As air travel becomes more and more of a hassle, couples are discovering the advantage of the close-to-home short honeymoon. Susie Miles, of Mississauga, Ont. says, “When we can get away for, say, more than seven days, we will fly. But if it’s just a five-day break, we don’t want to waste two of those days in airports.”
Travellers in British Columbia are driving south of the border to the U.S. for short car trips. Holidayers in Ontario and the Maritimes are hopping a train to Quebec City. Across the country, holiday seekers are turning to close-to-home holiday options. Toronto skiers, for example, favour Ellicottville in New York state for skiing. (The charming village’s 58 trails, 13 lifts (three high speed), four terrain parks and four glades are a worthy attraction.)
Toronto has spent two years interrupting business on its famous Bloor Street up-market shopping and dining area to polish its ambiance. The glass façade of the Royal Ontario Museum is a focal point. And Toronto’s downtown theatre district rivals anything on the continent with its many theatre and dining options.
Calgary is another case in point. The stunning skylight of the TD Square Mall covers three blocks and envelops the Devonian Gardens. The new Le Germaine boutique hotel has a restaurant that enthusiastic critics call the best in the country. This, along with the in-progress Bow skyscraper’s unusual crescent shape are just a few of the sophisticated additions in Calgary. And kudos to Calgary’s founders, who had the foresight to protect its waterfront.
A close-to-home break
Increasingly, couples are rediscovering their own city, or nearby major urban centres. They book into a hotel for a two- or three day get-away. They discover new restaurants, go to the theatre, do a little shopping, have a spa treatment, order room service so they can indulge in breakfast in bed. Sometimes they hop a tour bus to see their own city as a tourist sees it. It’s a great holiday that may be just a 30-minute drive from their home!
Seeking the tourist dollar
Cities across Canada are putting their best face forward – not just for their own residents but to attract the much-needed tourist dollar. Politicians and the private sector are working together to invest in our cities’ futures and, city by city, the results are impressive. And, as a sidebar, it has offered a bonus and an option for honeymooners who are looking for a three-, four- or five-day holiday.
