Canadians love the beach. And “The Beach” – the nickname adopted by Myrtle Beach, is a huge favourite. This popular destination has been attracting snowbirds and winter escape artists for decades. They love its fine weather, southern hospitality, year-round world-class golf (and mini golf), low-country cuisine, shopping, and, of course, the famed Can-Am Days in March, an annual celebration of the connection between Canada and the South Carolina city.

The 64th Annual Can-Am Days (CanAmDays.com) will take place in March 2025 during Ontario’s winter break, and, as always, will feature special events and deals specifically for Canadians.

Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 100 km. along the northeast coast of the state. And while return visitors will still find a multitude of favourite venues, attractions, and activities, there is a lot new in Myrtle Beach that is helping attract a brand-new audience as well.

Bob Harris, Executive VP Group Sales at Visit Myrtle Beach, says that since the pandemic, the destination has seen a steady flow of multi-generational travellers, including parents eager to introduce their kids to the place they visited as children.

As for Canadians, Harris says Canadian visitations have recovered to pre-pandemic levels, including the annual snowbird migration that helps fill area hotels. But he’s quick to add, that Canadians (especially golfers who come in spring and fall) are now are inclined to visit year-round, not just in the traditional January-March period.

Harris laughs that an EV charging station outside the Visit Myrtle Beach office is a bell weather for Canadians. “We see that a lot are discovering Myrtle Beach for the first time, and are looking for something different from Florida. And a lot are doing it because it’s still very affordable here.

“People forget that we have as many rooms as Las Vegas, and that creates a very large supply, particularly during the colder months. So, that’s a great opportunity for the Canadians and they get great value here.”

He adds that for those going for an extended stay, there are plenty of rooms with kitchenettes, washers and dryers, etc. “So, it’s almost like having your own condos on some of the properties.”

And while many Canadians often to return to their own favourite hotel year after year, plenty of new product was built (or renovated) during and after the pandemic, creating a host of new lodging options.

Upcoming highlights include a new Doubletree and Tapestry by Hilton resort, and two new Margaritavilles.

Along with an expanding boardwalk and new attractions and activities, Harris, enthuses, “there is just so much stuff going on! But we have to do that to keep visitors’ attention. They want to see the old, but they also want to see new experiences too!”

Here’s a look:

Beyond the beach

 The Great Outdoors: Myrtle Beach boasts over 215 sunny days a year with an average temperature of 25 degrees C. It is easy to get outside and explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the Grand Strand when the weather is perfect! Kayak through the protected creek in Murrells Inlet through saltwater marshes at Huntington Beach State Park. Or bike along the 16-km-long Waccamaw Neck Bikeway. For a thrilling adventure, hop aboard ajet ski and cruise around the Intracoastal Waterway.

• Small coastal towns: There are 14 charming communitiesthat make up the Grand Strand, all with their unique vibes. Take a day to explore these towns and experience small-town America and the welcoming hospitality. Drive just up the road to Conway,  where you will find the Horry County Museum, filled with the history of the region, as well as quaint shops and restaurants along the iconic Riverwalk, a boardwalk on the Waccamaw River. Or visit Murrells Inlet, called the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina” for the many boats that bring fresh seafood to the local restaurants. Take a stroll along the MarshWalk and take in the beauty of the saltwater marsh, then stop in for lunch or dinner at one of the eight local restaurants offering picturesque outdoor dining.
• Rich history: The Grand Strand offers a rich history that dates back hundreds of years. Travel back in time at Hopsewee Plantation, located just south of Myrtle Beach in Georgetown, SC. Hopsewee Plantation, built in the mid-1700s, was the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Then, in the heart of Myrtle Beach, explore Charlie’s Place, a night club owned by Charlie Fitzgerald and his wife, Sarah, where famous musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Billie Holiday performed.
• Southern hospitality: There’s nothing quite like the city’s southern hospitality! Myrtle Beach is known for its simple way of life and resident who are friendly and fun, and eager to make new friends. Myrtle Beach is an eclectic community that thrives on classic beach living and the personalities of the people who love Myrtle Beach.
• Endless entertainment: There’s always a live show to enjoy in the Myrtle Beach area. With classics like the Alabama Theatre and The Carolina Opry, every show you see will feature world-class performers. Enjoy dinner and a show at Pirates Voyage or Medieval Times. Many of these theatres perform multiple shows a day as well as feature holiday-themed shows in November and December. Myrtle Beach also features an excellent art museum that offers rotating art exhibits from popular artists from around the world.
• Family-friendly attractions: Various attractions and shows are yet another key part of what makes the Myrtle Beach area so great. Whether checking out the incredible musical talents at one of the various shows along the Grand Strand or enjoying some family time at one of the 50 or so mini golf course, or taking in incredible views from the SkyWheel, fun is always guaranteed.
• Great golf: The Myrtle Beach area is home to more than 90 golf courses and more than 3 million rounds of golf are played annually along the Grand Strand – making the region the most popular golf destination in the world and popularly named “The Golf Capital of the World.”
• PopStroke: Tiger Woods recently brought his restaurant, bar and golf putting course, PopStroke, to Broadway at The Beach, a preeminent entertainment, retail and dining venue in Myrtle Beach. The locale offers an 18-hole, 5,000-sq.m. miniature golf course designed by Woods, as well as a 1,000-sq.-m. clubhouse and 350 sq.-m. playground.
• Restaurants: With over 2,000 restaurant options, the choices are endless. From chef driven, locally owned, culinary masterpieces to the national chains that are always a fan favourite, no one leaves The Beach hungry.

Getting there

Driving is a popular means of reaching Myrtle Beach from Eastern Canada, but there are no direct flights from Canada at the moment, a situation Harris says the destination is working to remedy. Air Canada, however, offers service to Charleston, about 90 minutes away.

Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach Airport has recently broken ground on a US$91-million expansion and is “one of the easiest airports you’ll ever fly into,” says Harris. Further, it’s a downtown airport, “not way far out of town.”

Summer events:

The following annual summer traditions highlight the vibrant community and unique charm of Myrtle Beach:

• Conway Riverfest (June 29): Located in downtown Conway along the Waccamaw River, this annual festival has been happening since 1980 and features live entertainment, an artisan market, delicious food, fireworks and activities for kids.
• Music on Main (Every Thursday through Sept.): Enjoy live music every Thursday on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, the home of the Shag dance. The perfect place to enjoy local bands in a fun, outdoor setting.
• Surfside Beach Hula and Fire Show (Every Monday through Aug.): Experience the magic of Hawaiian culture with hula and fire dancers performing every Thursday evening in Surfside Beach. This free, hour-long event is great for families and offers a unique cultural experience.
• Summerfest! At Barefoot Landing (Through Aug. 26): Experience a variety of nightly entertainment, including music, comedy shows, strolling performers and fireworks. This annual summer celebration at Barefoot Landing showcases both new talents and returning favorites, ensuring a memorable evening for all.
• Broadway’s Summer Nights (Through 3-Aug. 25): Enjoy a variety of exciting performances, including fire dancers, stilt walkers and live entertainment, along with character appearances and a spectacular weekly fireworks show.
• Summer Light: Art by Night (Select nights through Aug.): Wander through Brookgreen Gardens and experience stunning art installations illuminated after dark. This event features a magical blend of art and light, creating a unique and enchanting evening.
• Fourth of July Celebrations: Enjoy patriotic events and breathtaking firework displays at various locations on July 4, including Surfside Beach, Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, the MarshWalk, and the Cherry Grove Pier.
• Aquarium: Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach has announced a partnership with Nintendo’s beloved game, ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons.’ As the first stop on Nintendo’s national aquarium tour, Ripley’s will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to aquarium guests and gamers through to Aug. 11.
• Waves of Praise Gospel Festival (Aug. 30-31): Held in downtown Myrtle Beach at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, this soulful and uplifting festival over Labour Day weekend features inspiring gospel music performances from renowned artists.

Accolades

• Readers Digest included Myrtle Beach in a list of “35 Must-Visit Destinations to Experience the Ultimate 4th of July Weekend Getaway” naming it the best for old-school boardwalk fun.
• Condé Nast Traveler included Myrtle Beach in a list of “10 Affordable Places to Travel in the US” noting that here you’ll get the most bang for your buck as it’s the “perfect place to go when you want to balance beachy views with budget-friendly prices.”
• Myrtle Beach was listed on Travel + Leisure’s list of the “15 most affordable places to travel in the US in August” and Travel Noire’s list of “15 destinations for kid-friendly summer vacations enjoyable for the whole family.”
• TripAdvisor released its top summer destinations and Myrtle Beach was #2 with Las Vegas #1 – in other words top US beach destination for summer!
• Hilton reported that Myrtle Beach was a top trending summer destination per Hilton data, coming in at #5 on their list – based on searches on Hilton.com for past 90 days.

For more information, visit www.myrtlebeach.ca or contact Pulse Travel Marketing, Canadian representatives for Myrtle Beach at info@pulsecommunications.ca.