Destinations

ALBERTA AIMS TO LEAD IN INDIGENOUS TOURISM

Alberta says it is aiming to be an “iconic” leader in indigenous tourism by helping support and build a vibrant sector and promoting the province as a destination for both Canadians and international visitors.

TRENDING DESTINATIONS: What’s in the mix in 2026

From Bhutan to Vietnam, Kensington has issued a list of top trending destinations based on internal data and insights from its team. The findings reflect continued demand for the the appeal of lesser-known destinations, a growing desire for personalized and exclusive experiences, a preference for more seamless travel, and the desire for more private, highly customized itineraries.

THE VEGAS BUFFET WILL NEVER DIE: But it costs a lot more

Eighty years ago, the first Las Vegas buffet opened with the $1 western-themed Buckaroo Buffet that offered cold cuts and cheese. Today, visitors can drop $175 on luxury buffets with lobster tail, prime rib and limitless drinks.

GANDER AIRPORT LOUNGE RECOGNIZED AS HISTORIC GEM

Positioned at the “crossroads of the world,” the sprawling international lounge inside Gander airport – a facility that was opened by Queen Elizabeth and at one time used by dozens of celebrities and global VIPs, from The Beatles to Fidel Castro – has been officially recognized as a heritage structure.

A FOWL PROBLEM: Wild chickens no little concern in Hawaii

The crowing starts well before the sun rises over Mason Aiona’s home in Hawaii. But the 3 a.m. rooster alarm isn’t what bothers the retiree the most. It’s spending most of the day shooing away wild chickens that dig holes in his yard, listening to constant squawking and feather-flapping, and scolding people who feed the feral birds at a park steps from his house.

NASSAU & PARADISE ISLAND: Where shopping has its own rhythm

Nassau & Paradise Island is synonymous with sun, sand and surf, still there’s always time for shopping. And where better than the Bahamian capital, where palm trees line the streets, the air hums with Junkanoo rhythms, and the ocean breeze carries a sense of joy you can feel in your bones.

MORE THAN GAMING: Discovering Nevada beyond the Vegas Strip

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI /- Travel Nevada and its partners showed Canadians how to “Get a Little Out There” with a cross-country road show to Toronto, Montreal and Calgary last week, engaging with travel advisors and trade partners, as well as exhibiting at the Calgary Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show.

LOS CABOS CALLING CANADA: Record lift cements status as core market

By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ With record visitations by Canadians in 2025 and this country accounting for 9.3% of all international visitors to Los Cabos, Canada has become the second-largest international source market for the west coast Mexican destination (after the U.S.), say tourism officials. And with airlift continuing to grow, there is no end in sight.

CHILL LIKE A FINN: Visit Finland offers a free 7-day trip for those looking for a digital detox

Finland has once again been ranked the happiest country in the world in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report 2026, marking the ninth consecutive year the Nordic nation has topped the global ranking. (Canada ranked 25th). This year, the message from Finland is simple: happiness starts with switching off, preferably somewhere by a lake and far away from notifications.

READY FOR SOME SUNSHINE: DR lays out the welcome mat

By JEN SAVEDRA/ 2026 is proving to be an exceptional year for the Dominican Republic, with official data showing that an amazing 1.22 million visitors arrived in January alone. This “unprecedented surge” represents an 8.7% increase over the previous year, and a 61% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

SUNWING SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON FAMILY-FRIENDLY CANCUN

With family travel continuing to trend for spring and summer vacations, Sunwing Vacations is spotlighting some of its favourite family-friendly all-inclusive resort options in Cancún available to book now.

JAPAN – WITH A CHERRRY ON TOP: Where and when to see this season’s best blossoms

As spring unfolds across Japan, the nation’s most beloved seasonal spectacle – cherry blossoms (sakura) – progresses northward from the southern islands toward the country’s cooler regions. While the earliest petals have already appeared in parts of Kyushu and Shikoku, the peak of blooming is advancing steadily through central and northern Japan, with many regions just entering their most anticipated viewing period.

BLUE TRUMPS RED IN FLORIDA TOWN: Jays fans help keep Dunedin economy afloat during turbulent times for tourism

The Toronto Blue Jays have made Dunedin, Fla., into a virtual oasis during turbulent economic times in Florida. Canadians’ broad grassroots boycott of the United States has had a massive impact on the tourism industry, especially in states like Florida. But Dunedin, home of the Blue Jays’ spring training facility, seems to be have been spared thanks to the loyalty of Canadian baseball fans.

FRENCH FLAIR: Destination France 2026 roadshow continues across Canada

Following its launch in Vancouver, Atout France and Air France’s Destination France 2026 annual tour rolled into Toronto Tuesday with over 30 French and local exhibitors in attendance. The event featured a trade show that generated over 386 face-to-face meetings with travel advisors designed to strengthen connections and deepen knowledge of France’s tourism leading to new or renewed itineraries and travel products for Canadian travellers.

FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL: Myrtle Beach kicks off annual Can-Am Days

Visit Myrtle Beach has rolled out the welcome mat this week for Canadian visitors. Each March, Myrtle Beach honours its long-standing friendship with its snowbird neighbours during Can-Am Days, a tradition that has welcomed generations of Canadians to the Grand Strand for more than 60 years.

CANADA COMPASS: Quebec sugar shacks to suit every taste

Springtime is Québec’s sweetest season as the province welcomes visitors to its famed cabanes à sucre to sample glistening maple syrup, decadent meals, and authentic French-Canadian hospitality. Québec is home to more than 100 sugar shacks that offer distinctly unique sweet escapes for various types of travellers.

GET AHEAD WITH ‘ED’: Grenada streamlines entry process

Grenada has officially launched its Online Embarkation/ Disembarkation (ED) Card Platform, designed to streamline the arrival experience for visitors while advancing the country’s border processing system. The new program went into effect March 2.

MEXICO’S ‘SWEET SPOT’: Cozumel calls for Quebeckers with Sunwing, WestJet

Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec now offer Canadians direct access from Montreal to Cozumel, Mexico, one of the Caribbean’s most established island destinations. The first flight departed from YUL on March 6, promising clients an ideal “sweet spot” between “do-it-all” and “do absolutely nothing.”

WHERE TO GO?: Australia may be just what you’re looking for.

By Jen Savedra/This is a tricky time for travel and tourism – that has to be acknowledged. Some of our holiday favourites are, for various and differing reasons, less appealing than usual.  But, we do still want to travel, and right now, think about it, Australia is a very viable choice of destination.  And really, It’s already popular with Canadians.

ALL QUIET IN QUINTANA ROO: Mexican tourism hub reports business as usual

After the recent disruption to life and travel in Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara following the takedown of a prominent cartel leader on the Pacific side of the country, the Mexican state of Quintana says it’s strictly business as usual on its Caribbean beaches and at its resorts.

SPAIN SETS TOURISM RECORD (AGAIN): Plus new Canadian podcast

Spain set a new tourism record in 2025 when it welcomed 96.8 million foreign visitors, according to figures released by the National Statistics Institute. The number of international visitors increased 3.2% compared to 2024, when there were 94 million tourists.

CAPE TOWN IN TWO KEYS: Oceanfront seclusion and urban heritage

By Cindy-Lou Dale/ Cape Town, South Africa’s appeal lies in its range: mountain, ocean, heritage districts, and a food culture rooted in local identity. Consider two unique hotels – contrasting but complimentary – from which the city unfolds in manageable, memorable chapters: walkable neighbourhoods, historic sites, and signature culinary experiences, each adding depth to a stay that blends relaxation with meaningful exploration.

TOOLKIT HELPS NARROW GAP WITH INDIGENOUS TOURISM

Building respectful, mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities and advancing tourism systems that are owned, guided and governed by Indigenous Peoples is the objective of a new trade toolkit unveiled at the recent 2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton.

ALL IN THE FAMILY: A practical guide to family-friendly Nassau & Paradise Island

Travelling with children is a balancing act: high energy for the thrill-seekers, shade breaks for the nappers, and experiences that feel like vacation rather than a generic beach break. Luckily, in Nassau & Paradise Island, visitors can pair a big water-park day with wildlife encounters, hands-on sweets, and a quick taste of local flavour – all without overplanning.

JAPAN DELVES DEEP INTO CANADIAN MARKET

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) welcomed 64 members of the Canadian travel Friday at the Vancouver edition of “Japan: Delve Deeper.” The event, hosted at Vancouver’s Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, brought together a cosmopolitan group of Japan’s top travel suppliers and partners for a compelling mini trade show.

CUBA TRIP MEANT MORE THAN FUN IN THE SUN

Louise MacKinnon and her family have become accustomed to visiting Cuba in March, but plans to return this year fell through when Canadian carriers were forced to suspend service to the island due to a fuel shortage caused by the U.S. oil blockade.

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