A new, high-frequency rail corridor for eastern Canada, a splashy new W Hotel in Sydney, and a Jamaica travel expo for Toronto. Today’s travel notebook. HIGH-FREQUENCY RAIL BETWEEN TORONTO AND QUEBEC MOVES CLOSER I’ll believe it when I see it, but the Canadian government today announced the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for what could be a future, high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City. The RFP process will be ongoing until summer 2024. Following the evaluation period, the government will select the group who will become the private developer partner to work collaboratively with VIA HFR Read more
Australia/New Zealand/PAC
Victoria, British Columbia has been named the world’s best city in this year’s Conde Nast Travellers’ Readers Choice Awards, while Canada owned the top three picks for world’s friendliest cities. Victoria was third in the friendly category, while Edmonton came second and Calgary was first. Dublin, Ireland was fourth and Quebec City fifth, giving Canada four of the top five spots. I might push for St. John’s or Saskatoon or Regina as the friendliest city in the country if I had a vote, but I suspect Conde Nast readers aren’t as familiar with them as they are with the winning Read more
One of the world’s most iconic sights turns 50 next year. But she doesn’t look it. The Sydney Opera House, a building derided by critics when drawings were first unveiled, will celebrate its half-century birthday the weekend of October 21-22. The Opera House has a series of events planned for October to celebrate, including a dance program called Message in a Bottle that features songs from Sting, a new indigenous restaurant by First Nations Chef Mark Olive, performances by ne of the world’s finest chamber orchestras, St. Martin’s in the Fields, and the unveiling of a new First Nations public Read more
As the summer warmth fades and leaves begin their vibrant transformation, Resorts of Ontario welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in the splendour of autumn. It’s the perfect time to indulge in delectable culinary experiences and embark on outdoor adventures that define the true Canadian spirit. “Autumn is a wonderful time for a drive on scenic roads to take in Ontario’s fall colours and enjoy outdoor experiences, from hiking to cycling, world-class golfing and even photography,” says Kerri King, Executive Director of Resorts of Ontario. “Whether it’s a cottage experience or a fully-equipped spa that you’re looking for, Ontario resorts have Read more
Tourism Australia’s unveiled Down Under visitation numbers at the Australia Marketplace North America event in Los Angeles this week. And Canada is kicking some serious rear end. In May 2023, Canadian arrivals in Australia reached 94% of 2019 levels, while the United States was at 75%. For the 12-month period ending in May 2023, Canadian arrivals were at 74% of pre-pandemic levels, while the U.S. was at 66%. Canadian visitor spending has reached 92% of 2019 levels, while the U.S. is at 78%, said Chris Allison, Vice President, The Americas, Tourism Australia. He wouldn’t quite say that Canada is pushing Read more
