Colorado Tourism showcases destination updates in T.O.

Colorado Tourism officials sat down with PAX in Toronto this week to share updates from key destinations across the state, highlighting the region's multi-generational appeal and new developments.

"There really, truly is something for everyone in this state," said Julie Dufault, senior manager of international promotions for Colorado Tourism. 

The state has maintained strong Canadian visitation despite uncertainty around cross-border travel.

Dufault noted the direct flight between Denver and Regina that launched in May 2025, reinforcing Canada's position as the state's second-largest international market.

"What differentiates Colorado is all of our towns are very unique from one another, so it's a genuine reason to keep coming back," Dufault said. 

"It really is a varied experience across the state."

Fort Collins positions as northern gateway

Katy Schneider, vice president of marketing for Visit Fort Collins, emphasized her destination's strategic location for accessing northern Colorado attractions. 

"We really are that jumping off point for Northern Colorado," Schneider said. 

"We're only an hour from Rocky Mountain National Park, and only 45 minutes from Cheyenne, Wyoming."

Fort Collins' charming downtown served as the inspiration for Disneyland's Main Street USA. 

The destination provides mountain access within a 10-minute drive from downtown, accommodating visitors seeking outdoor activities without extensive travel time.

The Cache la Poudre River flows through Fort Collins and is Colorado's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. 

Visit Fort Collins also promotes distinctive annual events like the Tour de Corgi, which draws hundreds of costumed corgis and their owners for a parade through Old Town Fort Collins each October, with proceeds benefiting animal rescue organizations.

Estes Park expands offerings beyond park access

Jessica Russell, marketing and public relations coordinator for Visit Estes Park, highlighted the area's position as the primary base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park, located 90 minutes from Denver. 

The destination operates summer airport shuttles for visitor convenience.

"It's so accessible. There are hiking trails for every level," Russell said. 

"There's also a very good road system within the park, so you can get up to 12,200 feet by driving and get that Alpine scenery that, in a lot of other places, you'd have to be a professional mountaineer to access."

Estes Park is pursuing Dark Sky Community certification, with astrotourism emerging as a growing segment. 

The destination also leverages its arts and culture scene, including festivals like Frozen Dead Guy Days, scheduled for March 27-29, 2026. 

The quirky winter festival, which relocated to Estes Park from Nederland in 2023, celebrates the legend of Grandpa Bredo Morstøl, a Norwegian man cryogenically frozen and stored at The Stanley Hotel. 

The three-day event features coffin races, live music, a polar plunge, and a commemorative drone show marking America's 250th and Colorado's 150th anniversaries.

The town also recently opened the world's first cryonics museum at The Stanley Hotel, where Stephen King conceived "The Shining." 

Elk viewing represents another draw, with Estes Park hosting one of the nation's largest elk populations.

For 2026, the Stanley Hotel campus continues construction on the Stanley Film Center, a cultural venue planned to host performances and exhibitions. 

The Stanley Chocolate Factory soft-opened in November 2025, with summer 2026 expansions adding a rooftop event venue and additional guest experiences.

Canyon Spirit extends luxury rail into Utah

Dallas Carlson, communications manager at Rocky Mountaineer, outlined the expansion of Canyon Spirit, the company's American Southwest luxury train service operating since 2021 between Denver and Moab.

For 2026, Canyon Spirit extends to Salt Lake City, creating a three-day journey with overnight stops in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Moab, Utah. 

The service operates with weekly departures in each direction starting April 21, 2026.

"It's very popular with people that enjoy cruises because it's all taken care of for you," Carlson said. 

The service targets the 65-plus demographic and appeals to cruise clients seeking similar all-inclusive experiences.

"You just sit back and relax and all your food and drinks on board are included," she said.

The train features regionally inspired dining with Colorado whiskey tastings and wine from Palisade wineries along the route. 

Onboard hosts from Colorado provide regional storytelling throughout the journey.

The three-day rail journey, including overnight hotel accommodations, starts at $2,123 USD plus tax per person. 

Canyon Spirit operates separately from Rocky Mountaineer's Canadian routes, which have welcomed more than 2.3 million guests over 35 years. 

Both services are owned by Armstrong Collective.

State maintains Canadian focus

The team emphasized Colorado's continued commitment to the Canadian market.

"We want to be present, we want to be here, and wewant Canadian travellers to know that we're ready and welcoming whenever it feels right for them to come back," Dufault said.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.