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Oct 19/2005


Custom Arctic Diamond Tours for Couples to Yellowknife, the Diamond Capital of North America™ and Beyond

Canada’s Northwest Territories invites couples to experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey through its magnificent wilderness on a quest for the perfect diamond.

Yellowknife, NWT (October 19, 2005): Northwest Territories Tourism Executive Director David Grindlay announces the first custom offer for couples to travel and celebrate their love in the land of diamonds. Inaugural diamond tours to the Arctic are presented by one of Canada’s leading small luxury tour operators, Horizon & Co. The five-day/six-night journey includes the following highlights:

  • A private guided tour of Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories and the Diamond Capital of North America™ on the remote shores of Great Slave Lake. Take in the old town’s vestiges of Klondike history as you wander the tangled streets of rustic wooden shacks, stop to chat with the friendly locals, and then enjoy a leisurely lunch in the old town.
  • A charter ski-plane flight into the wilderness to the magnificent post-and-beam masterpiece, Blachford Lake Lodge where you will stroll through groomed nature trails, ice fish and dogsled with your personal guide and dog-musher across the frozen Great Slave Lake to spot wildlife ranging from barrenland caribou to the elusive red fox.
  • Your own private campground with an Arctic Expedition tent by the fire, chef-prepared local delicacies; and the most spectacular natural lightshow, the Northern Lights.
  • A visit to Aurora College for a brief and fascinating education about diamonds from Mike Botha, a transplanted South African and one of Canada’s leading diamond cutters and educators. Mike brings to life the journey of these precious gems from their mineral origins to their mining, and finally the process that transforms them from the dull rough into lustrous jewels.
  • Visiting the Gallery of the Midnight Sun where a personal diamond connoisseur helps you discover the different cuts and carats of diamonds and conceive your ideal design and setting.
  • Learning the art of cutting and polishing, and if you are up for it, trying your hand at polishing one of these treasured stones.
  • The gracious hospitality of a Dene native community in a giant traditional tipi in Aurora Village to watch more magical Northern Lights illuminate the vast horizon.
  • A special visit to a Yellowknife diamond cutting and polishing facility to choose from a selection of stones in various stages of maturity, deciding on your favourite design and having your name laser-engraved for eternity on the girdle of the stone before it is registered for insurance and legacy purposes.

Available February through March, this intimate search for the perfect diamond will appeal to couples of all ages and stages in their relationship. This romantic learning adventure promises to create a lifetime of memories. This is the first time a trip of this nature has been available.

Horizon & Co. has also teemed up with the maker of the legendary Learjet to develop an ultimate diamond experience for discerning travellers. “Imagine the look of surprise on the face of your loved one as you stroll through the exclusive lounge onto the tarmac and up the stairs of one of the most storied jets in the history of private aviation,” says Horizon and Co. director of marketing Norman Howe. “Sit back in your plush seats, pour the iced Cristal into the waiting champagne flutes, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Deep in the heart of Canada’s arctic wilderness there is a dog sled team sitting patiently, a private guide & chef standing by, a romantic expeditionary tent, fluffed and warmed in anticipation of your arrival, and a diamond waiting to have your names engraved upon it. After all, if you’re going spend a lifetime together, why not celebrate it in style.”

The private jet Rare in Nature diamond package can be purchased on a one-off basis, bundled with a 25 hour Skyjet private jet card, or with a 5-hour private Skyjet gift card included. Price available on request.

The North is where 15% of the world’s most coveted diamonds are discovered and a select few are cut, polished and uniquely certified by the Government of the Northwest Territories for their origin, quality and craftsmanship. Being among the first to experience authentic diamond travel is a rare adventure. Details about government certified Canadian diamonds, travel and education can be found at rareinnature.com.

To book a trip, consult your local travel professional, book online at horizon-co.com, or speak to Horizon & Co. travel experts at 800-387-2977.

Notes to Editors

1. Horizon & Co. is a boutique small group luxury travel company founded in 1963. Horizon has been creating unique journeys around the world for 41 years based on the simple belief that cultural enrichment does not have to come at the expense of personal comfort and exceptional service. Visit www.horizon-co.com.

2. More a report called A Perfect Setting, about diamond tourism, can be found here

3. Peter Neugebauer of the City of Yellowknife says, “Diamond tourism as a building block for economic diversification in the North. Our vision includes a prominent and accessible diamond manufacturing process, combined with unique buying opportunities to heighten the personal significance of the travel to the North. Opportunities to see, touch and learn about diamonds and the diamond industry will provide a unique experience for visitors and provide encouragement and support for making a positive purchase decision.”