We’ve all seen the massive queues at Canadian airports as travelers race for every vacation opportunity and with the Victoria Day long weekend approaching (observed May 23, 2022), data from ‘Expedia show that travel is definitely a priority for Canadians.
When it comes to where Canadians travel for the long weekend, it’s a real mix of destinations, from cities to more rural destinations. Expedia data shows travel within the United States continues to grow, while domestic travel is still incredibly popular.
According to Expedia, if you’ve been waiting until the last minute to book a vacation, keep in mind that prices for domestic flights typically start increasing 35 days before departure, while prices for international flights start increasing 28 days before departure. departure. The “sweet spot” for booking a domestic flight is between 28 and 49 days in advance, while international flights should be booked three to four months in advance for the lowest prices.
The best day to book a flight is Sunday, instead of Friday, saving travelers around 15% for domestic flights and 10% for international flights. Starting your trip on a Friday can save you around 25% for domestic travel, compared to starting your trip on a Monday, or a Saturday for international flights can save you around 10%, compared to starting your trip on a Tuesday.
Based on hotel searches on Expedia.ca, here are the top destinations for the May 24 long weekend:
-
Niagara Falls, Ontario
-
Montreal, Quebec
-
Whistler, BC
-
New York, New York
-
Victoria, BC
Looking at data from Vrbo, here are the top destinations for the May 24 long weekend:
-
Laurentians, Quebec
-
Banff, AB
-
Golden, BC
-
Huntville, ON
-
Sun Peaks, BC
Niagara Falls
The first piece of good news if you’re traveling to Niagara Falls this weekend is that GO Train service resumes May 21, to and from Toronto Union Station on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays. Packages are also available with the WEGO Niagara Falls Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Line which stops at Niagara Parks sites from Table Rock Centre.
If you plan to visit Niagara for the long weekend, Niagara Parks sights and attractions will be open for the season, including heritage sites like Old Fort Erie and McFarland House, dining experiences like Queen Victoria Place Restaurant and Riverview Tim Hortons, and Grand View Restaurant and Patio, and park attractions like Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, and Niagara Parks Power Station.
A great choice for the popular Sunday brunch is Queenston Heights Restaurant, located on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and just 10 minutes from the falls.
The Falls fireworks series will begin on May 20, with 144 multi-colored water and light displays every night, beginning at 10:00 p.m.
Be sure to book your Niagara Falls Adventure Pass to get the best access to top attractions, including Journey Behind the Falls, walk along whitewater rapids at White Water Walk, and discover lush plant collections at middle of free-flying butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory.
Montreal
Spring trips to Montreal are the perfect time to cycle along Mount Royal Park and visit the patios, including the beautiful terraces of the Sofitel’s Renoir Restaurant or the Williams Gray Hotel, the ever-popular Terrasses Bonsecours, or just grab an iced coffee and sit outside the Café Olympique. Definitely don’t leave Montreal without also visiting the Atwater Market and picking up some bagels (we love Fairmount Bagel but we’ll let you choose between Fairmount and St-Viateur Bagel).
If you’re in town for the long week, get tickets to the Cirque Éloize’s Celeste cabaret circus show at the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
According to Expedia.ca, some of the best rated hotels in Montreal are Le Ritz-Carlton, Montreal (if you’re looking for luxury), Le Petit Hotel in Old Montreal, and Hotel Le Germain Montreal.
whistler
If there’s one thing that Canadian travel habits have been showing for months now, it’s that Whistler is a very popular and must-visit destination for Canadians.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched a new golf campaign across North America, which includes Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The Chateau Whistler Golf Club features an Audubon par 72 certified 18-hole course and the Whistler Golf Resort Vacation package includes 20% off accommodation and an 18-hole round per person per night.
There are so many different outdoor adventures you can experience in Whistler, including hiking ancient cedars through 900-year-old trees, a whitewater jet boat adventure, or a variety of bike trails.
Laurentians
Summer in the Laurentians region of Quebec is just one of those iconic Canadian experiences.
Explore Le P’tit Train du Nord linear park, a 234 km bike path built on a former railway line, and Parc national d’Oka.
The region is also home to the Chemin du Terroir tourist route which takes you through more than 226 kilometers of small country roads.
Banff
Explore one of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes by hiking, biking or canoeing in Banff.
Take time to paddle Vermilion, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake and Minnewanka Lakes near the town of Banff.
You can also see the Banff Park Museum, a log cabin built in 1903, making it the oldest natural history museum in Western Canada.
If you’re looking for the ultimate rest and relaxation, Banff’s Upper Hot Springs is where you need to go. There is also the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs and the Grotto Spa at the Banff Royal Canadian Lodge.