Canadians spent significantly more time vacationing within our borders

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Canadians spent more time exploring this country this past summer than they did last year, new data from a popular travel site shows.

According to booking.com, more than 80 per cent of the travel done by Canucks this year was right here in Canada, compared to just 17 per cent in 2019.

Various travel restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic have meant summer plans have looked very different and more local for many.

Revelstoke has been one of the top domestic destinations, along with Banff and Canmore, Alberta.

Vancouver was also one of the most-visited cities by booking.com customers this summer.

With masks mandatory at airports and numerous exposures reported on flights to and from B.C., drivable nature destinations were apparently the preference for Canadian travellers.

This was reflected in the number of people staying in a cabin or chalet compared to a traditional hotel or lodge.

Only one in 10 Canadians wanted to stay in a cabin last year. However, this year, smaller accommodation types were preferred over hotels.

Travel restrictions, including the closure of the Canada-U.S. land border to all-but-essential travel, remain in place. While travel to international destinations is still possible, anyone returning to Canada is required to self-isolate for two weeks. Not following the rules can come with serious consequences.

International travel will be unlikely for a while yet as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise around the world.