The Canadian government just introduced a new Canada travel pass—here’s what’s on it

June 16, 2025 No Comments

This summer, Canadians can enjoy the very best Canada has to offer with the Canada Strong Pass.

From museums and railroads to national parks and camping spots, the federal government is making it easier for families to choose Canada as they make their summer plans—and enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and make Canada strong.

“Transportation is more than just a means to get from one place to another—it’s a way to connect Canadians and help them discover the great beauty and history of our country,” said Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade. “The Canada Strong Pass makes it easier and more affordable for families and young people to explore our country by rail this summer. Whether it’s discovering a new part of the country or revisiting a favourite spot, this initiative allows Canadians to travel, connect and celebrate what makes our country so special.”

From June 20 to Sept. 2, 2025, the Canada Strong Pass will offer expanded access to Canada’s nature and culture across the country, helping families discover and celebrate Canada throughout the summer.

The Pass includes:

  • Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees.
  • National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum: Free admission for children aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
  • VIA Rail: Free travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult and a 25% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
  • Selected participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries: Free admission for children and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.

No registration or physical pass is necessary; just show up and enjoy the benefits offered at participating establishments.

The Pass is open to all visitors, whether you are Canadian or coming from abroad.

For questions on the Pass, visit: https://canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-pass.html.

These travel experiences are top picks for Canadians this summer—and some of them might surprise you

June 11, 2025 No Comments
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a good one for Canadian travellers, with homegrown nature, European escapes, and meaningful experiences leading the way.
 
Booking.com has uncovered new data on Canadians’ summer travel plans. Here’s a snapshot of what’s shaping the season:
 
Travel optimism is high, with 72% of Canadian leisure travellers reporting feeling excited about exploring the world this summer, and the same amount (72%) expect to spend more on travel than they did in 2024*.
 
Canadians are keen to take advantage of renowned green spaces and biodiversity. Forty-two per cent of Canadian travellers express a desire to explore natural landscapes such as lakes, mountains and national parks. Diverse natural habitats, like the hot springs of Alberta, B.C. and Northwest Territories, and the soaring fjords and otherworldly tablelands of Gros Morne National Park, are revered by global travellers, and Canadians want to enjoy our natural gifts too!
 
Western tourism operators are set to have a great summer as accommodation searches on Booking.com from Canadian travellers are up 61% year-over-year for Kelowna and for Canmore, and 45% year-over-year for Banff.
 
Families will be on the move, as 90% of Canadian parents plan to travel at least once domestically this year, and 81% plan to travel at least once  internationally. Europe leads the international interest among parents at 48% hoping to visit, with Asia following at 21% interest.
 
And they’re seeking more than the usual sun and rest. Eighty-seven per cent of Canadian parents say they’re looking for trips that expose their children to a variety of cultures and experiences. Whether that means exploring Canada’s historic landmarks and public art installations or enjoying new types of cultural cuisines, families are looking to book trips that inspire curiosity and connection.
 

Group travel on the rise

Group travel is gaining momentum this summer, as many Canadian travellers are planning trips with friends. Leading this trend is Gen Z with 29% opting for group getaways. These younger travellers are seeking experiences that combine social connection with nature as 24% plan to prioritize activities like stargazing and outdoor adventures.

Communication will be key for groups planning to travel together however, as Canadians who travelled in a group in 2024 reported that 26% had friction around having different budgets and/or different interests during the trip, and 22% around different paces of travel (e.g. slow walking, visiting one destination vs many).
 
Love is in the air this summer as couples are increasingly valuing memorable experiences over material gifts. A significant majority across Canadian generations— 72% of millennials, 74% of Gen Z, and 69% of boomers – prefer the gift of travel to physical presents. This shift aligns with the 44% of Canadian travellers planning to take a trip with their partner this year.***
 
Now that we know a bit about who Canadians will be travelling with and what they are seeking in a summer vacation, here is where they would like to go!
 
Trending Canadian destinations for summer 2025**
 
  • Kelowna
  • Canmore
  • Banff
  • Halifax
  • Calgary
  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Quebec City
  • Montreal
  • Niagara Falls

Trending global destinations for summer 2025

  • Paris, France
  • Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Dubai, UAE
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Alicante, Spain
  • Nice, France
  • Malaga, Spain
  • Rimini, Italy
  • Dubrovnik, Croatia

In Prince Edward Island, a waterfront spa redefines sustainable luxury

June 9, 2025 No Comments

I’m not used to resting for an entire day. It doesn’t come naturally to me, and I often get anxious if I’m not being productive. 

A trip to Mysa Nordic Spa in Prince Edward Island, just under an hour’s drive east of Charlottetown, quickly changed that. 

My zen switch, which I thought was broken, finally switched on. As I dipped into the heated pool, I felt my troubles melt away. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sounds of nature at work. 

Mysa, which opened in 2022, is a family-owned spa operated by The Murphy Group. Focused on the traditional Nordic practice of thermal cycling, guests are encouraged to split their spa sessions between hot and cold circuits, which include a eucalyptus steam room and sauna, before settling into a relaxation space. Currently, guests can select from a handful of summer packages, including Mysa’s golf, spa and wellness package that includes two rounds of Golf at two of PEI’s 18 courses, a two-night stay at nearby The Great George Hotel, and two Mysa spa passes. Available until June 30, and priced at $749 per guest, it’s a great way to enjoy the wellness offerings of Mysa, while seeing more of PEI.

Following my spa session, I sat down in a bean bag chair to enjoy a novel for the first time in what felt like ages. But I soon set it aside, instead choosing to enjoy the view – the coast of St. Peter’s Bay and its plethora of greenery, the waves crashing into the land, and blue as far as I could see. Then I cheated—I was, after all, told to listen to my body above all else— and made my way to the gazebo, known as the socializing space, where friendly people repeatedly called the spa’s restaurant “the best on the island.”  

After pre-selecting a dinner time slot (lunch reservations are not required), I scanned the menu and selected several seasonal offerings, where ingredients are sourced from the property’s greenhouse. Sipping on a glass of Nova Scotia wine, when my food came, I understood what everyone was talking about. The freshness was apparent, the flavour profiles full, and Chef Seth Shaw’s skill was inherently obvious.

The best part of Mysa, Prince Edward Island’s only Nordic spa and one of the Spas of America Top 100 for two consecutive years (and one of just 15 Canadian destinations on the list), is that operator Isaac Murphy made it all sustainable. 

What started as a Covid-inspired project continues to attract locals and visitors alike in the three years it’s been open. The 18-acre property uses woodchip gasification to turn scraps of dead trees into fuel that powers the pools, the restaurant, the cottages, and everything in between. Wood chips are sourced using a practice called sustainable thinning, which means even the dead trees are carefully picked, intentionally removed from spaces where they were otherwise getting in the way.

My home base for the night, one of 17 personal cottages on the property, was just what I needed: a quaint, fair-sized space with a fireplace and couch, a queen-sized bed, a small sitting area, a four-piece bathroom and, most importantly, a water-facing balcony. Each cottage is outfitted with sustainably made amenities, and some have fireplaces.

I capped my stay with one of the spa’s newest treatments, an Indian head massage, which can be booked alongside traditional RMT massages and relaxation massages. I sat in the chair, the practitioner’s fingers rubbing the knots from my skull, and had trouble – for the first time in a long time – keeping my eyes open. It was different, I realized, than the Nordic spas I’d visited in the past. It’s about a holistic experience. 

The simplicity of the experience drew me in; the air felt cleaner, the view more captivating, the respect for nature and commitment to sustainability apparent. It was luxurious in its simplicity: no complicated scheduling needs, less people around, and more about honing in on what wellness means to us as individuals. The refreshing, calming aroma, the sweet sounds of the relaxing music, and the natural wood tones and peaceful energy that surrounded every inch of my awareness all made my mind quiet.

And I basked in the luxury of it.

This story first appeared in the Summer 2025 issue of OFFSHORE. Click here to subscribe to the digital magazine. 

Canadians invited to own one of 32 Ritz-Carlton Residences in Muskoka

June 6, 2025 No Comments

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka, is a new, private oasis where nature and hospitality meet.

Offering a rare opportunity to live on pristine waterfront property on a forested private island, the residences are nestled within one of Canada’s most storied and naturally beautiful destinations.

With only 32 architecturally distinct homes this private sanctuary, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka are designed for those seeking the most precious luxury of all: time. Here, nature takes the lead, with each residence blending seamlessly into the land —supported by the legendary service and distinctive luxury of The Ritz-Carlton.

A mainland Homeowner Residence Club—just a short boat ride away via dedicated chauffeur—provides a gathering place for wellness, activity, and connection throughout the seasons.

The design, led by Tucson-based Studio Caban and Copenhagen’s Norm Architects, is rooted in restraint and refinement. Timeless Scandinavian minimalism meets Canadian materiality—stone, light, wood, and water—in an architectural language that speaks softly but stays with you.

The residences are offered in layouts ranging from four to eight bedrooms, thoughtfully planned for multi-generational living and weekend guests. Each lot can accommodate multiple detached guest homes, creating private cabins with their own bedrooms, lounges, ensuites, and sweeping water views.

With expansive windows framing the surrounding forest and water, each home opens fully to the elements. Local granite, river stone, and wide-plank hardwoods root the interiors in place. Spacious lots offer total seclusion, while refined individual boathouses over the water provide instant access to lake life. Island trails with elevated lookouts invite slow wandering and quiet reflection or even a morning jog—while cliffs offer exhilarating plunges into the deep, clean water below. In late summer, the forest floor yields sweet wild blueberries—Muskoka’s quiet luxury, savoured steps from the front door.

Back on the mainland, the Homeowner Residence Club offers a full suite of curated amenities: a Nordic-inspired spa, tennis and pickleball courts, an archery range, indoor golf simulator and mountain bike trails carved through the trees. Children can explore a whimsical treehouse while adults enjoy private training, chef services, and grocery delivery to their docks. A communal fire pit brings neighbors together under the stars—an invitation to slow evenings, shared stories, and lasting connection.

A wine cellar and working greenhouse offer fresh herbs, while eggs, honey and rustic sourdough – all produced onsite —are ready upon arrival. A reimagined barn has been transformed into a serene, light-filled studio for yoga, pilates, and casual community connection—spaces where wellbeing feels woven into the routine.

 Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of the project: one-third of the island is permanently protected as conservation land, while surrounding waters are preserved to support fish habitat.

Ownership opportunities are limited. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka are coming soon, with private showings starting summer 2025.

To explore availability and scheduled site visits please contact The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Muskoka sales team at: 1 (800) 482-0355  or +1 (705) 482-0402 or visit www.RCMuskoka.ca.

Your guide to sport fishing in La Paz—and how to book your own adventure

June 4, 2025 No Comments

As summer unfolds, La Paz emerges as the perfect destination for sport fishing enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable offshore adventure. Known for its authentic charm and breathtaking coastal landscapes, this fishing paradise offers a premier experience that captures the essence of Baja’s rich maritime culture.

This July, La Paz and its bay area will welcome anglers from near and far for the third edition of the Maja El Grande Sport Fishing Tournament, set to take place on July 12 and 13. Dozens of teams will compete for prestigious prizes, with many vying for the coveted “Jackpot Dorado”, promising an exciting showdown of skill and strategy.

Kicking off the festivities, the Expo Pesca – Fishing Trade Show on July 12 will bring together local vendors, culinary delights, vibrant community spirit, and live music—all against the stunning backdrop of the Pier Kiosk. This event will celebrate the essence of Baja’s fishing heritage, offering a chance to experience the flavours and craftsmanship that define La Paz.

Beyond the tournament, La Paz offers various sport fishing experiences that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant marine environment:

  • Kayak Fishing – A thrilling and intimate way to explore the waters, kayak fishing allows anglers to navigate the coastline quietly, reaching spots inaccessible by larger vessels. It’s perfect for those who seek a personal and peaceful fishing adventure while surrounded by stunning seascapes.
  • Panga Fishing – A classic Baja fishing tradition, panga boats offer a comfortable and agile way to venture into deeper waters. Led by local guides, these small yet powerful boats provide access to prime fishing grounds, ensuring an action-packed experience for both seasoned and novice anglers.
  • Private Fishing Charters – For a more tailored adventure, private charters offer expert-led excursions, allowing groups to customize their fishing trips with specialized techniques and premium equipment.
  • Shore Fishing – Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of fishing from La Paz’s scenic beaches. Whether casting a line from a rocky shore or wading into shallow waters, this method offers a serene and rewarding experience for those who appreciate a relaxed approach to sport fishing.

What fish can you catch in La Paz?

Fish species you can catch in La Paz

La Paz is home to an incredible variety of fish species, making it a dream destination for anglers. Some of the most sought-after catches include:

  • Dorado (Mahi Mahi) – Known for their vibrant colours and acrobatic fights, dorado are a favourite among sport fishers.
  • Yellowtail – A powerful and prized catch, yellowtail are abundant in the cooler months and provide an exciting challenge.
  • Yellowfin Tuna – These fast and strong fish are a thrilling target, often found in schools near seamounts.
  • Snapper (Pargo) – Several varieties of snapper, including Dog Snapper and Colorado Snapper, thrive in La Paz’s waters.
  • Marlin (Striped, Blue, and Black) – These majestic fish are the ultimate prize for deep-sea anglers, with some reaching up to 1,000 pounds.
  • Roosterfish – Recognizable by their distinctive dorsal fin, roosterfish are a favourite for inshore fishing.
  • Grouper – Found in deeper waters, the grouper is known for its size and strength.

Sport Fishing Permits in La Paz

Remember that La Paz has a clear and strict protocol for enjoying exceptional offshore activities. Anglers must obtain a sport fishing license, which is required for all individuals fishing from a boat in Mexican waters. Licenses can be conveniently checked and purchased online or directly at the dock, ensuring compliance with local regulations and conservation efforts. This process helps protect the rich marine biodiversity of the Gulf of California, allowing visitors to experience fishing responsibly and sustainably.

For those seeking adventure, tradition, and the joy of the sea, La Paz stands as the ultimate destination this summer. Come and experience the thrill of sport fishing in a place where the ocean meets endless possibilities.

For more information about La Paz and to plan your next fishing trip, visit: https://es.golapaz.com/

Ponant has added new Baja California voyages for winter 2027

June 2, 2025 No Comments

Ponant Explorations has announced a new itinerary in Baja California, Mexico for winter 2027, featuring a unique 10-night journey—Exploration in the Heart of Baja California.

From January through March, the 184-guest Le Bellot will offer four round-trip departures from Cabo San Lucas including one operated in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. The highly-curated voyages spotlight the advancements of Cabo Pulmo locals who have embraced eco-tourism to evolve the region into a model of marine conservation alongside the natural wonders of the Baja California Peninsula—from extraordinary marine life to the coral reefs that inhabit the UNESCO-designated Gulf of California. 

Voyage in Alliance with Smithsonian Journeys – February 10-20, 2027 

Unique among these voyages is a singular Baja and the Sea of Cortez: In Search of the Great Whales with Smithsonian Journeys departing on February 10, 2027.  With the added benefit of having two Smithsonian Journeys Experts aboard, guests on this voyage will enjoy engaging conversations during an onboard lecture series that explores the region’s history, culture, environment, and wildlife. The voyage is part of Ponant Explorations’ esteemed alliance with Smithsonian Journeys—the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution—offering intellectually enriching insight on voyages designed for English-speaking travellers. All voyages in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys feature a curated excursion and/or activity included at each port of call as well as airport transfers on embarkation and disembarkation days for a seamless experience. 

Wildlife encounters will be a defining feature on all four of the Baja California voyages. Guests may witness gray, blue, and humpback whales, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and graceful mobula devil rays in their natural habitat. Shore landings led by the line’s naturalist team will grant access to pristine areas untouched by development, while visits to coastal towns like Loreto offer cultural immersion and local flavor. The itinerary will also feature a visit to Guerrero Negro offering a high-impact whale experience* that no other cruise line operates.  

Designed to suit both leisure and adventure travellers, the itinerary includes options for snorkeling and scuba diving (wetsuits provided), and canyon hiking, to showcase the region’s striking biodiversity and natural landscapes.  

Departures for the new Baja California itinerary include: January 31, February 20, and March 2, 2027 and February 10, 2027 for the Smithsonian Journeys voyage.  

For more information on Ponant Explorations, travellers can contact their preferred travel advisor, 888-400-1082 or visit en.ponant.com.