It started with an invitation. We asked Pamela Anderson — who has spoken openly about reclaiming her Finnish roots — to come to Helsinki. She hasn’t come (yet). But the attempt sparked something unexpected: a friendship with Canada. So we decided to open the invitation up. If your name is Pamela, Helsinki still wants you. We use the term casting call deliberately: this is not a competition, not a lottery, not a free trip given away at random. There is an active selection process and a human reading every application.

Anyone named Pamela who is 18 or older, resident in Ontario, and either holds a valid passport or can obtain one before the agreed travel window. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, influencer, journalist or anything in particular. You just need a voice worth listening to.

Yes. We’ve chosen our Pamela and will contact her directly. If you applied and haven’t heard from us, thank you for putting your name forward — we read every entry.

Applications open 25 June and close 11:59 pm EDT on 5 July. Selected participants will be informed by 11 July. Travel takes place from the 15 August to the 22 August 2026. Add your information to the form below to be in the running.

Everyone who applies will hear from us by 11 July. Keep an eye on your inbox, we’ll be in touch whether you’re heading to Helsinki or not.

We’ll take care of the flights, accommodation, a dinner, and two curated activities to get you started. The rest of the week is entirely yours. Helsinki isn’t a city you rush. It’s one you wander. The best version of Helsinki is the one you find at your own pace, on your own terms. To help you along, we’ll share our personal recommendations — the places locals actually go, the neighbourhoods worth getting lost in, and the things that don’t make most lists. And of course, a proper Finnish sauna experience is included, because you simply cannot leave without one.

Covered:

• Return flights between Toronto and Helsinki on Finnair
• Accommodation in Helsinki during the travel window
• A city tour to get you started
• One dinner, on us
• One sauna experience for two

Not covered:

• Personal spending
• Any extensions or changes to the trip
• Travel to and from Toronto airport
• Meals and expenses throughout your trip

Destination Canada is providing certain prizes in connection with The Pamela Swap. Destination Canada is not sponsoring, organising or administering The Pamela Swap.

The Pamela Swap is based on direct summer flights between Toronto and Helsinki. Limiting applications to Ontario helps us keep the travel arrangements straightforward and ensures a smooth experience for participants.