By Michael Baginski/ The Arizona Office of Tourism called in Canada this week – an annual reverse migration to Toronto and Vancouver designed to emphasize the state’s long-standing relationship with this country, unperturbed by any other rhetoric that may be emanating across the 49th parallel.
The delegates were quick affirm the importance of the Canadian market, and to note that Canadian visitations to the state are still strong, with a minimum of 17 daily flights this month from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and (new in February) Ottawa to Phoenix courtesy of Air Canada, WestJet and Porter Airlines.
“The airlines must know something if they are keeping these flights, and adding more,” Marjorie Magnusson of the AOT said at a media gathering in Toronto. “We know Canadians are coming… and that’s why we’ve been coming for years,” she added.
Of course, it was not lost on Magnusson and the several state partners in attendance that the temperature back home was 29 degrees C, while Canadians were collectively freezing across the country.
Add in 300 days of sunshine a year in a state known for its scenic beauty and plethora of outdoor activities, and its no wonder that many Canadians own homes and continue to winter in the state – and that Phoenix is a top three U.S. destination from this country, according to the Conference Board of Canada, said Charmaine Singh of Reach Global, the state’s representative in Canada.
Among Arizona partners on hand were Michelle Streeter of Gilbert, known for its birding and agricultural tourism; Tanya Pickren of Go Lake Havasu City, home of the (original) London Bridge, and a beautiful lake; Melanie Greco, of spa and wellness epicentre Scottsdale (in suburban Phoenix and the scenic Sonoran desert); and Discover Navajo’s Sharlene Begay-Platero and William Raines, touting authentic cultural experiences with the U.S.’s largest indigenous tribe in the northern area state, along with outdoor activities in Monument Valley, Lake Powell and the adjacent Grand Canyon.
An avid shopper in the state herself, Singh concluded, “Arizona is a state that entertains. It’s all there (for Canadians).”
WHAT’S NEW IN BRIEF
Resorts, Hotels & Spas
New openings:
- The Villas at Canyon Suites at The Phoenician Scottsdale (early 2026): Luxury standalone villas with private pools and mountain views.
- Scottsdale Golf Retreat at Troon North (early 2026): Desert villas near Troon North Golf Club.
- Denū Hotel & Spa (late 2026): Downtown Phoenix hotel with wellness spa and rooftop pool.
- Kimpton Miralina (early 2026): Reimagined Scottsdale Plaza Resort with wellness amenities.
- Outbound Sedona (May 2026): Renovated resort with views of Bell Rock and enhanced spa.
- Mountain Modern Sedona (April 2025): Wellness-focused hotel with pet-friendly amenities.
- Taawaki Inn (July 2025): Hopi-owned hotel in Clarkdale showcasing Hopi culture.
Renovations:
- L’Auberge de Sedona ($30M renovation completed late 2025): New guest rooms, spa, and heated pool.
- Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas ($24M renovation completed late 2025): Redesigned villas and new pool area.
- Hotel Valley Ho ($18M renovation completed July 2025): Refreshed rooms with vintage-modern design.
- JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Spa ($24M transformation reopening in 2026): Desert-inspired wellness treatments.
Unique Experiences
- AI-powered massage at W Scottsdale (June 2025).
- Acoustic Cellars Lodge (July 2025): Wine, wellness, and live music in Verde Valley.
Attractions
New Openings:
- International Dark Sky Discovery Center (Summer 2026): Largest public telescope in Phoenix metro area.
- SHIV Supper Club (May 2025): Upscale dining and entertainment in Scottsdale.
- Phoenix Zoo’s Big Cats of Arizona Habitat (April 2025): Features mountain lions and jaguars.
- Revel Surf Park (February 2025): Arizona’s first surf park in Mesa.
- Salt River Arts Trail (Early 2025): Showcasing Indigenous art in Talking Stick Entertainment District.
Route 66 Centennial (2026)
- New attractions: Musical road in Winslow, Route 66 Dog Park in Kingman, Meteor City Dino Drive-Thru, and new exhibits in Flagstaff and Holbrook.
- Other attractions: Rockin’ River Ranch State Park – Expanded hours (September 2025); Tucson Astro Trail (Early 2025) – Self-guided stargazing experiences; Tucson Auto Museum (April 2025) – New location with rare cars and exhibits.
Tours
- Prescott Whiskey Trail Pass (September 2025): Explore 24 bars and saloons on Whiskey Row.
- Arizona Wild Bunch: Family Pass (Summer 2025): Interactive map of 60+ family-friendly attractions.
- Explore OV App (Early 2025): Oro Valley travel planning app.
- Mesa Accessibility Travel Guide (May 2025): Autism-friendly travel resources.
For more details, visit www.visitarizona.com.
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