TORONTO, May 12, 2022 /CNW/ – The 2022 edition of the annual Toyota Canada Summer Road Trip Survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that Canadians may be feeling that a “return to normal” is on the horizon. The poll found that nearly all (91%) Canadians are planning to reinstate activities that they had to set aside over the past few years. For some, their summer plans include visiting friends and family, taking more vacation time and, even though gas prices are on the rise, taking international road trips.
Along the way, many hope to spend their time doing things that make them feel relaxed (67%) and excited (53%).
The increasing price of gas has certainly added a new consideration for road tripping this summer. But, while more than half (53%) of respondents stated that gas prices have had an influence on their road trip plans, 47% say they are not affected. Those planning trips are finding ways to save on gas, like ensuring their vehicle is properly serviced (20%), however 27% of respondents are so excited about their summer road trips that they aren’t worried about saving on gas.
The survey also found a burgeoning interest in using electrified vehicles for road trips: 54% of Canadians agree they’d feel better about going on a road trip in a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicle for fuel efficiency and cost savings reasons, while 47% highlighted the environmental benefits of an electrified vehicle.
For those intending to take a road trip, the driving factor for many is the opportunity to reconnect with their wider social circles: 56% say their destination is a family/friend’s home. Other common destinations include: an overnight stay in another city/town (52%), the beach (34%), national/provincial parks (31%), campgrounds (30%), and cabins/cottages (25%). Visiting family (44%) and visiting friends (43%) are among the experiences most are planning to revisit this year, along with festivals / concerts / cultural events (25%) and indoor attractions such as museums, malls and theatres (28%).
“Over the last few years, many Canadians told us that spending time in nature was the primary goal of their summer road trips,” said Stephen Beatty, Vice President, Corporate at Toyota Canada. “By contrast, there’s much more buzz in the air this year as people are excited to take road trips to reconnect with their wider circles of family and friends, and to once again enjoy larger-scale summer events like concerts, festivals and sporting events.”
Canadians are increasingly taking advantage of opportunities to step away from work. Four in ten (39%) Canadians are planning to take more vacation time this summer than they did last year. While the majority of Canadians indicate they will take one (38%) or two (29%) weeks of vacation, some (13%) say they will take three weeks of vacation, while nearly one in five (19%) say they will take four or more weeks of holiday this summer.
- 12% of British Columbians with access to a vehicle are road trip warriors and plan to drive 11 to 24 hours to get to their road trip destinations
- 32% of Albertans prefer more spacious vehicles so they can travel with more friends and family
- In the Prairies, 40% are planning to cultivate their love for outdoors and go camping
- 28% of Ontarians are planning to take an international road trip
- Ready to hit the road no matter what, 45% of Quebecers say gas prices have not affected their plans at all
- 49% of Atlantic Canadians are planning to leave their province on their road trips this summer
For more information about the annual Toyota Canada Summer Road Trip Survey, go to media.toyota.ca
SOURCE Toyota Canada Inc.
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