Majority of Canadians skipping U.S. travel, staying home this summer: survey

There are new signs that Canadians are staying home this summer, according to a BMO survey.

With a weak loonie making international destinations more expensive, tensions at the U.S. border discouraging visitors, and surging patriotism making scenic vistas seem just that much more sublime, it is possible there has never been a better time to explore our enormous backyard.

“You’re going to be saving between 40, 50, 60 per cent, just in the currency,” said Tony Tintanelli, head of specialized sales, BMO.

As trade tensions simmer, cross-border travel in B.C. is increasingly becoming a one-way street. Vancouver will be the top international destination for Americans this July 4th long weekend, according to AAA.

Meanwhile, the volume of B.C. cars travelling to the U.S. fell for the fifth straight month, down 45 per cent year-over-year in June.

One adventure tour operator says some Americans are politicizing their travel.

“The ones who are coming on our tours are sympathetic to what’s going on up here,” said Alex Ross, founder of Fresh Adventures.

“They don’t agree with it. They want to make sure they’re throwing in their vote with their dollars for where they want to support.”

Tim Gallagher, owner of Venture Vans, says sharing Canada’s great outdoors with more people is a beautiful thing.

“They’ve gone to Banff, they’ve gone to Jasper, they’ve seen bears for the first time, they’ve seen moose or whatever it may be, and they come back, and they’re stoked when they come back.”

But with the increased demand for Canada’s outdoors, tour operators urge one thing.

“Book well in advance,” said Gallagher. “Whether you’re from here or overseas, book in time.”