Canada Day is right around the corner and Expedia data is showing it to be the busiest travel weekend of the summer. Domestically, Toronto (32%), Vancouver (23%), Montréal (25%), Calgary (24%), and Edmonton (17%) are the most sought-after destinations for Canadians, and are also seeing double digit increases, up from Canada Day 2023.
For international travel, New York came in as the top city overall (31%), but Cancun and Las Vegas prove to be the fastest growing with increases of 112% and 61% respectively. Canadians looking to celebrate the holiday abroad are also jet-setting to Rome (22%), Athens (25%), Los Angeles (17%), and London (4%). Interestingly, a new study I mentioned yesterday named New York City, L.A. and Las Vegas as three of the best cities in the U.S.
The Canadian flag at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta. Expedia Photo
Paris, usually an extremely popular spot for Canadian travellers, has seen a drop for the long-weekend and summer overall as Canadians are looking to avoid the crowds ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
A much-needed break
The long-awaited long-weekend holiday comes at a time when Canadians are reporting burnout from their jobs. Last week Expedia released its 24th annual Vacation Deprivation Report where over half of Canadian workers (58%) claimed they weren’t getting enough time off. Surprisingly, only a quarter had booked or already taken vacation for 2024 at the near half-way point proving it’s time to get out there and take that well-deserved PTO.
Last minute trips
For those looking to travel to these trending domestic long-weekend destinations, check out these great still-available stays located near Canada Day festivities:
- The cozy and inviting Ace Hotel in Toronto is a sanctuary in the city located near the iconic CN tower. Guests will enjoy the in-room record players and vinyl libraries curated by local independent label Arts & Crafts. A great central location to enjoy the Canada Day offerings such as free admission to the Royal Ontario Museum, live music at Harbourfront Centre, or taking in a Blue Jays game. There’s also a great rooftop bar with fine views of the city.
- At Paradox Hotel in Vancouver travellers will find a state-of-the-art-gym, a Chinese ‘haute cuisine’ restaurant and the new 3D cinematic dinning adventure Le Petit Chef. Dogs are also welcome so the whole family can celebrate Canada Day together. A short walk from Canada Place which celebrates the nation with a multi-cultural food-truck line-up, musical main stage, indigenous displays and storytelling.
- Hotel Bonaventure in Montréal is an eco-hotel with a rooftop terrace, shopping on site, a relaxing garden and outdoor hot springs and sauna. Located close to top attractions including the Old Port of Montréal which hosts a family friendly Canada Day block party with games, entertainment, and fireworks.
- With a 9.2-star rating in the Expedia app, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Calgary is a comfortable and convenient option for Canada Day travellers. Guest can enjoy a number of nearby festivities such musical entertainment at Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary), and watching the fireworks over Stampede Park.
- At historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in Edmonton, travellers can enjoy onsite celebrations such as a Canadian-inspired brunch featuring maple syrup and poutine, and games on the lawn. For those venturing out, the ICE District is hosting a Canada Day bash, and free family programing with activities, food trucks, and ceremonial events is open at the Alberta Legislature.
The Ace Hotel in Toronto has fine views of the city. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Looking to save on upcoming travel? Now through July 14, Expedia members can save 25% or more on thousands of hotels with Expedia’s Summer Sale. With deals valid for travel through the end of October, it’s the perfect time to become a member and lock in a trip to ensure PTO days don’t get left behind this year.
RECORD TSA SCREENING ON JUNE 23: NEW RECORD EXPECTED JUNE 28
Simple Flying says that on June 23, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) set a new record when it screened 2.99 million passengers in the U.S. If .the current trends are anything to go by, US passenger air traffic could set several records in the coming months, particularly around the July Independence Day holiday.
The agency believes that Friday, June 28, will witness peak travel day and expects to screen more than 3 million travelers. Interestingly, seven of the top 10 busiest travel days ever have been recorded over the past month. I guess revenge travel is still with us.
HAWAII EXCEEDS VISITOR EXPECTATIONS WITH MASSIVE APPROVAL RATINGS
The Fairmont Kea Lani resort on Maui.
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