
Why a trip to Vancouver can feel like an international vacation to someone from Ontario
April 1, 2016
Why travellers prefer Blue Cross
April 1, 2016
Even though it’s in the same country, Vancouver can feel like an international destination for travellers from Ontario or from the eastern regions of Canada. Considering the state of the Canadian dollar, travelling to Vancouver is a great option for Canadians to get away without actually leaving Canada. You can feel as if you’re on an international trip without ever crossing the Canadian border.
For many Canadians in Ontario and other provinces, Vancouver seems to be one of those destinations they want to visit, but then pass over for a destination in the United States or abroad. But the Canadian dollar has changed this, and now many Ontarians are seriously considering a trip to the West Coast.
The nearly five-hour flight from Toronto, the change in climate and the unique West Coast culture is sure to make you feel as though you have travelled somewhere far away, but you will also have the comforts of home: a familiar language and currency, and a Tim Hortons on every corner.
More people are visiting Vancouver and the province of British Columbia not only from Canada, but from international locations as well.
“As 2015 came to a close, Vancouver saw a record-breaking number of visitors – 9.4 million – make their way through our gates. It was an increase of over 500,000 people over 2014’s also record-breaking figures, largely thanks to an abundant supply of Americans heading north. More than 8.3% more Americans came to Vancouver last year than the year before,” says Jill Slattery in Vancity Buzz.
Destination British Columbia has compiled some telling travel stats that show the increased popularity of Vancouver as a travel destination:
Even though more people are travelling to Vancouver, there is still plenty of room at hotels, and rates are reasonable compared to other large cities you may visit on vacation.
Tourism Vancouver provides the following great list of must-see attractions in and around Vancouver:
In addition to these great attractions, there are fabulous wineries, beaches, spas and opportunities to go whale-watching, hiking and experience world-class cuisine and nightlife.
Even though you may not need your passport for trips within Canada, you still need travel insurance. When you travel outside your province of residence, some medical and paramedical expenses may only be partially covered by your provincial health insurance plan. Travel insurance helps to cover the costs OHIP does not cover when you are travelling outside Ontario. Let Blue Cross travel coverage take care of any unexpected medical emergency costs, so you can travel worry-free. Get a free quote for travel insurance in Canada.