Canadians ready for road trips

We’re also more likely to stay in Canada, even if restrictions lift

After being stuck near home for more than a year, nearly half of Canadians plan to take a road trip when pandemic restrictions lift, and will likely visit Canadian destinations.

That's from a new report by Leger Marketing that was commissioned by Toyota Canada, which asked respondents about their travel plans this summer.

Of those asked, 76 per cent said they now have a new appreciation for the outdoors, and 65 per cent feel they have a greater appreciation of travelling within Canada. Some 49 per cent of Canadians plan to take a road trip this summer, which marks an increase of 10 per cent over last year.

Even so, they won't be going as far as they normally might. Of those planning a road trip, 67 per cent will only be gone for the day, while 35 per cent will travel between four and six hours away from home. Slightly more than half will explore new cities and towns, while 43 per cent will spend time with friends and family.

Camping, picnicking, hiking, and other outdoor activities rate high, and 43 per cent of those going on a trip plan to visit a national or provincial park.

Most are also still thinking about personal safety, with 75 per cent continuing to wear a mask in public, and many choosing to vacation at remote locations such as campsites, cabins, chalets, or cottages.

The survey found different travel preferences by province or area. In British Columbia, 79 per cent of respondents said they had changed their vacation plans due to the pandemic, and 89 per cent are going to stay closer to home this summer.

Those in the Prairies favoured travelling, with 61 per cent of Albertans planning a road trip; of those, 48 per cent prefer to camp. Among those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 35 per cent are willing to drive more than 12 hours for their vacation.

In Ontario, 35 per cent are willing to drive seven or more hours for a road-trip vacation. In Quebec, 58 per cent said they have missed driving during the pandemic.

In Atlantic Canada, 85 per cent of respondents said they now have a greater appreciation for the outdoors, and 79 per cent appreciate domestic travel.