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
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.