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Vancouver Sun
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Montreal Grand Prix fans stuck paying turbocharged prices for accommodation
MONTREAL — Paula Wadden has been a huge Formula One fan ever since she got hooked on the Netflix show 'Drive to Survive' a few years ago. But the Halifax-area health-care worker says watching the Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend comes with high-octane prices. The Montreal hotel where she's spending the first part of the week doubles in price for the weekend. Instead, she'll spend the weekend at a hotel outside the city, near the airport, for about $600 a night. 'The tickets (prices) are OK, it's the accommodation and the means that are getting expensive,' she said Tuesday in Old Montreal. 'I don't know how the average Joe can afford it.' Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Wadden said the trip, which she's taking with her daughter and her daughter's partner, will cost $6,000 to $7,000. And that's despite the switch in hotels and the decision to save money by driving the 12 hours from Halifax rather than flying. While looking up hotels online, she said she saw even more eye-watering hotel prices ranging between $1,200 to more than $2,000 a night, as well as $4,000-per night Airbnbs. The Grand Prix is Montreal's biggest tourist event, expected to attract some 350,000 visitors and generate $162 million for the city, according to the head of Tourisme Montreal. Yves Lalumiere estimates average hotel room prices on Grand Prix weekend at $600 to $800 per night — although some wealthy CEOs will pay $8,000 for a suite. 'This year's prices will probably stabilize quite a bit, maybe a two to three per cent increase over the previous year,' he said in an interview. 'But the last five years I've seen an increase year after year, and a substantial increase as well.' A ticket package for the three race days starts at $360, according to the Canadian Grand Prix website — though well-off fans can pay much more. Packages with perks such as VIP concierge service, reservations at popular restaurants and parties, and access to areas such as pit lanes and paddocks can run in the tens of thousands of dollars. However, Lalumiere noted that the city also offers plenty of free entertainment, including a Grand Prix party on Crescent Street. And he said hotel room prices are still 'very competitive,' especially for those paying in U.S. dollars or euros. Crowds, meanwhile, are not only growing but also becoming more diverse, he said. 'I think F1 has done a great job in selling the sport over the media,' Lalumiere said. 'And, therefore, now you're attracting a lot more ladies, you're attracting a lot more young people as well to the race.' Black-and-white checkered banners were already fluttering on St-Paul Street in Old Montreal on Tuesday, as tourists lined up to photograph a Formula One car on display outside Max Bitton's racing-themed store, Fanabox. Bitton said he brought in the car as a gift to fans after last year's Grand Prix, which was marred by mishaps on and off the track that left a bad taste in some fans' mouths. Those issues included traffic headaches, flooding from rain, fans turned away from a practice session they were led to believe was cancelled, and restaurants ordered to suddenly close their patios on one of the busiest evenings of the year. 'I'm trying to give back because last year was so tough,' Bitton said. While Grand Prix fans are generally well-off, Bitton also worries about rising prices, especially now that the city has imposed tougher new rules on short-term rentals for primary residences. Next year, the Grand Prix will be held from May 22 to 24, which is outside the June-to-September window in which primary residence rentals are allowed. 'A lot of the fans love to flock here because of the heritage and they love this place,' Bitton said. 'They're willing to pay more but at some point it doesn't make sense.' At Bitton's store, tourists said attending the Grand Prix was costly, but worthwhile. Max Harrison, from Bournemouth in southern England, said he managed to find a spot in a hostel for about $40 a night early in the week. For race weekend, he's spending $200 a night to stay in a room in an Airbnb shared with several others. 'It's a bit much, you can tell they've spiked (the prices),' he said. He believes 'Drive to Survive' has brought new fans to the sport, which means prices will only continue to go up. But for him, it's worth it to check the Montreal Grand Prix off his bucket list. 'The championship this year is looking really close, so it's going to be a really good race,' he said. 'And Canada is a beautiful place and I've always wanted to come.' Denise Beevor and Mark Omerod, from West Sussex in England, say they're spending 'a small fortune' for a 10-day trip that includes Sunday's race as well as stops in Quebec City and Mont-Tremblant. 'I think, particularly since COVID, it's important to have things to look forward to and to take memories away with you, and you can't replace that,' Beevor said. 'Possessions come and go, memories don't.' The CEO of the greater Montreal hotels association said the occupancy this weekend is expected to be around 90 per cent, similar to last year. Dominique Villeneuve said the industry was prepared to meet the demands of Grand Prix weekend 'enthusiastically and with the same professionalism that characterizes our industry.'
Vancouver Sun
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Canadians cutting Florida travel plans, but Sunshine State cares not
Miami, Fla. — It's just a short drive from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and a stone's throw from the Atlantic Ocean. Dairy Belle is a linchpin in the community of Dania Beach, Fla. On Sundays, there's lineups out the door for ice cream, poutine and toasted hotdogs. In March, when tourist season is at its peak, it serves 700 customers a day. And, its menu of Quebec specialties even attracted the Carolina Hurricanes to visit and make a large group takeout order. The proprietor, Francois Grenier, took over Dairy Belle from his mom and dad, Gilles and Ritane Grenier, who launched the business in 1998 as a small shack with a single crockpot of gravy. Francois was a teen when the family made the move from Victoriaville, Que., to South Florida. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. They were part of the throng of Quebeckers who had fallen in love with the beach communities north of Miami. Even now, there are traces of the past. There are quaint hotels that look like they're straight out of 1955. You'll find them on the main streets of Dania Beach and the neighbouring community of Hollywood. There are signs that boast service in English and en francais. On Hollywood's main street. there's a replica Bonhomme waving to passersby in front of Richard's Motel, which offers extended stays for snowbirds. The snowman mocks the fact that's it 33 C out, with humidity that breaks a person into a sweat second after getting out of an climate-controlled vehicle. But the past is giving way to a new present. Signs next to Richard's Motel promise new developments. The centre of Hollywood looks more like its famous California namesake, with high-rise hotels and condos, and shops that beckon the wealthy. And Dairy Belle has moved from its former shack into an airy space in a Dania Beach strip mall. It's a sign of how the old Florida, a place for the Canadian pipeline of retirees, is giving way to the new Florida, with young money and tourists coming from all over the world. The Canadians who had timeshares and condos are leaving. And the number who choose to vacation in Florida are shrinking. But Florida tourism continues to boom. Fact is, they don't need the Canadians anymore. Grenier has seen the number of Quebec regulars dwindle. There are still some who make Dairy Belle their first visit as soon as they get off the plane, but there aren't as many. Some of the Quebec regulars have reduced their number of visits. 'Some of them used to come three times a week, now they come once,' he said. It would be easy for Canadians to think that the 51st state rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump would be the reason the Quebec-Hollywood pipeline is running dry. But Grenier said Trump's anti-Canadian language is just a small part of a much larger issue. He said he started to detect the reduction of Canadian tourists about a decade ago. And each year, it's more noticeable. 'Canadians are not coming back,' said Grenier. 'They are selling their condos. They used to spend a lot of money down here, and it's not good.' But if it's not all Trump, how did it start? 'The dollar is weak,' said Grenier. 'It costs a lot to come here, now.' He also said that snowbirds are dying off. And the next generation isn't interested in going to the same vacation spot, year after year. 'They want to go to different places, one week at a time. They go to Mexico. Or Cuba. They want to know where the deals are.' And then there's the final sliding scale. While Canadian visits decline, Florida is in the midst of a population boom. Florida has added almost two million residents since 2020. The U.S. Census now pegs the state's population at 23.4 million. Why? COVID created a work-at-home generation. And people in northern states realized they didn't have to live close to their offices, and they chose to leave their winters behind. As well, Florida has no state income tax, no inheritance tax and no taxes on investments in stocks and bonds. Frank Gonzalez is a New York transplant who runs SC International Solutions, in the construction business. He's seen a boom in new projects, and a massive shift in the Florida demographic. 'Snowbirds is a term we used to use for old Canadians,' he said. 'Now it's a term we use for younger Americans. 'Florida is growing so much, it's not even funny. They are coming here from Chicago, New York, Jersey, Boston.' That influx is creating so many housing bubbles in the state, you'd think it was an Aero bar. Miami Realtors just released stats showing the metro area of the city as the second-hottest housing market in America. Median condo prices have risen 8.3 per cent over the past year. Home sales were up 3.6 per cent. And, as Grenier said, the Canadians who come year after year are being priced out of the market, and the temptation is high to put the for-sale sign up on their condos in this overheated market. There's no doubt that the U.S. President has had an effect on Canadian tourism. Visual Approach Analytics, a data analytics company serving the aviation industry, studied airport traffic around the United States in April. Compared to what it was in January, capacity from Canadian airlines is down 23 per cent in Miami, 20 per cent in Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, and crashed by 43 per cent in Palm Beach. But while Canadian numbers are down, tourism as a whole in Florida is booming. In May, the State of Florida released numbers that showed a record 143 million tourist visits in 2024. Sure, those numbers were racked up while Joe Biden was in the White House. But, in the first three months of 2025, the state recorded 41.2 million visits, putting it on pace to smash 2024's record numbers. 'These results are proof that our freedom-first policies work,' said Governor Ron DeSantis in a victory-lap press statement. 'Florida remains the best state to visit, work and raise a family.' There is one mitigating factor: Tourist visits early in 2025 may have been booked in 2024. As it stands, though, it looks as if Canadian tourist visits are being replaced, and then some. Grenier sees this great tourism shift at Dairy Belle. 'We have lots of different people who enjoy our food,' said Grenier. 'We have Russians. We have South Americans. We have people pull up in their Rolls-Royces.' Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don't miss the news you need to know — add and to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters . You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post, and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
What to pack for a train trip through the Canadian Rockies
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Last fall, I had the opportunity to travel on the Rocky Mountaineer's First Passage to the West train, which travels between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, passing through Kamloops. This route through the Canadian Rockies is the company's oldest — and most iconic. Tourists travel all the way to Canada from countries as far away as Australia and New Zealand specifically to check off this bucket-list adventure. It's not a long trip—we were on the train for just two days, although most passengers extend their booking with additional nights on either end—but I couldn't imagine a more scenic and luxurious way to traverse the Rocky Mountains, and see some of Western Canada's most iconic landscapes. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Rocky Mountaineer rail journeys are designed to be premium experiences; all of your creature comforts are catered to. Meals are served on board, and snacks and drinks are available on demand. They'll even ferry your luggage from hotel to hotel for the duration of your trip, so there's no need to lug a suitcase on and off the train each day. Still, as with any travel experience, packing the right gear and accessories can make the journey even more enjoyable. Here are the things I was happy to have on hand for this epic trip from Vancouver to Banff. Our trip began with a very early morning start in Vancouver. It was still dark outside when we got picked up from our hotel, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver , via bus to be transported to the train station. There, we were welcomed onboard with a literal red carpet and a welcome glass of bubbly. On this route, there are two levels of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. The majority of the cars on our journey were reserved for GoldLeaf passengers, and after two days onboard I could understand why so many had made the splurge. Our bi-level, glass-dome GoldLeaf coach was taller and felt more expansive inside; the panoramic windows offered great views from every seat. Chef-designed meals featuring local and seasonal ingredients are prepared to-order onboard and served at white-cloth tables in the lower-level dining area (SilverLeaf passengers dine at their seats). I packed light for the trip, but did bring my Away Everywhere Tote onboard, which easily fit everything from my 13-inch MacBook Air to my portable water bottle , and could be kept open or zipped closed. I didn't bother bringing a blanket or travel pillow—the roomy leather seats have personalized temperature controls and offer extra lumbar support as well as footrests—but wished I had brought some La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen and a packable Arc'teryx bucket hat in my carry-on for sunnier stretches. On the train, the main sources of entertainment are the never-ending views, your seatmates, and the gregarious onboard host, who narrates the journey for the coach and will help with wildlife spotting and flagging upcoming photo opps. There is no wi-fi onboard and cell service can be spotty along the route, which is great if you are looking to disconnect, relax and enjoy the views. Still, I was happy to have brought a slim paperback to read during quieter stretches, and also a pair of over-ear headphones (I'm a fan of the Dyson OnTrac ) for tuning out overly chatty neighbours. We saw many dramatic vistas over the two-day journey, which took us along multiple major rivers and across countless scenic canyons. Highlights include the section of the Thompson River known as the 'Jaws of Death Gorge,' the red suspension bridge at Hell's Gate, and passing through Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain via the famous Spiral Tunnels . There were also ample wildlife sightings—I spotted an osprey nest, bald eagles, big horn sheep and a herd of elk —and mesmerizing views of yellow birch groves, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. In addition to your cell phone, you'll want to bring an old school, manual camera if you have one—you want to be able to change the shutter speed to capture fast-moving objects or create motion blur. Alternating between my lightweight Canon DSLR camera (similar models here ) and my iPhone , I must have taken hundreds of photos and videos from my seat and the outdoor viewing area on our coach. In Banff, with the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs as my base, I spent a few days after the train ride exploring the mountains, seeing the fall colours and (by pure chance!) catching the Northern Lights during an intense, multi-day solar storm. It was tough to leave the Fairmont grounds—the spa features a sauna, steam room, indoor mineral pool, three plunge pools and an outdoor hot tub, and our Fairmont Gold room included access to a lounge serving a tasty breakfast spread and fancy canapés each evening—but the hotel's guided Larch Valley Hike is a must-do if you're ever in the area in early fall. 'No matter where you are in the Canadian Rockies, if you want to see larches, you just have to climb up,' our intrepid guide told me. On the steep, two-hour hike, we were able to see Lake Moraine and walk through a small, snow covered forest of bright yellow larch trees, spotting sights like the Tower of Babel and Temple Mountain from a distance. For the hike, as well as multiple nighttime excursions to see the Northern Lights, I was happy to have packed warm, insulated layers, including a down jacket from Moose Knuckles , Uniqlo Heattech base layers , and waterproof hiking shoes that didn't take up too much room in my carry-on suitcase. The weather changes quickly, and often, in the mountains — and finding (and capturing!) the perfect views can take some time. Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on . Explore in-depth product reviews, expert recommendations and exciting collaborations — plus get behind-the-scenes info on your favourite brands and trending products — learn more here or sign up for our newsletter .
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Here's where Canadians can book five-star hotels for less
According to a new report by booking a luxury hotel may be cheaper than you think. You just have to know where to look. The hotel booking website just released its 2025 Hotel Price Index, which analyzes average daily hotel rates around the world to help travellers get the most bang for their buck. For the report, compared the average daily rates of three-, four- and five-star hotels in 2024 to the bookings made on its site in 2023. According to its findings, Canadians can stretch their travel dollars without sacrificing luxury when heading abroad. International five-star hotels were reported to be 17 per cent cheaper than five-star hotels in Canada . Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. And if you're looking for the best value, there are several cities where you can find daily rates under $250. Some of the cheapest five-star stays in Canada can be found in Dildo and St. John's, Newfoundland at $179 and $205 a night respectively; Rustico, Prince Edward Island at $206 a night and Sauguenay, Quebec at $238 a night. Several Canadian cities saw their average hotel prices decline, including Whistler (down 11 per cent), Halifax (down seven per cent) and Toronto (down nine per cent). Other popular destinations experienced a slight increase, such as Edmonton (up seven per cent) and Vancouver (up five per cent). Abroad, beloved European destinations such as Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris all saw slight dips in their daily rates. Meanwhile, Tokyo (up 15 per cent), Kyoto (up 18 per cent) and Madrid (up 10 per cent) saw the biggest jumps in their average rates. Canadian travellers hoping to land a good deal should look to more affordable trending destinations, which often offer highly-rated accommodation at lower rates. For example, Bangkok, Thailand has an average daily rate of $137 and Osaka, Japan has an average rate of $168 a night. Looking for a domestic four-star hotel under $250 ? The report says Edmonton, Calgary and Kamloops are your best bets. All boast rates under the four-star ave rage of $250 per night. Searching for the best hotel prices for your next trip? Check out for exclusive savings on over one million hotels worldwide. Sign-up is free.
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
What it's really like staying at Bravo's famous 'Love Hotel'
When Bravo's Love Hotel contestants arrived at Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos in the fall of 2024, they brought cameras, calculated drama and the kind of visibility that can either enhance or overshadow an upscale property. For four weeks, Real Housewives stars Shannon Storms Beador, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby and Luann de Lesseps navigated romantic connections against the backdrop of infinity pools and panoramic Sea of Cortez views. Now, with their televised relationships reaching millions of viewers, the question remains: is Grand Velas Boutique merely a beautiful backdrop, or does this newcomer to Baja's luxury landscape offer substance beyond its moment in the television spotlight? Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The all-inclusive , adults-only boutique hotel in Cabo San Lucas , Mexico perches above a stretch of coastline where swimming isn't an option due to powerful currents, a reminder that development in Los Cabos still bends to natural forces. While guests can't enter the water here, the Sea of Cortez provides its own entertainment — passing whales, dolphin pods and waves that explode against rocky outcroppings below. From the moment you arrive, its austere architecture, which complements the stark beauty of Baja California, captures your attention. Designed by Ricardo Elias, sweeping curves and tiered terraces cascade toward the Sea of Cortez, offering ocean views from nearly every angle. It's bold but not overbearing — this is refinement that respects its surroundings. The Baja Peninsula's unique geography — where desert meets ocean — further amplifies a stark visual contrast that inspired Grand Velas Boutique's design ethos. The property deliberately incorporates native desert plantings requiring minimal irrigation, acknowledging water's precious status in this arid environment. 'The property integrates natural and cultural elements into its design and offerings, allowing visitors to experience the region's authenticity,' notes Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. 'This evolution reflects Los Cabos' commitment to high-quality tourism that values excellence and local identity.' Grand Velas Boutique's signature touch is the bougainvillea, which spills from rooftops and terraces in fuchsia blooms. It's a deliberate esthetic choice that adds colour and connects it to the history of Velas Resorts, where these resilient flowers have been cultivated since the Mexican brand's first property opened in Puerto Vallarta. Here, they have taken over the landscape, adding organic beauty to its already impressive surroundings. Accommodations balance comfort and elegance without excess. At over 900 square feet, Ambassador Suites offer private terraces with plunge pools overlooking the Sea of Cortez, where pelicans dive for fish throughout the day. Interiors feature muted colour palettes and comfortable furniture that invites real use, bathrooms with proper lighting and generous counter space, and amenities like Dyson hair tools that blend premium with practicality. Staff maintain a discreet presence throughout the property. Instead of hovering butlers, personal concierges assigned to each guest are accessible 24/7 via text message. This subtle approach lets you request dinner reservations or excursions without the formality of face-to-face interactions when you're lounging by the pool or relaxing in your suite. Though the property encourages cocooning, the charming colonial town of San José del Cabo sits just minutes away by car. Its historic centre houses small galleries, craft workshops and modest restaurants serving food at local rather than international prices. Culinary guide Diana Gutierrez walks visitors through these streets, explaining how geographic isolation forced Baja cooking to develop differently from mainland Mexican cuisine, with techniques that maximize limited ingredients. 'Our food tells a story,' Gutierrez explains, 'one of appreciation for the land and the bounty it provides, whether it's freshly caught fish or heirloom squash prepared with minimal but intentional seasoning.' What makes this region particularly intriguing is its relatively recent emergence on the global tourism map. Until the Transpeninsular Highway opened in 1973, the Baja Peninsula remained isolated from mainland Mexico, developing its own distinct cultural identity. Simple fishing villages have since transformed into glamorous vacation hot spots, yet beneath the polish of high-end developments still lies a rich heritage of Indigenous Pericú traditions, ranching culture and maritime history. Baja's remoteness also fostered a resourceful culinary approach that persists today. 'Hidden in small family kitchens and local markets, these flavours tell the story of Baja California Sur's resilience, innovation and profound connection to the land and sea,' notes Gutierrez. Grand Velas Boutique eschews the clichés of uninspired buffet spreads and bland fare for culinary encounters that redefine what all-inclusive cuisine can achieve. At Loto Robata Grill , chefs prepare Japanese-inspired dishes over open flames, infusing Baja's local ingredients into the mix. Whether it's the Comondú oysters with kaffir lime or the perfectly grilled surf-and-turf skewers, the menu offers flavours that are both unexpected and balanced. For a lighter option, Roca Snack & Bar brings coastal Mexican flavours to the poolside, with dishes like Baja fish tacos, ceviche and aguachile that feel as fresh as the surroundings. The Del Mar restaurant specializes in seafood, with Mediterranean influences that make the paella memorable. For an extra treat, guests can try chocolate tastings paired with Mexican liqueurs — a perfect way to end an evening. At the neighbouring Grand Velas Los Cabos, guests also enjoy access to Cocina de Autor, a Michelin-starred restaurant overseen by chef Sidney Schutte. The Dutch-born culinary master, who earned two stars at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam after training at three-starred De Librije, creates an eight-to-10 course tasting menu that reimagines Mexican ingredients with technical precision. His kitchen, which Michelin praised as 'unafraid of taking risks,' serves standout dishes like chocolate clam with jalapeno and green apple alongside standout creations such as farm-raised scallops with miso butter — all included in the all-inclusive offering. 'The recognition of Cocina de Autor with a Michelin star reinforces Los Cabos' positioning as a culinary destination,' says Esponda. 'This achievement highlights the fusion of world-class techniques with local ingredients, strengthening our unique culinary identity.' For guests looking to explore beyond the on-site restaurants, Gutierrez recommends trying local specialties like 'Sopa Fresca, inspired by Italian missionaries who introduced pasta-making techniques during the mission period,' and 'Barbacoa de Hoyo, a method of cooking meat underground, a legacy of Indigenous and ranching techniques.' Grand Velas Boutique 's brief stint as a reality TV backdrop for Love Hotel may have brought it passing notoriety, but there's more substance here than television fame might suggest. Esponda notes that in Los Cabos, they're trying to 'promote integration between luxury resorts and the local community,' though this remains an ongoing challenge for all high-end properties in the region. With its Michelin-starred dining access, architectural restraint and 79-suite boutique scale, Grand Velas offers concrete reasons to visit beyond its brief moment on Bravo — whether you're a fan of Shannon Beador's dramatic poolside conversations or simply seeking the same stunning sunsets that framed Luann de Lesseps' latest love interest.
