Victoria sees boost in Spring Break visits amid trade war

There's demand for travel to Victoria this Spring Break from Canadians and Americans as a trade war with the U.S. continues and the Canadian dollar weakens.

The Greater Victoria Hotel Association indicates Spring Break bookings for travel to the region is seeing strong demand from Canadian and American visitors – as a trade war with the U.S. continues and the Canadian dollar weakens.

“We’re seeing good numbers from Canada and the United States right now, which is amazing,” says GVHA chairperson, Bill Lewis. “The dollar is certainly helping us attract Americans particularly from our close neighbouring states where we’re, you know, for decades and centuries happy to have them visit.”

Victoria’s inner harbour was bustling with visitors snapping pictures and strolling downtown sites on the first day of Spring Break, March 17.

“We wanted to travel somewhere in Canada this year and we had come to Victoria a couple times before 2018 and had lots of fun, so we wanted to visit again since it had been so long,” says Shawna Sache. Her family, including two kids Isla and Gaige, are visiting from Rosedale, B.C.

“It’s really fun,” says Isla.

“We’re going to the museum. The bug museum,” adds Gaige.

Another family from Mission says it was never a consideration to travel south of the border this year.

“No! Not for a second,” exclaims Graeme Macrury. “I wouldn’t want to go because of the dollar. And I wouldn’t want to go because of the pumpkin man.”

The sentiment appears widespread nationally. In February, Statistics Canada data showed the number of Canadian return trips crossing the U.S. border by vehicle totalled 1.2 million, which is down 23 per cent year-over-year.

“It reminds me of just after covid, where we weren’t allowed across the border and Canadians kind of rediscovered their backyard,” says Prince of Whales sales and marketing manager, Nick Coutinho.

The sightseeing business says pre-bookings are up compared to last year, which is a strong sign for peak summer tourism. Its big boats launch for the season March 28.

“We used to open in April and it’s gone back and back and back, but we’re trepidatious as well. So only time will tell to see how many people show up and what kind of demand we have starting that weekend,” says Coutinho.

According to the hotel association, March isn’t historically a big draw for “Spring Breakers.” The chairperson says people tend to go to sunnier destinations since it can still be cold, but there’s been a shift since the COVID-19 pandemic in demand from regional markets.

“It’s good. It’s good for business. Keeps us busy in the off-season, stretches the off-season a little longer which really keeps employment maximized,” says Lewis.

A group of high school students visiting from Surrey say they thought Victoria was the right choice – calling it close enough to be feasible, and far enough for a trip.

“I feel very patriotic when I’m here. The Canadian flags and the parliament buildings and stuff: It’s awesome,” says Sidney Fleurie.

“I’ve been trying to buy as much Canadian as I can,” adds her friend Hayden Carbino.

A third named Shree Balaji says, “I think it’s good to keep tourism here and kind of boost the economy a bit too, because with tariffs they’re trying to increase their GDP.”