Lots of good news in the travel industry

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Cruises return to Vancouver

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There’s plenty of celebrating going on in the ports of Vancouver and Victoria this week. Holland America Line announced that they’ll be calling on both cities from late spring through fall in light of new rules from the Canadian government for the safe resumption of cruising.

“The completion of this guidance by Transport Canada, Canada Border Services Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada, and port officials will allow us to sail our Alaska and Canada/New England seasons as planned,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

Vancouver is a homeport for roundtrip cruises and itineraries between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. Cruises that sail roundtrip from Seattle to Alaska call at Victoria.

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In Canada/New England, ships cruise between Montreal and Quebec City and Boston. Itineraries range from six to 24 days and call at 13 Canadian ports in Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Labrador and Prince Edward Island.

More countries drop COVID restrictions

As of March 6^,, all COVID-19 travel restrictions have been removed for travelling to the Republic of Ireland. However, all passengers who plan to transit through Ireland to visit Northern Ireland will still be required to follow the UK travel requirements, including completing an United Kingdom Passenger Locator Form.  Irish authorities have also lifted the majority of internal restrictions. Air Canada starts Vancouver-Dublin service in June.

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Effective March 1, fully vaccinated travellers to Belize will no longer require a negative COVID-19 test, but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize’s airport, land borders or sea ports.

Beginning April 1, Costa Rica will no longer require travellers to complete an online Health Pass when visiting the destination. Unvaccinated travellers also will no longer be required to purchase a travel insurance policy.

The ski season extended

Vail Resorts has announced Whistler Blackcomb will stay open until May 23.

They are also extending the 2021/22 ski and ride season across several of their resorts, weather and snow conditions permitting. The extensions includes Stevens Pass in Washington State, Heavenly and Kirkwood in Lake Tahoe, Vail Mountain in Colorado, Boston Mills in Ohio, Hunter Mountain in New York, and Mount Snow in Vermont. Additionally, Breckenridge in Colorado and will remain open through late May.

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More flights out of YVR

Air Canada recently announced new and reinstated flights from Vancouver for spring and summer. Flights from YVR to Halifax will start May 1 and flights to Austin, Texas (four per week) will start June 1.

Flights to Frankfurt will start May 1, while the Vancouver-Dublin route begins June 1 and Vancouver-Zurich starts June 17. Returning and previously announced new routes are Vancouver to Boston (daily, starting June 4), Vancouver to Sacramento (daily, starting June 1), Vancouver-Anchorage (daily, May 7), YVR-Yellowknife (daily, June 1) and Vancouver-Quebec City (three days a week, starting May 2).

Air Transat this week announced a resumption of flights from Eastern Canada to Europe, the U.S, the Caribbean and Mexico, as well as increased domestic service. Transat flights from Vancouver to both Toronto and Montreal start May 1.

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Floating sauna in Clayoquot

Tofino Resort + Marina welcomes travellers to try a remote floating sauna, in the Clayoquot Sound. The floating sauna sits in a quiet, protected corner on the territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, just a short, scenic boat ride from Tofino Resort + Marina’s Adventure Centre dock.

Hotels offering Spring Break Deals

With Spring Break just around the corner, five Marriott ski resorts and urban hotels in Canada  are offering room rates at less than $350 CAD per night. Delta Hotels Mont Sainte-Anne Resort is a winter wonderland just outside Quebec City that’s perfect for families or couples looking for skiing opportunities. Rooms from $205 per night.

For those looking for a city retreat with mountains not too far away, the Calgary Marriott Downtown has rates from $224. Guests can also enjoy skating at the hotel’s new rooftop ice rink.

Just outside of Calgary sits the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, Autograph Collection. The Olympic venue Nakiska is only minutes down the road. Rates start at $293.

Meanwhile, The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver (starting at $214) offers the ‘Winterlust’ seasonal dome dining experience at H Tasting Lounge. Featuring five Alpine-inspired domes set aglow on the waterfront patio. The Delta Hotels Whistler Village Suites has rates from $332.

Compiled by Jim Byers