Stay up to date of latest news from KBC’s clients with our monthly round up.
NEWS
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge reclaims its premier position in the Canadian Rockies following major renovations
Canadian Rockies Rockies icon Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge unveiled a landmark CAD $100 million (around £54million) transformation this month. The 330 guest rooms, suites and signature cabins of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge have been redesigned blending contemporary comfort with the heritage character of the property. A revitalised Main Lodge introduces eye-catching new interiors inspired by Jasper’s forests, glacial lakes and dark skies. Three new dining concepts celebrate regional ingredients and offer an insight into mountain culture. Enhanced wellness experiences include a lakeside sauna and cold-plunge rituals. Signature elements of the resort, including its renowned Stanley Thompson golf course, have been meticulously restored. Now open for the summer, The Boathouse offers canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding across the crystal-clear waters of Lac Beauvert. Set in Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and the world’s second largest dark sky preserve, visitors travel from all over the world to experience the mountains, lakes, wildlife, and a whole host of thrilling outdoor experiences as demand for nature-led travel continues to grow. The reopening signals a major new chapter for Jasper, and following the devastating fires of 2024, the landscape has revealed new ways to experience what make this place extraordinary. Travelbag (Travelbag.co.uk / 0207 001 5250) offers a 5-night stay at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, including accommodation, transfers and return international flights from the UK, from £1139 per person.
Alberta: www.TravelAlberta.com
GENERAL
When the River Turns Red: Experience a sacred migration in the Shuswap, British Columbia, Canada
This autumn, witness one of nature’s most powerful stories unfold in the Shuswap region of British Columbia, Canada as the dominant sockeye salmon run returns to the Adams River. This natural phenomenon occurs every four years, drawing hundreds of thousands of salmon back to their spawning grounds. The Adams River is one of the most significant sockeye-producing systems in North America, and in a dominant year, the water appears to turn red with migrating fish. For generations, Secwépemc and other Indigenous communities have honoured this cycle with ceremonies, songs, and gatherings that recognize the salmon as both sustenance and sacred symbol. Travellers can experience this autumn highlight along a Rainforest to Rockies journey in British Columbia. Trailfinders (www.trailfinders.com / 020 7084 6500) offers a 15-day self-drive Rainforest to Rockies tour from £2,449 per person including international flights, 14 nights’ accommodation, car rental and some excursions.
British Columbia: www.supernaturalbc.com
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival returns to Springfield, Missouri, USA
Springfield, Missouri will host its annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival on 7–8 August 2026, transforming its downtown and historic highway into a vibrant celebration of classic Americana. The two-day event, commemorating the city’s pivotal role in the naming of the now-iconic route, will showcase more than 600 classic cars and trucks, alongside motorcycle displays, motocross performances and an open cruise along Route 66. A packed entertainment programme includes free live music across multiple stages. Visitors can also explore the newly unveiled Birthplace Plaza, marking the naming of Route 66, alongside Mother Road-themed vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities. The festival forms part of wider Route 66 centennial celebrations along the near-2,500 mile route. Purely America (www.purelytravel.co.uk / 0844 80 444 80) offers a seven-night ‘Heart of Route 66’ self-drive itinerary from St Louis to Kansas City, taking in Springfield, and starts from £1,399 per person (two sharing), including flights to St Louis and returning from Kansas City, accommodation, and rental car.
Missouri: www.visitmo.com
There’s more to New York State, USA, than football this summer
Although New York City is a great place to be for football fans this year, where FIFA is bringing eight matches including the World Cup Final, to the New York/New Jersey Met Life Stadium (13 June – 19 July), Upstate has an abundance of things to see and do unconnected with the beautiful game. More than 200 immersive events are happening across New York State to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. From authentic Revolutionary War reenactments, to exhibits presenting the Black and Indigenous perspective on the Revolution and the continued efforts for equal rights, this summer is a great time to get under the skin of Upstate New York and really understand the history of this fascinating area. Explore the country’s first national monument dedicated to LGBTQ rights, visit the birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement, Seneca Falls, or experience transportation history on the Erie Canal. Visit the unassuming town of Corning to understand the history and significance of its glass industry and visit the impressive Corning Museum of Glass celebrating its 75th birthday this year. A comprehensive list of events statewide, with new opportunities added daily, can be found on the I LOVE NY website. Direct flights from Heathrow to John F. Kenney International Airport with British Airways start from £664 per person.
New York State: www.iloveny.com
A surprising Cultural summer in Idaho, USA
Idaho, Montana’s less well-known but equally beautiful neighbour in the Great American West, has a cultural heart that might just be one of the USA’s best kept secrets. It’s a long way from Stratford upon Avon, but Idaho’s capital, Boise can certainly claim its Shakespeare spurs. Celebrating 50 seasons this year, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival has been creating “great theatre in the great outdoors” since 1977. Welcoming over 70,000 visitors annually to its world class, outdoor amphitheatre, the 2026 season runs until 27 Sep 2026. Set in a stunning and unique habitat reserve along the Boise River the programme reflects the festival’s mix of Shakespeare plays, musicals and contemporary works. From 27 Jul – 20 Aug 2026, the Sun Valley Music Festival, recognised by BBC Music as one of the best classical music festivals in the country, presents exceptional, admission-free concerts in a spectacular setting. Here, music radiates from an acoustic gem of a Pavilion, soaring to meet the Aspens, Douglas Firs, and Black Cottonwoods of the surrounding mountains. Admission is free, concerts start around 6:30pm and visitors are also welcome to enjoy a pre-concert insight into the upcoming performance. Visitors can fly to Boise from a number of international gateways in the USA. Return flights from the UK cost around £1100 this summer. Sun Valley is 150 miles away. Twin Falls (TWF) & Idaho Falls (IDA) are other nearby airports in the region.
Idaho: www.VisitIdaho.org