Memories live on: Canadian cities with rich war history

In support of Remembrance Day, Hotels.com shares expert tips for travel to historically-significant cities across Canada

TORONTO, Oct. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Whether we know it or not, war has had an impact on all Canadians, which is why November 11^th is such a special day. If you immerse yourself in our country's history you'll be surprised at how rich it is, so using their latest Hotel Price Index™ (HPI™) the travel experts at Hotels.com® are recommending the top historic battle sites across the country for travellers interested in learning more about Canada's past.

"Canada may not be as old as Europe, but it has a rich historic past," says Taylor L. Cole, APR, travel expert at Hotels.com. "To see the sites where these major events took place first-hand is the perfect way to learn and pay homage to those that sacrificed for the country."

From East to West, here's a look at some of Canada's most notable historic sites and average hotel prices according to the recently released HPI:

Halifax, NS: Average Daily Hotel Price: $151
Canada's largest port city along the Atlantic Ocean, the City of Halifax and CFB Halifax have been critical to national defence and foreign aid as Headquarters for the Royal Canadian Navy's Atlantic fleet. Visit the Halifax Citadel, a National Historic Site, to travel back to 1812 and bring history to life in Atlantic Canada's largest urban center.

Quebec City, QC: Average Daily Hotel Price: $120
The most important war in Canadian history was fought on the foothills of Quebec City. On the Plains of Abraham, the British defeated the French to take control of what is now known as Canada. If you visit today, you can stand on the very field where the fate of Canada was decided. Quebec City is also the only fortified city in North America with close to five kilometers of walls and gates to explore.

Ottawa, ON: Average Daily Hotel Price: $149
Our nation's capital has an abundance of tributes to our country's military past including the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum. Every year the city's downtown core is packed with crowds for the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Kingston, ON: Average Daily Hotel Price: $123
Strategically located at the head of the Saint Lawrence River, Kingston has long played a critical role in the defence of Canada. There was a time when our American neighbours were more foe than friend, and Kingston's Fort Henry played a big role in keeping us safe. Today, however, it is a fun attraction for the whole family.

Winnipeg, MB: Average Daily Hotel Price: $136
Winnipeg's hockey team is called the Jets for a reason. The city is home to CFB Winnipeg, the operational-level command center for the Royal Canadian Air Force, as well as the Canadian branch of the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). The Forks National Historic Site was also once a strategic military outpost and now features a mix of dining options, shops and unique attractions.

Calgary, AB: Average Daily Hotel Price: $163
Calgary has always had a prominent place in Canadian military history, primarily as a place to train and mobilize units before they were sent to war in Europe. Similar to Ottawa's Canadian War Museum, the Military Museums of Calgary allows visitors to discover the victories, tragedies and sacrifices of the Canadian Forces.

Yellowknife, NT: Average Daily Hotel Price: $150
The topic of Northern sovereignty has never been bigger in Canada.  Our nation has a lot of Great White North to protect, and it is all done from the Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters in Yellowknife. This small outlet is responsible for protecting four million square kilometers of Canadian wilderness, which you can experience the best of at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

Victoria, BC: Average Daily Hotel Price: $133
CFB Esquimalt, just outside of Victoria, is to Pacific Canada as CFB Halifax is to Atlantic Canada, as it is home to the Royal Canadian Navy`s Pacific fleet.  Although the West Coast has not experienced much in the way of military conflict, the CFB Esquimalt Naval and Military Museum will show you that the area's military history is anything but boring.

So pull out your map and start plotting your new route. Whether you're looking to stay in your home province or go cross-country, there is a historic site waiting for you. Plus if you're a member of the free Welcome Rewards™ loyalty program, you'll get a reward night for every 10 collected.

Learn more about the HPI by visiting hotel-price-index.com and follow the conversation on Twitter @hotelsdotcomca, #HPI.

Editors Note: All prices are in Canadian Dollars. Unless specified any prices shown are per room per night and exclusive of taxes and charges. Actual rates and availability for a specific date or hotel may vary at any time. See our website for details. Terms and conditions apply.

About the HPI™
The HPI is a biannual report that looks at hotel prices in cities all around the world. The data is based on bookings made through the Hotels.com website and the prices listed are the actual prices paid by Canadians - not advertised rates. The report compares prices paid in the first half of 2012 with those paid in the first half of 2013.

About Hotels.com^®
Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through the Expedia, Inc. global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travellers with approximately 220,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 7 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards^TM, customers can earn a free* night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 85,000 hotels. Under its Best Price Guarantee†, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Hotels.comCA, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcomca and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. More Hotels.com news is available at: http://press.hotels.com/en-ca/. Hotels.com, LP is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.

Hotels.com, Hotel Price Index, HPI, Welcome Rewards Finding You the Perfect Place and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2013 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50

*Your free night is good at any Welcome Rewards eligible property. The maximum value of your free night is the average daily rate of your ten (10) nights. Your free night does not include taxes and fees.

† Best Price Guarantee on hotel bookings. If you find a lower price on exactly the same stay elsewhere, we'll match it or let you cancel your booking without a penalty.  Terms and conditions apply.

Image with caption: "The National War Memorial in Ottawa is one of many war tributes that can be found across the country (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131024_C6681_PHOTO_EN_32481.jpg

SOURCE: Hotels.com

For further information:

Press contacts: 

Lauren Wasley 
energi PR for Hotels.com 
Phone: [phone] ext. 19 
Email: [e-mail]
Twitter: @energiPR 

Taylor L. Cole, APR 
Hotels.com North America
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Twitter: @TravelwithTLC