June 6th, 2022

Five Reasons To Host Your Incentive in Western Canada

Most commonly known for the Canadian Rockies, the west is both wild and carefree with limitless adventures and trendy cities. An idyllic assortment of rugged mountains and crystal clear waters, quaint towns, and bountiful vineyards, it is a delight to explore. 

1. Wide-open spaces linked to world-class cities

Sometimes the journey is the experience! Landing in one of our world class cities, the journey is magnificent as you travel through the wide-open spaces and the breathtaking scenery that connects you to your destination.  From Vancouver, a cosmopolitan city surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains, take a scenic drive along the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler, a charming alpine village with a plethora of outdoor adventures for every fitness level. Or, from Vancouver’s harbour board a floatplane to the province’s charming capital city Victoria. Equally impressive is the open-hearted hospitality found in Calgary, where just 90-minutes west, is a place that will leave you breathless – The Canadian Rockies.   Nestled among the majestic peaks is Banff National Park, Canada’s oldest, most revered park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Banff, ventulolre onward to Lake Louise, the emerald jewel of the Rockies or up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper.  


Photo credit: Tourism Whistler and Mike Crane Photography

2. An abundance of all season experiences and adventures

Winter or summer, mild or wild, Western Canada has you covered!  Enjoy whale watching in Victoria, soar through the air on a zipline in Whistler, venture on an unforgettable hiking experience to crystal clear lakes and impressive waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, take to the skies in a helicopter for a wilderness picnic or experience a sightseeing gondola over impressive mountain ranges.  Winter brings world class skiing, the thrill of dog sledding and the serenity of horse drawn sleigh rides.  Looking for something a little milder? Immerse yourself in Indigenous art and culture at one of the many museums, sink into an outdoor spa, or enjoy the food and craft beer scene on a guided food tour.  Lastly, the adrenaline from the Olympics is alive in Whistler with a visit to one of the only places where you can experience bobsleigh and biathlon in winter and summer!      

 

3.  Iconic resorts and hotels ideal for incentive travelers

Western Canada boasts several bucket-list resorts and accommodation options. In Banff, the Fairmont Banff Springs is known as The Castle in the Rockies and offers a one-of-a-kind accommodation experience in Western Canada. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise boasts being a luxurious base camp to adventure and sits on one of the most photographed lakes in the world. Whistler delivers multiple luxury accommodations such as the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Four Seasons Resort & Spa.  Not to be outdone, the Grand Dame of them all is the Fairmont Empress located on the harbour in Victoria. Too many exquisite choices to name in the cities, rest assured, there are exemplary accommodation choices throughout Western Canada. 

 

4. A safe, clean and environmentally responsible destination

Beautiful mountain vistas, ancient forests, crystal clear lakes and rivers, and fresh, clean air. Much of what makes Western Canada such a unique and memorable destination lies in its awe-inspiring and pristine natural surroundings. This destination cares deeply for the environment and strives to preserve the area's natural beauty by taking meaningful steps towards the region’s vision of sustainability.  One example is the Vancouver Convention Centre, the world’s first double LEED Platinum certified convention centre which features more than 400,000 indigenous plants. In Western Canada we believe every small changes makes a big difference, and we encourage our guests to join in. 

 

5. Easily accessible from many U.S. and International destinations

Both Calgary and Vancouver are gateways to adventure and both airports have international accessibility from major airport hubs around the world.  In addition, for US bound travelers, you’ll clear US customs in Canada, before departing on your flight home, making the process seamless when you land in your home destination. Just grab your bags and go. Both cities and surrounding destinations have a strong transportation infrastructure and excellent transportation partners in place to welcome the world.   

 

Ready to give your attendees an unforgettable experience in Western Canada? Please contact your Global DMC Partners Sales Advisor or info@globaldmcpartners.com.