Hotwire.com, a leading discount travel site,announced the 10 most popular destinations for Canadian travellers over Family Day 2013. This year, domestic destinations are rising in popularity, with six of the top ten cities residing in Canada compared to four out of ten in 2012. The biggest winners are Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
“Nothing cements the bonds between family members quite like having a new experience together,” said Pierre-Etienne Chartier, vice president of the Hotwire Group. “This Family Day weekend, whether you’re planning to stay close to home or travel internationally, we encourage more families to take advantage of the long weekend to get out and explore together. And with comparatively low prices during the winter season, we hope that getaways will be feasible for families on any budget.”
Headlining this year’s list of top destinations is Toronto, up one spot from last year. With an abundance of affordable, and even free, family-friendly activities, it’s no surprise that travellers have set their sights on The Queen City. Visitors can spend the day on the waterfront taking in a dog show or check out the Ice Festival to experience a whimsical frozen art display. Meanwhile, Ottawa, up six spots at number two on the list, also plans to host a Family-Day-specific event where kids and adults alike can experience the famed Funatorium Explorium together. New York comes in as the most popular international destination at number three, and it offers plenty of family fun as well; take the kids to the Bryant Park Zoo, share a delicious sweet treat at Serendipity 3 on the Upper East Side, or head over to the Intrepid Museum for Kids Week. Rounding out the top five are the ever-popular Montreal and Vancouver.
Rank
Hotel Market
Average Nightly Rates on Hotwire*
1.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
$88
2.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
$89
3.
New York City, New York
$125
4.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
$83
5.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
$94
6.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
$85
7.
Orlando, Florida
$64
8.
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
$101
9.
Las Vegas, Nevada
$89
10.
Chicago, Illinois
$87
Edmonton, Quebec City, and Chicago are newcomers to the list this year, and it’s easy to see why. Edmonton will be offering Family Day fun at the Muttart Conservatory where kids can take drumming lessons, create a musical instrument, and witness the wonders of an on-site magician. Quebec City, on the other hand, also serves up plenty of family entertainment. From the Aquarium Du Quebec to historic Battlefields Park, there’s something to suit all types of family travel styles. And for those visiting Chicago, the ice skating rink on historic Wrigley Field is one of countless ways to enjoy some winter time fun.
