I travelled 10,000 kilometres across Canada by train. It was the most eye-opening way to learn about this vast country
I'm here to start my own epic trip across the country, which will take me from coast to coast to coast entirely by rail. I'll spend a month travelling approximately 10,000 kilometres on Via Rail, from Halifax to Prince Rupert, B.C., with a not-so-quick detour to the frozen shores of Hudson Bay in northern Manitoba.
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Cision Canada
4 hours ago
- Cision Canada
MEDIA ADVISORY - WestJet to announce winter 2025/2026 schedule with new routes from Calgary
CALGARY, AB, July 4, 2025 /CNW / - Media are invited to join WestJet and the YYC Calgary International Airport Authority on Monday, July 7, 2025, for an announcement regarding the airline's 2025/2026 winter schedule. A celebration will take place at the domestic check-in area near the "A" concourse, with remarks from key airline, business and community partners including John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, WestJet Balazs Bogats, Chief Commercial Officer, YYC Calgary International Airport Darren Reeder, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Industry Association of Alberta Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs, WestJet When: July 7, 2025 8:00 a.m. - Media registration 8:30 a.m. – Formal remarks 9:00 a.m. – Media availability Where: Domestic check-in area (A concourse), YYC Calgary International Airport, 2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W5 Parking: Designated media parking is available across from Door 1 on the Departures level, which is very close to the "A" concourse where the event will take place. Additional media parking is also available on Departures level near Door 12. Any vehicles that aren't branded with media identifiers should display credentials clearly on the dashboard for Curb Patrol Officers to see (business cards are an acceptable form of identification). Day of contact information: Jennifer Booth Senior Manager, Media & Public Relations, WestJet 368-992-6691 Media are kindly asked to RSVP to [email protected] at their earliest convenience. About WestJet WestJet took to the skies in 1996 with just over 200 employees and three aircraft operating service to five destinations. Since then, WestJet has pioneered low-cost travel in Canada, cutting airfares in half, and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Following integration with Sunwing in 2025, more than 14,000 WestJetters support nearly 200 aircraft and connect guests to more than 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. As a major Canadian employer that includes WestJet Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group is Canada's leading low-cost airline and largest vacation provider, with a united purpose of providing affordable and accessible air and vacation travel to Canadians. Learn more about WestJet at (also available in French) Follow WestJet on Facebook at Follow WestJet on X at and Follow WestJet on Instagram at
Global News
9 hours ago
- Global News
‘Worst year we've had': Maine tourism industry worried about U.S.-Canada political tension
This is Part 2 of a series looking at the impact of U.S.-Canada political tensions in Maine. Part 1 took a look at how the tourism industry is coping and why some Canadian tourists are still making the trip across the border. On a hot, sunny weekend ahead of the Canada Day and Fourth of July holidays, the beaches at Old Orchard Beach, Maine, were busy. But while visitors were perusing the storefronts and attractions, longtime business owners in the popular tourist town knew something was off. 'It's like 50 per cent (drop-off) because not too many Canadians,' said storeowner Moshe Agam, who has run Beach Fantasy Boutique for more than four decades. 'Very bad, no business, no Canadians, no business. Very tough.' The town's chamber of commerce estimates Canadians make up 30 to 40 per cent of its average revenue for its seasonal tourism industry. Story continues below advertisement Agam said this tourist season has already had a challenging start, thanks to rainy weather and economic concerns. Those factors, combined with political tensions with Canada, have had a devastating impact, he added. 'Look at me, I'm by myself. The store is empty. Usually it's supposed to be booming in here right now,' Agam said as he gestured with his hands in exasperation. 'The worst year we've had. We've never had a year like that, even worse than COVID.' View image in full screen Old Orchard Beach, Maine, relies heavily on Canadian tourism. Anna Mandin/Global News The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show five straight months of declining travel to the United States from Canada. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy In May, 1.3 million Canadians made a return trip by car from the U.S. — a drop of 38.1 per cent compared with the same month in 2024. Story continues below advertisement Just a month earlier, there was a decline of 35.2 per cent compared with April 2024, with 1.2 million return trips. Air travel also saw a decline in May, with Statistics Canada reporting Canadian return trips fell 24.2 per cent compared with the same month in 2024. 2:11 Popular tourist town in Maine seeing drop in Canadian visitors In another part of Maine near the New Brunswick border, those working at Market Pizza in Houlton are noticing fewer Canadians through the doors, too. The border town has a strong relationship with its New Brunswick neighbours, but tariffs and President Donald Trump's '51st state' rhetoric have strained even the closest friendships. 'It's a little more difficult coming across the border, and also more importantly, there's just some question to how they will be perceived,' Jamie Cianci of Market Pizza said when asked why she thought fewer New Brunswickers were stopping by. Story continues below advertisement Maine Gov. Janet Mills travelled to the Maritime provinces last week to smooth over relations, speaking with the premiers and officials. During an event organized by the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, Mills told the crowd that Trump's words are not those of the American people, and that many of them were 'appalled' when the president called for Canada to become the 51st state. She indicated that she wants to strengthen Maine's relationship with Canada, especially when it comes to tourism and business. New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt felt otherwise. 'I think New Brunswickers are happy to welcome Americans right now, but things will have to change significantly in the U.S. for us to feel good about choosing to go spend our money there right now,' Holt said on June 24. For businesses and tourism operators in Maine, the welcome mat is already rolled out. 'When they're not here, you can feel the difference,' Agam said about Canadians. 'They're welcome any time.' Down the street, about a minute's walk away, the restaurant manager at Johnny Shucks Maine Lobster shares that sentiment. Anthony Pearson said it's 'taking a little longer' to see Canadians in town this summer, and he hopes people will leave politics out of their travel plans. Story continues below advertisement 'Just leave that between the politicians and just do what you normally do,' he said. 1:45 'Don't be a stranger': Maine governor trying to woo back Maritime neighbours — with a file from Sean Previl
Vancouver Sun
a day ago
- Vancouver Sun
Canadians continue to avoid U.S. travel plans amid trade tensions
Some Canadians are willing to reconsider travelling to the U.S. amid the global trade turmoil unleashed by Washington but still remain hesitant, a new survey suggests. Around a third said they would mull a trip across the border if relations with the U.S. improve — but most harbour lingering concerns. The poll showed worries over the political climate in the U.S. and a desire to protest against the Trump administration's tariffs are the main reasons for Canadian hesitancy, even if diplomatic relations improve. Four in 10 (40 per cent) said they would avoid journeying south due to doubts about the political climate and public safety. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. A similar proportion ( 36 per cent) cited their desire to make a political statement by avoiding American vacations. A full 33 per cent said they simply did not feel safe or welcome in the United States, despite efforts by snowbird cities such as Palm Springs to encourage Canadians to return . Fewer than four in 10 told pollsters they are more likely to visit the U.S. amid lower tariffs (35 per cent), a strengthening Canadian dollar (38 per cent) , or a significant boost in Canada-U.S. relations (37 per cent). Younger Canadians, aged 18 to 24, were more inclined to give our southern neighbours a break, with 47 per cent saying they would head stateside if a trade deal were reached and 48 per cent saying they would consider a U.S. journey if relations were smoothed over. 'The diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Canada seem to have left a mark on many Canadians, illustrating how symbolic travel can be,' said FlightHub's Ayoub Hissar. 'It shows that consumers make travel decisions based not just on safety, which has been a long-standing driver, but also on broader economic and political considerations.' The survey from Earnscliffe Omni for FlightHub polled 1,529 adult Canadians on June 13-15 through the Léger LEO panel. 'Travel is much more than leisure,' Hissar added. 'For some it's a form of engagement. So, it is interesting to observe that improved diplomatic tensions would convince approximately a third of Canadians to reconsider travel to the U.S., while for others, more time and deeper repair might be necessary.'
