Qantas Holidays/Viva Holidays recently teamed up with Travel Alberta, Bonjour Quebec, Super, Natural British Columbia and Ontario Canada to take a group of very lucky agents to Canada in July. The trip started with a bang onday one in Calgary with the whole group experiencing the 100th Anniversary of the Calgary Stampede and the world's best rodeo athletes, who come from famously tough stock,certainly did not let the crowd down.

The group took in all the Rodeo major events including Bareback, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Tie Down Roping and the excitement and energy was boundless. That evening, at the Grandstand show, we witnessed the heart stopping chuck wagon racing which takes nerves of steel and horsepower. Then, as the sun went down,the stars came out for a high energy 90 minute spectacular show which was electrifying. The show is brought to a fitting close with an awe inspiring display of incredible fireworks at midnight. At the conclusionof our visit to Calgary the group split in 2 to explore Eastern and Western Canada.

The East Coast group flew into the beautiful city of Montreal. From Montreal the group travelled with Via Rail to Quebec, an exquisity city much like stepping into the Paris of the East and after much discovery Via Rail whisked us off to Charlevoix – another jewel of the region. Next was Ottawa with a magnificent welcome of Mosaika - the light and sound show at Parliament Hill. There was bike riding to be had alongside the historic Rideau Canal along with many other exciting adventures. Next was the breathtaking township of Niagara on the Lakes followed by the world famous Niagara Falls where the group experienced the Maid of the Mist, a journey behind the falls and the ultimate vantage point with Niagara helicopters. The last stop on the East was beautiful Toronto, where the group took full advantage of all this bustling metropolis had to offer.

The West Group left Calgary and travelled to amazing Banff where they got to experience the Natural Hot Springs and take a hike at SunshineMeadows. From Banff they travelled to picturesque Lake Louise where they were lucky enough to spot a grizzly bear in the wild. Next was the most magnificent scenic drive toJasper with a stop along the way at the mesmerizing Columbia Ice Fields. While in Jasper the group was also fortunate to enjoy a Float Trip down the Athabasca River and theJasper Gondola. At the conclusion of Jasper, the group left for Victoria. While in stunning Victoria the group visited the magnificent Butchart Gardens, and then it was on toa Whale Watching tour with a highlight being the grandeur and grace of the mighty Orcas (Killer Whales).

The last stop on the trip was Whistler. Here the group enjoyed the views from the Peak to Peak gondola and had an adrenalin hit from the Zip trek tour.

Everyone re-connected in Vancouver where the magnificent countryside meets the city.

While in Vancouver the group experienced The Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain where we topped off a magical time in Canada with another live grizzly bear sighting.

Niagara Falls (Maid of the Mist)
BACK ROW L to R
Melanie Douglas – Coopers Travel (VIC), Louise Glaser – Sabra Travel (NSW), Jennifer Cory –
Seniors Holiday Travel (QLD), Sarah Wilkinson – Young Travel (NSW), Kim Knight – Qantas
Holidays/Viva Holidays Escort (QLD), Vicki Holberton – Maranoa Travel (QLD), Hoda Elbanna -
ERC Travel ( NSW), Margie Heffernan – Duck Creek Mountain Travel ( NSW), Christine
Pangilinan – Daystar Travel & Tours
KNEELING DOWN L to R
Safwat Elbanna – ERC Travel ( NSW), Maree Whitehead– Travelworld Shepparton ( VIC), Karen
Grayson – MTA ( NSW), Susan Taok – Ultimate Travel,Anastasia Belashov – Niagara Falls
Tourism

Canada West
Back Row L to R
Lisa Ryan- Travelscene Swansea(NSW), Natalie Cue – Qantas Holidays (NSW), Sarah Whyte –
Harvey World Travel Chirnside (VIC), Jessica Bills – Travel CTM (NSW), Chandelle Meyer –
Travel Alberta.
Sitting Down L to R
Charlie Trevena – Travel Alberta, Michelle Radnidge– Qantas Holidays (VIC), Tracy Thompson –
Colac Travel (VIC), Jaime Garnham – Sid Foggs Travel Jesmond (NSW)