Albertans enjoying local travel for May long amid ongoing trade war with U.S.

Many plan to get away this long weekend to spend time outdoors, but most roads travelled are within Canada—not south of the border.

The Victoria Day long weekend has arrived in Alberta, often observed as the unofficial kickoff to summer, prompting people to pack up their gear and go camping.

Speaking to CTV News from the McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area near Bragg Creek, Calgarian Glenys Holten says she enjoys getting outside.

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“When my husband was alive, we camped a lot, and those were really times you got away from the radio with work, all those kind of things,” she said.

“I was pleased to be able to continue after he passed away, thanks to my friends.”

Brynn Hawick, 14, was in the McLean Creek area on Friday camping with her family.

“It’s just a nice experience,” said Hawick. “We just like to come out and spend time with our friends and family.”

Reservations were at about 90 per cent capacity for McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area’s Elbow Valley, Sheep Valley and Highwood sites on Friday.

Sites can still be booked, and there is the option for the first come, first serve sites.

Travel Alberta says it anticipates there will be more Albertans exploring the province this summer – and more Canadians too, noting a general desire to stay closer to home.

“The hospitality sector in particular is showing strong, strong growth,” said Jon Mamela, chief commercial officer at Travel Alberta.

According to a recent survey by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, the vast majority of Canadian motorists (82 per cent) plan on taking road trips this summer.

The survey found most Albertans (89 per cent) would rather take road trips within Canada than venture to the U.S., and only three per cent plan to cross the border.

According to the survey, almost half (45 per cent) of Alberta drivers cancelled road trips to the U.S. they had planned for this year.

Holten says she plans to stay in Canada this summer.

“Definitely not very interested in going to the United States,” she said.

Meanwhile, Hawick says her family cancelled a trip to Montana they go on annually.

“As a family, I think we’re trying to travel more in Canada, just to stay away from the States,” Hawick said.

Driver Safety

The long weekend brings more cars onto the road, which the Calgary Police Service wants drivers to be cognizant of.

“Make sure your car or vehicle is roadworthy: tires are fine, and the engine’s fine, and it’s all fuelled up,” said Staff Sgt. Andy Woodward with the CPS traffic unit.

“Keep your distance from the vehicle in front and be able to stop in the distance you can see.”

The CPS also wants to remind people to plan a safe ride home if they decide to drink.