The following Pre & Post FAM Tours are offered to buyer delegates attending the 2019 Canada’s West Marketplace® trade show.
Sea to Sky - Squamish and Whistler
Pre FAM: Hosted by Destination BC - Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Region
Dates: Wednesday, November 13 – Saturday, November 16 (3 days/3 nights)
Maximum Number of Participants: 8
Travel along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler – considered one of the most scenic drives in the world! Experience bustling communities, attractions and outdoor activities set against a background of ocean vistas, mountains and waterfalls. The Sea to Sky corridor is much more than spectacular scenery, however – it is also an arts and cultural journey.
Please arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) located in Richmond, British Columbia at your leisure on Tuesday, November 12. Overnight accommodation will be provided.
On Wednesday, November 13, our journey begins from sea to sky! We will depart Metro Vancouver this morning for Squamish. We begin with a tour of Britannia Mine Museum, including BOOM! opened June 1, 2019. We’ll stop for a photo op at Shannon Falls Provincial Park – the 3rd tallest waterfall in British Columbia and most popular along the Sea to Sky. Find out what’s new at the Sea to Sky Gondola through a lively presentation while sampling the Squamish Craft Tasting Trail. Overnight Squamish.
On Thursday, November 14, we’ll be among the first of the season to search for one of North America’s largest populations of wintering bald eagles on a Winter Eagle Viewing Float with Canadian Outback Rafting. We will then continue up the Sea to Sky Highway and arrive in Whistler. Tour the Audain Art Museum and Whistler Village. Overnight Whistler.
On Friday, November 15, choose between a Ziptrek Bear Tour or Canadian Wilderness 4x4 Jeep Tour. We will then visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. Rejuvenate at Scandinave Spa after our day of mountain activities before taking in an evening event at Cornucopia – Whistler’s annual celebration of food and drink. Overnight Whistler.
On Saturday, November 16, we will travel back down the Sea to Sky Highway returning to Richmond by 1:00 p.m.
The next part of your journey leads you to where the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Fraser River meet. Welcome to Richmond BC, a thriving multicultural destination offering a wide range of cultural, heritage, culinary and leisure experiences. You’ll experience wine tastings, VIP shopping, the opportunity to train like an Olympian, two of Canada’s National Historic sites and of course, amazing Cantonese cuisine and Dim Sum.
Book your flight to arrive in Vancouver (YVR) on Tuesday, November 12.

Fall Foliage in The Thompson Okanagan
Pre FAM: Hosted by The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
Dates: Wednesday, November 12 – Saturday, November 16
Maximum Number of Participants: 10
The Thompson Okanagan region is a landscape as diverse as the adventures within it; its natural wonders are only matched by its active spirit and world-class wine region. In the fall, it is alive with colours, flavours and activities.
After arrival in Kelowna, you will be transferred to Osoyoos to tour the fall colours in a vineyard, and of course, do some wine tasting at Covert Farms. After overnighting in Osoyoos, you will make your way to Big White for lunch and then enjoy winery tours at three different wineries, ending with dinner at the 3rd winery. Overnight in Kelowna.
Next on the tour will be Kamloops to experience a downtown heritage tour and also visit the award-winning Monte Creek winery, followed by dinner and overnight in Kamloops. You’ll also visit the BC Wildlife Park to learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of over 65 animal species from BC. A trip to Canada isn’t complete without taking in the ultimate Canadian experience – Ice Hockey! The group will transfer from Kamloops to Richmond on Saturday, November 16.
The next part of your journey leads you to where the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Fraser River meet. Welcome to Richmond BC, a thriving multicultural destination offering a wide range of cultural, heritage, culinary and leisure experiences. You’ll experience wine tastings, VIP shopping, the opportunity to train like an Olympian, two of Canada’s National Historic sites and of course, amazing Cantonese cuisine and Dim Sum.
Please plan to arrive in Kelowna by 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 12

Experience Calgary, Kananaskis, Banff and Lake Louise
Pre FAM: Hosted by Tourism Calgary, Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge, and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Dates: Tuesday, November 12 to Saturday, November 16
Maximum Participants: 16
The FAM tour starts and ends in Calgary, and includes 2 nights in Banff, 1 night in Kananaskis, and 1 night in Calgary. Book your flight to arrive in Calgary by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12. Your flight from Calgary to Vancouver in the morning of Saturday, November 16 will be taken care of by the host destinations (Tourism Calgary, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, and Banff & Lake Louise Tourism)..
Upon your arrival in Calgary you will transfer to Banff National Park, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring mountain destinations, where you will enjoy some of its many Canadian Signature Experiences and create memories that will stay with you forever.
Hike along the smooth trail and catwalks of Johnston Canyon. Stroll along the shore of dramatically beautiful Lake Louise. Gaze at the stars from the top of the Banff Gondola. Get unparalleled views of the Rockies with a helicopter sightseeing tour. Enjoy the vibrant and diverse food scene in Banff and Lake Louise, its top-class restaurants, complemented by a wide selection of regional craft beers, and small batch distilled spirits and wines. Explore the bubbling mineral waters, underground cave, and interactive programs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canada's national parks.
Transfer to Kananaskis where you will lose yourself in the stunningly wild landscapes and embrace in an authentically Canadian experience where backcountry beauty and modern comfort meet. Enjoy locally sourced cuisine at the Cedar Room and relax at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, Alberta’s first and only Nordic-style spa. Experience the distinctively enchanting Scandinavian practice of hydrotherapy by following a hot-warm-cold-rest-repeat sequence, all while soaking up the backcountry bliss of the Canadian Rockies at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge.
Upon return to Calgary, your basecamp to urban adventure, a vibrant city awaits with its buzzing arts and culture scene. Celebrate Calgary’s rich western and indigenous history, enjoying locally grown farm to table cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs at some of the city’s best restaurants, visit local craft breweries where you will taste the exceptional brews and hear the maverick brew masters’ stories, and explore the city’s signature indoor and outdoor attractions.
The next part of your journey leads you to where the Pacific Ocean and the mighty Fraser River meet. Welcome to Richmond BC, a thriving multicultural destination offering a wide range of cultural, heritage, culinary and leisure experiences. You’ll experience wine tastings, VIP shopping, the opportunity to train like an Olympian, two of Canada’s National Historic sites and of course, amazing Cantonese cuisine and Dim Sum.
Book your flight to arrive in Calgary on Tuesday, November 12

Journey of a Lifetime: Pacific to Rail, Mountains to Canada’s Festival and Culinary City
Post FAM: Hosted by Tourism Richmond, VIA Rail, Tourism Jasper and Edmonton Tourism
Dates: Wednesday, November 20 to Wednesday, November 27
Maximum Number of Participants: 20
The Journey begins in the dynamic and alive city of Richmond where culture and character converge in a stunning setting. Experience whatever you crave — incredible international cuisine, breathtaking outdoor adventure, or captivating relics of the past— Richmond is truly Canadian in its multicultural essence and authentic Pacific appeal.
Next, ride VIA Rail’s “The Canadian”. Experience a true overnight train journey, complete with a bedroom on the train, meals in the dining car and a glass dome viewing carriage as you travel from Richmond into the Canadian Rockies to take part in some of Jasper's best adventures and panoramic scenery that drops jaws. This hidden gem is known for its friendly atmosphere and superb variety of runs, but also for the many memorable “off-hill” activities. Ski Marmot Basin’s supernaturally fluffy powder, and then turn your gaze to the stars to experience the world's second largest dark sky preserve.
Finally get ready for an unforgettable, original experience in Edmonton as you explore some of the city’s hottest attractions and take your taste buds on a journey through one of the most delectable culinary scenes in Canada. There’s a uniqueness to how Edmontonians do ordinary things, and we welcome you to be a part of it.
Book your flight to depart Edmonton on Wednesday, November 27 by early afternoon.
