Western Canada can’t take a bad picture. In fact, its landscapes inspire snapshots that fill photo albums of tourists from all over the world.
So groups lucky enough to convene here will be thrilled to get out amid the spectacularly stunning surroundings to ski, golf and make like Olympian athletes, among other fun outdoor pursuits.
Following are eight experiences that delegates will remember long after the meeting’s adjourned. Remind them to pack their cameras.
1. SKIING
Western Canada is home to some of the world’s greatest, and prettiest, ski destinations, so if the group is convening during a snowy month, check with CVB representatives about getting attendees out on the slopes.
In 2009, Whistler Blackcomb (604.967.8950), which has 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, opened the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, a crossing that connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Both mountains are accessible by skiers and non-skiers alike, says Mary Zinck, spokesperson for Tourism Whistler.
"The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola allows guests to easily ski both mountains in a single day," she says, adding Whistler Blackcomb can host a number of ski/snowboard competitions for group fun.
Banff National Park’s three ski resorts (403.760.7731)—Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise Ski Area—comprise all types of terrain for different skill levels.
At Mount Norquay, which is located closest to downtown Banff, according to Cathy Macdonald, senior manager, meetings and incentives, at Banff Lake Louise Tourism, groups are able to rent out the ski lodge in the evening for a private event complete with night skiing.
"Afterward, groups can have a band in the lodge and enjoy their own party," Macdonald says.
Also set amid the splendor of the Canadian Rockies is cross-country skiing, an activity all attendees can enjoy, at the Canmore Nordic Center.
"Competitive or fun races can be set up for team-building activities and organized on-site by Trail Sports (403.678.6764)," says Heather Kallio, spokesperson at Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.
2. DRAGON BOATING
When Tourism Richmond hosted meeting planners on a familiarization tour last year as part of MPI’s World Education Congress, the agenda included a dragon boating excursion on the Fraser River that everyone loved, says Deidre Verigen, sales manager, Canada, at Tourism Richmond.
"Dragon boating along the mighty Fraser River is very popular with groups because it’s a fun, interactive experience that all ages and most fitness levels and abilities can participate in," she says. "It’s great for team building because the better you work as a team, the faster your boat will go. First-timers should be prepared to get a little bit wet as they figure out how to paddle properly."
Dragon boating in Richmond can be arranged for groups through the John MS Lecky UBC Boathouse (604.247.2627), which is also a unique meeting venue.
Regina’s EcoParty Adventures (www.ecoparty.ca) hosts a "Dragon’s Lunch" for visiting groups that provides picturesque views of the city from Wascana Lake. The tour takes place over lunch and features warm-up stretching and complete dragon boat instruction, plus a visit to Spruce Island.
3. OUTDOOR FESTIVALS
Known as Canada’s "Festival City," Edmonton hosts a wide variety of outdoor celebrations year-round, says Ken Fiske, vice president of economic and tourism development at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, citing examples such as the Winter Light Festival, which just wrapped up with highlights such as the Silver Skate Festival and the Mill Creek Adventure Walk.
For meeting and event planners interested in incorporating festivals into events, Edmonton offers Festival City in a Box.
"It’s a unique element in our festival program designed to help planners create interactive, effective and memorable events," Fiske says.
Winnipeg’s Festival Du Voyageur is a popular 10-day celebration in February featuring snow sculptures, outdoor games, workshops, live music and food.
"In 2010, we introduced a new group tent in Voyageur Park called the Pambian Trading post, which allows groups to book a festival experience complete with reserved seating, live performance by a traditional French-Canadian group and a day pass to Voyageur Park," says Emili Bellefleur, spokesperson for Festival du Voyageur.
4. GOLFING
Golfing is available to groups year-round in Victoria at courses such as the Westin Bear Mountain Golf & Country Club and Olympic View Golf Course, and throughout Vancouver Island at courses including Arbutus Ridge Golf & Country Club and Glen Meadows Golf & Country Club, according to Cathy Ray, spokesperson for Tourism Victoria.
"Golf in Victoria is incorporated in many different ways, whether as a group event such as a tournament, or an optional activity, a spousal program, team-building activity or a pre or post option," she says.
Courses have a dedicated staff to assist with the planning of tournaments, and meeting planners might also contact Golf Central Tours (250.380.4653) and Golf Vancouver Island (250.388.4650) to handle their golf programs.
In Vancouver, the most requested courses for meetings and incentive groups are Furry Creek Golf & Country Club, University Golf Club and Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, all of which have designated areas for catered functions.
"We’re able to be especially creative with transportation to Furry Creek Golf & Country Club because it’s located on the ocean," says Amber Sessions, spokesperson for Tourism Vancouver, explaining that groups can hop on a high-speed zodiac in Vancouver’s downtown harbor that will zip them to Furry Creek. "Along the way they’ll enjoy a thrilling ‘sea safari’ spotting wildlife and jumping waves."
A number of operators are able to offer this service, including Sewell’s Marina (604.921.3474).
Farther east, the historic Stanley Thompson-designed golf course at The Fairmont Banff Springs offers a beautiful mountain setting and a fun twist that plays into the heritage of the golf course, according to Banff Lake Louise Tourism’s Macdonald.
"On a couple of holes, guests can try shots with an old-fashioned hickory stick golf club," she says.
In Saskatoon, meeting and banquet facilities are located at Dakota Dunes Golf Links, Willows Golf and Country Club and Moonlake Golf and Country Club.
"Whether they are new to golf or just want to sharpen their skills, golf is a great way to engage delegates in a fun yet competitive networking event," says Andrew Wilson, spokesperson at Tourism Saskatoon, adding that outings for individual rounds or 100-person tournaments can be arranged.
5. KAYAKING
In Vancouver, groups might enjoy a kayaking lesson around Stanley Park and up False Creek with Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Center (604.689.7575).
"Vancouver is an ocean-wrapped city so there is really no better way to explore it than by kayak," says Tourism Vancouver’s Sessions, adding that the outfitter accommodates groups of 40 to 50 people. "There is a six-to-one ratio for their guides, who teach you the basics of kayaking and show you points of interest while paddling on a two-hour tour."
Lana Kingston, spokesperson at Tourism Vancouver Island, says kayaking can be arranged directly through kayak operators that offer lessons, half- or full-day trips and multi-day adventure excursions.
6. WHALE WATCHING
Whale watching is another unique waterborne group activity.
Vancouver Island companies generally host three-hour-long tours in a zodiac or larger covered vessel from about March through October. Options include Jamie’s Whale Watching (250.725.3919) and Stubbs Island Whale Watching (250.928.3185).
Prince of Whales (250.383.4884) operates out of Victoria, where the whale-watching season is generally May through October, and it also departs from downtown Vancouver, which makes it convenient for delegates, according to Tourism Vancouver’s Sessions.
7. ZIP LINING
Thrill-seekers in the group can take advantage of zip lining as a unique team-building activity.
"It’s exhilarating, fun and doesn’t require a high level of fitness," Sessions says, adding that Grouse Mountain (604.980.9311) can accommodate 12 to 15 people every 20 minutes for zip lining. "Zip lining in Vancouver can be combined with other activities on Grouse Mountain, including skiing, dining or snowshoeing, making for a great day out for delegates."
Whistler’s Ziptrek Ecotours (604.935.0001), which combines adventure with environmental education, will have delegates suspended high above the white-water river that divides Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. A choice of two guided tours that each include five zip line rides are available.
8. OLYMPIC-INSPIRED ACTION
Western Canada has hosted a couple of Olympic Games, and CVB representatives say meeting attendees enjoy getting in on the lingering action.
Near Whistler Village is 2010 Winter Games host Whistler Olympic Park (604.964.0060), where attendees enjoy cross-country skiing and shooting at the biathlon range.
Surrounded by lovely scenery and wilderness, Whistler Olympic Park also features five indoor meeting facilities and outdoor gatherings spots.
In Calgary is Canada Olympic Park (403.247.5452), home of the 1988 Winter Olympics, where delegates have the opportunity to try a bobsleigh ride on a course that develops Olympic champions. The 60-second experience takes participants twisting down 14 turns at a maximum speed of 75 mph.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus West.
