Over half of Canadians reported that Vancouver (54%) and Victoria (53%) are “very appealing” travel destinations, according to a new Insights West survey.
The British Columbia cities are behind only Banff, Alberta, at 60%.
In the next six months, however, Toronto will be the top choice for Canadian travellers, as 34% reported they intend to take an overnight leisure trip there.
Three other cities will be visited by at least one-in-five travellers before the end of the year: Ottawa (26%) and Montreal (23%) and Calgary (21%).
“It is no surprise to see Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal leading the way when Canadians are asked where they will travel, especially this year,” said Mario Canseco, vice-president of public affairs at Insights West. “Calgary has joined these three long-standing classic destinations in Ontario and Quebec as the most likely cities to welcome visitors.”
About three-in-four Canadians (78%) said the low Canadian dollar will impact their travel plans, including 86% of Albertans, 84% of Quebecers and 83% of people aged 18 to 34.
In addition, 31% of Canadians said they have changed their travel plans to the U.S. because of the country’s current political climate – a proportion that is higher in B.C. (35%).
Instead, 59% of Canadian travellers affected by the declining loonie plan to vacation in other areas of Canada rather than go to the U.S.
