Are Canadians Warming Up To A Winter Vacation?

Long stretches of cold temperatures, freezing rain and power outages; it seems that Canadians have experienced it all this winter. We couldn't help but ponder how those in the Great White North are handling the winter blues, and why they are and are not choosing to pack their bags to head somewhere warm.

The results of our eNation survey conducted in March 2014 show that half (53%) find it hard to endure the winter in Canada and can't wait for it to be over. Disliking winter is more common among those who go somewhere warm for vacation. It is also particularly higher among females and residents from Ontario and Quebec. Those on the West Coast are more likely to say they don't mind the winters that they experience.

Canadians also know the importance of recharging, and there's no better way to do that than by just getting away from it all. But surprisingly, 86% indicate that they have not taken a vacation somewhere warm between November and February. This number is higher among those in the Atlantic and those who make under $40,000.

Even with spring here, there remains an opportunity to sell vacations to those who have already been on one this year. When asked whether they had planned to travel somewhere warm before the winter ended, two in ten indicate that they may do so. Of those who plan to vacation in March or April, 47% have already travelled somewhere warm and are planning their second trip, while 53% have not travelled anywhere yet.

So what's making Canadians toss their toques and parkas for shades and swimsuits? When asked about their travel objectives, six in ten describe their number one reason as looking for some warmth, while five in ten cited relaxing on the beach. Females are more likely to be looking for warmth (65%) or to relax on the beach (58%) than males. Among those who take multiple trips, priorities begin to change. They are more likely to be going for a change of pace (57%) or a cultural experience (40%) than those who will only take one trip this year: 49% and 29%, respectively.

We also found that some Canadians have decided to keep their passport and suitcases tucked away this year. When asked about their main reason for not travelling somewhere warm, half (51%) attribute it to budget constraints. Lacking the wherewithal is more strongly correlated with lower incomes, 18-54 year olds and females. Click here to download our entire study, with detailed graphs and charts.