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Tourism Canada: What's "Hot" in Winter
By : Renata Almeida | Sotaque Brasileiro, Number 3, Winter 2003-04
Forget about staying at home waiting for the cold to pass! The best option for those who do not like winter is to grab a good, warm coat, go out and try to make the most of what the season has to offer and the options are not few.
For those who love sports, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or dogsled, a good program is to visit the ski resorts of the country. Plus you do not need to be an expert about it. In the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec there are many schools for those who want to learn and practice winter sports.
The favourite ski resort among 10 out of 10 of the aficionados is Whistler, located just under two hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia. The main attractions are the twin peaks of Whistler and Blackcombe mountains, famous for their 5,000 feet of vertical drop and a network of radical ski slopes. Whistler is also the largest vertical drop of the continent (one mile) rapid and ultra-modern lifts, and of course lots of snow (about 30 feet of snow per year). The station also is the favourite among artists and personalities. Prince Charles, heir to the British crown, was one of the famous who have skied there.
But British Columbia is not only Whistler. There is also Apex, voted by Ski Canada Magazine as the "best small resort in the world", with no less than 67 tracks, ideal for beginners. The ones who really like landscapes, whether to photograph or relax, must visit the Big White, voted Canada's highest resort, open five months a year and with great options for skiing tracks. Ski schools are found in almost all resorts. Let’s not forget Red Mountain and the less popular Sun Peaks.
In Quebec, the snow is one more ingredient to tourism, making this province the paradise of the season. The French province of Quebec has three of the best ski areas in the continent: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Stoneham and Le Massif. In either case, the tourist will find a choice of nearly 30 different tracks and ski lifts. Furthermore, only an hour from Montreal, you can find over 20 resorts dedicated to the tourist who love sports.
Dubbed the "ski resort complex of Quebec," the region has the famous Mont-Treblant, favourite with visitors from around the world, and Mont-Saint-Sauveur (famous for practice of night skiing) and the Eastern Township, are the mountains Bromont, Mont Sutton, Mont Orford and Owl's Head. While there, take an unforgettable cable car trip to the four major peaks (or "big four").
Besides all these options, Quebec is also the stage of the Quebec Winter Carnival with various activities for the whole family. In its 50th edition, the event runs from January 30 to February 15. Sports, art and culture, for both adults and children, are among the attractions of the event, held in Quebec City’s historic centre and attracts one million visitors a year.
Ice Hotel
Imagine a hotel that is really just ice. Impossible? Must-see attraction this winter, the Ice Hotel, is located at the Duchesnay tourist resort, just 30 minutes west of downtown Quebec City. The hotel facilities include a bar, night club, chapel (where couples can get married!), executive suites and shops with products suitable for the season. Open from January 9 to April 4, the Ice Hotel accepts guests with rates starting at $100, but, it should be noted that the internal temperature is between -2° and -5° Celsius. Ideal for those who want to know what an Eskimo’s life is all about...
Tips:
• A must-see attraction in British Columbia is the night skiing under the phenomenon of Aurora Borealis and the famous "northern lights".
• Toronto has more than 30 public skating rinks. Buy or rent skates and take a ride in one. Fun is guaranteed.
• A tip for those who like different programs, is the dogsled tour in Ungava Bay in the province of BC. During the trip to the region you will also have the option to spend the night in igloos and experience local food.
• A night tour by the canyons of Jasper National Park, Alberta. Walk under the frozen ground illuminated by the moon.
More information about the Quebec Winter Carnival and the Ice Hotel in sites:
http://www.icehotel-canada.com and www.carnaval.qc.ca
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