Canada’s passport application backlog has been ‘completely eliminated,’ one of the top ministers in the Trudeau government says. CTV News reports tat Families, Children and Social Development Minister Karina Gould this week said that service times for passport applications are back to pre-pandemic standards, after the backlog ballooned last summer. Canadians looking to renew their passports last summer found long wait lines and lengthy delays, an issue that passport officials said was due to a huge spike in demand for travel as COVID travel restrictions began to ease. The CBC reports that Canadians waiting anxiously for their passports to arrive before Read more
Vancouver
March Break is a great time for Canadian families to get away. But airports, especially busy ones such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, can be a huge hassle. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding travellers of what to expect when crossing the border during the coming spring travel season and offering some March Break tips. I’ve got a few of my own suggestions on how to avoid hassles at the airport, listed in bold face. Plan ahead and check border wait times and alternate ports of entry. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during Read more
Considering a winter break but need to stay on a budget? You’re not alone. A recent independent survey of Canadian travellers commissioned by Marriott Bonvoy revealed that 68% of Canadians are planning a vacation by the end of the year, but more than 75% plan to do so on a budget. Laura Pallotta, regional vice president of sales & distribution, Canada, Marriott International, has offered five simple tips on how to save this season. 1. Book direct – Shop around all you like, but often, booking directly with the property can net you major savings. You not only save on Read more
Airlift between Canada and Australia is back to 97% of pre-pandemic levels, Tourism Australia officials say. Speaking to the website OpenJaw.com at an Australia tourism event in Los Angeles recently, Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, said Canada “has been a surprising and delightful market for us. It’s quietly growing.” Harrison said Canadians like to explore. “They disperse into the region, which is important for us as a tourism economy. They have the same propensity as Australians to travel.” Tourism Australia data shows that lift between the two countries has been almost fully restored – at 97 per cent of Read more
WestJet today celebrated the return of 17 sun routes to its network this winter, including flights to Las Vegas, Orlando, Cuba, Jamaica, Tampa, The Bahamas and Puerto Vallarta. The returning routes which were suspended for more than two years, bring enhanced connectivity and vacation options for Canadians and communities across the airline’s network. “The restart of these routes is another positive step in the restoration our network as we solidify WestJet as the reliable, friendly and affordable airline we are known to be,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We recognize the past three winters Read more
