New Tourist Attractions Set to Open Soon Across Canada; Pandemic Be Damned

April 19, 2021 ctn_admin

It takes courage – and cash – to open a tourist business any time. Doing it during a worldwide pandemic that has knocked Canada on its back yet again? That’s a whole other level of chutzpah.

Nonetheless, several major attractions across the country are hoping to open this year, including projects in Nova Scotia, downtown Toronto, the B.C. Rockies and the Okanagan Valley.

Little Canada, an attraction being built in downtown Toronto that features intricate, miniature versions of great Canadian destinations that visitors can walk through, was slated to open last year after a full decade of planning. They plan to start with five areas on launch date: Little Niagara, Little Toronto, Little Golden Horseshoe, Little Ottawa and Petit Quebec.

“We feel pretty good about it,” said John Phillipson, vice president and general manager. “We definitely expect to open under restricted guidelines. And then we’ll start to build or business. Americans could be chomping at the bit. We’ll just have to react to the market, but it’s hard to plan long term.”

In Nova Scotia, the first eight-person gondola in Atlantic Canada is slated to open around Canada Day at Cape Smokey Provincial Park on the eastern end of Cape Breton Island. The Ingonish Treewalk should open around the same time, with a series of walkways and ramps that will soar 30 metres into the air. The Treewalk will feature displays that allow visitors to learn about the history of the Mi’kmaq First Nations and soak in amazing views.

Martin Kejval, CEO of Cape Smokey Holding, recently told the CBC that the resources and energy that have to be marshalled to build major attractions can’t necessarily be put on hold.

“If you are not optimistic and you don’t go for it, even in these tough times, you will emerge after five years and you will have nothing,” he said. “The situation might be different, and your passion and the resources may not be there.”

Pursuit, a Canadian tourism operator in western Canada, plans to open the Golden Skybridge in Golden, British Columbia next month. The multi-season mountain experience will feature two expansive suspension bridges connected by forested trails at the edge of two iconic Canadian mountain ranges.

The newly constructed bridges, sitting at 130 and 80 metres high, respectively, will offer up dramatic 360 degree views of expansive alpine vistas, while showcasing a roaring 61 metre waterfall and serene mountain river in the deep canyon below. Once open, guests will be able to experience the highest suspension bridges in Canada.

Also in B.C., the District Wine Village is set to open in the Okanagan Valley in June. The $25-million development will offer visitors food, live music, and a selection of wines from 16 different small, artisanal producers.

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