CTV offers up some of the findings carried in a Tourism Association of Canada report on the “crisis” in the industry that took “a year and a half to create”;
suggested fixes include:
* reducing costs to the Canadian aviation sector;
* securing approved destination status from China; and,
* enhancing government-owned tourism properties like national parks and museums.
CTV’s online readers’ suggested fixes took considerably less time;
“Maybe the anti-American locals who leave snide notes and key US cars might consider the repercussions of their actions. The Internet is rife with such stories, discouraging other Americans from venturing north – and return visits from these same offended tourists.”
“A WEEKEND in Northern Ontario, Muskoka or Great Wolf Lodge is about the same as a WEEK in in an all-inclusive Caribbean. Where would you go?”
“Out in Tofino for example, a site to pitch a tent is $55 a night, if you buy their wood and want a modest 4-5 hour camp fire, add another $35. Park fee’s a day, $10. Ferry to get over there, $70.”
“I would love to stay in Canada and travel but when I can spend $45 on a hotel in the US compared to $120 here in Canada the math is simple. Plus I can fill up for about $20 less. Why would anyone in the US right now want to come up to Canada, with their economy the way it is to pay extra for hotels and gas, you don’t need 2 years to figure this out.”
“All the American bashing is finally having an impact. Chickens are coming home to roost. If you continue to pass moral judgement on your biggest trading partner… Mayor Miller should be the poster child for the tourism colapse.”
Yup. It’s why I do so much of my dog showing in the US right now. Not only is the competition keener, but it’s cheaper than showing in Canada – a fact that’s driven home the first time you’re charged 25 cents for filling your travel mug with coffee.
remember Ontario re-elected her- now they whine like a dog tied to a hayrack because there arent any yankee tourists. ontario deserves every backhand slap it gets for every forehand one it hands out. Creten (small town cheap) is the same.
the Story of Carolyn Parrish
. On her way out of a meeting, Parrish was overheard on a boom mike saying “Damn Americans, I hate the bastards.” She later told the media that her comments were directed towards George W. Bush and his administration and not the American people as a whole. Members of the opposition Canadian Alliance party called for her to be punished by then Liberal leader and Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, but no punishment occurred.
After the widespread media attention on this incident, she remained popular in her home riding. After electoral redistribution leading up to the 2004 election, she faced fellow Liberal MP Steve Mahoney in a nomination battle and narrowly won. She was re-elected with 54% of the vote in the general election, against 32% for her Conservative opponent.
In August 2004, Parrish again created controversy by referring to those supporting the North American missile defence proposal as “a coalition of the idiots”, mocking the phrase “coalition of the willing” used by Bush describing the American-led alliance in the invasion of Iraq. Paul Martin, who had succeeded Chrétien as Prime Minister, asked her to use more tact and discretion when sharing her opinions about such subjects but stopped short of asking her to apologize.
Following the November U.S. election, she expressed shock at the re-election of George W. Bush. She said that “America is completely out of touch with the rest of the free world” and blamed this on collective “extreme psychological damage” due to the September 11, 2001 attacks. When Conservative Party members called on her to apologize for these remarks she said that such comments “are in the best traditions of free speech and independence of thought.” These comments came just hours after Paul Martin warned his MPs in a private caucus meeting not to make incendiary comments in the wake of the U.S. election. Parrish explained that she wasn’t at the meeting, but that even if she had been, it wouldn’t have stopped her from speaking her mind.
Isn’t it amazing that these intolerant US bashers are often the same people that preach tolerance towards fundamental Muslims?
As an American, let me speak up for Canadians. I visit Canada every couple of years or so, usually in the West -— I have relatives in rural BC (Okanagan/Similkameen area — mostly ranchers), used to have relatives in Calgary (Americans in oil business) and friends in BC and Ontario.
The drop in the American dollar compared to the Canadian does make it more expensive to go nowadays, but I must say that I have never experienced overt hostility as an American.
Once or twice, maybe a whiff of “you knuckle-dragging gun-loving Americans” but just a whiff. The most prejudiced, not surprisingly, were former American draft-dodgers of the Vietnam era, like the guy running the used bookstore in Nelson, BC. (I suppose the less-bitter ones went home after Jimmy Carter gave them amnesty.)
Never saw or heard of any vandalism to cars with American license plates.
The level of service in stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. always seemed comparable to that at home.
I used to stay overnight in prov. parks a lot — in the 1980s-90s. If the prices have shot up, thanks for the warning.
As for French Canada, I can’t say, but I do have a conference to attend in Montreal in 2009, so I suppose I will find out.
I spoke with a friend of mine here in Saskatoon recently…he owns a small construction business. He insisted that we need to trade with China MUCH MORE, as the US is ripping us off all the time.
I was dumbfounded. His wife was quietly shaking her head, so I know at least one of them has brains.
Of course, I have a soft spot for our American friends, they pick up our wounded in Afghanistan for us (we can’t), and the Marines are fighting beside us there now.
My kids are going to the US once they’re done school, taking our name and efforts to a real country.
What we need is a new tourism slogan! That would fix things right up.
“Canada: World Class Third World” has a certain ring to it.
Here in Grey/Bruce we have seen the steady decline in US tourists for years, More noticebly the past few. We would see tourist make the trip north up the Bruce Penninsula to catch the MS Chi-Cheemaun from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island in order to go this route to S.S.Marie. While in the area many would stop here in Owen Sound on the edge of Georgian Bay to Sunning on the sandy shores of Sauble Beach on lake huron, or explore the Bruce Trail or have a scenic trip around Flower Pot Island before boarding the ferry. Quite often staying over in the provincial parks or at local motel.
Now we see more Toronto people who have never been to the area mainly because of the traffic on the 400N to the high desity or cost of the Muskoka’s. With the high cost of fuel are we going to see even this traffic, Who Knows? My business is on hwy 6 north just on the outskirts of Owen Sound, If the lack of traffic may 24 weekend was any indication(regardless of the weather,never stopped them before) i would say the tourist oriented & seasonal business’s in the area are going to suffer, Don’t matter if its a Canadian or american traveller.
I might add that i have not seen any hatred in this area towards our American friends, Even our local legion here has a sister branch in Miamisburg Ohio and they go back & forth yearly on trips of friendship. I would say there is more disgust for people from toronto, That have moved here. In fact the liberals have been bringing in the high profile boys for fund raisers and have targeted the 2 conservative ridings. They(liberals) have even said the reason is because of torontonians retiring up here, so they figure us hicks are easy pickings.
Read the comments in the ctv article there is even one that blames the Government for Not implementing Kyoto & for social changes as reason the drop in tourists.
My guesstimate, for the Kingston area, over the past 20 years or so, is that has been mostly elitist arseholes associated with our local university.
And the sad thing is, they fly our flag all over the place, including their local PBS station, and they truly feel that we are almost brothers.
I know one thing for sure. I can relate more with an upstate New Yorker than I can with a pequiste.
BrianR
Having lived in “The Sound” many years ago and subsequently in Meaford for awhile, I can only sympathize with you when the Tranna people decide to come to town.In my opinion, they have destroyed
beautiful towns in Ontario with their holier than thou attitudes and yuppy pursuits. One acquaintance of mine purchased a farm house near Meaford and leased his land to a local farmer, only to complain to the farmer that he didn’t like the “cows” being close to his home.
Canadians should clean up their act before complaining about our US friends.
Having visited approximately 80% of US states, and having just returned, last week, from a 16 state roadtrip, I have to agree with ET regarding ‘attractions’; things that are considered ‘special’ in Canada are generally commonplace, and often unheralded, in the States, (trails, lakes, rivers, etc, etc).
Just one example of costs, before leaving I picked up a pair of Clark’s sandals at the Bay for $100, I saw the same pair for $60 in Mississippi.
I think you are too hard on Canada, but some things will piss-off “this” American that may not be evident.
In the 90’s an aid to PM Cretin (SP) called Clinton an ignorant bastard American. (He was late to a meeting in Europe) Now I am a Republican but don’t be disrespecting MY President, unless you are an American… that includes Bush
The Pee-wee Hockey thing was BAD; I think PPL took that to be Ugly.
The CBC Town Hall meetings after 9/11… I saw that programming but it’s lucky that most Americans missed the sick display of “HATE” America.
Canada had the Status “MOST FAVORED NATION” before NAFTA, but something happened. The BSE issue was fueled by the Canadian Media.. If they had just shut up and reported that things in Canada where under control.. It would have ended sooner. (The medis was blaming the US)
BTW: Canada could have sued for compensation from Montana Cow/Calf.
As an addendum: We live in an eastern suburb of Ottawa, and one of our walks, when the trails near us are muddy/icy, is a one-hour main street(s) loop……..there is a continual trail of tossed garbage, in fact I’d say we see more trash on this one walk than we saw on our 16 state trip…TOTAL!
I just drove back from Kenora to Sudbury over the past two days. What did I see? Hunting fishing lodges running at less than 50% capacity.
The banning of the spring bear hunt has had a major impact on the economics of the lodges. I saw 5 black bears feeding on roadside grass during the latter part of the trip. It used to be rare to see a black bear. They are obviously more numerous and less afraid of humans. Blame the Ontario government for the next bear attack!
ET @1103, and others:
All nice points. Sigh. Sometimes I dispair of Canadians.
I can sit amongst perfectly nice middle-class, suburban, educated (but apparently ignorant) dinner party types and just find myself repeating:
“That’s not true”
“The Americans are good/on our side/benign”
“You are jelaous of Americans”
“Why are you racist?”
“You reveal your inferiority complex”.
I’ll ditto that opinion and add some more as a Canadian who has lived & worked around the world including the US and with peoples from many nations. If it were a choice working abroad with Canadian’s or American’s I’d personally pick the American every time. Other Canadian’s I’ve worked with agree with that point. Reason: Other Canadian’s are generally arrogant in an “I’m better at everything than you” attitude unlike the occasional American arrogance of “I come from a better country than you”. Not that they do the job any better than us, but they don’t feel like they need to be stroked like a cat every time they do a good job and without a doubt do not backstab nearly as often as their Canadian counterparts. In fairness employees of the UK are about the same as Canadians in that regard. The Australians are also good in that respect (less tendency to backstab) but do tend to be constant or chronic complainers.
Those were just a few personal opinions of English speaking first world employees of similar but not countries. Again I’ve worked with every other culture at one point or another and each has its good and bad characteristics. Some are only bad in my opinion.
why would anyone in America want to visit socialist Canada?
the weather is lousy, its far too expensive, Canadians are miserable, the media is anti-American and there’s nothing to do ….
get your money out of Canada while you can because it’s all downhill from here
Knoght99 @2.44
That’s a cheap get-out. Anglo Canadians are just as likely to do that.
nemo2 @ 6.32:
“Having visited approximately 80% of US states, and having just returned, last week, from a 16 state roadtrip, I have to agree with ET regarding ‘attractions’; things that are considered ‘special’ in Canada are generally commonplace, and often unheralded, in the States, (trails, lakes, rivers, etc, etc).
Yes, but I have made a similar comparison with Australia. The plain truth is that much of Canada is STILL innacessible. Much of it, probably, having never been set foot upon by man. Also, I believe, tundra is really boring after the initial awesome visual.
RW>
“That’s a cheap get-out. Anglo Canadians are just as likely to do that.”
It really wasn’t intended to be. As I stated I personally have had next to zero exposure to French Canada other than media and have in no grievances with them in anyway. I was simply stating an opinion based on what I perceive in the news on such issues and commentaries such as Styen on the same.
What I will say is that growing up and living in Alberta is that the general population is overwhelming and supportive of the US, much more so in many ways than of French Canada. Of course you’re going to have both French and English Canadians both support and begrudge the US, that’s the same anywhere. I’m writing in generalities, the bulk of a regional consensus.
Anyway the point I’m making was that my comment was in no way impassioned, or meant to point fingers or scapegoat. It was intended as an unbiased observation from one western English Canadians point of view.
only noticed small diffs twixt Cans&Amers when travelling. I think the problem is in pockets of hostility, smuggy, morally selfrighteous twits, and besides, Ont tourism problems all belong to mcassweep.
My brother’s experience as a hunting guide near Meadow Lake; Americans are bigger tippers.
Live in Southern Ont. and have only visited Ont. Que. and the Atlantic provinces. When heading to the Soo, we go via the States. Travelling back from the east coast we travel through the States, If I was heading to Winnipeg I would take the short cut through the states. Have family in Toronto but bi-pass it in my travels – take the toll road around it and head to Northern ON.
I’ve flown to Ireland and the British Isles. It’s less expensive than flying to BC. When flying anywhere in the world I travel to the States and catch a plane there. I will visit anywhere in Canada if I can access it through the States. The reasons is quite obvious – it’s financial.
When one tries to come into Canada and is held up at customs for over 4 hours, and given the 3rd degree, once is enough and they will never come back. Word of mouth keeps others from trying. Especially if they have some joyriding charge from 20 yrs ago on their record. We see lots of examples of one allowed in but the family has to stay in the States. We have also heard of cdns, who live and work in the US, who bought american cars in the US, not being allowed to bring the car into canada when coming to visit.
There are many reasons to visit America the Beautiful. All good reasons; listed by many posters above.
One reason for people like my better half and I to always go to America for holidays has not been mentioned: siply put. the fanatical smoking bans in Canada.
We go to friendly states where we and our habit and are $$ are treated with respect; we don’t bother patronizing any establishment where we do not get that appreciation. We were in N. California last year and the hotel did not have a smoking room so the owner told us to go and sit on his own porch to smoke and eat our dinner! Americans did not look at us like we had horns growing out of our heads when we asked if anyone minded if we smoked.
We do not go to the east coast or the west coast because we love the mid west and the people who live there. We are small town/country people and Montana was like going home for me – I grew up on the Montana border – Canada looks very unattractive when a person is headed home through Montana – the first snippy remark you hear makes a person want to head back where people are friendly.
We used to go to Alberta for a good portion of our holidays because it was a fun and relaxed place to be – not any more! We go visit our friends (who also smoke) and BBQ at their place. I am not whining I am just stating the way it is…there are plenty more people like us!
[quote]Not that they do the job any better than us, but they don’t feel like they need to be stroked like a cat every time they do a good job and without a doubt do not backstab nearly as often as their Canadian counterparts. In fairness employees of the UK are about the same as Canadians in that regard. [/quote]
Knight99,
If you have one Brit working for an American Company all is normal but add another, and they the Brits, backstab each other. We Americans call it the Brit Factor. Its kind of funny actually, once you understand that they are prone to exaggeration you just have to keep them apart like barnyard roosters. Canadians don’t have that problem IMO
I am sure the Americans will rush to visit and embrace us after the opposition just voted to give deserters the right to stay in Canada.
Whenever I come across american visitors the first thing I tell them is do not use american cash if you have a credit card or debit card. Cdns ripped off so many via exchange when the dollar was under par.
I’m an American living in Canada. On Sept 11, 2001 I had people come into my vet clinic, see me crying and say, “I guess Americans will have to rethink their foreign policy decisions now, eh? Americans brought this on themselves.”
The first 4 years (out of 10) that I was here, I heard anti-American comments every single day. After 9/11, there was about a year’s grace period before they started again.
It baffles me how wound up Canadians get about the American elections yet they don’t even bother to vote in their own. There is an Obama ’08 sign up in my neighborhood in London, ON.
Hello? Not your country, you don’t even live there? Not your issue, eh?
I live only 60 k’s from US border,and do all my shopping there.Prices way cheaper on a lot of things..2 pks of smokes for $4.00,as opposed to $13/pk here!I find the store owners,the people I chat with are great,and love our Canadian money.I go across at a very rural crossing,no line up,no problems.Also,my hubby flew float planes for a fly-in fishing lodge in Northern Man about 10 yrs ago (he did this for 5 yrs).The majority of the guests were Americans,and there were a lot of promotional tours from big companies (Valspar etc),and hubby said they were the best!They tipped everyone,loved our great outdoors,and caught lots of fish.OTOH,the Canadian guests were rude,obnoxious,and wanted everything for nothing.A lot of these Lodges are really hurting now,and I for one don’t blame the Americans for not wanting to come visit,and spend money in a country where they are bashed repeatedly.
Kyla at June 3, 2008 11:43 PM >
Sounds like you need a Conservative province to live in. Lot’s of needs for vets out west. I’m truly appalled to hear American first hand accounts such as yours and couldn’t imagine that your story would have occurred in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, Camrose, Med Hat ect……….I didn’t hear those kind of comments from the Algerians when I flew into Algeria Sept 15/01………Disgraceful.
Please don’t be so hard on yourselves. True, you have some silly anti-American politicians — but so do we. In fact, I would be glad to trade you Seattle Congressman Jim McDermott for Carolyn Parish. (On second thought, maybe I wouldn’t make that trade, because I value our many Canadian friends.)
I don’t know about the costs for tourism in Canada, but I do know that many Americans from the Seattle area go up to Victoria for the charm, Vancouver for the experiences, and Whistler for the skiing.
(I have somewhat more exotic tastes and hope to visit Mt. Garibaldi and the Burgess shale some time within the next few years.)
And I hope that you will continue to visit the US, and that you will always be welcomed when you do.
I am a Calgarian and I write for a magazine based in the UK. My London editor said he was shocked and perplexed at the anti-American mail the mag receives on a regular basis— from Canadians— and said he considered it to be racist. I agree, and as a citizen of this country, I apologize to our friends and neighbours to the south.I don’t understand it either, as I have many American friends and in general, find US folks to be generally very open and welcoming…
I am a Calgarian and I write for a magazine based in the UK. My London editor said he was shocked and perplexed at the anti-American mail the mag receives on a regular basis— from Canadians— and said he considered it to be racist. I agree, and as a citizen of this country, I apologize to our friends and neighbours to the south.I don’t understand it either, as I have many American friends and in general, find US folks to be generally very open and welcoming…
I am an american married to a canadian who lived in Canada for many years. The political tone has always been virulantly anti american although the average person is I think relatively neutral in their personal view.Canada has many fine features but has a dysfunctional multicultural aura that produces a profound insecurity as a nation/ It has a massive crime rate you can check the Vancouver Sun website to read of drugs guns murders etc everyday.I too have found prices there extremly high and now poor value ie my wife and I just paid 69 dollars to cross from Vsncouver to Nanaimo one way.I also notice a marked drop in tourism in downtown Vancouver and the movie business has dried up all presumably due to the canadian dollar on par.
Those few Americans who, a while ago, cared enough to visit Canada now widely view Canadians as the most vocal of Canadians wanted to be identified: Canada is the “Not America”.
So: Yank Tourism is down?
Eat the scenery, eh.
well I live about 3 hours (the road sucks!) drive from tofino and if you can stand the hippies then you’re welcome to it.
This Canadian is vacationing in the U.S. right now. Live near Vancouver, vacationing in Bend, Oregon. We’ve been taking most of our holidays in the western states for the last 15 years. Why? Lots of parks and attractions that you can actually get to and are cheap or free, cheap but quality accommodations, almost everybody speaks English understandably, service is good, and it’s safer. The last one is true everywhere outside of ghettoes in Oakland and Sacramento, and is especially true in state and national parks, which are regularly patrolled by armed police. In comparison B.C. seems to have given up on law enforcement. If you’re in a B.C. park and a couple of boom cars or pickup trucks roll in full of beer-sodden local yahoos — a regular occurrence BTW — you’re on your own. Yes there are jerk Americans, but 90% of them live within 30 miles of the ocean. Avoiding them is easy.
Canadians hate to be mistaken for Americans abroad, or so goes the legend. I have heard this one both in Australia and England, I have worked both places. An Australian told me that he never asks someone who sounds North American if he is American, he always ask if he is Canadian. Americans are amused by the guess, but if you misidentify a Canadian as American, you have blown any chance for a nice conversation.
Then I was in Scottland staying in a cheap room over a pub and outside drinking were some Canadians. They were talking REALLY LOUD, like Americans tend to do abroad, and Australians too, I have noticed. They were talking about how it was really Canadians who developed the computer, but the Americans took all the credit. I remember thinking “no wonder people mistake them for Americans. Just listen to them”
I have been thinking about it and I am officially over the hockey booing thing. Canadian support in Afghanistan makes up for it and then some. We should stick to what is real, actions, not words.
I’ve always pitied the anti-American among us. It requires a depth of ignorance that borders on disability.
I travel quite a bit and meet lots of Americans and I tell you they are a great people and love Canadians. If someone thinks only Amnericans are loud, they should visit or parks, bars and sporting events…..loudmouths are everywhere. One day my wife and I will have the guts to leave this country and move to a country (USA) where people stand for something and is still strong and free.
Tim in Vermont>
“I have been thinking about it and I am officially over the hockey booing thing. Canadian support in Afghanistan makes up for it and then some”.
Mighty big of you Tim! You’re welcome here anytime (and always were).
From 1996 – 2000 I traveled frequently from Los Angeles to Canadian cities and made about 8 trips to Toronto. My flights to Toronto arrived at Pearson Airport about the same time as a flight from the Middle East.
It was hard not to notice that passengers arriving from the Middle East were waved through the entrance hall quickly and cheerfully while those of us arriving from the U.S. got a lengthy grilling from stern, scowling officials.
I was a widower with small kids and often brought my younger daughters on those trips. On our eighth visit to Toronto, officials detained me and my daughter separately for several hours while determining the whereabouts of my late wife. When released, I was warned not to return to Canada without her death certificate.
We loved Toronto and there may have been a good reason for our detention at the airport, but on the whole, I’d rather submit to painful oral
surgery than take another trip through Pearson Airport.