial Cup. Vancouver will also host some games for the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Vancouver is internationally renowned for its scenic setting. Vancouver has one of North America's largest urban parks, Stanley Park. The city has all the urban amenities, but also affords easy access to the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. The North Shore mountains dominate the city landscape, and on a clear day scenic vistas include the dormant, snow-capped volcano Mount Baker in the State of Washington to the southeast; Vancouver Island across the Strait of Georgia to the west and southwest and the Sunshine Coast to the northwest. The views of the city and its surroundings have made it renowned for its beauty. 

Opus Hotel -  Boutique

Location:

Located in fashionable Yaletown, Opus Hotel is steps from the inner harbour, outdoor recreation and Vancouver’s best restaurants, spas and shops. The business and entertainment districts, Stanley Park, beaches and the Alaska cruiseship terminal are only a few minutes away.

Accommodation:

The 96 guestrooms and suites are furnished in contemporary and fresh styles, offering ensuite bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers, plush sofa and writing desks with ergonomic chairs. Superior rooms have more choice of decors, with larger room floor space and king sized beds. As the rooms types progress to Courtyard, deluxe Kings, Studios and Suites the space increases and more luxury features are included. 

Facilities:

• 24-Hour Fitness Centre
• Concierge services
• Business centre
• Currency exchange
• Secured underground valet parking
• Meeting & conference facilities

Dining:

• Elixir Bar & Restaurant
• Opus Bar
• Authentic Espresso Bar
• 24 Hour room service 

The Wedgewood Hotel - Luxury Boutique

Location:

Located on fashionable Robson Square, in the heart of downtown Vancouver, amidst the gardens and waterfalls, the Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is a leading intimate Vancouver boutique hotel.

An elegant, world-class structure, set in the centre of Vancouver's thriving and cosmopolitan downtown, the Wedgewood Boutique Hotel has been a well-kept secret to visitors of Vancouver since it opened in 1984.

Accommodation:

An abundance of flowers, fine antique pieces and original works of art characterize the 83 luxurious rooms, suites and public areas of the Vancouver hotel. All rooms feature individually controlled climatisation, 2-line speaker phones with adaptors, complimentary in-room safes and balconies. The Penthouse Suites, the finest of our Vancouver Luxury Accommodations, offer fireplaces, wet-bars, and scenic garden terraces in addition to the standard room features - some Penthouses also feature jetted tubs. The Vancouver Luxury Accommodations suites overlooking Hornby Street offer views of the Robson Square gardens, while the ones on the opposite side offer some mountain, or Vancouver city views.

Facilities:

• Spa
• Body treatments
• Cardiovascular equipment
• free weights
• Steam room
• Business centre
• Concierge
• Valet parking underground
• Meeting & conference facilities

Dining:

• Bacchus Restaurant & Piano Lounge
• Room service

Whistler:

Home to Whistler and Blackcomb, consistently regarded as the best ski mountains in North America, and a summer paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Whistler offers alpine scenery on a breathtaking scale.

The ski and snowboard season lasts from November to August. The mountains offer over 200 marked trails, with 12 magnificent bowls and each with a vertical drop exceeding 1,524 metres (5,000 feet). Winter also brings snowshoeing, sleigh rides, skating, and glacier skiing.  In warm weather, the natural landscape challenges with mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, mountaineering – and superb golf.

Over two million people visit Whistler annually, primarily for its world-famous snow skiing and mountain biking at Whistler-Blackcomb. Whistler is located on Highway 99 north of Squamish. Whistler has a large village which is pedestrian-only in the middle of what is called the village.

Whistler will be the site of a number of events of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

This all-year round resort is well geared up for the tourist, providing around 5,400 guest rooms, 93 restaurants and 207 shops throughout the region.  The area is 75 miles from Vancouver by car, roughly 2 hours driving time. You can also choose from the shuttle bus, private limo or the sky highway.

The Four Seasons Hotel - 5 Star Deluxe

Location:

Experience the luxury of the Four Seasons Resort Whistler. The 273-room retreat is located at the base of Blackcomb mountain, just minutes from the slopes, fine dining, shopping, and nightlife.

Accommodation:

Four Seasons Resort Whistler's 273 guest rooms, suites and townhouses are generously sized and capture the spirit of a luxurious mountain residence, with cosy wood interiors and gas-burning fireplaces.

All guest accommodations offer superb views of the mountains, forest, valley, pool or courtyard from private or step-out balconies.

Well-defined work areas allow guests to remain productive, with up-to-the-minute technology for communication and entertainment, including dual-line telephones and high-speed Internet access.

Residence Suites offer space, superb amenities and forest, valley or mountain views. All feature fireplaces, gourmet kitchens and a private, furnished terrace.

Facilities:

• Spa
• Body treatments
• Outdoor pool
• Fitness centre
• Nicklaus North Golf Course nearby
• Bear Watching (summer)
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Hummer tours
• Fishing
• Mountaineering
• Orienteering
• Rock climbing
• Mountain biking
• Skiing & snow boarding in winter
• Ski & Snowboard lessons
• Cross countey skiing
• Dog sledding
• Business facilities

Dining:

• Fifty Two 80 Bistro
• Fifty Two 80 Bar
• In-room dining

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