Seeing Canada through the window of a train is one of the best ways to experience the country. Not only are the views exceptional, but trains are comfortable, low-stress, relaxing and allow you to just sit back and take your time to get to your destination. Train trips can be multi-day adventures from one end of the country to the other, but they can also be small getaways to nearby destinations. While most people are familiar with VIA Rail, there are a number of train companies offering their services across the country, including the Indigenous owned and operated train line, Read more
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Two major hotel groups are reporting surging numbers, further proof that the travel recovery is very real. Ongoing strength in leisure travel and an acceleration in the recovery of group demand pushed Marriott International’s second-quarter performance to or above 2019 levels. Hilton also is reporting much stronger numbers than expected. Excluding its hotels in the Greater China region, Marriott’s global June revenue per available room (RevPAR in hotel parlance) came in at 1% above 2019 levels, Marriott CEO Tony Capuano said during the company’s second-quarter earnings call, according to Hotel News Now. Worldwide occupancy reached 71%, only 5 percentage points Read more
They still lost nearly $400 million in the second quarter of the year, but Air Canada revenues soared almost five times higher than last year. Canada’s largest airline reported its finances for quarter two today and, despite recent difficulties, sounded an optimistic tone. Officials said the company lost $386 million in the quarter, but that revenues were $3.981 billion; nearly five times the second quarter of 2021. “The past three months have been very challenging for our company, our employees, and customers from an operational perspective,” said Michael Rousseau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada. “The path to Read more
It looked like things might be improving at Canadian airports, but Sunday was not at all good. A glance at Flight Aware stats shows Toronto Pearson on Sunday (July 31) had 25 cancelled outbound flights (4%) and 238 delays (40%). Last week’s stats were generally around 38% or 39% delays for outbound Pearson flights. It was pretty much the same on Sunday at Montreal Trudeau, which had eight cancellations (2%) but 119 delays (40%). In Calgary, seven outbound flights were cancelled (2%) and 96 delayed (33%). For Edmonton, there were five cancellations (3%) and 36 delays (25%). Toronto Pearson has Read more
I’ve flown several times so far this summer, and it’s been better than I expected. But I have a couple advantages, including a Nexus card that gets me in a faster lineup at security and a MUCH faster lineup at U.S. Customs when I’m flying from Canada. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re flying any time soon. Here a few thoughts. Do NOT check your bag unless you absolutely have to. You’ll probably save money (unless you’re a frequent flyer program member with status, most airlines will make you pay for a checked bag), Read more
