The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) says it’s “heartened” by news that Canada will drop its COVID-19 vaccine border requirements by the end of September, make the ArriveCan application optional, and end the outstanding random COVID-19 testing for travellers. A southern Ontario MP went much further, saying delays in changing the rules badly damaged Canada’s tourism economy. Published reports say Prime Minister Justin Trudeau yesterday signed off on the concept. Ottawa brought in the rules under an order-in-council earlier this year, but that order expires on September 30. Which would mean Canadians and other travellers will have a new Read more
Canada
Scarlet reds. Deep yellows. Brilliant oranges. Canada is a great place to witness autumn’s glory. Here are some recommendations on where to see great fall colours in Canada. ONTARIO Muskoka is a great place to see fall colours change, with quiet roads and wide open lakes that make the viewing all that more spectacular. The RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II ships traditionally run out of Gravenhurst into mid-October and offer amazing fall colour trips. The hills around Huntsville and Dorset also are ideal for fall colours, as is Killarney Provincial Park, north of Parry Sound. Caledon and the Forks Read more
Canadians have another airline to fly with. Canada Jetlines, which calls itself an “all-Canadian, value-focused leisure carrier,” will fly today from Toronto to Calgary for its first commercial flight. The website Open Jaw says Jetlines is initially offering twice-weekly flights from Toronto to Alberta on Thursdays and Sundays. The flight from Toronto departs at 7:55 a.m. Easter Time and arrives at 10:10 a.m. Mountain Time. The return flight leaves Calgary at 11:40 a.m. local time and arrives in Toronto at 5:20 p.m. The airline hopes to move to three flights per week in the fall. Canada Jetlines will operate out Read more
WestJet says it’s not aware of any coming changes to Canada’s travel rules, but that it’s pushing for changes, and for an end to the federal mask mandate. Published reports this week say the Trudeau government on September 30 will end the requirement that travellers coming into Canada must show proof of vaccination. Multiple sources say Ottawa also plans to eliminate random testing, and plan to make the controversial ArriveCAN app optional for travellers. Sources say they’re waiting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to give the word. “As of today, WestJet has not received formal notice from the government outlining Read more
Be prepared to pay more for the privilege of travel this winter. Experts say that while airfares have so far remained steady, experts predict a price spike for fall and winter flights as demand returns. Canadian Press reported earlier this week that experts feel demand could rise further if remaining COVID-19 restrictions such as vaccine mandates are lifted, encouraging travellers who were previously hesitant to fly due to the restrictions. “No doubt,” said Martin Firestone, president of insurance provider Travel Secure Inc. “My gut tells me with the removal of restrictions, more people than ever will travel.” Firestone told me Read more
