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Autumn in Canada: The Magic of Colors and Halloween Atmosphere

October 27, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hydravion Aventure © Véronique Wilfort

PONANT

Three Territories, Three Ways to Experience Quebec Autumn

Charlevoix : colors between the river and the mountains

In Charlevoix, autumn takes on a particularly spectacular dimension. The Saint Lawrence River, the mountains, the villages and the forested landscapes compose a setting where nature becomes an integral part of the journey.
This is an opportunity to combine scenery, heritage, and authenticity. The Charlevoix Train offers, in particular, an original way to discover the region, allowing a different appreciation of the landscapes between river and mountain.
For a group circuit, this experience can naturally fit into an itinerary combining Québec, Charlevoix and the great outdoors.

Lanaudière-Mauricie : immersion in the great outdoors

This territory is full of addresses where hospitality becomes a genuine component of the experience. Establishments such as Le Lac Blanc, l’Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire, or le Baluchon enable a full immersion in nature, in environments that take on a special dimension in autumn.

After a city stop, these regions offer groups the chance to slow down, giving more space to nature, outdoor activities, and local gastronomy.

Les Laurentides : nature near Montreal

Easily accessible from Montreal, the Laurentians provide a natural transition between urban life and the great outdoors. Mountains, lakes, forests and outdoor activities allow for varied stops and a central place for nature. The Summit Path offers, notably, an original way to gain height and observe the forest landscapes from a 360-degree panorama.

What if autumn could also be lived under the Halloween banner?

In Canada, Halloween is part of popular culture and takes on a special place as October 31 approaches.
This is an opportunity to engage your travelers in this traditional celebration to offer them an original and distinctive experience, particularly for groups seeking a more playful or family-friendly approach to travel.
Decorations, pumpkins, stories and legends, themed activities or distinctive atmospheres bring a new dimension to the circuit.
It is also a way to capitalize on seasonality and offer an experience less expected on standard Eastern Canadian itineraries.
At GVQ Canada, this theme is integrated into our autumn programming, with a GIR departure date and a Groups PAV date allowing to program Eastern Canada at this time and to enjoy this enchanting ambiance.

Autumn: a season to turn into a business opportunity

The season of colors is highly sought after, and availability can be more limited in certain regions. Planning ahead becomes a real commercial challenge.

To support you, GVQ Canada highlights a selection of PAV Groups with favorable dates in September and October, some of which also allow enjoying the Halloween ambiance.

The GIR, with its guaranteed departures at a human scale, enables offering a turnkey circuit to individual travelers seeking a guided itinerary.

For assembled groups, we have a fine selection of dates in PAV for 2027, offering a structured program with defined services, a price and terms that allow anticipation of sales.

Strategic dates, secure accommodations, structured services and differentiating experiences thus give professionals better visibility to plan and sell this particularly attractive period.

Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans © Benoît Bujold

From Opportunity to Realization!

Autumn in Quebec offers more than a visual appeal; it allows presenting another reading of the destination in a fleeting atmosphere, varying the territories and building itineraries around this strong seasonal experience.

And at the end of October, Halloween adds a cultural and experiential dimension, particularly interesting to differentiate a program.

For French professionals, the challenge is therefore to transform this richness into concrete solutions: GIR with guaranteed departures, PAV ready to sell, strategic dates, defined prices and differentiating experiences.

The magic of colors and the Halloween atmosphere thus become two ways to discover Eastern Canada in autumn: not only a destination to see, but a land to travel through, living by focusing on the experience.

Automne au Canada : magie des couleurs et ambiance d’Halloween

Nadège Bourrassé

based in Paris – Northern France region

Tel: 06 23 66 17 35

Email: [email protected]

Alexandra De Oliveira

based in Québec City – Southern France region

Tel: 001 418 525 8694 ext 7115

Email: [email protected]

>> GVQ Canada in the DESTIMAG Directory

GVQ Canada Joins DestiMaG, the DMC Directory

October 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

GVQ Canada rejoint l’annuaire des DMC, DestiMaG - © Steve Deschênes

Aer Lingus

Founded in Quebec City in 1979, GVQ Canada draws on more than 45 years of experience in Canadian inbound tourism.

The family business today supports tourism professionals in the design and organization of trips across the country.

With more than 200 employees, its head office in Quebec City and eight offices spread across Canada, GVQ Canada combines an in-depth knowledge of the territory with a local presence in the various destinations.

The company also announces that it accompanies more than 120,000 travelers each year, through more than 2,300 departures operated by its teams.

A Dedicated Expertise for Group Travel

GVQ Canada collaborates with travel agencies, tour operators, and wholesalers to design programs tailored to the expectations of their diverse clienteles.

The offering notably covers escorted itineraries, tailored group programs, GIR (Grouped Individual Regroupings) and FIT programs.

Each itinerary is built according to the travelers’ profile, budget, desired pace and the professional’s objectives. The team works on the various components of the stay, from selecting accommodations and restaurants to activities, transportation, guides and local services.

This on-the-ground knowledge also makes it possible to propose programs that go beyond the usual must-sees, with experiences that allow you to discover a more authentic and immersive Canada.

An offering that unfolds through the seasons

Canada, being a destination accessible all year round, GVQ Canada offers programs tailored to the different seasons. The Canadian winter is notably one of the core pillars of the offering, with experiences around snow and wide-open spaces: dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and Nordic spa retreats.

From spring to autumn, the programs enable discovery of major Canadian urban centers, national parks, coastal regions, the Rockies, as well as more intimate villages and territories.

The inbound operator also develops experiences that allow approaching Canada differently: a hockey game, a meeting with a local family, exploration of Indigenous cultures, festivals, traditional meals, or a survey of regional heritage.

The aim is to complement classic circuits with experiences likely to add greater depth to the stay.

Support from design to operations

Beyond crafting the itineraries, GVQ Canada coordinates the various stages of the journey. Its teams bring together commercial advisors, package planners, sales coordinators and product managers to support professionals from the program’s conception.

The organization covers booking accommodations, restaurants and activities, coordinating transportation, providing Francophone guides, and monitoring operations on site. A 24/7 assistance is also offered to accompany travelers and partners during their stay.

This structure enables tourism professionals to rely on a local partner present at every stage of the journey.

The company prioritizes sustainable relationships with its local partners and suppliers. This local presence helps better showcase the visited territories and offers experiences closely aligned with Canadian communities and know-how.

The inbound operator thus aims to balance the quality of services, field knowledge, and an authentic discovery of the destinations.

GVQ Canada rejoint l’annuaire des DMC, DestiMaG

Contact Gentiane ROMANET, Commercial Director:

– EMAIL : [email protected]

– TEL. +33 6 76 50 55 75

Air Canada Deploys Its A321XLR on Lyon–Montreal Route

September 30, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Air Canada a mis en service son Airbus A321XLR sur la liaison Lyon–Montréal - Photo : Air Canada

CroisiEurope

Air Canada renforce sa desserte de Lyon. La compagnie a effectué, le 8 septembre 2026, le premier vol de son Airbus A321XLR entre Lyon-Saint Exupéry et Montréal-Trudeau, une liaison opérée depuis 2016.

The aircraft will be deployed on the route until October 25, 2026, at a maximum of five flights per week. It will then be temporarily replaced by an Airbus A330 during the winter season, before a return of the A321XLR expected in summer 2027.

With the A321XLR, Air Canada introduces on this connection its new cabin Glowing Heart, featuring 14 lie-flat seats in Signature Class and 168 seats in Economy. All seats come equipped with a personal entertainment screen and a power outlet.

Members of the Aeroplan loyalty program also benefit from fast and free Wi‑Fi on board.

Montréal comme porte d’entrée vers l’Amérique

Beyond the direct link, Air Canada bets on its Montréal hub to develop connections from Lyon. The airline states it offers more than 250 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

For travelers destined for the United States, Montréal’s U.S. preclearance allows immigration and U.S. customs formalities to be completed before departure to the United States. Passengers can thus arrive on American soil as if on a domestic flight.

This connectivity makes the Lyon–Montreal route a strategic axis for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, both for leisure markets and for the business segment.

The introduction of the A321XLR also fits into Air Canada’s fleet renewal strategy. Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport highlights the environmental performance of this next-generation aircraft, presented as more efficient and with lower CO₂ emissions than previous generations.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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Canada: Follow in Céline Dion’s Footsteps

September 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hébergement Kabania, Lanaudiere © GouvQc Kabania Daphné Carron

Hurtigruten

In 2026, the Canadian icon is more than ever in the spotlight. After several years away from the grand stages, Céline Dion is preparing her return to concert in Paris starting in September, before continuing the journey in 2027. She also unveiled this year Dansons, her first original title in years.

The occasion is therefore perfect to imagine a journey tracing the footsteps of the most famous Canadian singer!

Our itinerary links several iconic regions of Quebec: from Montréal to the greater Québec City area, passing through Charlemagne and Lanaudière, through a three-stage pilgrimage of at least six nights, to be lived with a healthy dose of self-deprecation, a few carefully prepared playlists and, if possible, someone in the group capable of reaching the notes of All by Myself…

Montréal: Céline Dion’s Grand Chapter

For French travelers, Montreal serves as the main gateway to Canada and easily deserves two to three nights. Old Montreal, the Old Port, Mount Royal, the Quartier des Spectacles, public markets and neighborhoods like the Plateau and Mile End allow for a blend of heritage, gastronomy and lifestyle.

Our Lady of Montreal: tracing a legendary wedding

If several places resonate strongly with Céline fans, there is no place to begin other than the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. It is here that Céline Dion married René Angélil on December 17, 1994, in a ceremony that has become one of the great moments in Quebecois popular culture.

The basilica is also, independently of Céline, one of the must-see monuments for a first stay in Montreal. In 2026 and 2027, visitors can notably discover AURA, the immersive experience designed by Moment Factory that blends projections, light, lasers and music within the building’s impressive neo-Gothic architecture. This is probably the place where fans can get closest to the “spectacle” aesthetic dear to Céline.

Old Montreal and the Saint-Lawrence River: stepping beyond the pilgrimage

After the photo in front of Notre-Dame, one can walk to Place Jacques-Cartier, Bonsecours Market, and then the quays of the Old Port. From the Saint-Lawrence River, cruises and nautical activities offer another perspective on Montreal. The Old Port also houses the Grande Roue, the Port of Montreal Tower and various seasonal activities.

For those who would like to attempt a Titanic re-enactment at the prow of a ship on the Saint-Lawrence, it’s best to seek the crew’s permission. And for the soundtrack, no one will ban My Heart Will Go On.

150th anniversary of Mount Royal

Mont Royal Park, Montreal’s enormous green lung, celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2026. Created in 1876 and laid out according to the plans of Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York, it covers about 200 hectares. It also offers a perfect illustration of what makes Montreal unique: you can visit a basilica and a historic district in the morning, have a bagel lunch in the Mile End, and then find yourself in nature with squirrels a few hours later.

Belvédère Kondiaronk sur le mont Royal, Montréal © GouvQc Matthew Clark

Bagels, smoked meat and markets

Montreal also hosts several MICHELIN Guide-starred restaurants. Alongside this high-end gastronomy, Montreal bagels, smoked meat and poutine remain classics to discover, while the Jean-Talon Market allows visitors to meet Quebec producers and artisans.

And in the evening? Karaoke is mandatory. Do not hesitate to disown any responsibility in case of a voice loss.

Charlemagne: Where It All Began

It is in this small town of Quebec, about thirty kilometers east of Montreal, that Céline Dion was born on March 30, 1968, the youngest of a family of fourteen children. In the Dion household, everyone sings or plays an instrument. At 12, Céline wrote Ce n’était qu’un rêve with her mother and brother Jacques, a cassette that would land in René Angélil’s hands. The rest belongs to Canadian music history.

For fans, a stop in front of the Céline-Dion Boulevard sign naturally becomes the travel keepsake photo. It should be clear, however: Charlemagne does not have an official museum dedicated to the singer, and the places associated with her childhood are not tourist attractions. The point of this stage is thus symbolic; it’s best to include it in a day that’s part of a broader Lanaudière region itinerary, northeast of Montreal.

Lanaudière: After Céline, the Great Canadian Outdoors

This is where the itinerary takes on a whole new dimension, as Lanaudière offers an excellent playground for travelers seeking to combine culture and nature: forests, lakes, regional parks, villages, water activities and local products.

Lanaudière is home to several iconic sites, including the Mont-Tremblant National Park, which spans the Lanaudière and Laurentides regions, the Lac Taureau Regional Park, and renowned accommodations such as the Auberge du Lac Taureau and the Auberge du Vieux Moulin. The region also offers agro-tourism circuits that showcase local producers, know-how and regional specialties. Maple syrup, cheeses… and a Céline playlist!

In summer, lakes and rivers are explored by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. In autumn, forests turn red, orange and gold, offering one of the most iconic landscapes in Canada.

And because it’s still a Céline Dion pilgrimage, J’irai où tu iras is the perfect title for the road!

Céline as a pretext for discovering Canada

Obviously, no one will board a plane just to photograph a street sign in Charlemagne. This Céline Dion–inspired itinerary is first and foremost a narrative thread that lets you tell several facets of Canada: Montreal and its creativity, Lanaudière and its vast spaces, Quebec City and its heritage, the Saint-Lawrence, gastronomy, and the francophone identity of the beautiful province.

For fans, the journey has an evident emotional dimension. For others, it remains a very beautiful itinerary in Quebec!

Canada : partez sur les traces de Céline Dion !

Destination Canada est l’organisme national de marketing touristique du Canada représenté en France par l’agence 360tourisme.

Pour en savoir plus, contactez Maryse Normandeau, responsable partenariats trade pour Destination Canada, sur [email protected].

www.LeCanadaNaturellement.fr

Retrouvez-nous sur :

Air Canada Deploys Airbus A321XLR on Nantes–Montreal Route

August 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Air Canada déploie son Airbus A321XLR sur la liaison Nantes - Montréal - Photo : Aéroport Nantes Atlantique

CroisiEurope

Air Canada poursuit le développement de sa présence dans l’Ouest de la France.

La compagnie canadienne a déployé, jeudi 23 juillet 2026, son nouvel Airbus A321XLR sur la liaison directe entre Nantes et Montréal.

Lancée le 11 juin dernier, cette route saisonnière permet aux voyageurs de rejoindre le Canada sans escale depuis Nantes.

Depuis son hub de Montréal, Air Canada propose ensuite des correspondances vers près de 150 destinations au Canada, aux États-Unis, dans les Caraïbes et en Amérique du Sud.

Le service sera assuré jusqu’à quatre fois par semaine jusqu’au 12 octobre 2026.

Un appareil de nouvelle génération

The latest aircraft to join Air Canada’s fleet, the Airbus A321XLR, features an extended range and is expected to enable the airline to improve the operational efficiency of its long-haul routes.

Its fuel consumption optimized compared with earlier-generation aircraft also helps reduce its environmental footprint.

On board, passengers can travel in two service classes. The Air Canada Signature Class cabin includes seats that can fully recline flat, while Economy benefits from the airline’s latest generation of onboard entertainment and improved connectivity.

“The arrival of our new Airbus A321XLR in Nantes marks an important milestone for this new route, which has been off to an excellent start since its launch in June“, said Jean-François Raudin, the France representative for Air Canada, in a statement.

For the airline, deploying this aircraft on the Nantes–Montreal route reflects the trust placed in the Nantes market and, more broadly, in Western France. “Our customers now benefit from an even more comfortable travel experience, while enjoying direct access to Montréal and straightforward connections to nearly 150 destinations in the Americas“, adds the Air Canada representative.

Un appareil qui met en avant la filière aéronautique régionale

The arrival of the A321XLR is also being highlighted by Nantes Atlantique Airport. “This next-generation aircraft, parts of which are produced in Nantes and Saint-Nazaire, embodies the excellence of the region’s aerospace industry“, notes Guillaume Dubois, director of Nantes Atlantique Airport – VINCI Airports.

According to him, deploying the aircraft on this route helps to strengthen the Greater West’s international connections, while meeting travelers’ and territories’ growing expectations for environmental efficiency.

Passengers travelling to the United States can also continue to benefit from the US preclearance service available at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

The US immigration and customs procedures can thus be completed in Montréal before departure, allowing travelers to arrive in the United States as if on a domestic flight.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
See all articles by Amelia Brille

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E-Learning Destination Canada: On-Demand Virtual Event – June 21-22, 2022

July 13, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

IFTM TourMaG Party

Thématique : Canada Specialists Program

Date : June 21 and 22, 2022

Heure : on-demand event, connect according to your availability between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM

→ Registration

Webinar Description

Come discover the new e-learning for Canada specialists during our virtual event Canada Specialist XPO set for June 21 and 22, 2022. Over these two days, become a Canada expert by exploring the new modules added to our e-learning: learn, explore, network, exchange and try your luck at winning numerous prizes including a ticket donated by Air Transat!

The event is “on-demand,” connect at your convenience between 3 PM and 7 PM on June 21 and 22 to take part in our workshops. Don’t be shy, the entire content is in French: take advantage of the networking space to chat with our Canadian partners! Let your curiosity guide you, discuss and learn to obtain your Canada Expert diploma. So, will you join us?

→ Registration

Our Other Tools for Tourism Professionals

✔ Discover the podcasts « Tire-toi une bûche » by Destination Canada on your preferred platforms (including Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts (iTunes), Deezer, Google Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube)! With guests, testimonials, anecdotes, games, and songs, this series is crafted like an interactive radio show that highlights Canada’s must-sees without slipping into clichés.

✔ E-learning: www.specialistesducanada.fr

✔ Online brochure: www.tourcatalogues.com/Canada

Who We Are

At Destination Canada, we firmly believe that tourism enhances the quality of life for Canadians and enriches the experience of visitors. Our mission is to influence the supply and stimulate demand in the interest of residents, communities, and travelers, all achieved through cutting-edge research, alignment with public and private sectors, and marketing Canada from both national and international perspectives.

Contact Us

E-learning Destination Canada - Evénement virtuel à la demande - 21 et 22 juin 2022

Maryse NORMANDEAU

Trade Partnerships Manager

[email protected]

07 49 57 60 76

Website : www.ExplorezCanada.fr

Best Summer in Canada for Groups | Receptour

June 21, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

CroisiEurope

A Signature Summer Stay to Discover the Best of Eastern Canada

Shining the spotlight on the “In the Heart of Summer” program, which will grant travelers an authentically Canadian experience. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the historic banks of Quebec City, passing through cosmopolitan Montreal and the capital Ottawa, the story of Eastern Canada unfolds. With the majestic Niagara Falls or the Thousand Islands National Park, natural treasures also await guests. Not to mention the warm and authentic ambiance of the traditional sugar shack.

In addition, for a total immersion in a Cabane au Canada-style experience, this eight-night itinerary includes two nights at L’Auberge du Cap au Large. A warm accommodation at the heart of preserved nature, on the shores of the Saguenay Fjord. The ideal option for travelers seeking a complete stay while keeping to a budget thanks to the sharp prices offered by the group travel specialist.

To meet travelers’ expectations, this itinerary is available from June to October, for a discovery under the summer sun or guided by the magic of autumn colours.

The Auberge du Cap au Leste: An Exceptional Accommodation

Although all accommodations offered in the “In the Heart of Summer” stay are of high quality and comfortable, a special mention goes to the Auberge du Cap au Leste. At Receptour, this typically Québécois establishment perched on the heights of the Saguenay Fjord is a standout lodging. A nature gem par excellence with some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Quebec, it welcomes guests for a unique outdoor immersion.

The enchanting setting of the place is worth a detour by itself, as are its breathtaking sunsets. In addition, the rooms, all renovated in 2025, feature rustic décor and a cozy ambiance. Travelers will stay in large shared chalets, with a private bathroom in every room.

Here, guests have every opportunity to explore the kilometers of boreal forest thanks to leisure time designed to enjoy the inn and its facilities (spa, pool, bike rental, paddle…). Ideal before sitting down to savor the tasty dishes, prepared with local products by the chef, and to spend evenings around the fire under starry skies of unmatched clarity. In short, the assurance of living the essence of Quebec with a program designed to meet their expectations and much more!

A Turnkey Summer Stay Designed for Professionals

To simplify marketing and facilitate the sale of this group circuit to professionals, Receptour Canada offers it in a Ready-to-Sell (PAV) format. The concept is simple. The agency provides dates with stock available immediately, thanks to allocations already negotiated with all the partners along the itinerary.

This turnkey stay format becomes a real sales lever for agencies. These are pre-established dates, availability, and negotiated rates guaranteed in advance. In other words, the assurance of the best prices, not to mention immediate confirmation at all times.

On the experience side, inclusions are plentiful. Between culturally guided activities led by local guides, an immersive sugar shack experience, or meals at the Auberge du Cap au Leste… The “In the Heart of Summer” program has been designed to offer a subtle balance between discovery, culture, and a concentrated dose of pleasure for travelers.

Authentic and Tailor-Made Programs Across Canada!

Thanks to its solid network of carefully selected partners, as well as a community of expert local guides and a team of enthusiasts, the Montreal-based agency can boast a rich and varied travel offering. Far from specializing in a single geographic region, Receptour conducts bespoke summer trips across all of Canada to suit clients’ desires.

Adventure in the Alberta Rockies and their turquoise lakes, journeys along the windswept coast of the Maritime Gaspé with its unmatched hospitality, a getaway on Vancouver Island to encounter orcas, or immersion in Indigenous culture in Western Canada: everything is possible!

From nature-centered, innovative stays to programs that check all the must-see boxes, including urban escapes for the city-dwelling adventurer, the receptive agency invites you to discover its entire Summer 2027 offering through its inspiring catalog.