WHERE and WHEN do Canadians Travel Most?
Canadians are famously prolific travelers. In
fact, almost doubling the US’ numbers, roughly 69% of all Canadians have a
passport and whether it takes them domestic or abroad, they are not the kind to
shy away from an adventure. That said, below is a quick glance at some Canadian
travel trends – an interesting look at where and when Canadians travel most.
WHERE Do Canadians Travel Most?
1.
Where: Vancouver, BC
Class:
Domestic
While
Canadians are fruitful world travelers and love to travel overseas, it may come
as no surprise that when you boil down the numbers, their most frequented
destination is Canada itself. Like most travelers in any country, domestic
travel is most common due to it being drastically more affordable, as well as,
when you consider all that the Canadian countryside has to offer, there’s
certainly no shortage of beautiful sites to see.
That said, the #1 domestic destination for Canadian travelers is Vancouver, BC.
In fact, amongst the top 20 outbound destinations in the entire world recorded
by Canadian airports, flights
to Vancouver, BC are #5 overall.
IMG SOURCE: http://vancouver-bc-home-search.com/wp-content/uploads/6118vancouver-bc.jpg
2.
Where: USA and Mexico
Class:
International
Ranking
as a close second to the vast variety of domestic locations, is Canada’s North
American neighbors. Because Canadian citizens can easily drive across the
various borders to the south, the United States and Mexico rank as the second
and third preferred destinations for Canadian travelers.
While the US and Mexico both offer a variety of climates, landscapes and
metropolitan areas for Canadian tourists to choose from, New York City is
officially the top US destination for Canadian travelers and Cancun, Mexico is
their favorite tropical haunt, south of the American border.
IMG SOURCE: http://mapsof.net/uploads/static-maps/north_america_political_map.gif
3.
Where: Niagara Falls
Class:
Domestic
Much
like the American tradition of visiting the Grand Canyon at least their in your
lifetime, Canadians practice a similar pilgrimage to their geological icon known
as the one-and-only Niagara Falls. Located at the southern tip of
Ontario, the Niagara Falls are a collection of three separate waterfalls of
unfathomable magnitude and roughly 12-14 million people (mostly Canadians) flock
to see the monstrous spectacle each year.
Whether it’s winter or summer, Niagara Falls is a popular attraction because
of its versatility. In the winter, the ice bridge is something special, while in
the summer, very little can compete with the sun glistening through the
shimmering mist.
IMG SOURCE: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/94/281334421_5739fb6688.jpg
4.
Where: London, UK
Class:
International
Although
the US is a more popular travel destination because of sheer convenience
(Canadians can simply drive across the border), according to outbound flight
statistics from Canadian airports, flights to London tops the list, officially
making London, UK the #1 International destination for Canadian travelers!
Between the unparalleled shopping, rich history and warm English hospitality,
Canadian tourists enjoy the UK’s familiar nature while still enjoying the
adventure of a foreign land.
IMG SOURCE: http://blogs.statravel.co.uk/journal/region_images/europe_uk_tower_bridge_at_night_london.jpg
5.
Where: The Canadian Rockies
Class:
Domestic
Another
of the most popular sites for domestic Canadian travel is the majestic Canadian
Rockies. Lining the border of Alberta and British Columbia, these glaciated
peaks are more jagged than their US counterpart and make for some of the most
beautiful scenery on the entire planet. Because pristine mountain lakes and
robust National Parks surround these towering peaks, it’s no wonder that
Canadians are drawn to this stellar plot of land all year round.
IMG SOURCE: http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/646x430/a_c/canadian_rockies_cnt_24nov09_iStock_b.jpg
6.
Where: Paris, France
Class:
International
In
addition to Paris, France being widely considered one of the most beautiful
cities in all the world and a top travel destination by any standard, Canadians
have added incentive for visiting France – much of their country’s history
lives there. Between the Vimy Memorial that commemorates the Canadians killed in
France during World War I and the fact that much of Eastern Canada was
originally colonized by the French before being seized by the British, Canadians
can feel at home in France. So much, in fact, that of the top 20 outbound flight
destinations recorded by airports in Canada, Paris ranks as the second most
frequented destinations (behind London and in front of NYC).
IMG SOURCE:
WHEN Do Canadians Travel
Most?
Because Canada is known for its frigid winters
that can plummet well below zero, it is no surprise that the biggest travel
dates for Canada are during the winter months – a chance to escape to warmer
places. That said, it only makes sense, that in addition to the domestic and
international destinations above, if this were a “Top 10” list, the next
most popular travel spots for Canadians are tropical destinations such as
Thailand, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
SEASONAL TRAVEL TRENDS:
●
Canadians
are known to take quick trips in the warm summer months and longer, more
leisurely vacations during the winter chill and into the spring.
●
Canadians
tend to fly more in the winter, typically to more remote International
destinations, while taking domestic road trips during the spring, summer and
fall months.
●
Canada is
home to many outdoor festivals during the summer months, therefore, domestic
travel peaks between June and September.
●
Visiting
The Rocky Mountains and far-North Canada is really only possible in July through
August, therefore, these months are popular for mountainous camping trips and
seeing the Rockies’ turquoise lakes at their best.
●
Peak
tourism season for the rest of Canada starts at Victoria Day (the Monday before
May 25th) and ends on Labour Day (the first Monday in September).
IMG SOURCE:bpa
