Some travellers will be able to bypass lineups like this (at Toronto's Pearson airport) in 2012.
Photo by Roozbeh Rokni.
By Amanda Yiu
Canada and the US are taking steps to streamline border crossings for people, goods and services across their shared border via two key initiatives. (more…)
Photo by Tim Kelley
If you asked the average Canadian to name his or her dream vacation, what would you expect to hear? A safari in Kenya? Beach bumming in Brazil? A culinary tour of Italy?
Apparently, you wouldn’t be too far off the mark, with a notable exception: Walt Disney World is the second-most desirable attraction on Canadians’ wish lists, according to a recent poll covered in the Toronto Star on Friday.
Photo by shiilo75
Statistics Canada has reported that Canada’s international travel deficit reached $3.9 billion during the second quarter, up 3.1 per cent from the previous quarter.
This is attributed to Canadians spending more in the United States than Americans are spending in Canada. Canadians spent $4.8 billion in the US, while US visitors to Canada spent $1.8 billion here.
It was also noted that the rise in the US deficit coincided with a sharp uptick in travel by Canadians to the US Also possibly contributing to the rise in dollars spent down south, during the second quarter the Canadian dollar rose by 1.8 per cent to an average value of US$1.03.
Views abound at Horizons Restaurant. Photo by KK Law
Worth the trip up Burnaby Mountain, newly refurbished Horizons (pictured) is aptly named, with stunning views reaching from distant Lions Gate Bridge to the US border. Creative West Coast fare ranges from alder-wood-grilled wild salmon, seared curried Albacore tuna and abundant shellfish cioppino to dry-aged New York steak, rack of lamb with Dijon-hazelnut crust, and roasted-shallot veal reduction. Better BC and California labels figure prominently on the well-chosen wine list. Find more vista-kissed tastes at Salmon House on the Hill, Seasons in the Park and Cloud 9 Revolving Restaurant, atop Robson’s Empire Landmark Hotel.—Tim Pawsey
This Canada-inspired hoodie is a hot-ticket item from Lululemon
In just one decade, the local Lululemon has expanded from a single shop in Kitsilano to countless stores around the world. It claims to sell “yoga-inspired athletic apparel,” but women of all shapes and sizes know what it really sells: yoga pants that make butts look great. Founded by Chip Wilson of Westbeach Snowboard fame, the company also produces hoodies, gear bags, yoga mats and other apparel designed to make the wearer look and feel good while working out. A new line of Cheer Gear (pictured) sports the national colours of Sweden, Germany, the US and Canada.—Sheri Radford
Q: I am travelling to the United States next month for business and need to do work on my laptop during the flight, but with the recent attempted terrorism attack I’ve heard that travel restrictions have changed, what exactly am I allowed to bring on the plane?–Scott Maxwell, Victoria, B.C.
A: Travel restrictions have become a norm for air passengers since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The attempted terrorism attack on December 25, 2009, has introduced even more changes to security protocol and measures at airports for travel in the United States–there are now even more restrictions for carry-on items. Some of these restrictions may be temporary, but currently they are being enforced.
Carry-On Items
For air travel in Canada, you are still permitted to have one litre of liquids, gels and/or aerosols in containers 100 ml or less. These items need to be in a clear, closed and re-sealable bag. These items include but are not limited to, hand lotions, cleansers, moisturizers, suntan lotions, antibacterial gels, contact lens solution, shaving cream, perfume and cologne.
For any travel over the U.S. however, you are restricted to bringing only personal items like a small purse, camera, laptop and stroller as well as essentials that include medical devices, canes, crutches, walkers, medications or other special needs items.
For more specific, up-to-date information there are Government sites like Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the U.S.’s Transportation Security Administration you can visit that will help prepare you for your trip. It is also good to check out local airport or airline websites. WestJet, for instance, has a link on their homepage charting the new regulations.
Body Scanners
In Canada we will soon have full body scanners and behavioural screening in major airports including, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax. All passengers travelling to the U.S. from Canada will have to go through body scanners. Currently there are about 19 airports in the U.S. already using body scanners. These new procedures will increase the time it takes to get through security. Airports are recommending that you arrive three hours in advance of your flights versus the previously recommendation of 90 minutes in advance.
Do you have great photos from your travels in Canada that you'd like to share with us? Submit them to the Where Canada Flickr pool and they'll show up here.
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