Fall into the Season's Foliage with the Ascend Hotel Collection of Properties
TORONTO, Oct. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Now that fall coats and hats have been pulled out of summer hibernation and been dusted off, thoughts often turn to your next vacation. The month of October is one of the best times to experience the rejuvenating and awe-inspiring phenomenon that Canada is known for: the postcard-worthy colourful foliage that signifies the changing of the seasons.
To help you plan your fall vacation without delay, Choice Hotels Canada has compiled a list of the top spots to take in the natural beauty while enjoying a stay at an Ascend Hotel Collection property. The portfolio of one-of-a-kind, boutique hotels are committed to attentive service, luxurious comfort and delivering local flair "to let the destination reach you."
The newest Ascend Hotel Collection property to open is The National Hotel and Suites Ottawa, which is situated close to Ottawa's Gatineau Park that features some of the best views for foliage enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The first Ascend Hotel Collection property in Ottawa, this hotel offers an upscale boutique atmosphere, high-touch service and local flair. The downtown hotel offers views of the Gatineau mountains and majestic Parliament buildings and is only steps away from the National Gallery of Canada and Rideau Canal.
Ring in Ontario's Fall Foliage
Bring your hiking shoes to Ottawa's Gatineau Park and explore the countless trails of forest. There are hundreds of kilometres of trails to explore and hundreds of species of birds and mammals to spot. Lookouts throughout the park offer spectacular views, including Champlain Lookout overlooking the Canadian Shield and St. Lawrence Lowlands.
If you would rather look at the leaves while lounging in the nation's capital then head to downtown Dundonald Park. The park offers shady trees and sitting areas.
After sightseeing, The National Hotel and Suites Ottawa is perfect for travellers looking to continue delighting their senses. Finish your day at the hotel's award-winning Mix Salon & Spa with a relaxing and revitalizing massage. For an entirely different sensory experience, visit the Capital Dining Room, which is the only four-Diamond rated fine dining restaurant in downtown Ottawa and features culinary delights from around the world.
If you're looking for a more remote vacation out of the big city then head to Huntsville, which is only minutes away from Algonquin Provincial Park. Finish a day of exploring the park and the explosion of fall colours at the Hidden Valley Resort where you'll experience true relaxation with luxurious suites that feature cozy fireplaces and jetted tubs.
Detour to New Brunswick
With more than 80 per cent of New Brunswick forested, there are amazing opportunities to take in the fall colours. The Fundy Coastal Drive that stretches between Moncton and Saint John is home to vivacious reds and deep pumpkin oranges.
You don't have to travel far off the fall foliage path for a relaxing night's stay at the Château Moncton or Château Saint John. Both properties offer a luxurious stay with beautiful views that are steps from all of the cultural activities both cities offer.
Off the Beaten Path in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley is a great spot for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Along the Evangeline Trail, visitors can witness the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of fall leaves at Bear River and at the Look-Off near the village of Canning.
Only a short day trip from the Annapolis Valley is the Inn on the Lake located in Fall River. This boutique hotel is situated on four acres of park land with a private white sand beach on picturesque Lake Thomas.
Quebec's Symphony of Colours
Known for its sugar maple trees, provincial yellow birch and American beech, Quebec is a top destination for foliage enthusiasts and beginners. The Laurentian Mountains display a gorgeous symphony of colours.
Only a short afternoon drive from here is St-Christophe Hotel & Spa located in Granby, Quebec. The boutique hotel features classic European architecture and the ultimate in relaxation with access to an indoor heated pool and whirlpool, massages and therapeutic baths in an idyllic lake side setting.
If you're more of a big city explorer, then a rejuvenating stay at the Hotel Royal William in Quebec City is for you. The luxurious hotel is only 20 minutes from the parc national de la Jacques-Cartier with its panoramic hiking trails and in the heart of the shopping and culture that Quebec City has to offer.
The Ascend Hotel Collection brand is franchised by Choice Hotels Canada, the country's largest lodging franchisor and participates in Choice Privileges, the Choice Hotels rewards program where guests can earn points toward free nights, airline rewards, gift certificates and more while staying at any Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay and Ascend Hotel Collection hotel worldwide.
For reservations, call the Choice Hotels toll-free reservation line at 800.4CHOICE or visit choicehotels.ca.
About Ascend Hotel Collection:
The Ascend Hotel Collection membership program made its debut in late 2008 and now has hotels open and under development throughout the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Scandinavia and the Caribbean. The network appeals to the growing number of travelers who like to live like the locals when traveling to new places. Member properties include The GEM Hotels with three boutique hotels in New York City; Zona Hotel and Suites Scottsdale in Ariz; Nordic Light Hotel, Stockholm; Grand Hotel Costa Rica, San Jose; and Hotel Royal William in the chic New St. Rock district of downtown Quebec City. For more information on this program, visit www.ascendcollection.com.
About Choice Hotels Canada:
From Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, N.L., more than five million guests each year stay with Choice Hotels Canada® (CHC). CHC is the nation's largest hotel franchisor, with 325 privately run properties currently open and under development, under seven brands: Comfort™, Comfort Suites®, Quality®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, Econo Lodge® and Rodeway Inn®. In addition, via its Ascend Hotel Collection™ membership program, Canadians have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels. Plus, extended stay options with MainStay Suites® and Suburban Extended Stay® brands. CHC properties are 100 per cent franchise owned and operated by individual hoteliers, entrepreneurs and lodging/hotel management companies. CHC offers comprehensive support services to its franchisees including sales, marketing, purchasing, reservations and other supportive services. CHC offers high-value lodging options ranging from limited to full service, in the economy to mid-scale markets. CHC is part of Choice Hotels International® which franchises 6,200 hotels in more than 30 countries and territories worldwide. CHC is represented in every major and most secondary markets across all provinces, conveniently located near major airports and highways, shopping centres, entertainment districts and tourist attractions. For reservations call 800.4CHOICE (800.424.6423) / 800.BO.RÊVES (800.267.3837) or visit ChoiceHotels.ca.
Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels Canada, Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection, 800.4CHOICE and 800.BO.RÊVES are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International.
©2012 Choice Hotels Canada Inc. All rights reserved.
SOURCE: Choice Hotels Canada Inc.
energi PR: Jodi Goulart
Tel: 416.425.9143 ext.18
E-mail: [email protected]
Choice Corporate: Megan McMillan
Tel: 905.206.7329
E-mail: [email protected]
Share this article