Looking for a cut-rate getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Deals at upscale Canadian hotels? Maybe a gas coupon to cover the drive? They're all on offer this summer.
This is usually Canada's busiest and priciest travel season. But this summer, the country's tourism industry is rolling out a stunning array of discounts, incentives and packages aimed at luring Americans north and keeping Canadians closer to home.
Why the flood of deals? The strong loonie, high gas prices and stricter border rules have combined to push the number of visitors to Canada (mainly Americans) to a record low, according to a March report from Statistics Canada. Meanwhile, overnight plane trips from Canada to the U.S. set a record high for the fourth straight month. All of which is adding up to a gloomy outlook for the Canadian tourism market.
But it's a sunny situation for Canadians, who can now play both sides of the discount-travel trend: as “Americans” looking for reasons to visit or as locals looking for reasons to stick around. Here, then, are tips for finding great holiday values amid the absence of U.S. tourists.
Border bargains
Destinations that are a day trip away from the U.S. border – such as Vancouver and Stratford, Ont. – are offering a disproportionate number of deals.
Discounted tickets and packages are being offered for Stratford's renowned Shakespeare festival. These include a Dine & Play promotion available on Tuesday nights until July 29. These packages start at $68 and include two-for-one entrees at one of 10 restaurants and a pair of tickets to shows such as All's Well That Ends Well, The Music Man and There Reigns Love. For more information, visit www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com/ dineplay or call 519-273-1600.
The Vancouver-Whistler pairing will probably become the world's top travel destination when the Winter Olympics kick off Feb. 12, 2010. But there are deals to be had in the calm before the storm: The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver's Family Getaway package provides a second room for the brood at 50 per cent off (starting at $155 a night). Kids under 12 eat for free in the new YEW restaurant, and child-sized bathrobes are even available around the heated indoor-outdoor pool. Up in Whistler, meanwhile, the Four Seasons resort's B.C. Drive to Luxury package starts at $260 a night and includes free parking and a $100 food and beverage credit. Or visitors can book two nights and receive a third free. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/vancouver and www.fourseasons.com/whistler.
Red, white and blue news
In gateway cities such as Seattle and Buffalo, local newspapers carry many ads for Canadian travel deals.
A Seattle Times Rate is being offered by the Westin Grand Vancouver, starting at $199 a night for July and August. (Quote the “Seattle” code to book.) For more information, call 604-602-1999 or e-mail reservations@westingrandvancouver.com.
Vancouver's Hotel Le Soleil is also getting into the act, with a limited-time promotion in the Seattle Times called Two Times the Deal. A rate of $235 a night includes suite accommodations, a full American breakfast (of course), valet parking and late checkout. For more information, visit www.lesoleilhotel.com.
Chain sales
Several large hotel chains are rolling out a range of Canada-only packages, special offers and discounts.
Through Chicago-based United Vacations, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is offering a free night when booking a two-, three- or four-night stay at one of eight Canadian properties. For more information, visit www.unitedvacations.com or call 1-888-328-6877.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has launched a Canada Day sale at 33 of its Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, W, aloft and Le Méridien hotels across the country. Available for stays through Dec. 30, bookings must be made by 11:59 p.m. on July 1. Rates start at just $99 a night. For
more information, visit www.spg.com/ canadaday or call 1-866-716-8101 and ask for code “CDA.”
Holiday timing
