Why Ontarians Are Skipping the States and Heading to Vancouver Instead

If you’re like most Ontarians planning your next getaway, the idea of crossing the border might feel less appealing than it used to. Between the exchange rate, border wait times, rising travel costs, and the shifting political climate in the U.S., more Canadians are choosing to explore their own backyard—and Vancouver is leading the way.

A Vacation That’s Easy on the Wallet (and the Nerves)

Let’s talk numbers. As of writing, $1 USD will cost you $1.44 CAD. That means everything from meals to hotel rooms instantly becomes more expensive the second you cross the border. Factor in tipping expectations, foreign transaction fees, and added insurance costs, and your weekend getaway to New York, Las Vegas, or Chicago starts to look like a bad deal.

Choosing Vancouver lets you skip all that stress. You’re spending Canadian dollars, supporting Canadian businesses, and still getting world-class experiences without needing to convert a thing. You won’t get hit with roaming charges, and you won’t need to navigate border delays, declarations, or customs questions. It’s a smooth, domestic experience—no passport required.

Direct Flights, No Hassle

There are dozens of direct flights every day from Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton to Vancouver, and analysts are predicting that even more could be added soon. A steep decline in Canadian travel to the USA has dealt a blow to airlines, and has left them scrambling to adjust their summer schedules. Air Canada is trimming flights to the US and adding more seats to Canadian destinations, and WestJet says it’s redeploying aircraft to “markets of strength” within Canada. 

In under five hours, you can land on the West Coast, ready to explore. There’s no layover, no jet lag, and no language barriers. It’s the easiest kind of adventure—one where you don’t have to stress about logistics or adjust to new systems. You already know the currency, the customs, and the healthcare. That kind of peace of mind is hard to put a price on.

An Urban Experience Surrounded by Nature

Vancouver offers something that no U.S. city can match: a vibrant, oceanside downtown surrounded by temperate rainforest, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Within 30 minutes of the city centre, you can find yourself crossing a suspension bridge through the trees, skiing down a mountain, or relaxing on a beach.

Start your morning at a café in Kitsilano, spend the afternoon exploring the treetop walkways at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and end your day watching the sunset from the top of Cypress Mountain or along the Stanley Park Seawall. It’s this seamless blend of city life and wilderness that makes Vancouver such a rewarding destination.

Food That Feels Like a Trip Around the World (Without Leaving Canada)

Vancouver’s food scene is one of the most globally inspired in the country. Thanks to its diverse population and coastal setting, you’ll find fresh sushi, handmade pasta, Vietnamese street food, and locally caught seafood all within walking distance of your hotel.

For a special night out, try iDen & Quanjude Beijing Duck House, the only Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant in Canada. Craving a seafood feast? Book a table at Boulevard, recently named Vancouver’s Best Seafood Restaurant. And don’t skip the casual eats—Granville Island’s Public Market and neighbourhood favourites like Tacofino, Jam Café, and Lee’s Donuts deliver unforgettable flavours in low-key settings.

You’re Not Giving Something Up—You’re Gaining Something Better

Choosing Vancouver over an American city isn’t a compromise. You get stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, incredible food, and peace of mind, all without leaving the country. There’s a certain pride in knowing you’re exploring one of Canada’s most celebrated destinations. 

You’re not just travelling.

You’re reconnecting with what makes this country extraordinary.

Support Canadian Businesses and Culture

When you travel within Canada, your money stays here. That means your hotel stay supports a local staff, your dinner fuels a neighbourhood restaurant, and your admission ticket helps preserve a natural space or cultural institution. From Indigenous-owned galleries to local fashion brands and artisans, your travel decisions have a direct, positive impact.

Ready for the West Coast?

Whether you’re planning your summer vacation, a quick spring break, or a family adventure, Vancouver offers everything you’re looking for—without the complications of going abroad. For Ontarians looking to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with Canada’s natural beauty and urban vibrancy, there’s simply no better option in 2025.

It’s time to skip the border, not the adventure. See you on the West Coast.