The Canadian Vacation Economy

Each year the cold Canadian winter months signal the migration of Canadians to southern climates in Florida, Mexico and Caribbean to soak up the sun and relax.

A destination especially popular with visitors from the Great White North is Cuba. Largely off-limits to U.S citizens due to political factors, Cuba caters heavily to Canadian tourists with direct flights departing from Windsor airport on a weekly basis.

Local travel agents and online vacation websites are kept busy this time of year booking flights and hotels and arranging travel insurance. Airlines and airport employees provide transportation and logistics while clothing retailers see a spike in swim and cruise wear. Tanning salons also see people wanting that “base tan” before they go south and bask in the sun.

So even though Canadian dollars are being directed south the effect of winter travel on the local economy is undeniable. A breath of warm air in the middle of winter might be just what the doctor ordered to recharge the batteries and have some fun.

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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FESTIVAL OF ICE FEB. 11&12, 2012

CELEBRATE THE CHILL OF WINTER AT THE FESTIVAL OF ICE

In Canada, grapes get transformed by a touch of magic and the kiss of winter’s chill into a delectable concoction of sumptuous sweetness we call ice wine. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, visitors will enjoy the wonders of winter accompanied by some delicious ice wine at our annual Festival of Ice from February 11-12.

Each of the 12 participating wineries have put together some special Festival offerings.

“The Festival of Ice is an experience for all those who love fabulous wines and allows visitors to savour the best of our region’s wineries amidst the backdrop of winter fun. It is the perfect opportunity to take a weekend to tour our region’s Wine Route,” says Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island. 

During the Festival of Ice, couples can kindle some romance with the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway. Start the weekend touring and sipping an array of fine wines paired with delicious local cuisine. After learning how to create the perfect Ice Wine Martini, nibbling on handmade ice wine truffles and admiring spectacular ice carvings, its time to warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate or hot soup around a crackling fire. Couples can end the night on a perfect note in the romantic charm of a Bed & Breakfast overlooking Lake Erie.

Alternatively, the entire family can head out for some wintery fun as the Festival of Ice also offers wholesome, kid-friendly excitement. Strap on some skates and fly across a country pond, bundle up to toboggan down a snowy hill, or challenge your kids to make the perfect snow angel. Kids particularly enjoy watching master ice carvers create awe-inspiring works of art out of simple blocks of ice.  The Festival of Ice has something for everyone.

Go to www.visitwindsoressex.com for a complete list of activities offered at the Festival of Ice.


by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

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