“The length of stay in Vancouver is definitely increasing as clients are buying more add-ons. We have introduced a three-night stay, to which people are typically adding two days each in both Whistler and Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
“Vancouver has such a regular scheduled service from the UK, as well as charters, and is quicker to get to – just 9hrs – than California.
“However, now that Air Canada has bought Canadian Airlines, the latter airline’s codeshare with British Airways from Heathrow to Vancouver will end.
“The Canadian carriers will now have a route monopoly.”
Peter Allen, productdirector, Travelpack
“Clients now want to see more in Vancouver than just the city, particularly wilderness tours in northern British Columbia. They’re not cheap but are becoming popular.
“Other favourite add-ons in Vancouver Island are whale-watching tours and itineraries involving grizzly bear trails.
“The vast majority of people are tacking on a week of activities with a 10-day break that involves an escorted tour or flydrive between Calgary and Vancouver.
“The Rocky Mountaineer train (between Alberta and British Columbia) is also becoming very popular as a combination with a stay in Vancouver.”
David Mason, productdevelopment director, Vacation Canada
“We have reintroduced fixed-duration six-night breaks to Vancouver this year because we have 17% more seats on flights to the west coast.
“Passengers can extend their stay for up to 21 nights for the same price.
“This gives them the opportunity to add a range of other tailor-made options such as cruises, train journeys or car hire.”
Tom Dalrymple, chairman and managing director, Globespan