Canadian Signature Experiences collection adds 10 new awe-inspiring, authentic year-round adventures

New experiences in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador continue to encourage travellers to keep exploring Canada.   ­

Tweet: New Canadian Signature Experiences offer travellers a deeper look into life as a Canadian. http://bit.ly/1NN6hEq

VANCOUVER, Feb. 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Destination Canada (DC) is pleased to announce the addition of 10 new members to the Canadian Signature Experiences (CSE) collection. As diverse as Canada itself, the unique experiences include exploring heritage rivers and routes, wilderness training and excursions, cycling tours and mountain climbing, unique accommodations—and even learning how to play hockey like a Canadian.

The Canadian Signature Experiences collection showcases the rich diversity of Canada's landscape, people and culture through innovative travel experiences travellers of all ages can enjoy. It introduces visitors to the many extraordinary travel experiences that Canada and Canadians have to offer, from urban gems to wilderness adventures.

"Canada has so many exciting travel and tourism opportunities to offer Canadians and the world," says the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism. "This unique collection shows off Canada's rich tapestry of experiences to visitors from around the world while supporting local jobs and the economy."

"Our work with our provincial and territorial partners on the Canadian Signature Experiences collection helps position Canada as a top destination to visit, enjoy, share and recommend," says David F. Goldstein, DC president and CEO. "By adding new members to this curated collection of experiences, we continue to enrich the story of Canada for our international visitors."

The 10 new Canadian Signature Experiences are welcome additions to a curated collection of almost 200 across the country. Each has been chosen for the exceptional way it connects visitors to Canadians, our geography and rich cultural heritage.

• Learn how to play hockey like a Canadian with past NHL players and current elite junior league coaches in Canmore, AB.
• Climb Via Ferrata on Alberta's Mount Norquay, ascending to heights once open only to extreme athletes.
• Journey into the heart of Manitoba's north without leaving the city of Winnipeg at Assiniboine Park Conservancy. Behind-the-scene tours with researchers showcase the important wildlife conservation and environmental protection work in Canada's only polar bear conservation centre and explore the landscapes that shape the home of polar bears, muskoxen, Artic fox and wolves.
• Ride a paddleboard down a Rocky Mountain River on the Wapta Falls Wild & Scenic Tour in BC's Yoho National Park, following ancient Indigenous routes and witnessing spectacular waterfalls.
• Marvel at the Fogo Island Inn in Joe Batt's Arm, NL, a modern architectural wonder tied directly to an island's rich culture.
• Spend a few nights in a restored 1922 light keeper's home at Quirpon Island Lighthouse near the village of Quirpon at the northernmost tip of Newfoundland, watching icebergs and whales parade below this clifftop perch.
• Cycle the iconic Icefield Parkway between Jasper and Banff in Alberta with Mountain Madness Tours.
• Take a Western Brook Pond boat tour through a spectacular, glacier-carved fjord with BonTours in Rocky Harbour Gros Morne National Park, NL, to discover the nature, history and cultural heritage of these coastal communities.
• Paddle a canoe or kayak, a quintessential Canadian skill, during a week-long journey on the Madawaska River in Barry's Bay, ON.
• Ride a raft along the last remaining natural rapids of the Ottawa River just one hour from Canada's nation's capital, Ottawa. River routes such as this were once the roads of the nation, and the guides of OWL Rafting will point out wildlife, heritage logging sites and recount stories of the colourful voyageurs and loggers who plied these waters.

Since the program's inception, CSE has grown to 196 members that offer experiences from coast to coast to coast. DC works in partnership with all 13 Canadian provincial and territorial marketing organizations to build and maintain CSE members. The program brings to the global stage Canadian experiences that are memorable and authentic—able to shift travellers' perceptions about Canada so they view it as a destination to keep exploring.

Additional web links:

• Canadian Signature Experiences for a comprehensive list of members
• Canadian Signature Experiences Backgrounder for further information on the program
• Tourism Industry Factsheet to learn more about Canada's visitor economy
• Destination Canada corporate profile for key facts and figures about Destination Canada
• Brand Canada Library for rights-ready, free-to-use images and videos

About Destination Canada:
Destination Canada is Canada's national tourism marketing organization. A federal Crown corporation of the Government of Canada, we lead the Canadian tourism industry in marketing Canada as a premier four-season tourism destination. Our vision is to inspire the world to explore Canada. With our partners in the tourism industry and the governments of Canada, the provinces and the territories, we promote Canada's extraordinary experiences in 11 leisure markets around the world, conduct market research plus provide resources and toolkits to help industry leverage Canada's successful tourism brand, Canada. Keep Exploring. For regular updates on Destination Canada initiatives follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.

For further information, please contact: Danielle Vlemmiks, Director, Corporate Relations & Stakeholder Outreach, Destination Canada, [email protected]

SOURCE Destination Canada

Please contact: Danielle Vlemmiks, Director, Corporate Relations & Stakeholder Outreach, Destination Canada, [email protected]