One of the few problems with living in a country the size of Canada is the cost and time required to travel within our own boundaries.
A one-way Air Canada flight from Montreal to Vancouver costs $799 with the Latitude fare and takes 5 1/2 hours. A flight from Montreal to London, England is just 1 1/2 hours more.
It’s no surprise, then, that Canadians only visit an average of four provinces in their lifetimes, despite 8 of 10 Canucks telling Travelzoo Canada that seeing the True North coast-to-coast was important to them.
Travelzoo also discovered cost was a major hindrance to domestic travel, with 67% of Canadians saying it was sometimes more expensive to travel within Canada than to take a trip abroad.
“Travelling in Canada can be affordable, if you know where to find the deals,” Lara Barlow, country manager of Travelzoo Canada, said in a release. “We are coming into the prime Canadian travel season, so our travel deal experts are focusing on publishing deals that can help Canadians see more of their own country.”
The Travelzoo survey also found the Maritimes was the domestic destination of choice for 60% of Canadian travellers, while 53% of Quebecers wanted to travel their own province more.
The poll also revealed 75% of Canadians have visited Ontario, while 67% have visited Quebec and 57% have visited British Columbia. Northern Canada was the least visited area, with just 9% of Canadians having visited the territories.
I count myself among the 60% of Canadians who want to see the Maritimes more than any other spot. What is your dream Canadian destination?
- Nicole Feenstra
I have been lucky enough to drive across this country eight times.
Driving is the way to go, although black spruce and the length of highway in Ontario will dull anyone’s senses.
It takes about eight days to get across the country, with stops for a good sleep along the way.
The only part of Canada I haven’t been is Newfoundland and I plan to get there in the next three years.
This country is so wide… “How wide is it?” eight days at 100 kmh.
We are so lucky to have this land and that we are able to call it home.
I grew up in Quebec, msaw the Maritimes and Ontario at least parts of it, before I left to live in BC.
Alberta is a short six to eight hour drive, including a ferry ride from Vancouver Island.
But BC really has it all.
Sorry… but anything of natural beauty that you have, is here too.
And you can get above the trees to see it!
But people here have a common habit… Once they come in to BC, they try to close the door on the next person in line…
As stats show, we as a nation, live withing 100 miles of the US border… 80% of us!
I’m sure that’s not all about the outlet malls. It’s just warmer…
Get a car. Make reservations in the next stop so you’ll have a place to sleep, and drive there.
Eight days… Keep your attention outside the car. Have a look at where we live.
Bon voyage, tout le monde.
Canada is a beautiful country! I’ve been coast to coast. It boggles my mind knowing what is out there and people flying south for fun and adventure. Give me what they pay for a all inclusive resort,and I will show you the time of your life in Canada. I haven’t been to the territories, but there will be a time. I hear the Nahanni calling my name as we speak!
I find it difficult to get excited about going to Manitoba or Saskatchewan when I can get to London or Paris for the same price or cheaper. The cost of domestic travel is definitely the main reason I have not seen all of this country yet. Although, I guess I am better than most. I have been to NS, NB, PEI, Que, Ont, BC, YT.
I totally agree that Canadians don’t see enough of this wonderful country. I live in Ontario and now that I am retired I have the time to explore this fabulous province. I have also spent time in the Maritimes and a few years ago took the train across Canada to Vancouver. What a great way too see the countryside! Would do it again in a heartbeat. This fall we are going to Newfoundland for the first time. For my money and time, I would pretty much choose the East Coast over the West Coast. The West was fun and of course you can’t top the Rockies (pun intended!) but the East Coast has a charm and ambience that the West cannot match, IMHO. Someday I will get back out West, perhaps. It’s just the lure of the East Coast with the most friendly people anywhere, and the laid-back pace…..well, that’s my preference. Hmmm, but I haven’t been North or to Nunavut yet! What a country!!!!!
Being a military spouse, I’ve had the privilege of visiting 7 of our 10 provinces and most recently, Yellowknife, NWT. My dream is to spend at least one night in each of our beautiful provinces. It’ll take time, but I’ll do it. As for out of country visits, I’ll take them, but Canada is my favourite. I love our country!
It’s sad that more Canadians don’t see and appreciate their own country. I agree with a previous comment…give me the amount of money for an all inclusive and I will show you a great Canadian vacation! And I also Agee that driving across country is the way to go although I wish there was more affordable rail travel because that is the ultimate!!!!!