The airline will introduce five new international destinations and seven new routes, as well as increased frequencies on key services. This expansion will be supported by Air Canada’s growing fleet of next-generation Airbus A321XLR and wide-body aircraft. It has described the move as the largest intercontinental expansion in its history.

In Asia, a new year-round service will be inaugurated between Vancouver and Guangzhou in China, while the number of flights between Toronto and Shanghai will increase to one per day. The Guangzhou route is set to begin on 4 May 2027, making Air Canada the only North American carrier to serve this Chinese city.

Guangzhou will become Air Canada’s third destination in mainland China; the first two are Beijing and Shanghai. This will increase the weekly frequency to the three cities to 24.

The airline will also expand its European network to include flights from Toronto to Oslo in Norway, Shannon in Ireland, and Nice in France. The airline also plans to resume its London Heathrow Daytripper Service.

Travellers from Montreal will benefit from direct flights to Basel, Switzerland and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Meanwhile, existing services from Montreal to Tenerife, Lima and Guatemala City will be extended to year-round operations. A new Toronto–Guatemala City service, due to launch in December 2026, will also operate year-round from May 2027.

This expansion is part of Air Canada’s long-term growth strategy. Through this strategy, the airline expects to create more than 1,500 additional direct jobs by 2028, as well as increase its contribution to Canada’s GDP by over C$7 billion (around €4.4 billion) per year.

The company said it hoped to “cement”, by summer 2027, its position as the second-largest North American carrier by a number of global destinations served and better position the country “as an important intersection of major international demand flows under our New Frontiers strategy”, according to Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and President Cargo at Air Canada.

Galardo also promised further “exciting network announcements” in the coming months, highlighting the importance of the airline’s expansion and new routes in terms of “jobs and trade”, and emphasising that they will connect people across continents and build bridges.

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By summer 2027, Air Canada plans to operate over 125 international routes, offering up to 169,000 seats per week from Canada to over 85 destinations across the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This represents an increase of more than 8% in available seat miles compared to summer 2026.

Government and airport stakeholders welcomed the expansion, pointing to its benefits for travellers and the country, as well as for businesses seeking easier access to new markets.

British Columbia Premier David Eby specifically highlighted the opportunities created by the new route to Guangzhou, following a recent government visit to the Chinese city aimed at diversifying the province’s international trade.

“Our government recently visited Guangzhou as part of our work to diversify trade around the world and promoted our strengths”, said Eby. “This new direct flight makes it faster and easier to do business with one of China’s largest economic hubs, helping to strengthen the economic ties between us during a time of global uncertainty.”

L’article Air Canada announces largest-ever intercontinental expansion for summer 2027 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The change follows an executive order signed by Trump directing the US Department of the Interior, together with the Board on Geographic Names, to officially replace “Lake Ontario” with “Lake America” in federal records.

Google said it had made the change after the US Geographic Names Information System (GNIS), the federal database it uses for geographic naming in the country, formally adopted the new designation.

Under Google Maps’ approach, users in the United States will see “Lake America”, while those in Canada will continue to see “Lake Ontario”. Users elsewhere will see both names.

“People using Maps in the U.S will see ‘Lake America,’ those in Canada will continue to see ‘Lake Ontario,’ and those outside of the U.S. and Canada will see both names,” Google said, explaining that the move follows its longstanding policy for geographic features whose official names differ between countries.

From Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’

Lake Ontario is the smallest and easternmost of North America’s five Great Lakes, bordered by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north, west and southwest and the US state of New York to the south and east. It is also an important link in the Great Lakes-St Lawrence Seaway system.

In his executive order, Trump argued that the United States is the “greatest protector of the Great Lakes” and pointed to American spending on environmental protection, the US Coast Guard’s icebreaking operations and the lake’s historical importance to American trade, defence and industry.

The White House also argued that the deepest parts of the lake are within US territory, meaning the United States accounts for most of its water volume.

“The Lake will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy,” the executive order states. “In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that the Lake officially be renamed as Lake America.”

The decision comes amid a significant deterioration in relations between Washington and Ottawa after trade negotiations collapsed. The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion (€17.1 billion) worth of Canadian goods, with Canada announcing plans for equivalent counter-tariffs.

Trump denied that the renaming was specifically intended as a message to Canada, while accusing the country of having “been ripping us off for a long time on trade”.

Canada responds with giant Lake Ontario sign

Canadian politicians have rejected the name change, which has no authority over how Canada or other countries refer to the lake. Ontario Premier Doug Ford went a step further, unveiling a large sign on the Canadian shoreline reading: “Lake Ontario. Now and Always.” “Long before President Trump, this lake was called Lake Ontario. Long after President Trump is gone, it will still be called Lake Ontario,” Ford said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also rejected Washington’s new designation, saying the lake’s name dates back more than 400 years and predates both Canadian Confederation and the US Declaration of Independence.

“The name Lake Ontario comes from the Wendat word Ontari’io, which, appropriately, means ‘the lake is beautiful, the lake is big’,” Carney said.

The names of four of the five Great Lakes – Ontario, Huron, Michigan and Erie – have Indigenous origins.

Trump has meanwhile amplified the dispute on social media, sharing AI-generated videos about the renaming. One depicts him knocking down a Lake Ontario sign and replacing it with a “Welcome to Lake America” sign, while another shows Canada geese sporting his distinctive hairstyle and carrying rifles along the shoreline.

Ford said the renaming was a response to Canada and Ontario “standing up for ourselves”, adding: “Just in case President Trump or anyone else forgets, we’ve set up this sign to remind them, it’s Lake Ontario, now and forever.”

A familiar dispute for Google Maps

The controversy echoes Trump’s 2025 decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America for US federal purposes.

Google subsequently changed how the body of water appears on Maps. US users see “Gulf of America”, Mexican users see “Gulf of Mexico”, while users elsewhere are shown both names.

Mexico rejected the US designation, arguing that one country cannot unilaterally rename an international body of water shared with other nations.

There is no universally recognised international authority responsible for determining the names of international waters, meaning the Lake Ontario dispute is likely to result in different names continuing to appear depending on the country, government, organisation or mapping service involved.

The issue has also divided politicians within the United States. Democratic New York Governor Kathy Hochul has said her state, the only US state bordering the lake, will continue to call it Lake Ontario.

Michigan Democratic Representative Debbie Dingell has announced plans to introduce legislation seeking to reverse Trump’s decision, calling the executive order “idiotic” and describing the Great Lakes as a shared resource that generations of Canadians and Americans have worked together to protect.

Trump, however, has suggested Lake Ontario might not be the last geographic feature he wants to rename.

“If you think about it, we have a gulf and we have a lake. Now, all we need is an ocean,” he told reporters. “So maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and/or the Pacific.”

L’article Google renames Lake Ontario as ‘Lake America’ for US users as Canada hits back est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The incident occurred on a domestic Porter Airlines route from British Columbia to Toronto on 6 August 2026. Flight PD444 had already pushed back from the gate at Victoria Airport when a crew member noticed the child standing up in their seat. The infant could not be persuaded to sit properly and, according to fellow passenger Aryeh Kozuch speaking to CBC, “just kept hiding under their seat. If they got forced into being strapped in, they just kind of slid out underneath.”

Another passenger reported the attempts to secure the child safely meant passengers waited over an hour for take-off and the plane risked being delayed beyond the runways’ half past midnight closure. Finally, with the plane having missed its departure slot, the crew decided to disembark everyone. It took until the afternoon of the following day (Friday) before passengers were able to complete their journey.

Standard aviation rules in Canada from Transport Canada and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) dictate passengers must remain seated with seatbelts securely fastened, tray tables stowed, seatbacks upright, and electronic devices switched to airplane mode or secured for take-off, while carry-on items must go in overhead lockers or under the seat in front.

Transport Canada notes that passengers who refuse to comply with crew instructions and prevent take-off should immediately be returned to the gate or terminal, removed from the aircraft by airport security or law enforcement, and can be subject to considerable federal fines, or even placed on airline no-fly lists, and potentially charged with criminal interference or endangering an aircraft.

In this instance, witnesses describe the child’s behaviour as fearful rather than “naughty” and it is not yet clear if the parents of the toddler will face any penalties. Neither is it clear whether Porter Airlines has offered any compensation to passengers whose journeys were delayed until the following day by the problem, nor whether they will be reimbursed for overnight costs and refreshments.

“We apologise for the effect this had on other passengers, who were able to depart on a flight the following day,” an airline spokesperson told press.

Social media commentary veered between empathy for the parents, toddler and crew, and criticism of the crew’s strict adherence to safety rules, with some questioning whether the situation could have been handled differently.

L’article Canadian flight cancelled after toddler refuses to sit down and wear seatbelt est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Canadian authorities allege that Geoffrey Wall, 59, commanded more than 900 domestic and international flights between 2009 and 2025 without possessing a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), the certification required for airline captains in Canada. According to Peel Regional Police, Wall was arrested on 1 June and later released pending a court appearance.

@globeandmail A former Air Canada pilot flew more than 900 flights without the proper licence, police in Ontario allege. Police have charged Geoffrey Wall, 59, of Barrie, Ont., with seven criminal counts related to flying passenger jets with a forged captain’s licence. Peel Regional Police claim that for 17 years, Mr. Wall flew tens of thousands of passengers as a pilot in charge, a position for which he was not licensed by Transport Canada. Although he was a licensed commercial pilot and qualified to hold the position of an Air Canada first officer, he did not have an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and was not allowed to be in charge of a passenger plane, police said. Peel Sergeant Rob Boyer likened it to a family doctor performing brain surgery in his office. Allegedly using forged documents, Mr. Wall commanded Air Canada’s biggest Boeing jets – the 767, 777 and 787 – earning a total of $2.9-million to do so, Peel Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich told reporters. Mr. Wall retired last year after 27 years at Air Canada, before the police investigation began. The probe began four months ago, after a Transport Canada check in 2025 discovered Mr. Wall’s permits were not in order, police said at a news conference on Tuesday. #AirCanada #Aviation #Canada ♬ original sound – The Globe and Mail

Police said the investigation began after Air Canada contacted authorities in 2025 regarding concerns over Wall’s qualifications. Investigators said Wall was caught after a routine examination of his credentials revealed “anomalies… within the pilot license documentation”, prompting the airline to notify regulators.

“This investigation and the details surrounding it read like a movie script,” Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Milinovich said at a news conference in Ontario. “(Wall) rose to the position of pilot in command where for almost 17 years they flew Boeing 767s, 777, and 787s,” while earning nearly 3 million Canadian dollars (more than $2 million US dollars) salary.

Investigators allege that Wall submitted fraudulent documents to maintain his employment with the airline. He retired in 2025 before Transport Canada’s regulatory review and the subsequent criminal investigation, dubbed “Project Icarus,” were launched in January 2026.

“Immediately upon Air Canada’s discovery of this, the individual was removed from active duty, and the company voluntarily reported the matter to Transport Canada,” the airline said in a statement.

“He was a commercial pilot and had some licences,” Detective Sergeant Scott McGregor of Peel Regional Police said, according to multiple media reports. “But he did not hold the licence required to be a captain of a commercial airliner.” McGregor described the allegations as “something out of a movie script.”

Air Canada noted that Wall held a valid commercial pilot licence and had consistently demonstrated his ability to safely operate large aircraft through the airline’s regular training and evaluation processes.

“Safety was not compromised by this incident because all pilots at Air Canada undergo mandatory recurrent training every six months to validate their flying competency, including a flight check with a certified Transport Canada check-pilot every 12 months,” Air Canada said in a statement.

“However, appropriate licensing is an essential layer of the airline industry’s multi-layered approach to safety, so Air Canada takes this matter with utmost seriousness.”

Wall has been charged with fraud over C$5,000, two counts of uttering forged documents and three counts of possession of a counterfeit mark. He is scheduled to appear in court in Brampton, Ontario, on 29 June 2026. If convicted, he could face significant penalties under Canadian law. 

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According to police, Wall’s aviation career began in 1998, and he accumulated thousands of hours in the cockpit before retiring. Investigators are now examining how the alleged licensing irregularities went undetected for so long.

The case has drawn comparisons with other high-profile incidents involving fraudulent aviation credentials. Earlier this year, former flight attendant Dallas Pokornik was charged with fraud after allegedly posing as a pilot and using a fake employee ID to obtain hundreds of free or heavily discounted flights over four years. The 33-year-old Canadian was arrested in Panama last October and extradited to the United States on wire fraud charges. 

Although experts note that modern airline operations involve extensive training, regular proficiency checks and multiple layers of oversight. However, the allegations have prompted renewed scrutiny of licensing verification and calls to strengthen safeguards for pilot qualification checks.

L’article Air Canada pilot accused of operating passenger flights without proper licence for 17 years est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Canada is expected to emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the tournament in terms of tourism growth. The WTTC forecasts a 6.4% increase in tourism GDP for the country, ahead of Mexico and the United States. Business travel data also points to a sharp rise in demand, with bookings to Canadian World Cup destinations increasing significantly compared with last year. Toronto stands out as the country’s strongest performer, with combined hotel and flight spending linked to the tournament rising dramatically. At the same time, flight prices to Canada have fallen, making the destination more attractive for both leisure and corporate travellers.

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Business travel is becoming one of the strongest forces behind the World Cup tourism boom. Data from business travel platform Navan shows that hotel and flight bookings to Canadian host cities have nearly tripled compared with the same period last year. “Companies are embracing the World Cup as the ultimate can’t miss event,” according to Dane Molter, Senior Vice President of Navan Group Travel Marketplace. Businesses are increasingly using the tournament as an opportunity to meet clients, host events, and strengthen commercial relationships. Travellers are also booking much earlier than usual, reflecting the intense competition for flights and accommodation during the tournament period.

Mexico is also entering the World Cup year with strong tourism momentum. According to WTTC figures, the country recorded the strongest tourism performance in North America in 2025. International arrivals increased by more than 6%, while visitor spending also rose, outperforming both Canada and the United States on several key indicators. Although Canada is expected to record the largest tourism growth during the tournament itself, Mexico enters the event from a position of strength. The World Cup is therefore likely to build on an already expanding tourism sector rather than reverse a slowdown.

The United States, despite hosting the largest number of matches, enters the tournament with a more complex tourism picture. Recent figures show the country welcomed more than four million fewer international visitors in 2025 than the year before. Several factors may help explain the softer performance, including weaker inbound demand and concerns among some travellers about entry procedures and travel conditions. As a result, the United States is expected to record tourism growth linked to the World Cup, but at a lower rate than its neighbours.

At the same time, demand linked directly to the tournament remains strong. Hotel and flight bookings to US host cities continue to rise, while average hotel prices have increased by around 30%. Destinations such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago remain major gateways for international visitors and business travellers. The San Francisco Bay Area and the New York-New Jersey region are among the most popular destinations for corporate travel during the tournament period.

Some uncertainty remains around international travel operations in the United States. Recent proposals concerning customs processing at certain airports have prompted discussion within the travel industry about how major gateways could manage the expected influx of visitors. Industry groups have argued that smooth border procedures and efficient airport operations will be essential to maximise the benefits of the tournament. Because many international routes rely on a small number of major hubs, even limited disruptions can have wider effects across the aviation network. Travel organisations have also stressed the importance of maintaining a positive visitor experience during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.

Beyond leisure travel, the tournament is expected to generate substantial economic benefits across North America. The WTTC estimates that the travel and tourism sector will support nearly 31 million jobs across the region in 2026. Increased visitor spending is expected to benefit hotels, airlines, restaurants, attractions and local businesses. The event is also encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure, aviation capacity and digital services designed to improve the travel experience. These improvements could continue to benefit destinations long after the final match has been played.

Industry leaders see the World Cup as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for tourism across North America. Greater connectivity between the three host nations, improved transport links and increased international visibility could help strengthen the region’s appeal for years to come. While Canada currently appears best positioned to capitalise on the tournament-driven surge in demand, all three host countries stand to benefit from one of the largest global sporting events ever staged. The World Cup may ultimately become as significant for the region’s tourism sector as it is for football itself.

L’article Canada leads North America’s World Cup tourism boom as business travel surges est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The programme will run from 19 June to 7 September 2026 and applies across the full Parks Canada network, including 40 national parks and reserves, 171 national historic sites and five national marine conservation areas. During this period, both domestic and international visitors will be able to enter participating sites free of charge. Admission fees normally vary by location, but typically range from around US$5 to US$18 (€4.30–€15.50) per visit.

In addition to free admission, the Canada Strong Pass also brings extra savings for overnight stays. Visitors can receive a 25% discount on camping and accommodation operated by Parks Canada. This includes a variety of stays such as cabins, yurts, tipis, and even historic buildings like lockmaster’s houses or heritage lodges. However, reservations are still required, and demand is expected to be high throughout the summer season.

Some additional costs remain outside the offer, such as parking, guided tours, firewood, or access to certain facilities like hot springs. Even so, the overall savings are significant for travellers planning longer stays. The initiative is also expected to encourage visitors to explore lesser-known parts of the country instead of concentrating tourism in only a few major destinations. For many travellers, the pass offers a more affordable way to experience Canada’s landscapes and outdoor culture during the busy summer months.

The announcement comes at a time when travel costs are increasing in many destinations around the world. In contrast to Canada’s free access programme, some destinations are seeing rising costs, especially in the United States, where international visitors to certain national parks face significantly higher entry fees. Against that backdrop, Canada’s decision to waive admission fees stands out as a more accessible approach to summer tourism.

One of the most iconic places included in the programme is Banff National Park. Known for its dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery, Banff is home to turquoise lakes, glaciers, and extensive hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and wildlife spotting. The park attracts millions of visitors each year and remains one of Canada’s best-known natural landmarks.

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On the west coast, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offers a completely different landscape. Here, dense rainforest meets the Pacific Ocean in a striking mix of greenery and waves. The area is popular for surfing, kayaking, and long coastal walks along sandy beaches. Trails like the Rainforest Trail allow visitors to experience ancient trees and rich biodiversity up close.

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In eastern Canada, Prince Edward Island National Park is known for its red sand beaches and rolling dunes. The park is ideal for cycling, birdwatching, and relaxed coastal walks. It also includes cultural landmarks such as Green Gables Heritage Place, linked to the well-known novel “Anne of Green Gables.” The atmosphere here is softer and more peaceful compared to the country’s mountain parks.

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Further east, history and marine adventure take centre stage. L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site tells the story of the only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. Nearby, Fathom Five National Marine Park offers crystal-clear waters filled with shipwrecks that can be explored by diving or boat tours. These locations show another side of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage, blending history with underwater exploration.

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Travelling to Canada from Europe is straightforward, with several direct routes available. Airlines such as Air Canada operate flights between cities like Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, and London to destinations including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary. From these hubs, travellers can easily reach nearby parks such as La Mauricie National Park or Georgian Bay Islands National Park. This makes it convenient to combine urban travel with nature experiences.

Full details about participating sites, reservations, and conditions can be found through Parks Canada. As summer is expected to be particularly busy this year, travellers planning to visit popular parks are advised to book accommodation well in advance. The free-access period runs until 7 September 2026.

L’article Canada opens its most spectacular national parks for free this summer est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On 22 March 2026, Air Canada’s pilot, Antoine Forest and first officer Mackenzie Gunther were killed in a fatal collision with a forklift truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Soon after the accident, the airline published a condolence video on X, in which Michael Rousseau expressed his “deepest sorrow for everyone affected”.

That video, however, soon became the center of attention. While pilot Antoine Forest came from the French-speaking Quebec, and although French is one of Canada’s official languages, the CEO only expressed his condolences in English. Both English and French subtitles were added, but those did not manage to hide the CEO’s shortcomings, for which he later apologised, adding that despite taking lessons, he could not express himself “adequately” in French.

Nevertheless, Canadian politicians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Quebec Premier François Legault, quickly criticised Rousseau for his inability and his “lack of compassion”. Legault even believed the CEO should step down if he was unable to speak French, especially on such a delicate occasion.

On Monday, 30 March 2026, Air Canada announced that its CEO had decided to retire by the end of the third quarter of 2026 following the controversy.

Air Canada Board of Directors announces the retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer: https://t.co/VV4AfVmeUG
//
Le Conseil d'administration d'Air Canada annonce le départ à la retraite du président et chef de la direction : https://t.co/m7WbxGRChj pic.twitter.com/JlccCMt7wK

— Air Canada (@AirCanada) March 30, 2026

“It has been my great honour to work with the dedicated and talented people of Air Canada and to represent our outstanding organisation. I look forward to supporting our company during this important transition period”, Michael Rousseau stated.

In the same statement shared by Air Canada, Vagn Sørensen, Chair of the Board of Directors, thanked the CEO for his service.

“On behalf of the entire Board, I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to Air Canada as he progressed from Chief Financial Officer to Deputy CEO and then to CEO and Board member. We are grateful for the determined leadership he has provided not only in steering our company through the 2007-2008 financial crisis, COVID and other challenges, but also in capturing opportunities such as the acquisition of Aeroplan, in restoring the solvency of our pension plans and in advancing customer centricity and employee well-being priorities. Our upcoming AGM will allow us to further recognize his achievements which include a legacy of financial strength,” he said.

Je salue la décision du PDG d’Air Canada, Michael Rousseau, de quitter son poste.
Le conseil d’administration d’Air Canada devra s’assurer que le prochain PDG parle français.
C’est une question de respect pour les employés, les clients francophones et l’ensemble des Québécois.

— François Legault (@francoislegault) March 30, 2026

The condolence video was not the first time for Rousseau to be confronted with his limited French language skills. Although he lives in Montreal, the CEO is an anglophone and was already made aware of the issue when he was appointed as CEO of Air Canada in 2021. As the company is subject to Canada’s Official Languages Act, he promised to work on his French at the time, but the issue eventually led to his stepping down.

L’article Air Canada CEO to retire following controversy over French-language condolence message est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Bill C-3 amends the Canadian Citizenship Act by allowing anyone who can prove Canadian ancestry, no matter how far back, to claim citizenship. As long as the relative in question did not renounce their Canadian citizenship during their lifetime, their descendant can become Canadian in theory.

It applies to “People born outside Canada in the second generation (or later)”, the government states. They “may be Canadian if their parent was also born or adopted outside Canada to a Canadian citizen (meaning the grandparent was Canadian), and that same parent spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before the birth.”

It’s a huge shift from previous rules that limited citizenship by descent to the first generation born abroad only—a constraint found to be unconstitutional by an Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Experts are predicting the move, which quietly came into effect in December 2025, could see flocks of Americans digging out their family members’ long-lost birth, christening, and marriage certificates, amid widespread concerns about US politics and society that have already driven some away, including high-profile Americans who now prefer to live abroad.

Unlike US passports, Canadian passports remain highly valued, giving access to a range of countries visa-free. It’s not only Americans who love the idea of pursuing their heritage, though. So-called “ancestry travel” has been trending in a tourism marketplace that is increasingly dominated by a desire for connection and “authentic experiences.”

Adult immigrants to Canada, including Americans, can already become citizens, but they have to be registered there as permanent residents for three out of five years, be up-to-date on income tax filings, have a clean criminal record, demonstrate linguistic competency in English or French, pass tests and take oaths, the government website says.

The process is not swift or cheap. There is a processing charge for those 18 and over applying from the US, costing $530 Canadian dollars, plus a “right of citizenship” fee of $119.75 Canadian dollars, amounting to a total of $649.75 Canadian dollars. Minors pay a flat $100 Canadian dollar. Applicants should not expect delivery of any documentation for about 10 months.

Once obtained, the citizenship certificate opens the door to applying for a Canadian passport. It can be done from the US via an online form, and the application costs $190 Canadian dollars for a five-year validity and takes at least 20 days plus delivery time.

L’article Canadian citizenship rights now extend beyond first generation born abroad est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Under the agreement, Intrepid has set a target for at least 75% of its Canada tours to include an Indigenous experience by the end of 2026, with full inclusion across all itineraries described as a longer-term objective. The company says these experiences will be developed in collaboration with Indigenous-owned and -controlled tourism businesses from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, drawing on ITAC’s national network. Indigenous perspectives are intended to be the core part of tour narratives rather than optional additions.

The funding will be divided between business development and promotion. A portion will support the creation and strengthening of Indigenous tourism businesses, addressing long-standing challenges such as limited access to capital and infrastructure. The remaining funds will be invested in promotion, including media engagement and destination marketing, aimed at increasing the visibility of Indigenous-led experiences to domestic and international travellers.

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Examples of Indigenous-led tourism initiatives already operating across Canada offer insight into what such experiences look like in practice and how they develop. In British Columbia, the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre offers visitors guided interpretation and community-run programs focused on the ecology and culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band. In Saskatchewan, the Dakota Dunes Thermal Spa combines wellness tourism with Indigenous design and storytelling. Elsewhere, projects include guided Badlands tours in Alberta and hands-on food and cultural experiences in Prince Edward Island.

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The announcement comes amid growing demand for Indigenous tourism. Recent research from Destination Canada shows that more than 60% of travellers actively seek Indigenous-led experiences, reflecting a broader shift towards travel that prioritises cultural learning, accountability and local economic benefit.

According to Keith Henry, CEO and President of ITAC, interest in Indigenous tourism is growing faster than the sector’s capacity in some areas. “Demand is higher than ever, yet Indigenous‑led businesses continue to navigate challenges around limited funding and infrastructure. Partnerships like this create tangible opportunities and ensure communities gain direct economic and cultural benefits,” he said.

ITAC has described the collaboration as a practical mechanism of its broader strategy to position Canada as a global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030 — an ambition aligned with sector goals to increase contribution to GDP and create tens of thousands of jobs over the next decade. ITAC’s own operational plan includes expanded marketing efforts and events such as the 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, aimed at strengthening the industry’s global footprint.

L’article Intrepid Travel invests €310,000 in Indigenous Tourism across Canada est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Spanning 109 km from Rocky Mountain House to Nordegg, the trail follows the former route of the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR). The 50 km western segment from Nordegg towards Saunders is currently fully accessible, and the final stretch to Rocky Mountain House is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Once completed, the developers envisage it as part of a multi-trail system that will connect with other regional trails and the trail networks of the Bighorn Backcountry, an area of outstanding natural beauty and ecological importance.

Located in Alberta’s Clearwater County, the trail winds through the mixed wood forests and valleys that are characteristic of the Canadian Rockies’ foothills. Frequently spotted wildlife includes elk, deer, and moose, while the forests and wetlands also shelter smaller mammals and birdlife typical of the region, as well as grizzly and black bears.

The trail passes through not only forests, but also eerie and fascinating ghost towns such as Saunders and Alexo.

As it follows a former rail track, the route is flatter and easier to navigate than many challenging alpine treks in nearby Jasper. It is ideal for those not looking for overly strenuous outdoor activities.

A major stop between the two ends of the trail is the 220-metre Taunton Trestle Bridge, a centrepiece of the route. Recently upgraded, it now features a dedicated parking lot for RVs, an outhouse, and a formal observation deck offering panoramic views of the Clearwater County foothills that are a true feast for the eyes and soul.

The landscape is a vibrant mix of forests and valleys. In the summer heat, the air is heavy with the sweet, medicinal scent of trembling aspen and balsam poplar. When autumn arrives – the season that Albert Camus famously called “a second spring when every leaf is a flower” – the willows and water birch turn to gold.

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When winter transforms the trail into a snow-covered wonderland, the scent of the lodgepole pines stands out sharply.

Designed for year-round use, the trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and horse riders in summer, and also permits quads and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). In winter, the path belongs to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and dog sledging teams.

Built between 1911 and 1914, the railway line was the lifeblood of the region, transporting coal across Canada and fostering the growth of local mining communities.

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However, demand for coal declined after the Second World War, resulting in the closure of mines and a slowdown in rail traffic. The town of Nordegg is named after the entrepreneur Martin Nordegg, who was forced to leave Canada during the First World War due to his Austrian origins. He returned in 1920 to continue his work.

Today, the trail can be accessed from either Rocky Mountain House or Nordegg, both of which are about two hours’ drive from Calgary. As development continues, this path serves as a bridge between Alberta’s industrial past and its ecological future.

L’article Canada opens historic railway trail through the Rockies est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.