Few destinations in the world can compete with what Western Canada has to offer to a group of high performing professionals. The majesty of the towering Rocky Mountains in Alberta to the vast coastline of British Columbia, make the perfect backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime incentive trip for a select few. Our client summarized our mission for this particular incentive program: “A soaring destination for a rising few.”
Our team of high-flying winners arrived in Calgary, Alberta as the starting point of their extraordinary incentive trip. Alberta is an exceptional destination for incentive trips. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, Alberta offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury. This province is perfect for businesses looking to reward their top performers with an unforgettable experience. Alberta offers a unique opportunity to explore its majestic Rockies, experience the thrill of outdoor adventures, or indulge in luxury and wellness.
It was early afternoon. The group was transported to their accommodation at Hotel Le Germain Calgary, an all-Canadian boutique property. After a quick lunch on the go, a city tour seemed a good way to get the group acclimatized to the high-altitude environment. Calgary is a city that embodies the spirit of the Wild West. It is a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic prosperity. Its strategic location, vibrant cultural scene, diverse economy, and high quality of life make it an attractive destination for residents, visitors, and investors alike. As Calgary continues to grow and evolve, it remains a shining example of a dynamic and welcoming Canadian city.
After our introduction to Calgary, we felt the group was ready for their first taste of Calgary, known for the best steaks in the country. So, we headed to Caesar’s Steakhouse & Lounge, after which the groups appeared ready for a restful night back at their hotel.
We had timed this program so that the group was able to get a good flavor of what Calgary had to offer. Calgary is celebrated for its vibrant festivals and events that showcase its diverse cultural heritage. But the prized event for our group was the Calgary Stampede, often referred to as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," a world-famous rodeo and exhibition that attracts millions of visitors each year. The event celebrates Western heritage and culture with rodeo competitions, parades, concerts, and midway rides.
After the second night’s stay, we were on the move. Next stop: Banff. Banff is a resort town in Alberta, located within Banff National Park. The peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominate its skyline. On Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with château-style hotels and souvenir shops. The surrounding 6,500 square kilometers of parkland are home to wildlife including elk and grizzly bears.
We were overnighting in Banff, at the world-renowned Fairmont Banff Springs, known as the "Castle in the Rockies." The hotel is a historic luxury property known for its opulent rooms, fine dining, and an award-winning spa. Its location in Banff National Park provided our guests with stunning views and easy access to outdoor activities.
The following morning, we headed to yet another Alberta landmark: Jasper. Nestled among the pristine wilderness of Jasper National Park, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers rustic elegance with its charming cabins and lodges. The resort features a world-class golf course, horseback riding, and a serene spa. We overnighted at Jasper Park Lodge to allow the team to choose from many outdoor activities—from white-water rafting to hiking and mountain climbing to foster team building.
Early on the following day, we were ready for our flight to Vancouver, BC. We hit the ground running in Vancouver. Nestled on Canada’s Pacific Coast, British Columbia is a land of unparalleled beauty and diverse attractions, making it a perfect add-on to our Rocky Mountain excursion. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant urban centers, BC offers experiences that motivate, inspire, and reward—the attributes our client was looking for. BC’s largest city, Vancouver is a world-class city that offers everything from high-end dining to outdoor adventures, all within a short distance—perfect for our program given our short time.
To get the most out of our time in Vancouver, we took the team on a culinary dining on-the-go tour of Granville Island, followed by a team-building session in Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, before retiring at our selected hotel. Vancouver is blessed with so many first-rate hotels, making the choice difficult. For this elite group, we had picked the Pan Pacific Hotel—right on the water. This landmark property, nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Vancouver's Coal Harbor, combines contemporary design with timeless sophistication, creating a captivating ambiance.
The following morning, it was time for yet another unique experience: A seaplane flight to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Victoria exudes old-world charm with its historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and vibrant arts scene. Since this was just a day trip, we managed to visit the famous Butchart Gardens and have an afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel before having to return to Vancouver for another overnight stay at the Pan Pacific. Dinner had been planned on property to conserve time.
It was time for the last leg of this trip of a lifetime: A day trip to Whistler, the world-class ski resort a short distance from Vancouver. Whistler Blackcomb, one of North America's leading ski resorts, offers more than just winter sports. The hub of Whistler is a compact, chalet-style pedestrian village at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The city is a year-round playground with activities such as zip-lining, golfing, and a variety of other outdoor activities in the off-season. Our lucky team got to do some team building activity at the Olympic Park, a venue for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
At nightfall, the group returned to Vancouver for the last overnight stay before their flights back home in the morning—and with that, one of the most unique incentive programs we have ever planned came to a close. But we are certain that the fond memories of this premier incentive trip will last for years to come.
To treat your top-performers to an incentive trip of a lifetime to motivate them for even better performance, let the planners at GMS craft that out-of-the-box program for lasting fond memories.