Vancouver ranks as the top domestic city being booked this year, according to new survey results released by First in Service Travel LTD (F1S) – one of North America’s largest independent travel agencies.
Nearly half (47.8%) of F1S advisors in Canada named Vancouver as one of the top three destinations they are booking this year, with Montreal (39.1%), Toronto (26%), Whistler (21.7%) and St. John’s (17.4%) rounding out the top five. St. John’s place on the list is buoyed by Newfoundland’s ranking as the number one “under the radar” destination in Canada.
In the survey, F1S travel advisors were asked to name the top three domestic destinations they are booking for 2023. Among provinces, British Columbia once again ranked first with 60.8% naming it or a specific destination within it, including Vancouver (47.8%), Whistler (21.7%), and Tofino (4.3%), as well as experiences including Rocky Mountaineer (8.7%).
Beyond British Columbia, the other top provinces include Quebec (39.1%, with Montreal and Quebec City named), Alberta (34.8%, with Banff, Calgary and Lake Louise all named), Ontario (30.4%, with Toronto and Ottawa named), and Newfoundland (17.4%).
“It’s been said that a bad day in Vancouver is still better than a good day anywhere else, and it’s that vibe that keeps it at the pinnacle of travelers’ must-see Canadian destinations,” noted F1S CEO Fernando Gonzalez,. “Surrounded by spectacular scenery, it’s no wonder this sophisticated world-class city continues attracting our clients, including those embarking on luxury cruise and train itineraries.”
“The geographic destinations named by our F1S advisors across Canada is truly coast to coast, stretching from British Columbia to Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, along with so many exceptional destinations in between,” added Willa Griffin, who leads F1S Canada. “So many advisors shared how their clients remain interested in experiencing the wide range of options our immense country offers, all while using the Canadian dollar.”
“Western Canada is always a tourist attraction, summer or winter,” stated F1S advisor Claudia Chad. “For families, there is so much to see and do including lots of activities, especially outdoors, and fantastic scenery. Plus, Canadians are trying to maximize value for money so paying in CAD is a bonus.”
When F1S advisors were asked to name the top “under the radar” destination they are booking most across Canada, Newfoundland topped all others with 17.4% with its Fogo Island being specifically cited.
“Newfoundland has beautiful scenery and lots of interesting excursions,” stated F1S advisor Christina Gula. “It’s perfect for hiking and seeing glaciers, plus the people are very friendly and there are lots of great restaurants.”