According to a recent survey by National Leger Marketing, road trip plans are on the rise as 76 per cent of Canadians feel the pandemic has given them a new appreciation for the great outdoors.
The survey also found that two-thirds of Canadians feel that the pandemic has given them a greater appreciation for travel within Canada. In fact, the survey revealed when travel is permitted, nearly half are planning to take a road trip this summer, an increase of almost 10 per cent from last year’s numbers.
While the pandemic has forced nearly three quarters of Canadians to change their summer vacation plans, the survey says that 84 per cent plan to stay closer to home than usual, and 43 per cent feel this summer is the perfect time to explore Canada on a road trip.
Of those planning to take a driving holiday, two-thirds are opting for a day trip. In fact, 35 per cent of those planning a road trip will be travelling a shorter distance; between only four and six hours away from home.
Canadians are almost evenly split between new horizons and old friends. When restrictions are lifted, the majority (51 per cent) of those planning a road trip are looking forward to exploring new cities and towns, while almost as many - 43 per cent - are planning on spending time with family and friends.
The survey also revealed that Canadians are considering road trip destinations that bring them closer to nature and activities that keep them physically active. More than half (56 per cent) of Canadians embarking on a road trip this summer are planning to go hiking, with 48 per cent walking, running or rollerblading, and 46 per cent planning simple sightseeing.
Additionally, if restrictions allow, almost half (46 per cent) of Canadians surveyed plan to enjoy the outdoors while visiting with friends and family, either by picnicking or camping.
Exploring national or provincial parks is also high on the list of road trip destinations for those planning a trip, with 43 per cent planning to visit one this summer.
