High gas prices have some Canadians thinking twice about travelling this summer, while others say it won’t stop them at all.
Cory Madsen, a former Ottawa resident now living in Caronport, Saskatchewan, told The Epoch Times that he keeps downgrading his plans as prices rise. “[I] was going to drive to Nova Scotia, but then shortened it to Ottawa. Now who knows what.”
Karen Hornby of Nelson, British Columbia, says she has changed her travel plans because she “cannot fill [her] tank with no money.” Instead, she plans to camp at nearby locations on the Kootenay and Slocan lakes.
Others, undeterred, are making trips they can’t put a price on. Kevin Smith and his family will ditch the flatlands in their fifth wheel trailer, then stop in Chilliwack, B.C., before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
“We are heading out to the B.C. coast from Saskatchewan. Grandma is turning 95, so we are not missing the celebration,” Smith said.
Shannon Willey has also left the prairies for beautiful B.C. and won’t let the pump price pummel her plans to see more of the province.
“Going to drive more than ever,” she said. “May go to Vancouver Island to see my family. I have moved to Kimberley, B.C., and cannot wait to see the lakes all around the Rockies. I think we are all learning to enjoy our lives and not live by the news.”
Destiny Modderman, a married mother from Regina, says cutting back on driving this summer is a “huge yes” for her family.
“We normally do two or three trips, and this summer we are only doing one trip to Winnipeg for the ministry instead,” she said. “We normally do two in the USA and one in the mountains or more West.”
Of course, long trips aren’t the only way to burn gas. Many also say they’re becoming more frugal in their daily lives, including Ashley Krefting, also in Regina.
“I plan to intentionally drive less. These gas prices are insane,” she said.
Higher gasoline prices are also driving up food costs as stores try to recoup transportation costs. In Sarnia, Ontario, Leslee Fidler plans to handle inflation on both fronts through a great Canadian pastime.
“We are going to stay at home here in Ontario and enjoy our beautiful gardens,” Fidler says. “Maybe a few Harley rides. That gas is cheaper.”
Keith Goforth takes a different philosophy: Money is useless when you die, and should be used to make life better for yourself and others.
“Really, why change your lifestyle over money? If you provided your life with options, then adjust and carry on. We don’t care to die with money, so we’re going to spend more as that’s what money is for. Circulation of currency makes the world a stable place,” says the resident of Creston, B.C.
“I agree that [money concerns] can change some people’s lifestyles,” he adds. “All you can do is what’s best for you. I’m 62 and still trying to gain some more money for more options, as I call it semi-retired.”
Formerly retired snowbirds Sharon Gaebert and her husband have opted to return to the job market. They’re staying close to their Canadian home this summer while taking special measures to have enough money to venture south again.
“In fact, we got summer jobs this year to supplement income,” she said.
Other snowbirds, such as Art Edmunds in Toronto, say they’d rather sacrifice their U.S. journey to sightsee across their homeland.
“I’m going to enjoy this beautiful country. I'd rather skip going to my condo in Florida if it came down to it,” he says.
