Canada calling

She adds that the city's hotels are working to better accommodate Chinese tourists. Some, such as the Chelsea Hotel, offer Chinese-style breakfasts.

Chinese visitors are seeking more adventurous activities. One attraction that has been gaining popularity is the Edge Walk on the CN Tower's 356-meter-high roof.

Toronto is an hour's flight from Ottawa, which hosts Ontario's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal. The Canadian Museum of History is also popular.

"Many Chinese like to visit the capital to see government institutions, museums and cultural programs," Ottawa Tourism communications director Jantine Van Kregten says.

"The city offers a relaxed way of exploring a new destination."

Ottawa hopes to use the tourism year to improve Chinese travelers' experiences and to strengthen relationships with Chinese tour operators to encourage more Chinese to visit and to stay longer.

Ottawa Tourism signed an agreement with the local company Motion Pay in May to enable visitors to use the popular Chinese payment platforms WeChat Pay and AliPay.

The tourism bureau offers training sessions to member businesses, such as hotels, restaurants and attractions, to promote the service.