Maple magic

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Bookings for Canada trips via China's largest online travel agency, Ctrip, have doubled over the past two years, America division director Yu Wenjun says.

Most Ctrip clients who visit the country are in their 50s and go to enjoy stunning scenery, Yu explains.

Favored destinations include Rocky Mountain National Park, Thousand Islands and Niagara Falls.

"Chinese tourists are most interested in experiencing natural scenic spots, wildlife and fresh air," the Canadian tourism authority's latest survey found.

Ctrip's most-popular Canada group tours cover the country's east and west coasts, Banff national park and Niagara over about two weeks. They cost about 25,000 yuan ($3,750) per person.

Vancouver and Toronto are the top urban destinations among Chinese group travelers, the authority's survey says.

Chinese customers of Beijing-based UniqueWay Inc, which customizes overseas tours, enjoy skiing, overnight stays in chateaus and swilling ice wine, co-founder Lei Tao says.

Other UniqueWay tours are tailored for national parks or viewing red maple leaves in fall.

While Yu says autumn is the best season to visit, Ctrip has introduced high-end snow tours, plus packages that enable travelers to operate tanks and stay overnight in historical fortresses.

Given the high-octane development of Chinese travel to Canada, it seems likely niche tourism options catering to Chinese visitors will continue to branch out in the coming years.