Here's Everything You Need To Know If You're Dreaming Of Travelling This Summer

With vacation season just around the corner, many Canadians are starting to dream of international travel and trips abroad.

However, with Canada's travel rules still in place and talk of vaccine passports from the federal government, it can feel difficult to plan ahead.

Although Justin Trudeau has suggested that travel could restart by the summer, here's everything you should know before booking a trip abroad or within Canada:

Will travel be allowed this summer?

Right now, the federal government hasn't shared any detailed information about whether travel outside of Canada will be possible this summer.

Currently, Canada's strict travel restrictions remain in place. This means anybody who leaves the country for non-essential purposes will be required to take multiple COVID-19 tests and quarantine for two weeks upon their return.

Returning travellers are also still required to stay for several nights in a pre-approved quarantine hotel.

These rules are set to remain in effect until at least June 21, 2021, despite pushback from airlines, travel companies and the government's COVID-19 expert advisory panel.

Domestic travel

When it comes to domestic travel, what is and isn't possible is likely to depend on where you live and where you want to go.

For example, New Brunswick is actually offering to pay Atlantic Canadians to visit the region this summer.

Similarly, P.E.I. has announced plans to welcome travellers from Atlantic Canada from June 27 onwards.

While provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta don't currently have any interprovincial travel restrictions in place, Nova Scotia still requires all visitors to self-isolate for two weeks.

Ontario's land borders currently remain closed to Quebec and Manitoba.

All of this means it may be pretty difficult to plan ahead for a domestic vacation, as the COVID-19 situation in each region continues to dictate what is and isn't allowed when it comes to travel.

International travel

As it stands, the federal government continues to advise against all non-essential travel abroad.

Back in January, Justin Trudeau urged all Canadians to cancel their upcoming vacations and said that travelling shouldn't be on anyone's 2021 bucket list.

However, the PM has been more optimistic recently, saying in May that travel could restart this summer "if everything goes well."

In addition to suggesting that vaccine passports will probably be necessary for international travel to resume, Trudeau also explained that other countries' travel restrictions would be out of Canada's control.

While there are some limited flights from Canada to places in Europe, Asia, the U.S. and the Caribbean, pre-departure COVID-19 testing and quarantine are still required in many countries.

That said, Air Canada intends to operate flights to Italy without the need for quarantine starting from July.

Regardless of your dream destination, it's important to check and double-check the most up-to-date travel rules and restrictions before making any plans!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.