Signs things are starting to return to normal for some tourism operators
Traffic slowing the pace of Shediac's main drag is a sure sign of summer for many in the area, but this year, it may also signify a taste of normalcy.
Shediac Mayor Roger Caissie says there's been a noticeable uptick in movement around town. He attributes it to the province announcing it will open its borders to all Canadians who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We've always been a good tourist destination for anyone, but we have our regulars so to speak, from the province of Quebec, Ontario, the Americans; they might be coming along a little bit later, we don't know," says Caissie.
At South Cove Camping and Golf, manager Eddie Lynch knows just how important the summer months are to the local economy.
"Tourism is a big deal for Shediac, the summer population usually doubles, maybe even triples," says Lynch.
Lynch says the change in restrictions have increased bookings at both the campground and golf course.
"We have a lot of customers from Quebec and I think they were sitting on their hands waiting for the good news. As soon as it came through, they were on the phone with us, talking to us, and making bookings," says Lynch.
Shediac Bay Cruise co-owner Denise Leblanc says about 50 per cent of her business comes from Quebec. Leblanc says bookings are better this summer than they were this time last year, but are still slower than she'd like.
"Typically what happens with tourists, they tend to book accommodations first; being motel, hotel, or campground, and then when they're close to getting here or when they are here, then they'll look at what activities there are to do in the area," says a hopeful Leblanc.
The province opened its borders on June 16th, as the second phase on the Path to Green.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Indian envoy warns of 'big red line,' days after charges laid in Nijjar case
India's envoy to Canada insists relations between the two countries are positive overall, despite what he describes as 'a lot of noise.'
Susan Buckner, who played spirited cheerleader Patty Simcox in 'Grease,' dead at 72
Susan Buckner, best known for playing peppy Rydell High School cheerleader Patty Simcox in the 1978 classic movie musical 'Grease,' has died. She was 72.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Alcohol believed to be a factor in boating incident after 2 men die: N.S. RCMP
Two Nova Scotia men are dead after a boat they were travelling in sank in the Annapolis River in Granville Centre, N.S., on Monday.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.