Montreal, July 22, 2019 – Air Transat, recently named the World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for a second straight year, is pleased to invite Canadians to explore their own backyard. Domestic travel is already a popular option, with Canadians accounting for 78% of tourist dollars spent in their country in 2018^[1]. And with the myriad options afforded by flights to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, travellers can get a taste of adventure without crossing the border.

Scenic west coast 

Who has never dreamed of swimming in the turquoise waters of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake in the heart of Banff National Park? The nature reserve welcomes 25% of all visitors to Canadian parks^[2]. It’s brimming with towering peaks, dense forests and lakes whose colours are almost surreal. In short, it’s every nature lover’s dream. Nestled in the spectacular Rockies, this stunning park is less than two hours from Calgary by car, making the journey all the more appealing. Air Transat offers daily flights between Toronto and Calgary as well as four direct flights a week between Montreal and Calgary, making the iconic location easily accessible.

Meanwhile, British Columbia boasts landscapes of a different nature on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Tofino, on Vancouver Island, is one of the most beautiful spots in Canada for discovering the joys of surfing and salmon fishing.

Dyed-in-the-wool urbanites will fall for Vancouver’s many attractions: the Gastown Steam Clock, Granville Island’s food shops, restaurants and market, and rides in water taxis. To get to Vancouver, travellers can choose among Air Transat’s daily direct flights from Toronto, five direct flights a week from Montreal and three direct flights a week from Calgary.

From Niagara-on-the-Lake to the St. Lawrence Seaway

A two-hour drive south from Toronto around Lake Ontario takes visitors back to colonial times in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Known for its theatre festival and thriving wine and fruit production, the charming village is one of the area’s highlights. And while there, it would be almost unthinkable not to visit the famous Niagara Falls— they alone are worth the trip. Then, to the north of Lake Ontario lie the dunes and beaches of the Sandbanks Provincial Park. Their soft sands rival those of any beach down south.

How about the attractions of cosmopolitan Toronto? The metropolis boasts an infinite number of landmarks and activities, such as the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, gastronomy in the Distillery District and Chinatown, and sandy shores of the Beaches area. In other words, there’s something for everyone. It’s not surprising that with so much to do, Ontario is the province most visited by Canadians^[3].

Come summer, people flock to Montreal for its free outdoor festivals, its outstanding epicurean options ranging from food trucks to star-rated restaurants and, of course, its pulsating nightlife. With its numerous green spaces and parks, the largest French‑speaking city in North America is also a hit with families.

Finally, a visit to Quebec City, the provincial capital, is a must. Dominated by Château Frontenac and the St. Lawrence River, which flows into the gulf of the same name, the old city’s European charm creates a fairy‑tale setting for a romantic getaway.

Air Transat offers daily direct flights between Toronto and Montreal and four weekly direct flights between Montreal and Quebec City.

Tips for Canadian travel

Experience Transat is a great way for people to find out everything Canada has to offer. The blog is by and for globetrotters with a passion for new adventures. It’s filled with personal stories, must-see places, tour ideas, activities and inspiring stories.

Anyone planning a trip to Western Canada will be inspired by the blogs on Vancouver’s top five under $50, and Alberta, the Canadian Eden to find out more about the natural wonders of Banff National Park.

For a memorable stay in the Queen City, why not read the posts on the five best museums in Toronto or ten not-to-miss musical venues in Toronto ?

As for la Belle Province, ideas abound with blogs about a girls’ Montreal weekend guide and a foodie road trip around Québec’s Île d’Orléans.

Air Transat’s flights within Canada (until the end of October)

About Air Transat

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries in the Americas and Europe, offers domestic and connecting flights within Canada, and carries some 5 million passengers every year. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company specializing in holiday travel and offering vacation packages, hotel stays and air travel. Transat was awarded Travelife certification in 2018 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development. Based in Montreal, it has 5,000 employees.

Recent distinctions and awards

• Named World’s Best Leisure Airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards
• Voted Best Tour Operator and Favourite Overall Supplier at the Agents’ Choice Awards presented by Baxter Travel Media
• Voted Best Airline and Best Tour Operator at the Trophées Uni-Vers awards organized by the Association des Agents de Voyages du Québec
• Ranked among Canada’s Best Employers and first among airlines on Forbes magazine’s list