This week, Andrew is in Quebec City to compete in his first FIS World Cup Slopestyle & World Cup Big Air competitions! He is one of qualified Canadian’s selected based on his ranking in this past year’s competition results.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to represent the NWT and Canada at what is sure to be an amazing event. It’s always exhilarating to compete against some of the top riders in the world – to see how you stack up against them. I’m stoked! ” – Andrew Matthews

We wish Andrew all the best during competition season, and are proud to support his athletic endeavours!

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This is Paradise

As the dark, cold days of winter approach, wouldn’t you rather be lazing on a South Pacific island, relaxing in an overwater bungalow, or taking a dip in a tranquil, azure lagoon?

• Numerous island chains are dotted across the vast expanse of the South Pacific, easily accessible by those wanting a peaceful retreat for their vacation.
• There’s plenty of adventure as well from off road jeep excursions to hiking, snorkelling in the lagoons, scuba diving, sailing and water sports.
• The rich cultural heritage of Polynesia and Micronesia add to the vacation experience.
• History buffs will find there’s much to learn as they explore the region including the migration of the early Polynesians; the expeditions of Captain James Cook; the Bounty mutiny and the exploits of Robert Louis Stevenson and Paul Gauguin, two of the many writers and artists who called the region home.

To help you start planning a South Pacific escape, here’s a roundup of the three leading destinations in the region for North Americans:

Tahiti and Her Islands

The Society Islands are the best known of the French islands in the South Pacific. Comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha’a they have long been admired as the most magical and captivating in the region with many visitors considering them the most exquisite islands in the world. Their jagged mountain peaks, pristine coral reefs, white sand beaches and clear lagoons teeming with colourful fish make them a true paradise. Writer James Mitchener named Bora Bora as his favourite.

Tahiti and her islands are a major cruising centre with sailings to the Society Islands available year-round. There’s a wealth of luxury resorts on the islands with inviting overwater bungalows, the most exotic way to experience these romantic islands.

Fiji Islands

This archipelago of over 330 islands is a nature lover’s delight as Fiji is an unspoiled environment. Having avoided industrialization, and with its lack of dangerous animals and insects, it is a key area for Eco-tourism and outdoor adventure.

The islands provide a tranquil escape at the many outstanding resorts. You’ll feel very welcome here as the people are friendly and happy to have you visit.

You won’t want to miss a Kava Ceremony when visiting a Fijian village. This common social custom involves sharing the herbal drink derived from the root of the Kava plant. It is said to have been the favourite beverage of the South Pacific’s royal families and has medicinal as well as psychoactive properties.

The Cook Islands

Rarotonga is the central island, where cruise ships call and visitors arrive by plane. It has all one expects of the South Pacific – high mountain peaks, lush rain forests, clear turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches.

Aitutaki is the most visited out island. Its turquoise lagoon is massive at approximately 11 km wide by 16 km long. It’s perfect for snorkelling with many coral heads to explore. Captain Bligh and his ship the HMS Bounty landed here in 1798 prior to the infamous mutiny.

The Cooks have expanded their resort collection in recent years but have gone for more intimate properties with fewer rooms or villas. Most offer white sand beaches, tropical gardens, swimming pools and spas. Complimentary snorkel gear is a popular perk. Prices range from budget to deluxe and many have suites with kitchens, handy for long stays.

South Pacific Cruising

Imagine island hopping in the South Pacific, sampling many of the islands as you sail across the vast expanse of ocean. This is the ultimate destination for cruising. Arriving slowly and serenely at a new port, resting at anchor in a secluded bay, observing the turquoise waters and spectacular mountain views from deck and tendering ashore to explore these lush, tropical isles – this is cruising at its best.

• Island Hop the Society Islands on sailings round-trip from Papeete, Tahiti. Some departures add the Cook Islands or the Marquesas to the adventure.
• Tahiti and Hawaii are connected each year on several sailings by Princess Cruises.
• Boutique small ships in Fiji call at the unspoiled Yasawa islands.
• Grand Voyages of the South Pacific are the ultimate in luxury for those with plenty of time for lengthy cruises of a month or more.
• Transpacific cruises let you visit many islands as ships sail between North America and Australia/New Zealand. Watch for some great pricing on this route when ships reposition between continents for the start of a new season of cruising.

So there’s a variety of ways to enjoy paradise. The islands of the South Pacific are certainly that – and the perfect, peaceful place to get away from it all.

 (By Susan Milne for Ensemble Travel)

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Whether you’re taking an organized tour, travelling independently or sailing around the islands by ship, you’ll discover paradise in Hawaii.

The scented tropical air, agreeable climate, warm waters and Polynesian charm add to the ease and enjoyment of your stay. The hardest part will be choosing what to do each day, Hawaii offers visitors so many options. Indulge in sports, culture, adventure, cuisine, wellness – there’s plenty to choose from in Hawaii.

Special Things to See and Do

Six of the Hawaiian Islands welcome visitors – Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Lanai and Molokai – each with its own special characteristics.

• Surfing - Hawaii is the home of modern surfing. It’s a thrilling experience being carried in on the waves in an Outrigger Canoe on Waikiki Beach. Take a private surfing lesson to learn the ropes of the classic surf board.
• Honolulu - The island of Oahu is where Honolulu, is situated; the capital and largest city of the islands. Here you’ll find a wealth of museums and galleries to visit. Pay your respects at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. The Battleship Missouri, U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park and the Pacific Aviation Museum are also found at Pearl harbour.
• Kauai – Kayak down the Wailua River. Kauai has the only navigable rivers in Hawaii and it is home to many natural wonders – waterfalls, blow holes, cliffs, caves, the Fern Grotto as well as colourful Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Maui – Wander through the historic town of Lahaina. It was a missionary and plantation centre and a whalers’ stop in the mid-1800s. Today it is on the National Registry of Historic Places. You can also cycle down Haleakala (a 3,055 meter dormant volcano), take a whale watching boat to see the thousands of humpback whales that winter here or visit offshore Molokini, a State Marine Life and Bird Conservation District ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. There are seemingly endless things to do on this beautiful island which is well organized for visitors.
• The Big Island – The island of Hawaii is known for its adventure activities and golf. Mt. Kilauea has been continuously erupting since 1983 making it the world’s most active volcano. See molten lava at the Kalapana Lava Viewing Area or from the deck of your cruise ship when it sails along the coast at night. Volcanoes National Park, the orchid gardens, the famous Kona coffee and the world’s largest astrological observatory are other unique features of the remarkable island.
• Lanai and Molokai – These peaceful, natural islands are not as developed for tourism as their larger neighbours, however, you’ll find some superb golf resorts on Lanai. Molokai offers some of the most breathtaking coastline as it is home to the world’s largest sea cliffs. Ride a mule to remote Kalaupapa National Historical Park, one of Hawaii’s most significant historic sites.

Polynesian Charm

The grace and charm of the Polynesian people and their culture certainly add to your Hawaiian vacation experience. There are many interesting places to visit to learn about their history and way of life.

• A luau is a Polynesian feast you won’t forget. The sound of the surf is the background for the evening. You’ll hear steel guitars, watch hula dancing and be entranced by a fire-knife dance. The Polynesian meal is roast pig accompanied by island fish like laulau, lomi salmon and sashimi (thinly sliced yellowfin tuna) along with pineapple, papaya, and poi.
• On Oahu, visit the Polynesian Cultural Center where you can experience life on many of the islands in the South Pacific.
• You’ll come across many historic sites around the islands. One of the most significant is Puukohola National Historic Site on the island of Hawaii, well worth a visit.
• The Hawaiians believe that good health is a state of balanced energy flow. Therapies are designed to remove any energy blockages. The aim is for balance and harmony physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Draw on the islands’ natural healing power while experiencing Hawaiian spa treatments.

Getting There

An average of 85 flights a day depart from North America to Hawaii, about a five-hour flight from the west coast. You can also cruise round-trip from Honolulu with Norwegian Cruise Line or from the west coast with many of our preferred cruise lines.

Experience the Aloha Spirit on your next vacation and you won’t be disappointed.

(Ensemble Travel By Susan Milne)

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Take a peek!

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Travel the Great Ocean Road through the fantastic scenery of Port Campbell National Park. See the unforgettable 12 Apostles and the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Australia’s capital cities are more than just energetic cultural centres; they’re also convenient gateways to sweeping wilderness and iconic wildlife. Case in point: Melbourne.

Known as Australia’s most European city, Melbourne’s true character is best discovered off the grid. In wandering laneways, find colourful street art alongside cafés serving Australia’s best coffee. Get an insider perspective on Melbourne’s unique gold rush heritage and artsy culture on a Hidden Secrets laneway tour. Led by local Melbournians, these tours are constantly evolving to showcase the cities trendiest eateries and boutiques.

As a bustling art capital, Melbourne’s suburbs are host to not only galleries and street art, but also the recently opened Art Series Hotels. Here, shake off the jet lag in one of three boutique accommodations showcasing the best in local artists. All three newly opened hotels are within easy access of Melbourne’s world class dining scene.

Conclude the Melbournian urban adventure by hiring a car and beginning the journey westbound via Bell’s Beach and Torquay. Legendary in the surfing world, this seaside community is the starting point of the legendary Great Ocean Road. Constructed by soldiers after World War I, the route hugs the coast and winds through the hinterland that defines the region. Before ending in Adelaide, the road passes over towering sea cliffs, through dense rainforests, below koala-clad eucalyptus trees, and alongside welcoming seaside towns.

Stop in time for a bushwalk at the Twelve Apostles. These Limestone stacks stand guard at the gateway to the Shipwreck Coast. Here, the wild seas have sent at least 700 ships crashing into the rocks since the early days of European settlement. See the rugged seascape from a new perspective with a helicopter ride, or take a jaunt along the cliff tops on the “Great Ocean Walk.” Further down the road, trek down the cliff to the narrow sandy inlet at Loch Ard Gorge. Hear the tragic story of Tom and Eva, the only two survivors an 1878 clipper ship sinking that gives the gorge its name.

Overnight near Port Campbell, and wake up to the sound of the ocean before continuing en route to South Australia. Break this 700 kilometre journey up into a few days, allowing plenty of time to spot whales, explore coastal villages, and bushwalk through petrified forests before arriving in Adelaide.

Due to Adelaide’s close proximity to plentiful wine and produce growing regions, South Australia is a foodie’s paradise and host to frequent food festivals. Upon arrival, stock up on local delicacies from the Central Markets. Sample some local wine, cheers to having conquered the coast, and tuck into South Australian cuisine on Gouger Street.

In addition to a lucky location for epicurean pursuits, Adelaide also boasts easy access to one of Australia’s most storied landscapes: The Flinders Ranges.

Roughly a five hour drive from the city, Australia’s largest mountain range sprawls across three national parks. Explore these timeworn ranges with an Adnyamathanha guide, sample bush tucker, and listen to Yura Muda stories of the land’s Dreaming beginnings. Ancient Australians believed the rugged Flinders landscape was shaped by a snake. See representations of this tale in the ancient rock paintings sacred to the original stewards of the land carved into nearby caves, escarpments, and gorges.

Adelaide also serves as a gateway to another Australian legend: Kangaroo Island. Known as Australia’s Galapagos, this island is home to colonies of sea lions, fur seals, sleepy koalas, wallabies, echidnas, and (of course) kangaroos. While most travellers base themselves on land to explore the region, a three day voyage with Kangaroo Island Sailing showcases the best of the island’s remarkable landscape, food, and wildlife.

Whether cruising the coast, sipping a flat white in Melboune or hiking ancient deserts, there’s nothing like getting off the beaten path in Australia. Tucked away in World Heritage wilderness and stunning coastline, Australia is more than just where you travel; it’s about where the journey takes you.

(Courtesy of Ensemble Travel)

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With 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sights to visit you’ll be busy trying to keep up with the incredible history and architecture of France. Paris is a treasure trove of art galleries with some of the world’s finest collections housed in the Louvre, the d’Orsay and more than 60 other museums. You’ll find artistic history as you travel around the country including Claude Monet’s idyllic home and gardens at Giverny and many haunts of the Impressionist masters in Provence.

Culinary Adventures in Nice

French cuisine is renowned the world over. It was officially declared one of the world’s cultural treasures by UNESCO on November 16, 2010! You can learn the art of French cooking while on a culinary vacation and what better place for it than the romantic French Riviera. Culinary classes in Nice start by roaming the famous Cours Selaya market for the freshest local produce. Then enjoy a leisurely cooking experience as you create some delicious dishes under the supervision of a French chef.

Skiing and Hiking in the Alps

Ski in the winter; hike in the summer. The French Alps provide the perfect spot for both. French “joie de vivre” calls you back from the mountains to relax by a stone hearth or enjoy a sumptuous buffet on a sunny terrace at your chalet. The towns of Chamonix, Val d’Isère, Méribel and La Plagne are world famous for outstanding vacation facilities and superb skiing from November to May.

Historic Normandy

In the northwest of France is the region of Normandy where the WWII invasion beaches are located as well as some beautiful scenery, historic castles and great food. D-day tours take you to the landing beaches, the Caen war memorial and important sights of the 1944 conflict.

The Bordeaux Wine Scene

Of course you can’t visit France without trying the wine, its most famous export. In the southwest of France lies Bordeaux, a leading wine region established in Roman times. Bordeaux is best known for its red wines – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot – but sweet whites, rosés and sparkling wines are also produced here.

The countryside of Bordeaux is covered in vineyards surrounding magnificent Châteaux. Learn the art of French wine making at wine tasting events. Wine courses, open to amateurs, offer more in depth lectures on Bordeaux wines, vine-growing, storing and serving wine along with visits to numerous Châteaux. And don’t miss visiting the city of Bordeaux itself which is a major cultural centre as well as the world’s major wine industry capital.

Cruising the French Rivers

Meandering through the beautiful countryside on a river boat or barge is an idyllic way to experience France. This slower paced mode of travel, away from the noise of traffic, lets you be a part of the charming rural scene.

Travelling by Train

You’ll find the extensive French rail system is efficient, punctual and comfortable. It connects large cities throughout the country while smaller towns are connected by bus service to the nearest station. High speed trains travel at 186mph connecting Paris to London in just 2 hours 15 minutes. High speed service is also available to the major centres of Nice, Bordeaux, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Avignon, Aix en Provence, Marseille, Nantes and Dijon as well as Amsterdam and Brussels. Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Lyon Saint-Exupery Airports also have high-speed train stations. Rail passes make it easy to use the rail system and are great value compared to individual tickets.

Personalized Travel

Through our partners on the ground in France, we can customize your vacation to include everything you want to do. Paris is one of the world’s fashion capitals so don’t miss out on a shopping tour and fashion show. Or, perhaps a yacht charter in Cannes would suit you better? Tickets for Rolland Garros French Open tennis matches, language and cooking classes or following the route of the Tour de France, we can arrange it all for you.

No wonder France is one of the most visited countries in the world. With superb food and wine, important cultural and historic sights and easy to get around, France offers a fabulous vacation experience you’re sure to enjoy.

(By Susan Milne)

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Our managing partner, Susan, recently returned from a vacation to Kona, one of the Hawaiian Islands. She came back with some great shots! Take a peek.

Hawaii is known for it’s excellent surfing conditions, the island in the background of this photo is Maui

This guy was a regular at the beach, spending afternoons surfing while his dog paddled away happily in the surf

Sea turtles hanging out on the beach, about 8 turtles frequented the same spot each day

This is whale watching season in Hawaii, in the distance of this photo you can see a humpback whale’s spray coming our of the ocean

While exploring the island, a tour of a lava tube was a must-do

Don’t forget folks, always use caution when exploring new areas!

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Five Fast Food Items you won’t Find in the US.
By: Ashlea Halpern

The following text was borrowed from http://www.spectacularnwt.com/howtogethere/byair/gettingaround, a great resource for those considering travel to the NWT.

Most of our Northwest Territories communities have scheduled service by local airlines. Depending on where you want to go, you might travel by jet, or single or twin-engine aircraft. Hopping floatplanes to wilderness destinations is definitely part of the fun.

Note that scheduled service to smaller communities may only be available two or three times per week, however there is always the possibility of chartering an aircraft to get where you want to go.

Seven local airlines provide scheduled services to smaller communities:

• Yellowknife – Air Tindi – serving Whati, Wekweeti, Gameti, Behchoko, Lutselk’e, Fort Simpson
• Hay River – Buffalo Airways – serving Yellowknife
• Inuvik – Aklak Air – serving Aklavik, Tuktoyaktuk, Paulatuk, Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok, (and seasonally) Fort McPherson
• Norman Wells – North-Wright Airways – serving Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake, Deline, Tulita, Inuvik, Aklavik, Yellowknife
• Fort Smith – Northwestern Air Lease – serving Edmonton, Hay River and Yellowknife

Our smaller airports have 2500 to 5000 foot gravel runways. Scheduled service to these communities is provided by Twin-Otter and a variety of Cessna and other short take off and landing aircraft.

Top of the World Travel has agents who are experienced booking travel on all of the small Northern carriers. Booking through us means you are are booking through Northerners who know and understand the North.

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The incredible vastness of Alaska with its seemingly endless mountain ranges is nothing short of breathtaking. Thanks to the well organized park system across the state, this spectacular wilderness is well protected with state and national parks, preserves and trails where visitors can enjoy the outdoors and watch for animals and sea life.

Adventure

It’s what Alaska is all about – getting out of town and experiencing nature. Alaska is synonymous with adventure. Visitors are taking advantage of thrilling opportunities like never before. This great wilderness provides a playground for adventurers of all levels and interests.

The list of outdoor activities is extensive from snorkelling in Ketchikan to the world’s longest zipline at Hoonah (1,624.5 meters long with a 396-meter vertical drop.) There are many opportunities for kayaking, sportfishing, river rafting, climbing, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, heli-skiing and dog sledding.

ZipRider™ Zip Line at Hoonah
Photo: icystraitpoint.com

Take a flight by helicopter or fixed wing plane for an unforgettable thrill. This is the best way to appreciate the vast expanse of mountain peaks, glaciers, tundra and wildlife.

For more on adventure in Alaska see the article, Adventure Alaska Style.

Glacier Viewing

The ice age is still active in Alaska! There are an estimated 100,000 glaciers in the state and observing them is certainly a highlight of any visit. From the deck of a cruise ship, watch and listen as tide water glaciers creak and calve with huge chunks crashing into the sea.

Mendenhall Glacier at Juneau is big, beautiful and one of the most accessible glaciers. Some flightseeing tours land on the ice so you can hike or visit a dog sled camp. Take a shuttle bus from town to stop by the informative Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and enjoy the many hiking trails.

Grizzly Bear in autumn in Denali National Park and Preserve.
Photo: wikipedia.org

Wildlife Viewing

There are many ways to view wildlife in Alaska, but don’t expect bears and moose at every turn. It is a matter of timing whether or not you’ll be in the right place at the right time so an organized tour is a good option.

Bear viewing generally involves travelling to a remote location where you’ll see them feeding at a salmon stream.

The area between Juneau and Hoonah/Icy Strait Point is the best for observing whales, sea lions, Dall porpoise and harbour seals on excursions by catamaran.

Sitka is an excellent spot for viewing sea otters and other sea life. It is also home to the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center where you can see eagles, owls, hawks and other birds up close as they recover from injury for their return to the wild.

Alutiiq dancer during the biennial “Celebration” cultural event.
Photo: wikipedia.org

Native Culture

Discover the diversity of Alaska’s first people at many parks and venues which showcase local art and culture.

Excellent totem pole collections can be seen at Ketchikan’s Totem Heritage Center, Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Park.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center Museum in Anchorage to learn about Alaska’s eleven cultural groups. See the displays in The Hall of Cultures and visit the traditional village sites recreated outside. Dance and art displays also take place in this, the largest cultural centre in Alaska.

Cruising Alaska

From May to mid-September, cruise ships carry passengers from Vancouver, Seattle and San Francisco to spectacular Alaska. Most visitors to the State arrive by cruise ship with close to a million disembarking each year.

The dramatic mountains and fjords of Alaska make it one of the most scenic cruising destinations in the world. Many towns along the coast can only be reached by boat or plane so cruising is also the ideal way to reach these remote spots. They provide a jumping off point for adventures into the great Alaskan wilderness.

For more on the exciting shore excursions available in 2012, see the Cruising article. Our special amenity sailings to Alaska can be viewed on the cruise promos page.

There’s so much to see and do! Why not plan on making 2012 your year to get away from it all in spectacular Alaska?

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