Two Canadian destinations featured in National Geographic Traveler’s ‘Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime’

In the May-June edition of National Geographic Traveler, the magazine reveals its picks for the 'Top 50 Tours of a Lifetime.' Two Canadian destinations are included on the list, and they couldn't be greater opposites.

'Inuit Odyssey' begins in Montreal and flies tourists north in Quebec to Nunavik. The tour group will view muskox on Diana Island, then travel to Kangiqsujuaq to pick mussels, go dog-sledding and learn more about traditional throat singing.

ENF Canada, the group that runs the tour in collaboration with two Inuit-owned organizations, will only make the trips with very small groups in order to make them feel more personal.

Roc Anctil, ENF Canada's founder, says he was surprised at the news of being included on the list.

"Even though this is a great trip, I didn't think we'd make the list," Ancil said to Nunatsiaq Online. "But this means exposure for Nunavik and I think it will create a buzz."

Quebec has recently released its Plan Nord which focuses on growth in Nunavik and the rest of northern Quebec. One of the key economic focuses of the plan is tourism, making the recognition by National Geographic Traveler very well-timed.

The other trip is a tour on board the Maple Leaf, a 92-foot schooner that explores British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest. National Geographic Traveler calls the central coast of B.C. "one of the largest tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest in the world" that visitors will see up close from the wooden ship.

Maple Leaf Adventures says the trip will provide the chance to see grizzly bears, the 'mysterious white Spirit Bear,' whales and possibly wolves.

The president of Maple Leaf Adventures Kevin Smith was equally thrilled with the tour's inclusion on National Geographic Traveler's list and suggests it could be because Great Bear Rainforest is one of the planet's "last great natural places."

"You can view grizzly and spirit bears in their natural habitat, then cruise down a fjord to a village for a conversation about the culture that sprang from such an environment over ten thousand years ago, and then end the perfect day with a soak in a natural hot spring," said Smith to the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

"We are absolutely thrilled and honoured that our tour, and especially the Great Bear Rainforest, have been recognized by National Geographic Traveler."

(Photo: Screengrab from www.enfcanada.com)