Dynamic Duos

SPONSORED BY DESTINATION CANADA

Perfect Pairings: Kayaking in Victoria

Kayaking in Victoria | Photo: Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic

Reward your peak performers with legendary dual-destination excursions that are both unexpected and unforgettable, and found in the most unpredictable and covetable places. Perfect pairings of cosmopolitan cities with unspoiled wilderness, high-end luxury with remote retreats and old-world charm with wildlife encounters are the ultimate incentive. Celebrate your top achievers in Canada where inspiring adventures and signature experiences in our wide-open spaces meet openhearted encounters and warm welcomes.

West Coast Rewards

Hip, laid-back and brimming with wild beauty and historic charm, picturesque Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is a dynamic destination for celebrating high achievers. Delegates can immerse themselves in the rich history rooted in Indigenous culture and savour locally-sourced food and drink. Whether at the water’s edge or inland, have them step out of their comfort zones for high-performance driving experiences at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit or intimate marine adventures off the rugged shoreline.

VIPs can hop from city to city, arriving in Vancouver from Victoria after a short float plane ride boasting breathtaking views of the ocean and Coast Mountains that harmoniously surround this chic, urban city. Galleries, museums and attractions celebrate cultural diversity and deep Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations history, and the abundance of fresh fish, seafood and locally-grown ingredients make the city a vibrant culinary haven. Vancouver is also a shopper’s dream, with luxury brands in the city centre, local designers in nearby Gastown, vintage shops in eclectic neighbourhoods and everything in between.

Perfect Pairings: Railtown Belgard Kitchen in Vancouver

Belgard Kitchen, Vancouver | Photo: Tourism Vancouver

VICTORIA

  • Shop an exclusive local artisan market beside a field of lavender at Bilston Creek Farm, then linger around the fire pits for s’mores and lavender hot chocolate.
  • Connect with BC Ale Trail brew masters and enjoy craft beer, cider and spirit tastings.
  • Known as the City of Gardens, gather for an elegant afternoon tea as a local musician performs at the celebrated Abkhazi Garden.

VANCOUVER

  • Enjoy custom shopping tours from expert guides at designer boutiques and exclusive Vancouver retailers in South Granville.
  • Gather for a long-table dinner on a pier that juts into the ocean in North Vancouver.
Provided by Bronwyn Slade, director of sales, Pacific Destination Services Inc.


Perfect Pairings: Whale Watching in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
Whale Watching in the Saguenay-St.Lawrence Marine Park | Photo: Manicouagan (North Shore) Tourisme Québec/Marc Louiselle

Hit the Open Road

There is really no city quite like Québec City. Peak performers can stroll the cobblestone streets, relishing its European charm and the lively French Canadian culture blended with the 400-year history of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrate with a gala surrounded by 19th-century artifacts at Morrin Centre, a National Historic Site, and stay at the iconic Auberge Saint-Antoine, a Relais & Chateau boutique hotel in Old Québec—the perfect start for an excursion into the bucolic Charlevoix region.

Equip your group with a map, itinerary and luxury Range Rover, then point them eastward along the mighty St. Lawrence River for the self-drive road trip of a lifetime through Charlevoix, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Have them stop at small, artisan producers to savour the terroir, meet local artists to incite creativity and explore endless trails that pass through forest and mountain to be inspired by the majesty of the region. On route, they can experience the new Club Med Québec Charlevoix—Canada’s only all-inclusive mountain resort, opening December 2021 in Le Massif de Charlevoix ski area.

Perfect Pairings: Old Québec   Perfect Pairings: Québec City to Charlevoix

(Left) Old Québec | Photo: Tourisme Québec/Martin Laporte  (Right) Dining in Charlevoix | Photo: Tourisme Charlevoix/Gaelleleroyer

QUÉBEC CITY TO CHARLEVOIX

  • Step out of your comfort zone and take in Parc de la Chute-Montmorency’s 83-metre waterfall from one of three unique ways: a cable car at the top, a via ferrata route (Italian for “iron way”) or zooming by on a zip line.
  • Connect over the adrenalin rush of canyoning in Le Massif as you rappel up and slide down waterfalls, cross rugged streams and hike through lush forest with Canyoning-Québec guides.
  • Recharge with a thermal spa experience at Le Germain Charlevoix’s Spa Nordique.
  • Ferry to L’Isle-aux-Coudres for an invigorating team paddle boarding excursion with Suroît Adventures.
  • Retreat to the luxury of Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in the quaint village of La Malbaie and book a tee time at the scenic award-winning course.
  • Gather in Tadoussac for an inspiring marine encounter with AML Cruises in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park, one of the best whale-watching sites in the world.

Provided by Paul Papineau, director, marketing & product development, Zeste Meetings & Incentives

 Perfect Pairings: Downtown St. John's

Downtown St. John's | Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism/Scott McClellan

Atlantic Adventures

Equal parts rugged and refined, legendary adventures await incentive groups in St. John’s, where the warm and welcoming sight of colourful row houses is echoed by the vibrancy and spirit of its people. An unspoiled wilderness begs to be explored—hike pristine trails, paddle by icebergs on a kayak, board a Zodiac and be seduced by the clicks and whistles of humpbacks as they navigate the open waters.

The journey continues on the rocky shores of Fogo Island where the raw beauty of the wild North Atlantic and contemporary architecture of Fogo Island Inn spark creativity and collaboration. Designed by Newfoundland-born architect, Todd Saunders, the inn is a social enterprise where all operating surpluses are reinvested into the community. Director of sales, Alexandra Taylor, says their team tailors itineraries with immersive experiences specifically for each group, from furniture-making workshops to punt races out on the ocean. A Community Host Program fuels intimate experiences by connecting the locals with incentive groups to share the island’s heritage.

Perfect Pairings: Iceberg Viewing   Perfect Pairings: Fogo Island Inn

(Left) Iceberg Viewing  (Right) Fogo Island Inn | Photos: Fogo Island Inn

ST. JOHN’S

  • Enjoy that famous East Coast hospitality on a George Street pub crawl, complete with sing-a-longs, step dance lessons and local entertainment.
  • Visit National Historic Site Cape Spear Lighthouse on North America’s easternmost point. In the summer, spy breaching humpback, minke and fin whales.
  • Gather at The Rooms amongst Newfoundland’s most extensive collection of artifacts that showcase the area’s colourful history—the venue’s striking design pays tribute to traditional rooms used by fishers to process their catch.

FOGO ISLAND

  • Roam the hills with local guides to forage buckets full of berries, learn to bottle jam and make berry ice cream and other treats.
  • Go wildlife watching: spot grazing caribou, glimpse majestic whales breaching, immerse yourself in a bird-watcher’s paradise looking for gannets and eider ducks steps from the inn. On the nearby Little Fogo Islands archipelago, see puffins and razorbills.
  • Time your visit and watch 10,000-year-old icebergs drift past the shores of the inn each spring.
Provided by Alexandra Taylor, director of sales, Fogo Island Inn

 

Perfect Pairings: Halifax Harbour

Halifax Harbour | Photo: Destination Canada

East Coast Excursion

Once the gateway to Canada for millions who arrived through Pier 21, Halifax has never lost its welcoming spirit, making it the perfect kickoff to a Maritime adventure. The vibrant downtown core, bustling waterfront and unique coastal communities make the city a sought-after destination for incentives. Discover the Citadel National Historic Site, as the skirl of bagpipes and crack of rifles welcome your team and kilted 78th Highlanders guide them on a tour of this 19th century fortification.

From Halifax, a 20-minute flight brings your VIPs to Fox Harb’r Resort on the Northumberland Strait, where champagne and a red-carpet rollout awaits them on
the runway. A bucket-list destination, this luxury oceanfront resort is known for its championship golf course along the rugged coast and award-winning ocean-inspired spa treatments. Connect over seafood-focused dinners highlighting fresh, local flavours at the Lighthouse Terrace or in the vineyard.

Perfect Pairings: Ocean Floor Reception, Fox Harb’r Resort

Ocean Floor Reception | Photo: Fox Harb’r Resort

HALIFAX

  • Enjoy an authentic East Coast experience at Halifax Lake House with lakeside teambuilding, live musicians around a bonfire and lobster boils paired with local wines and spirits.
  • Relax with a sunset symphony on the rocks at iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse—guests can enjoy a high-end dining experience as Symphony Nova Scotia performs.
  • Board Bluenose II for a champagne harbour sail—the schooner is a replica of the original that appears on the Canadian dime, built in Nova Scotia in 1921.

Provided by Marina Atwell, president and owner, Velocity Event & Destination Management

NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT

  • Sail across the Northumberland Straight on the Fox Harb’r Resort’s 19-metre yacht to explore Charlottetown, PEI, for the day, returning for dinner on a happy-hour cruise.
  • Ride some of the world’s highest tides with the crew at Tidal Bore Rafting Resort. One hundred billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of the Bay of Fundy twice a day, turning the Shubenacadie River into a wild water roller coaster for tidal bore rafting. When the tide is out, enjoy lunch on the river floor. 
Provided by Pearleen Mofford, sales director, Fox Harb’r Resort

CLICK HERE to see the tidal bore rafting experience in action.


Perfect Pairings: Rocky Mountaineer
Rocky Mountaineer | Photo: Rocky Mountaineer

Adventure on the Rails

A luxury rail journey from Vancouver to Jasper on the Rocky Mountaineer will push your team to reach their goals. Revel in panoramic views of valleys, rivers and mountains from glass-dome coaches as you wind through Canadian wilderness. Step out onto the viewing platform to breathe in the fresh mountain air and snap that perfect picture, and savour elegant menus that highlight the bounty of the regions.

Rocky Mountaineer’s collection of extraordinary multi-day routes stop in different cities along the way where guests can explore before winding down in luxurious accommodations, including an ultimate Canadian cabin experience at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. The secluded luxury mountain resort in Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers private log cabins with butler service. Groups reconnect while golfing the prized 18-hole course, racing over the glacier-fed turquoise waters of Lac Beauvert in a voyageur canoe or exploring nearby trails on horseback.

CLICK HERE to experience a Rocky Mountaineer journey.

Perfect Pairings: Jasper Motorcycle Tours

Jasper Motorcycle Tours | Photo: Tourism Jasper

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PASSAGE

  • Embark on Rocky Mountaineer’s Rainforest to Gold Rush Classic tour, starting in Vancouver and stopping overnight in Whistler and Quesnel on route to Jasper.
  • See the Howe Sound fjord, Stawamus Chief granite monoliths and the Coast Mountains as the train travels along the Sea to Sky Corridor from Vancouver to Whistler.
  • Enjoy sweeping views of Fraser Canyon’s arid conditions and cross Deep Creek Bridge, one of the world’s highest railway bridges.
  • Take in the wilds of BC’s Northern Interior as you pass through the Rocky Mountain Trench with views of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

JASPER

  • Get soaked by the mighty Fraser River’s turbulent rapids on a thrilling white water rafting expedition with Maligne Adventures.
  • Feel the thrill of the open road from the sidecar of a Harley Davidson as experienced drivers from Jasper Motorcycle Tours take your group to the ancient glaciers along Icefields Parkway.
  • Heli-hike with a one-of-a-kind Rocky Mountain adventure by helicopter— Rockies Heli Canada will drop hikers off with an experienced guide for a trek through the mountains.


Continue the journey with us

Destination Canada’s Business Events team is your resource for exceptional experiences across Canada.

businesseventscanada.ca | #MeetInCanada

Jennifer Attersall, Director, Incentive Travel

attersall.jennifer@destinationcanada.com | 403-923-5972

 

Find more inspiration in Destination Canada’s Canadian Signature Incentive Experience Collection e-book. The first chapters, ‘Adventures’ and ‘Perfect Pairings,’ are now revealed at ignitemag.ca/canada

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