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Canadians Can Forget Their Winter Vacations Despite COVID-19 Travel Insurance

Canadians Can Forget Their Winter Vacations Despite COVID-19 Travel Insurance

Dec 22, 2020

Last Updated on: Nov 15, 2024

It’s been a tumultuous year for the travel industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has all but wiped it out. Most countries closed their borders and flights were restricted to essential travel only. For Canadians, deciding to travel or notice confusing, especially with some insurers and airlines offering COVID-19 travel insurance packages.

Many Canadians are justifiably wondering what that means. Has the country opened its borders? Is flying now available to anyone and not just essential travelers? Do these newer insurance solutions adequately cover disrupted travel?

As the holiday season looms, Canadians usually prepare to visit family and friends in other provinces, while snowbirds fly south to the U.S. or travel to other countries. Mixed messages don’t make it easy for people to know where they stand in a COVID-19 world.

Are Canadians Allowed to Travel?

Technically, Canadians are not banned from traveling. The Canadian government, through the Public Health Agency of Canada, has had a constant advisory in place throughout the pandemic. It states people should “avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.”

Levels of severity assess the threat. Currently, Canada places most countries at Level 3, which means people should not travel to those destinations unless it’s for essential reasons. Certain countries are under a Level 4 warning, which means avoiding travel for any purpose.

On paper, the advisories look like a done deal. Canadians are not permitted to travel unless they must. However, the government notice is an advisory, not an order. There is no law to stop Canadians from leaving the country.

Does That Mean Any Canadian Can Leave on Vacation?

In theory, yes, but in practice, any Canadian traveling for nonessential reasons would face several significant hurdles:

1. Finding flights remains a problem

Yes, air routes are slowly reopening, but there is nowhere near the same number of flights as before.

2. Facing airport scrutiny

There are no legal restrictions, but travelers can expect questions about their destinations and why they are traveling.

3. Destinations are limited

Many countries still have their borders closed to all but essential travelers. If you land at a destination and cannot explain why your stay is necessary, there’s a good chance you will be on the first plane back to Canada.

4. Many countries remain locked down

Even if you arrive at a destination, you may not have much of a vacation. Because of local restrictions, businesses, tourist hotspots, and infrastructure such as public transportation may be closed or unavailable.

5. You may not return to Canada

The government is clear that people who travel to other countries are at the mercy of the pandemic and restrictions imposed by those nations. In the advisory, the Public Health Agency of Canada states:

“Local authorities abroad may impose control measures suddenly, including movement restrictions such as quarantine. In some countries, travelers may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should they become ill.”

Can COVID-19 Travel Insurance Help?

Having COVID-19 protection on your travel insurance is certainly helpful, particularly for essential travelers. Those looking to sneak out of Canada for a foreign holiday may find the coverage less helpful.

Manulife has its COVID-19 Pandemic Travel Plan, which is limited to customers visiting countries with a Level 3 advisory. It is worth noting that coverage is also available for domestic travel in Canada. This policy provides emergency medical coverage, including specific protection for COVID-19.

Allianz Global Assistance has the COVID-19 Insurance and Assistance Plan with up to $1 million in emergency medical cover. This standalone package focuses on COVID-19 and is an add-on to the company’s standard travel insurance.

Other insurers offering COVID-19 travel insurance include Medipac, Tour+Med, TuGo, and Blue Cross. Airlines are also on board with specialized coverage available from WestJet, Air Canada, and Sunwing.

While coverage will undoubtedly helpful during a global pandemic, there are some important things to consider. Firstly, most insurers will require you to prove you have no COVID-19 symptoms before your travel dates. Companies may also ask you to show your travel plans are for essential reasons.

As with any insurance product, no two are identical. In other words, make sure you read your policy details. Take time to understand it, including the coverage limits.

What’s clear is that having travel insurance is better than having no coverage. If you are planning to travel, make sure you have insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances. Itis sound advice at the best of times, but arguably becomes a vital investment in a COVID-19 world.

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Abdul Aziz Mondal

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

Unique Things To Do In Montreal: Things You Must Not Miss In Canada’s Cultural Capital

BY Sibashree Aug 20, 2025

The trade war and high tariffs are a concern. However, it is great that Montreal has managed to maintain its stability in the tourism sector. I was just reading a report on CTV News, and there I read that Yves Lalumière, the president and CEO of Tourism Montreal, has confirmed that despite a drop in the number of European and American travelers, Montreal has managed to record a higher tourist spending than in 2024. Furthermore, in 2025, tourism in Montreal got a major boost thanks to the 18th Edition of the Osheaga Music and Arts Festival, Montréal International Jazz Festival, Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, and other major events. The Montréal International Jazz Festival had a record-breaking 700,000 visitors. So, Tourism Montreal is optimistic about tourism in Montreal in 2025, and even an insider report says that hotels in Montreal have been recording an average occupancy rate of 73%. However, it’s not just about this year! Montreal is always a cool destination and the perfect fusion of European charm and American flamboyance. Eclectic Neighborhoods The Whiff of Freshly Baked Bagels Street Art The Festivals and Events Upcoming Major Events in Montreal Beneva Montreal Marathon - 21st September, 2025 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal - 14th September, 2025 Conference on Language Modeling - 6th-10th October, 2025 Montreal does not need to try too hard to leave a lasting impression on you. However, before you get spoiled with too many choices about the unique things to do in Montreal, I will share the best ideas with you. Unique Things To Do In Montreal: Feasts, Mountain Climbs, Museum Visits And More There is still summer in Montreal, and you have till the end of October to try the best things to do in Montreal. So, try these ideas! 1. Stroll Through Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal) “I want to paint Montreal as a rather fantastic city, which it was, because nobody knows today what it was like. And I'm one of the last survivors, or rapidly becoming one.” Well, Christopher Plummer may have said it; however, all you need is a walk through Old Montreal. A European City outside Europe? Montreal it is! With cobblestone streets, 17th-century architecture, and horse-drawn carriages. And your itinerary at Vieux-Montréal? You can start your day at Place Jacques-Cartier. Then, you will meet an absolute Gothic masterpiece, Notre-Dame Basilica. It is also famous for the AURA light show at night. 2. Climb Mount Royal (Mont Royal) Mount Royal or Mont Royal is the crown of pride for Montreal. You can hike or take a bike ride to Kondiaronk Belvedere and experience the panoramic views of the city appearing before your eyes like pure magic. Also, Mont Royal has its unique seasonal offerings. In the warmer months, Sundays are great for a hike to Mount Royal. At the base, you will have an amazing encounter with Tam-Tams, an informal drum circle-slash-community. You will find sword fighters and hula-hoopers there. In the winter season, Mount Royal becomes a snowy iceland, offering outdoor activities such as: Skating Tobogganing Cross-country skiing 3. Feast At Jean-Talon Market View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alba Lago (@alba_lago) Do you want to have the best bounty Montreal has to offer? You need to visit the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy. It is one of the oldest public markets in Italy. And what will you get here? Fresh Strawberries Maple Syrup Seasonal Veggies Cheese Fresh Bread Sausages Pastries 4. Explore The Underground City (RÉSO) RÉSO, the underground city of Montreal, covers an area of 32 kilometers, and it serves as a connector between metro stations, shopping malls, office buildings, and restaurants. Are you in Montreal in winter? Seek refuge in RÉSO for the much-needed warmth. 5. Visit The Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM and Wednesdays - 5 PM to 9 PM, Monday - Closed The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) is the oldest museum in Canada. You will find more than 44000 works here from the old masters of Canada and the best contemporary Canadian artists. Furthermore, you will get a free entry to the permanent collection. So, visiting Montreal on a budget? You surely know where to spend your day! 6. Take In The City’s World-Class Street Art View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hyoungwoo Kim (@kimhyoun) Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End, two neighborhoods in Montreal, are covered in vibrant and thought-provoking murals. Furthermore, in the summer, the MURAL Festival in Montreal has international artists who transform the city into the biggest open-air gallery. It’s like an intangible asset that needs to be preserved for posterity. Also, take a walk down Saint-Laurent Boulevard, and you will understand why this city is globally recognized for its urban art. 7. Catch A Festival—Any Festival View this post on Instagram A post shared by Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (@festivaljazzmtl) From January’s Igloofest to the world-famous Montreal International Jazz Festival in summer, there’s almost always something going on in this city. Other favorites include: Just For Laughs: The world’s largest comedy festival. Osheaga: A three-day indie and pop music festival. Fringe Festival: Experimental theatre, dance, and comedy. Moreover, you don’t need to plan a concert visit here. An art show, a free concert, or the best street performers will find you. 8. Get Spiritual At Saint Joseph’s Oratory Saint Joseph’s Oratory at the Westmount summit is a pilgrimage for Roman Catholics. It has one of the largest domes in the world. As you enter the oratory, it's peaceful and immersive. 9. Eat Your Way Through the City Montreal is a foodie’s dream. Here are a few unmissable experiences: Foods to Try In Montreal Where to Eat in Montreal Bagels• Fairmount Bagel• St-ViateurPoutine• La BanquiseSmoked Meat• Schwartz’s Deli• Snowdon Deli Furthermore, if you want to try authentic French cuisine, you will love L’Express. It still has an authentic 80s charm. 10. Shop Local In Mile End View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Felice (@cafefelice.mtl) You know where the creative heart of Montreal is? It’s Mile End. Bookstores Vintage Shops Boutiques Record Stores Coffee Bagels Everything a connoisseur needs in Montreal is here. 11. Go Biking Along The Lachine Canal Active tourism is one of the most unique things to do in Montreal. You can take a bike ride along the Lachine Canal bike path. It is a flat and scenic route. Rent a BIXI bike and enjoy the ride past historic buildings, industrial ruins, and green parks. And when you want to stop, find a microbrewery or just relax by the water. 12. Relax At Bota Bota: The Spa On A Boat View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau (@botabotamtl) The Scandinavian hot spa experience in Montreal? Yes, you guessed it right. Bota Bota, docked on the Saint Lawrence River, is a floating spa. Why will you love it? For: Saunas Hot Tubs Hammocks Massage Rooms Stunning River and City Views 13. Day Trip To Île Sainte-Hélène And Parc Jean-Drapeau Just a short metro ride from downtown, this island park is home to: Biosphère Environment Museum La Ronde Amusement Park In summer, this is where Osheaga and other major events take place. Unique Things To Do In Montreal: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the most unique things to do in Montreal. 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Montreal? Summer, stretching to the end of October, is the peak tourism season in Montreal. However, Montreal is very crowded during the summer season. Also, the high humidity in the air makes Montreal uncomfortable during the summer season. So, the spring season from May to June and the early fall season from September to October are the best times to visit Montreal. Winter is pretty cold in Montreal, with the average temperature ranging between -1 and -11 degrees Celsius. However, winter in Montreal is magical with festivals and events such as Igloofest and Montréal en Lumière. Furthemore, relaxing at the Scandinavian Spas in the chilling winter of Montreal is an experience in itself. 2. Do I Have To Learn French To Visit Montreal? No, you don’t have to learn French to visit Montreal. People, even in the tourism and hospitality sectors here, are comfortable in English. However, as a friendly gesture, you can always say a polite “bonjour” and “merci.” 3. Is Montreal A Walkable City? Yes, Montreal is a walkable city. The neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, and when you don’t want to walk, you can take a clean and fast Metro ride. Furthermore, in the warmer months, you will enjoy a scenic bike ride across the city. 4. How Many Days Do I Need To See Montreal? You need at least 3-4 days to explore Montreal. So, Montreal can be a great plan for a long weekend. However, if you want to visit the museums, the festive spirit, or indulge in local food, you must plan for a week. 5. Is Montreal Expensive To Visit? No, Montreal is not an expensive city to visit. It is especially cheaper than many other Canadian cities, such as Vancouver or Toronto. The entry fees to the museums, festivals, and parks here are also quite reasonable. Of course, the expense of visiting Montreal will vary based on where you are traveling from, the kind of accommodation you choose, and the experience you want. However, on average, the cost of visiting Montreal is around $100-150. Read Also: Guide To Exploring Whistler, Canada For A Memorable Getaway Best Dark Tourism In Canada: It Cannot Get Gloomier Than This Experience Canada Like A Local: Insider Tips You Can’t Miss

A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen | Travel Guide You Can’t Miss

BY Abdul Aziz Oct 25, 2021

Lutsen, a small township in Cook County, Minnesota, is a relaxing destination with lots of affordable fun activities. This unincorporated community also has a history. Moreover, located in the Superior National Forest, it harbors rocky landscapes, clean lakes, and many large animals (megafauna). A traveler’s guide to Lutsen will help you to explore the quaint site in Cook County better. Moreover, Lutsen is a wonderful place for solo traveling. The local community is welcoming. Even if you are a recluse, you will find solace here. Further, endless adventurous activities await here, and you will make many memories here. Let’s explore the history, places to visit, and things to do in Lutsen. I will also talk about the seasonal transformations and beauty of Lutsen. A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen History: In 1885, a young Swedish immigrant, Charles Axel Nelson, purchased 160 acres of land on Lake Superior for $12. He established his homestead there overlooking the lake, and soon, a settlement rose up in the area. The small settlement turned into a township that he named Lutsen after the Battle of Lutzen. With a small population of 190 people, Lutsen is an unincorporated area within the Superior National Forest. Lutsen is home to beautiful ski resorts and Lutsen lodges are the finest in the area for tourists. A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen In Summer: Summer is the best time of the year to plan a trip Lutsen. You can do a lot of outdoor activities and make the most out of the trip by exploring the natural beauty of Lutsen. You can take a trip to Superior Lake to enjoy the view, and if you are lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of whales. Visitors are often surprised when they are enjoying the view and mammal surfaces. So, keep your cameras ready to capture the enticing view. Golfing: Lutsen has four beautiful golf courses for travelers who are golf enthusiasts. Each course is in the middle of mesmerizing landscapes and offers a view of Superior Lake. Fishing: Apart from the fascinating view, Lake Superior is also the perfect spot to catch trout, northern pike, salmon, perch, and other varieties of fish. You can fish from any public land or fishing pier or get a fishing boat for the best fishing experience. A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen In Fall: The fall season paints the natural canvas of Lutsen in the beautiful colors of autumn. Many Lutsen cabin rentals are located in the Sawtooth Mountains in the middle of maple forests. You can enjoy the beautiful views from the comfort of Lutsen MN lodgings. You can engage in the following fun activities in this season: Attend The Moose Madness Festival Moose are the biggest animals that you can find in Minnesota. They can be seen along the North Shore and the area around it. In October, there is a celebration of the moose in Grand Marais, known as the Moose Madness Festival. You can enjoy a lot of family-friendly activities there and play critter-themed games. Ride the Summit Express Gondola One of the most exciting things to try in Lutsen in the fall season is riding the Summit Express Gondola. This exciting ride takes you over the picturesque landscape with autumn colors at the treetop level. It also takes you to the top of Moose Mountain, which is one of the North Shore’s highest peaks. People of all ages enjoy the magical aerial views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest. A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen In Winter: Winter can be harsh in northern Minnesota, but there are so many exciting activities to enjoy during that time of the year. Here’s what to do during winters in Lutsen. Skiing: The Lutsen Mountain is the largest ski and snowboarding area in the region. Lutsen lodges are just 10 minutes away from Lutsen Mountain. You can take lessons, rent equipment, and get the best skiing experience with 95 runs over four mountains. Snowmobiling: In Lutsen, you have 450 miles to explore on snowmobile trails. The trails wind through the mesmerizing scenery, and it gets hard to decide which trail to explore first. So, skim across the frozen lakes and tour the best trail to enjoy the winter up north. A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen In Spring: Spring season is also great for heading up north. You wouldn’t have to look far for gushing water, and the lush green scenic beauty will take your breath away. Here’s what you can enjoy in Lutsen during the spring season. Waterfalls Spring is the best time of the year to enjoy waterfalls in Lutsen. The start of the spring season increases the flow of water as the ice melts into the water. The best waterfalls to see in Lutsen are the falls of the Baptism River, Temperance River, and Cascade River. Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide Another fun family activity to try in Lutsen is the Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide. First, take the aerial tram ride to reach the top of the mountain. Next, push your sled to the start of the concrete track. You might as well take a pause to enjoy the spectacular view of Superior Lake from up there. Finally, board your sled and take a thrilling slide down the half-mile twisting track. Another great thing is that there are two parallel tracks. So, you can take the slide next to your friend. Lodging In Lutsen: The best thing about a vacation in Lutsen is that you’ll always have cozy accommodation nearby after an adventurous day. You can find Lutsen cabin rentals, forest chalets, lodges, and vacation homes. It is best to get a reservation for Lutsen MN lodging beforehand. So, when you are exhausted and ready to call it a day, you’ll have comfortable accommodation to rest. Bon Voyage! Lutsen is home to some of North Shore’s most beautiful and iconic attractions. It is a popular ski destination that has so much more to offer. From beautiful gold courses to exciting hiking trails, Lutsen can be a dream family vacation. This traveler’s guide to Lutsen gives you more ideas about exploring this quaint community or township. Reserve your Lutsen MN lodging at Lutsen Lodges to find comfort and luxury surrounded by nature. Read Also: 10 Travel Tips For Singles At This Valentine’s Day 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip Does New Jersey Have Good Nightlife? Let's Find Out! 5 Must Visit Offbeat Destinations Near Delhi

Canadians Can Forget Their Winter Vacations Despite COVID-19 Travel Insurance

Are Canadians Allowed to Travel?