Haida Gwaii Watchmen act as hosts and educators. Look for the original figures in tall hats, perched atop totem poles.
by Margo Pfeiff
Weathered faces of ravens, eagles and bears stare from toppling totem poles in the mossy, misty rainforest. The vibe is mysterious on tiny Tanu Island in Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) of British Columbia. And it becomes even more so with the stories of spirits and ancestors told by our guide, Cody Wilson. A Haida Gwaii Watchman, she is one of five posted at the most frequently visited First Nations village and cultural sites in the islands’ south from May to September.
After a rainy tour, Wilson invites us into her warm and cozy cabin near the shore to dry out. She brews hot tea, feeds us cookies and cheerfully answers questions—anything we want to know about Haida culture, past and present. It’s a rare chance to learn from locals about the goings-on in one of British Columbia’s most intriguing corners.
Artifacts began disappearing in the early 1900s from village sites—abandoned after the Haida population was devastated by disease in the late 19th century. In the 1970s, locals began volunteering their summers to camp out at the sites to protect them. They still do, at sites such as Hotspring Island and Ninstints, a UNESCO World Heritage Site within Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, established in 1988.
These days visiting zodiacs, kayaks and cruise boats must radio in to the Watchmen for permission to come ashore. Watchmen might be elders or young folks, but they all act as hosts and educators.
When you visit, keep an eye open for three fellows in tall hats perched atop totem poles—these figures are the original Haida Gwaii Watchmen. Today’s watchmen are protectors, regulating the flow of visitors—strictly limited to 12 per site at a time to minimize damage and maximize the experience of this spiritual place.
Even though this is outside of our normal range of topics, I thought this piece by Canadian Tourism Commission Staff would be of interest to our landlocked readers ;-)
Here goes....
"When it comes to creating physical—and psychological—distance from your worries, it’s hard to beat an island and a ferry. We’d argue that it’s even better when you leave your car on the mainland. After all, the best way to appreciate island life is on foot or bicycle. Here, a few of Canada’s tranquil gems:
1. Gambier Island, British Columbia: Surrounded by the Coast Mountain Range, Gambier feels like another world, but it’s easy to get to from Vancouver. Walk on the ferry bound for Langdale in Horseshoe Bay, then transfer to the water taxi. Make it a weekend at the Sea Cottage or Gabriels on Gambier.
2. Île-au-Canot, Quebec: In the fall, Québécois sportsmen catch the Croisières Lachance zodiac to this 52.5-ha (130-ac) island in the St. Lawrence River, for traditional goose and wild-turkey hunting. Make it a weekend in the Main Chalet.
3. Toronto Islands, Ontario: Catch a ferry from Bay Street to this, the largest urban car-free community in North America [10]. Rent a canoe or bike and explore the kilometres of paved trails and sandy beaches. Make it a weekend by booking into one of the several B&Bs on the islands.
4. Lasqueti Island, British Columbia: Leave your vehicle at French Creek just north of Parksville on Vancouver Island, and hop the 60-passenger Lasqueti Ferry to a quiet, rural community that retains an authentic counterculture vibe. Make it a weekend at the eco-friendly Squitty Bay Oceanfront B&B or off-grid Lambert Lake Inn.
5. McNabs Island, Nova Scotia: This almost-uninhabited 395-ha (976-ac) island played a strategic role during the defense of Halifax in World War II, and is today part of a rugged and wild provincial park. Several private companies run water taxis from the mainland. Make it a weekend by reserving one of a limited number of wilderness campsites."
Great Excursions’ Claude-Jean Harel will deliver a heritage workshop in Edmonton on Saturday April 18, 2009.
The session titled “Miser Sur Son Patrimoine” (tapping into one’s heritage) is intended for Alberta cultural tourism and heritage stakeholders seeking to develop stewardship initiatives that have the potential to contribute to the cultural industries, including tourism.
The all-day session in French will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Egge’s Barn, Fort Edmonton Park (Fox Drive & Whitemud Drive) in Edmonton).
Pow wows are on the rise as native people rediscover their roots, and Winnipeg, MB’s Manito Ahbee—A Festival for All Nations—is at the centre of it all.
This gathering is one of the biggest, drawing over 800 dancers around the continent. Anyone can join in—just note a few dos and don’ts.
It is Manito Ahbee—“where the Creator Sits,” a sacred, secret site in southern Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park. It’s also the name of the annual continental event of Turtle Island, the Aboriginal name of North America, a 10-day meeting of native minds and hearts held in late October in Winnipeg, MB, that culminates in an explosion of wildly colourful regalia, whirling dance and pounding drums—the International Competition Pow Wow.
Pow wows are sweeping North America as native people have, in recent decades, rediscovered their history and culture. And this is one of the biggest, drawing some 800 dancers from around the continent. Manito Ahbee’s even pulling in mainstream, non-Aboriginal visitors, fascinated by the dancers’ skills and energy.
The Pow Wow’s the butter on the bannock of Métis celebration, conferences, traditional crafts marketplace, and Métis and native music at venues around downtown Winnipeg, as well as at the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards.
These aren’t your grandfather’s soulful chants, though; First Nations music has evolved into an audio kaleidoscope of genres from the hip hop of KrayKree to Ed Peekeekoot’s country styling.
Even so, the Pow Wow is totally traditional, and there are rules. You don’t, as I did, lie on the floor to get a good photo angle (I was admonished gently). You don’t call dancers’ clothing “costumes”—costumes mean Halloween, and these outfits are imbued with serious symbolism.
You do get swept away by the passion of the competition dances that last well into the evening. And when they call out “intertribal dance,” you get to join in—even if you’re like me, a white gal, wearing a decidedly non-festive sweatshirt and sneakers.
Roberto Rocha writes in The Gazette that Marketing Magazine reported that Tourisme Montréal wants to hire a "small army of bloggers, videocasters and networkers to promote tourism in the city."
Specifically, they're looking for five people who will use social media to play up Montreal's main attractions for visitors: food, shopping, nightlife, culture, and the gay scene, according to Rocha.
Each "brand ambassador" will be asked to go out regularly in their field and make regular videos and blog posts. They will also be asked to interact with visitors on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Yahoo Answers.
The most startling job requirement, Rocha goes on, "is carrying a cell phone to take calls from potential tourists.
This will be a a 10-month part-time job from March to December. Rocha says they are looking for people who are "curious, outgoing, have large network in their assigned area, the ability to talk in front of a camera, and can work on deadlines."
"They're saying little else about the campaign until it launches officially. But you can tell already this is a pretty gutsy move from the tourism body, which is trying to save money in anticipation of a soft tourism season," Rocha concludes.
Some very good news for travellers today. WestJet, Air France and KLM today announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding to build a new commercial relationship between the three airlines.
"This memorandum of understanding allows the airlines to begin working on building a code-sharing agreement in late 2009 or early 2010. Prior to this, the carriers will contemplate additional opportunities including an interline agreement, namely acceptance of each other's e-tickets, and through check-in of baggage and passengers, technology permitting. Possibilities for future frequent flyer program cooperation will be explored as well.
A code-sharing agreement would involve the Canadian gateways of Calgary, Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver where guests of the three airlines would connect with each other's networks.
This memorandum of understanding is another step in WestJet's strategy to increase connectivity, bringing additional travellers to its network as well as offering more access for its guests to new destinations."
This is will be the first departure of the season for this trip. So far we have 4 booked + 4 more are expected to book in the next few days. We need a minimum number of 9 passengers to guarantee the departure. We expect fully this trip to go ahead because this is our most popular trip and it is a great time of the year to go. So if you have been thinking about it: August 15 to August 21, 2009!
The month of January is one of the best times to view northern lights in the Yukon. In the bottom left ... one of the wall tent camps we use for the longer trips.
Our trips in the Yukon are attracting guests of all ages. February and the first half of March are fully booked.
There is still room in November, December and January. January is an excellent time to go because of the northern lights.
Discover Canada at your own pace! RVing is gaining in popularity as a mode of travel. Families and friends looking for the ultimate in autonomy while on vacation are looking increasingly to renting a campervan or a motorhome. The freedom to venture off the conventional roadways, the beauty of waking up every morning in a different scenic spot is a hard to resist temptation. Have a look at some of the units we offer through our Canada-wide partnerships. To find out more, call 1-866-975-8687 or email us at info@greatexcursions.travel, and start planning your next holiday now!
Our friend Cliff Speer sent this note around... A not to miss evening!
"In some ways, Saskatchewan is still a frontier province with many places practically undiscovered. Exploring those places can be a fascinating pursuit. Done in a sustainable, responsible way, such exploration is the essence of ecotourism.
On Wed. Nov. 12 at 7:00 pm at the J.S. Wood Library in Saskatoon, I will be giving a talk and slide show on ecotourism entitled: Eco-explorations in Saskatchewan’s Backcountry. My presentation will, of course, highlight canoeing and cross-country skiing, but will touch on other self-propelled modes of exploring the backcountry. You may be surprised to discover that backcountry in Saskatchewan can be both remote & almost on your doorstep!
The Nov. 12 event is one in a regular monthly series of public presentations on environmentally-related topics co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and the J.S. Wood Library. It is free and everyone is welcome to attend. Coffee accompanies the discussion session. I look forward to seeing a whole bunch of eco-oriented explorers come out next Wed. evening!
Winter is hovering in the wings somewhere, but I’m a bit reluctant to bring up the topic of skiing as I’m still trying to catch up from a busy summer of canoeing! When we do get skiable conditions, check out the CanoeSki site for cross-country instruction and tour programs. I’ll be once again teaching all the adult ski courses for the Nordic Ski Club, so there should be plenty of options for everyone interested in learning to ski or improving their technique.
Private lessons have become popular over the last few years as a final option for those with tight schedules or simply wanting personalized attention. Give me a call to discuss any skiing questions. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the fall and dream of a protracted winter of deep snows!
A quick note to let you know about a slideshow by Robin and Arlene Karpan, and Ric Driediger of Churchill River Canoe Outfitters at the University of Regina's Education Building Saturday October 25 at 7:00 pm.
The event is put on by the Historic Trails Canoe Club.
by Lori McNulty Courtesy of the Canadian Tourism Commission
From BC hot springs crawls to all-acoustic jams in Nova Scotia.
Manitoba
In a kitchen the size of Yankee Stadium, I still couldn’t fit in all the friends who whoop it up during the annual, 10-day Festival du Voyageur in Saint-Boniface, MB. Because during “The World’s Largest Kitchen Party,” everyone’s family. Take in the fiddle and jigging, feasting, fireworks and musical performances—all capturing the joie de vivre of the French-Canadian voyageur and fur-trading era. (Video) www.travelmanitoba.com
Yukon Territory
Cue the music and huddle close when the Northern Lights electrify the Yukon sky in February. The Frostbite Music Festival is Canada’s coolest musical buzz. International performers hit the stage for hot sets of blues, gospel, funk, reggae, Cajun, Celtic and First Nations music. When the dancing stops, hit the Takhini Hot Springs for a soothing soak. www.travelyukon.com
Nova Scotia
No doubt about it. Halifax is the soul of down-east sound. The jamming is all-acoustic during the In the Dead of Winter Music Festival in January, when Atlantic, Canadian and US musicians perform up close and unplugged just for you. www.novascotia.com
British Columbia
International crowds flock to Brackendale north of Squamish, BC, to catch some rare but ruffled celebrity headliners. From mid November to mid February, the community hosts the largest gathering of bald eagles in North America. Catch them as they feast on spawned salmon during the 23rd annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Festival & Count in January. (Video) www.hellobc.com
Call it the Kootenay Rockies Hot Springs Crawl, grab your friends and go. BC’s Kootenay Rockies is home to seven unique hot springs. Soak in mineral-rich comfort amid deep canyons, old-growth forests, flowing rivers, craggy mountain peaks and caves. Smile included. www.tourismbc.com
Quebec
Canadians don’t all live in them, but igloos (also iglu) are still pretty cool. Head to Parc national du Bic in Quebec’s St. Lawrence River Estuary and you’ll see. The park’s NUNA BIC Package sets you up with an overnight igloo stay, snowshoe rental, winter sleeping bag and fleece blanket, ground mattress and more. www.bonjourquebec.com
Winter sea kayaking is a becoming a hot sport in Quebec. Guided kayaking trips take you through the stunning Mingan Archipelago and Lower North Shore region where you’ll paddle among sea birds and ice floes, then sample home-cooked salmon. In late February and early March, join an excursion to visit thousands of white harp seals on the ice near Îles de la Madeleine. www.bonjourquebec.com
"Saskatoon will be the site of the transformative project, We Are Many: A Festival, which presents a model of sustainability for mid-sized cities throughout North America. We Are Many (WAM) will use the energy and community spirit of the arts — music, theatre, dance, literature, and visual art — in taking a dramatic step toward a more environmentally friendly community. The festival will feature arts exhibits and performances as well as hands-on workshops and symposia on the whats, hows, and whys of sustainability.
This is the latest review that I wrote about about Earls restaurant which just got published on Tripadvisor. I don't know why there such a vacuum when in comes to encouraging citizens and visitors to blog and write about the tourism establishments they frequent in Regina, when most marketers would agree that this is the single most effective way to raise awareness about destinations and what they have to offer. Nothing short of total transparence and honesty will do, if we want to raise awareness about the city and the authentic experiences it offers.
The fact that the last review prior to this one dated back to January is of real concern!!!
I don't know if any of you have had a chance to stop in Mortlach, located on Trans-Canada Highway west of Moose Jaw, but it seems their tourism efforts are paying off. Mortlach Mayor Ron Locke just shared the following with me. | "We are still working to make Mortlach a tourist destination. Our Mortlach Saskatoon Berry Festival on 5 Jul 08 was a huge success with over 2500 people in attendance. Check out our website www.mortlach.ca to see how things are progressing."
I wrote an article abou their efforts that was published in this publication a few years back.
And I went back to the area to lead an archaeological survey with the Regina Archaeological Society later on.
I was happy to see that Meewasin Valley Authority' Susan Lamb is profiled in the Saskatoon Star Phoenix this morning. Susan's good work over the years has certainly helped guide resource stewardship in the South Saskatchewan River Valley.
Until I read Ned Powers' article, there is a lot about her background I didn't know:
"Lamb attended the University of Saskatchewan, where she earned a bachelor of science in 1974 and an education degree in 1978.
She joined The StarPhoenix as a writer in 1977 and became the Newspaper-In-Education co-ordinator. As a founding member, she coined the title, READ Saskatoon, an organization which has become a powerhouse in literacy activities.
After her first turn with the MVA, she joined Tourism Saskatoon in 1991, and admits to facing a real challenge.
"We were near bankruptcy. We developed some marketing ideas, formed some partnerships and it became a time of significant growth within the industry. In 1997, we were named the fastest-growing tourism destination in Canada."
She was a founding director of the Saskatoon Airport Authority and founder of the Women's CEO Group. She's been a director with Tourism Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Foundation, Persephone Theatre, Winterfest and Big Sisters, among others.
She won the YWCA's Women of Distinction award in 1995 for leadership in business and community work.
She and Ron have been married for 39 years and her husband was a longtime educator in the Moose Jaw and Saskatoon public schools systems."
I came across this story by the Canadian Press today... Dan Kukat is a first rate operator that we work with. It is good to see him and his group step forward to provide a bit of context and to educate consumers about how the industry operates:
B.C. man who barreled through pod of killer whales fined $3,500
VANCOUVER — A British Columbia man who mowed over a pod of killer whales at full speed in his boat, either hitting or just missing one of the endangered animals, has been fined $3,500.
Xi Change Gao, of Sidney, B.C., was convicted in April after video showed the man's eight-metre crab-fishing vessel, the Vien Duong, tearing through the pod near South Pender Island.
"The video indicated that the Vien Duong appeared to collide, or very nearly collide, with a killer whale while continuing to manoeuvre around other members of the pod at full speed and in close proximity," said a Department of Fisheries news release.
The video was captured in an area where the southern resident killer whales are often spotted. There are only 87 animals left in that whale population, and they are listed as an endangered species by the federal government.
Xi was fined $3,000 in a provincial court for disturbing marine mammals and another $500 for a crab-fishing licence violation.
When fisheries officers looked through his logbook shortly after the August 2007 incident, they found he failed to keep it up to date.
Xi's actions are completely contrary to whale protection laws and whale-watching etiquette.
Dan Kukat, president of Whale Watch Operators Association Northwest, said that type of incident is unusual.
"I'm sure it was unintentional," he said of Xi's actions.
"I don't want to sound apologetic, but you know it could happen to anybody. However, once you find yourself amongst killer whales, the law clearly requires us to take evasive action where possible."
Most whale-watching groups in B.C. and Washington State have signed an agreement that limits boats from getting closer than about 400 metres to whales.
If boat operators finds themselves close to whales, they must immediately slow down to seven knots and turn off their engines if the whales get closer.
Kukat, who runs Springtide Victoria Whale Tours, said whales are extremely adept at getting out of the way of boats and are a lot smarter than many people believe.
"They spend as much time watching the whale watchers as whale watchers are watching whales," he said with a chuckle. "They are highly intelligent creatures. Some people think maybe even more intelligent than human beings."
David Roberts, sales and operations manager at the Victoria-based Prince of Whales whale-watching company, said most people are respectful of wildlife, but the few who aren't seem to stand out.
"You have people who do all sorts of strange things around, not just whales, but all wildlife," said Roberts.
"I've seen people try to get their kids up close to a rutting elk to get a nice picture. People who will feed wildlife on the corner of a road, people who drive through a pod of killer whales. Some people just don't have the understanding."
Lisa Spaven, marine mammal incident co-ordinator with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, said the recovery strategy for southern resident killers whales identifies boating activity as an issue.
"It's an issue in that these animals rely on their aquatic environment to perform their normal life process."
Spaven said the southern resident population has lost a few whales this year, but has also gained a few, including a new calf just spotted a two days ago.
Kukat said the protection of killer whales along the coasts of B.C. and Washington State has come a long way.
Decades ago, people would shoot at them to keep them away from fish nets and fishing lines - or worse.
"Go back to the war: they were used for bombing practice, as stories have it," said Kukat.
The Regina Downtown BID is circulating a City Police questionnaire about your use of Victoria Park:
"Regina Police Service in partnership with the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District is currently examining Victoria Park and is interested in receiving your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to fill out this questionnaire which can be faxed to Regina Downtown at 359-9060, or emailed to info@reginadowntown.ca."
The Buffalo Days are always a hit Photo: Claude-Jean Harel
Earlier this month, Memory McLeod reported in the Leader-Post that there are fewer American travellers coming through the province:
""We are about to see an influx of American travellers who come through this time every year on their way back from Alaska. Other than those, no we have not seen a lot," said Peggy Henderson, visitor services manager at Tourism Regina.
The amount of American travellers to the province was down in July by 30 per cent compared to last year. June saw a 26 per cent decrease and a 4 per cent decrease in May."
That was really to be expected given the fuel prices, the current challenges in getting tourism stakeholders working together to harmonize our tourism offering around Saskatchewan's distinctive character in a way that makes our products attractive to international markets, and given current uncertainties around passports requirements.
I received phone calls from clients in the US requesting clarifications. One would be traveller from Michigan called us after visiting websites both in Canada and the US, and being left confused.
There is no doubt that Saskatchewan, its cities and rural communities have the potential to grow tourism revenues from sources other than the domestic market... but the entire Canadian tourism industry is struggling with the US market at the moment. It is indeed a time for innovation an renewed emphasis on collaborative strategies and tourism partnerships.
"The first new steam engine built in Britain for almost 50 years steamed slowly out of Darlington Locomotive Works today to loud applause, a blizzard of camera flashes and a guaranteed future of full-speed mainline running, the length of Britain's rail network.Tornado, a replica of the A1 Peppercorn Pacific class, has taken 18 years to build and cost almost £3 million. With sponsorship from some of Britain's leading engineering companies, funds have come from steam enthusiasts across the country through deeds of covenant and a bonds issue.
About 250 people, including four BBC camera crews, made the journey to the shed where it was built to see the engine, belching thick smoke and blowing its whistle, move for the first time under its own steam."
A crew of local iceberg enthusiasts head out to take a closer look at Dunfield (Newfoundland and Labrador) earlier this month Photo: Claude-Jean Harel
I am currently developing a cultural tourism course for the recently created Bonavista Institute of Cultural Tourism in Newfoundland and Labrador. The course will take place this fall on the Bonavista Peninsula. The course’s emphasis will be on the development of tourism partnerships that lead to increased revenue generation through the enhancement of the tourism value chain to which tourism operations with a focus on heritage, culture and the arts belong.
As part of the curriculum development process, I am looking for examples of partnership best practices in the cultural tourism field from around the world that we can use to illustrate some of the processes involved in generating partnership solutions that build on the authentic character of cultural tourism experiences, and that help bring out the sense of place of the destinations where they take place.
I would welcome any suggestions of such partnerships that we could feature in the course, especially those that facilitate market-readiness and which take into account principles of environmental, social and economic responsibility.
The first-ever Dragon Boat Festival for Banff National Park has been approved to glide the mystical waters of Lake Minnewanka on August 23 & 24, 2008. The non-motorized long-boat canoe race and festival activities are set to showcase National Park environmental stewardship through educational opportunities and an enhanced visitor experience.
A centuries-old race features four boats with teams of up to 20 paddlers in race heats of 200, 500 and 1000 metre stints. According to Andrea Thiessen, Director of Events and Special Projects, "group participants bring their competitive spirits to the lake and are required to build unity in an outdoor environment in order to successfully cross the finish line". Specialty cup races will include Breast Cancer Survivors and Emergency Medical Services. Cultural festival activities and interpretation will add excitement to the downtown core of Banff, while a "Towards Zero Waste" strategy continues to demonstrate our leadership in low-impact special events.
"Hosting cultural events in Banff National Park provides a non-traditional way of engaging Canadians and educating them about the special and unique place that is located in their backyard" says Julie Canning, President and CEO of Banff Lake Louise Tourism. "We look forward to working collaboratively with Parks Canada, the Town of Banff, and the Alberta Dragon Boat Race Foundation on an integrated approach to running this exciting new event".
www.banfflakelouise.com/dragonboat
A Heritage Moment Lake Minnewanka, originally called Devil's Lake, was renamed in 1888 because it was believed the name was too ominous for visitors. Its new name is translated from the Stoney word 'Minnee-wah-kah', which means the "Lake of the Water Spirit". In the late 1800's, the lake was home to Minnewanka Landing, a popular resort community. When the lake was dammed, the reservoir submerged Minnewanka Landing and it has now become a popular location for cold water diving.
Author: Annik LaRoche Organization: Banff Lake Louise Tourism E-mail: Annik@banfflakelouise.com
For the eighth consecutive year, Americans were found to receive and use the smallest amount of vacation time among their counterparts in other countries.
Expedia recently commissioned its eighth annual Vacation Deprivation(TM) survey; despite reporting an average of 14 paid vacation days again this year (the same as 2007 and two more than in 2005), an estimated 47.5 million Americans (31 % of employed US adults) will not use all of their vacation days. Again this year, employed US adults will leave an average of three vacation days on the table, giving back more than 460 million vacation days in 2008.
Despite these statistics, Americans do see the value in vacations, with more than one-third (39 %) reporting they feel more productive and better about their job upon returning from vacation and 52 % claiming to feel rested, rejuvenated and reconnected to their personal life. Work responsibilities are one of the biggest deterrents to taking vacation, with 18 % of US adults responding that they've cancelled or postponed vacation plans because of work and 29 % admitting they have trouble coping with stress from work at some point in the vacation cycle. Additionally, nearly one quarter (24 %) report that they check work e-mail or voicemail while vacationing. That figure is up from only 16 % in 2005.
Expedia analyzed the vacation habits of employed workers in the US, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy (and for the first time, the Netherlands and Austria). Canadians receive an average of 17 annual days, two less than 2007 but still three more than Americans. Among the European countries studied in the past, all workers receive more vacation days in 2008 than 2007. Great Britain has a two day increase over 2007, with 26 days, and Germany, Spain and France all saw increases of one day, receiving 27 days, 31 days and 37 days respectively. Employed workers in the Netherlands and Austria are awarded an average of 28 days in 2008.
When it comes to making vacation a priority, Expedia research saw a shift in attitudes toward taking time off among women and men. In 2007, men were more likely to feel guilty about taking time off from work (39 % versus 30 % of women). However, in 2008, women are more likely than men to feel guilty about taking time off from work (38 % women versus 28 % men), and men are more likely than women (16 % versus 11 %) to take a two-week vacation.
Travel Alberta has launched its biggest ever regional tourism marketing campaign. The $5.6 million multi-media program encourages Albertans and visitors from western Canada to "stay a little bit longer" in Alberta.
"This exciting and creative campaign showcases the many unique travel experiences Alberta has to offer around our province," said Tourism, Parks and Recreation Minister Cindy Ady. "This program, made possible by the Tourism Levy, supports an important pillar of our economy that employs more than 111,000 people in every community in Alberta."
The multi-media program kicks off with a television campaign, supported by radio, seven travel and events guides distributed widely throughout the year and innovative billboards in Calgary and Edmonton. "Our goal is to increase the length of stay and subsequent expenditures of travellers from our largest markets," said Derek Coke-Kerr, Managing Director of Travel Alberta. "This is strategic marketing at its best as tourism in Alberta and Canada now faces increasing challenges of a higher Canadian dollar, higher gas prices and more competition from other destinations trying to attract Albertans to visit," he said.
Funding for tourism comes from the four per cent Tourism Levy. The levy, which replaced the five per cent Hotel Room Tax in 2005, provides Travel Alberta with a reliable, predictable and sustainable source of funding for marketing activities. Budget 2008 includes $67.2 million for tourism marketing and development, which represents an increase of almost $10 million over the previous year.
Albertans are responsible for about half of the approximately $5 billion in tourism expenditures generated annually in the province. Travel Alberta is the industry-led, market driven and research-based tourism destination marketing organization for Alberta. Travel Alberta's mandate is to implement the Strategic Tourism Marketing Plan which sets the goal to increase annual tourism expenditures in the province to $6.5 billion by 2011.
Author: Don Boynton Organization: Travel Alberta E-mail: don.boynton@travelalberta.com
Wanuskewin Heritage Park, on the west bank of the South Saskatchewan River five kilometres north of Saskatoon, includes seven hundred and sixty acres, with nineteen sites that represent the Northern Plains Peoples: summer and winter camp sites, bison kill sites, tipi rings and a boulder alignment known as a medicine wheel, all found within one kilometre of each other.
Almost 20 years ago, an award‑winning and elaborate interpretive centre was designed and built to reflect the character of the site as a historical gathering and meeting place over 8000 years of First Nations history. Wanuskewin still fulfills that meeting place role, providing a rich variety of programming for tours, which can be customized to fit into workshops, retreats, and companion events for conventions.
Wanuskewin's mission is to operate – under the leadership and guidance of First Nations people – a heritage site that contributes to increasing public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the cultural legacy of the Northern Plains First Nations people. Wanuskewin's governance structure is unique, with a wide range of partnerships and founded on the idea of a cooperative relationship between Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal peoples. There are two governing boards:
Wanuskewin Indian Heritage Incorporated (WIHI) has thirteen members who are representatives of First Nations bands, districts, or cultural nations of Saskatchewan. WIHI was established to review planning for development of the Park, including cultural programming, traditional land use, and ceremonial and spiritual matters. WIHI ensures that the needs of First Nations people are met and an authentic and unique experience is provided for all visitors to the Park.
The operating board – Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority (WHPA) – has twelve directors composed of both Aboriginal and non‑Aboriginal peoples and is the umbrella group for the partnerships that form Wanuskewin. The board members include representatives from WIHI, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the City of Saskatoon, the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan, the Meewasin Valley Authority and the Friends of Wanuskewin.
Nova Scotia Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site of Canada
New Brunswick Metepenagiag Heritage Park
Québec Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations Aventure Mikuan II – Innu Croisières Essipit Bercé par l’Harricana Cruise North Expeditions (Kuujuaq, Nunavik) Nunavik Arctic Survival Training Centre (NASTC)
Ontario Aboriginal Experiences – Turtle Island Great Spirit Circle Trail Canadian Cultural Tours Temagami Anishnabai Tipi Camp Cree Village Ecolodge
Manitoba Manito Ahbee - Festival for all Nations and Bannock Point
Saskatchewan Wanuskewin Heritage Park Wanuskewin Heritage Park Batoche National Historic Site of Canada
Alberta Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Nakoda Lodge and Conference Centre
British Columbia Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Linagaay NK’MIP Resort Quw’utsun Cultural and Conference Centre Aboriginal Journeys St.-Eugene Golf-Resort-Casino and the Ktunaxa Nation Interpretative Centre Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
By now people on site at North Battleford should be able to see helium-filled probes in the sky on the tarmac that are tethered to the ground. These will give a good indication of the wind speed. Look for a vertical line between the probe and the point at which it is tethered. That is a sure sign that a launch attempt will be made.
Michel is being weighed on an industrial scale to help establish the right amount of ballast required on the balloon.
Much of this is a wait and see game. Michel is seen here resting outside in 2003 before undergoing the denitrogenization process.
The balloon used for Michel's 2002 and 2003 attempts was actually a prototype built by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, UK.
Cameron hadn't built helium balloons until then. Michel's launch team have commented that it was built more like a hot air balloon than a helium balloon and that it had an open bottom.
A remote controlled valve was installed at the top of the balloon. This was so that once Michel had reached the desired altitude and jumped -- and once the capsuled had been detached from the gondola set off by a timed explosive device triggered by Michel before he jumps -- the valve would open, releasing all the helium and allowing the balloon to gently fall down to the ground.
Inflating the balloon proved tricky in 2002. The sleeve that you see extending left from the balloon was poorly attached to the balloon. The compressed helium contained in the truck to the right is propelled into the balloon by means of high pressure hoses which are connected to the fragile sleeves.
In 2002 the pressure proved too much for the sleeve which detached from the balloon early during the inflation process. Fortunately the quantity of helium lost was minimal. The sleeve was reattached by the launch team in a more solid manner. But the unforeseen delay eventually forced the cancellation of the attempt because of subsequent inappropriate weather conditions.
As you see the sleeve is actually held tightly around the business end the hose.
You can in the picture above that the two sleeves are fully extended away from the balloon as a result of the helium having been injected. Inflation is almost complete at this stage. Look at the spool which prevents the balloon from being released. You will notice that only the top portion of the balloon is inflated. Most of the length of the balloon lies safely on tarps on the North Battleford Airport tarmac. You can see a portion of it extending to the right of the spool above.
The 2003 attempts proved the right one in terms of weather conditions, but it also proved the inappropriateness of the balloon. In this picture, the sleeves are hanging loosely after the inflation is completed.
Launch conditions are optimal. The spool flips open and the balloon starts rising...
As the balloon starts ascending, the helium rises inside the balloon and starts pushing through the top as the sutures rip open. It is a devastating blow.
The balloon falls softly back to the ground. Michel is in tears in his capsule as he realizes that his balloon has now been rendered useless. It will later go to the dump.
Launch director Ricardo Valera comes to take a closer look at this mess.
It becomes obvious to him that the balloon sutures were a weak point.
We all count our blessings that Michel is safe and sound. If the balloon had ripped open after the gondola had started to rise in the sky, things could have gone dreadfully wrong for Michel Fournier.
It seems that for all potential launches in the past, morning proved the most promising time. I am not an expert at this, but there is always this moment when the winds die down at the end of the night, a time which lends itself to launching these giant balloons. Pictured above is the original launch crane. You see how it is holding Michel's pressurized gondola. We will talk about the actual launch process later on.
Meanwhile, in the original hangar, team members prepare for the launch.
In order for Michel's world records to be officialized, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) had sent Michel Jara and Therese Tercier (right) to act as judges in 2002. They are seen here inspecting the measurement instruments. Therese is back in Saskatchewan again this year. She told me two days ago that she hopes this is the right attempt for Michel.
As the launch appears imminent, the huge wooden crate containing the balloon is pulled out of the hangar.
André Turcat has an early morning conversation with Michel.
The mood remains jovial even as it appears the wind is rising to levels which might prevent the anticipated launch attempt.
At Michel's request I had made arrangements for area emergency personnel to be on standby.
Finding a helicopter to get to Michel quickly after the jump proved a little more challenging. Fortunately, the ever resourceful Thierry Reverchon managed to track one down at the last minute.
Michel and I posing for the occasion.
It looks like this morning will not be the one. If you look closely in the background above the truck pulling the balloon, you will see that the small tethered balloons are pulling away because of the wind.
Here we see Dr. Paul Vanuxen (left) looking on alonside Michel. he played an important part in developing the scientific contributions of Michel's project.
It looks like the gondola is heading back to the hangar this time.
Behind the scenes adventures for visitors and inhabitants in one of the most fascinating settlement regions of the Western North America... Explore Regina and your world!
About Me
Name: Claude-Jean Harel
Location: Regina 14,000BC-2009AD, Saskatchewan Plains, Canada
Claude-Jean Harel is the Founder and Manager of The Great Excursions Company, a Regina-based boutique travel and destination management company which crafts "behind the scenes" tourism experiences using a variety of techniques. He brings to tourism 25 years of broadcast media experience in the fields of culture, heritage and science, generating national and international attention for the distinctive qualities of the North American Plains region.
Claude-Jean not only presents tourism products as reportages intended to be lived by guests, he is also a regular contributor to CBC Radio and Television programs.
Claude-Jean's work has won numerous awards including: the Canadian Ethnic Journalists' and Writers' Club award. He is a former Commonwealth Relations Trust bursar. His work was nominated for a UNESCO Award; and in 2004, he was admitted to the degree of Master of Arts in Archaeology and Heritage with Distinction at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom.
Claude-Jean's company recently joined the CAA Saskatchewan group of companies, where he is now also Manager of Inbound Travel. CAA operates the largest travel agency in the province and WestWorld Tours.
Great Excursions’ Claude-Jean Harel will deliver a heritage workshop in Edmonton on Saturday April 18, 2009.
The month of January is one of the best times to view northern lights in the Yukon. In the bottom left ... one of the wall tent camps we use for the longer trips.
I don't know if any of you have had a chance to stop in Mortlach, located on Trans-Canada Highway west of Moose Jaw, but it seems their tourism efforts are paying off. Mortlach Mayor Ron Locke just shared the following with me.
The Buffalo Days are always a hit
Photo: 
A crew of local iceberg enthusiasts head out to take
Photo: Claude-Jean Harel
By now people on site at North Battleford should be able to see helium-filled probes in the sky on the tarmac that are tethered to the ground. These will give a good indication of the wind speed. Look for a vertical line between the probe and the point at which it is tethered. That is a sure sign that a launch attempt will be made.
Michel is being weighed on an industrial scale to help establish the right amount of ballast required on the balloon.
Much of this is a wait and see game. Michel is seen here resting outside in 2003 before undergoing the denitrogenization process.
The balloon used for Michel's 2002 and 2003 attempts was actually a prototype built by Cameron Balloons in Bristol, UK.
Cameron hadn't built helium balloons until then. Michel's launch team have commented that it was built more like a hot air balloon than a helium balloon and that it had an open bottom.
A remote controlled valve was installed at the top of the balloon. This was so that once Michel had reached the desired altitude and jumped -- and once the capsuled had been detached from the gondola set off by a timed explosive device triggered by Michel before he jumps -- the valve would open, releasing all the helium and allowing the balloon to gently fall down to the ground.
Inflating the balloon proved tricky in 2002. The sleeve that you see extending left from the balloon was poorly attached to the balloon. The compressed helium contained in the truck to the right is propelled into the balloon by means of high pressure hoses which are connected to the fragile sleeves.
In 2002 the pressure proved too much for the sleeve which detached from the balloon early during the inflation process. Fortunately the quantity of helium lost was minimal. The sleeve was reattached by the launch team in a more solid manner. But the unforeseen delay eventually forced the cancellation of the attempt because of subsequent inappropriate weather conditions.
As you see the sleeve is actually held tightly around the business end the hose.
You can in the picture above that the two sleeves are fully extended away from the balloon as a result of the helium having been injected. Inflation is almost complete at this stage. Look at the spool which prevents the balloon from being released. You will notice that only the top portion of the balloon is inflated. Most of the length of the balloon lies safely on tarps on the North Battleford Airport tarmac. You can see a portion of it extending to the right of the spool above.
The 2003 attempts proved the right one in terms of weather conditions, but it also proved the inappropriateness of the balloon. In this picture, the sleeves are hanging loosely after the inflation is completed.
As the balloon starts ascending, the helium rises inside the balloon and starts pushing through the top as the sutures rip open. It is a devastating blow.
The balloon falls softly back to the ground. Michel is in tears in his capsule as he realizes that his balloon has now been rendered useless. It will later go to the dump.
Launch director Ricardo Valera comes to take a closer look at this mess.
It becomes obvious to him that the balloon sutures were a weak point.
We all count our blessings that Michel is safe and sound. If the balloon had ripped open after the gondola had started to rise in the sky, things could have gone dreadfully wrong for Michel Fournier.
It seems that for all potential launches in the past, morning proved the most promising time. I am not an expert at this, but there is always this moment when the winds die down at the end of the night, a time which lends itself to launching these giant balloons. Pictured above is the original launch crane. You see how it is holding Michel's pressurized gondola. We will talk about the actual launch process later on.
Meanwhile, in the original hangar, team members prepare for the launch.
In order for Michel's world records to be officialized, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) had sent Michel Jara and Therese Tercier (right) to act as judges in 2002. They are seen here inspecting the measurement instruments. Therese is back in Saskatchewan again this year. She told me two days ago that she hopes this is the right attempt for Michel.
As the launch appears imminent, the huge wooden crate containing the balloon is pulled out of the hangar.
André Turcat has an early morning conversation with Michel.
The mood remains jovial even as it appears the wind is rising to levels which might prevent the anticipated launch attempt.
At Michel's request I had made arrangements for area emergency personnel to be on standby.
Finding a helicopter to get to Michel quickly after the jump proved a little more challenging. Fortunately, the ever resourceful Thierry Reverchon managed to track one down at the last minute.
Michel and I posing for the occasion.
It looks like this morning will not be the one. If you look closely in the background above the truck pulling the balloon, you will see that the small tethered balloons are pulling away because of the wind.
Here we see Dr. Paul Vanuxen (left) looking on alonside Michel. he played an important part in developing the scientific contributions of Michel's project.
It looks like the gondola is heading back to the hangar this time.
