Are you worried you’re too late to book a summer holiday? Fret not, friends! There’s still plenty of time. According to the latest summer 2024 travel trends, Canadians are searching outside of the box for rejuvenating adventures that don’t break the bank.
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Summer 2024 Travel Trends
According to a recent study by Booking.com, money is the top motivator for where Canadian families travel. They want budget-friendly holidays and air-conditioned accommodations. (Don’t we all!)
Interestingly, some under-the-radar Canadian destinations are on the rise.
Saskatchewan
Both Saskatoon and Regina are trending Canadian destinations, according to Booking.com. Saskatchewan is not only an affordable destination but a highly accessible one with direct flights and easy road trip access from Calgary. As for what to do while you’re there…
Moose Jaw
Moose Jaw is a 45-minute drive outside Regina and has a thermal hot spring spa, quirky town murals, and underground tunnel tours. Check out this post for more things to do in Moose Jaw.
Regina
Regina is home to the RCMP Depot, where new cadets are trained. We loved watching the Sergeant’s Major Parade and visiting the interactive Heritage Centre. Definitely check out this post for more things to do in Regina. (The area has many lakes, great beaches, and an orchard.)
Saskatoon
As for Saskatoon, lots of distilleries have cropped up across the province, and Black Fox Farm and Distillery, just outside of Saskatoon, is one not to miss. If you don’t want to enjoy a whisky flight, cocktail or tableside education with a gin expert, pick some flowers at their U-pick.
If you’re into the outdoors, check out Back2Nature Wellness and Adventures. They offer a Glow Stand-up Paddleboard Experience (yes, at night!), plus sauna sessions and guided camping adventures.
On your own, you can rent kayaks and SUP from Local Adventure Co. in Saskatoon, Blackstrap Lake, Pike Lake and the Fred Heal Boat Launch.
Western Newfoundland
Another noticeable trend is avoiding the heat. It’s set to be another record-breaking summer, and nobody wants to be overheated. Destinations like Western Newfoundland are becoming more popular, but don’t worry. Western Newfoundland is not overcrowded, and as you can see from these images, it’s pretty spectacular.
Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially hikers. One of the coolest experiences here is walking on the earth’s mantle along the Tablelands Trail. This mantle, usually hidden deep beneath the crust (where humans live), was thrust upwards by a plate collision millions of years ago, creating a unique (and easy!) hiking trail.
Another must-do activity is to tour the Western Brook Pond Fjord. Most fjords are sea inlets, but this one is land-locked. On the BonTours boat tour, you’re surrounded by lush hanging valleys and waterfalls cascading from granite cliffs. It’s an easy 3 km walk to get to the boat, but now they offer a golf cart shuttle service for anyone with mobility issues.
How to get here? Deer Lake Regional Airport is your connection to adventure in Western Newfoundland. Situated a 30-minute drive from Gros Morne National Park, it’s serviced by Air Canada, Porter, Flair, PAL Airlines, and Westjet. Yes, there’s a direct WestJet Calgary flight running until September 4th.
Where to stay in Gros Morne?
There’s so much to see and do in Gros Morne; it really deserves its own post. In the meantime, check out Visit Gros Morne for up-to-date news on festivals, events, great restaurants and where to stay. Here are a few recommended hotels, cabins and charming inns to consider booking into:
- Neddies Harbour Inn
- Sugar Hill Inn
- Gros Morne Inn
- Bonne Bay Inn
- Ocean View Hotel
- Gros Morne Cabins
- Fisherman’s Landing Inn
- Shallow Bay Motel & Cabins
A New-ish Attraction Near Calgary
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, Barney’s Adventure Park is less than a two-hour drive from Calgary. It’s now open for the season, starting with weekends in June and daily in July and August.
This 27-acre outdoor adventure park has over 40 outdoor activities and attractions for the whole family, inspired by Drumheller’s rich paleontology, mining, and agriculture history.
Highlights include a dinosaur walk, water balloon wars, daily pig races, a mega slide, train rides, jumping pillows, a trike track, a petting zoo, and more.
Barney’s Adventure Park is not just a fun-filled family getaway; it’s also wallet-friendly. With admission rates of just $23.00 for children and adults and free for kids three and under, it’s a summer adventure that won’t break the bank.
A season pass is $49.00 and offers unlimited admission, discounts, and priority access to all special events. Season pass holders also receive 10 % off in the gift shop and 10% off all food services in the park.
I’d love to know your summer plans and if you’ve visited any of the above destinations. Please share your travels in the comment section below.
