Summer Spending Was a Bright Spot for Many Across Canada

For a country that experiences a short-lived summer, Canada sure welcomes its days of warm weather with open arms. From water sports and bowling alleys to adventure parks and hikes, Canadians make the most of summer months. 

Summer 2021 was no different, in fact, a little more special. Amidst the pandemic restrictions and lockdowns, many wanted a do over for 2020. With the introduction of vaccines and booster shots, one could see a ray of hope. Many waited for summer 2021 with bated breath and their spending behavior testifies the same.

The summer of 2021 brought three months of easing restrictions that impacted spending from coast to coast. Whether it was car rentals in Manitoba or gyms in Newfoundland a wide array of businesses benefitted from Canadians wanting to get out and make the most of those summer days.

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Travel

Travel plans felt a little more achievable as restrictions eased over the summer. Travel agencies in British Columbia enjoyed the shift with a 276% increase in sales over last year.

Movie Theatres

The return of indoor entertainment and the release of some highly anticipated films worked together to boost spending in movie theaters by 449% over last year in Alberta.

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Sports

Saskatchewan also saw easing restrictions over the summer that brought the return of sports leagues and rec centers that resulted in a 641% rise in spending over last year.

Road Trips

People residing in Manitoba hit the road this summer to explore close to home, which resulted in an 81% bump in spending for car rentals in the province.

Indoor Entertainment

Bowling alleys in Ontario a spending increase of 229% over last year as restrictions placed on indoor entertainment eased across the province.

Airlines

People in Quebec were ready for takeoff with a 400% increase in airline spending over the summer signaling a shift to more optimistic views on travel.

Gyms

Newfoundlanders returned to their favorite gyms and brought a 41% boost in sales with them.

Live Entertainment

Live entertainment was back in New Brunswick with a 359% in spending at theaters and music halls over the summer.

Staycations

A modified Atlantic Bubble helped to boost Nova Scotia’s hotel spend by 90% as travelers face fewer restrictions if they arrived in the province fully vaccinated.

Gas

Fuel travel restrictions throughout the Atlantic provinces helped boost gas and convenience sales by 119% in Prince Edward Island as East Coast Canadians ventured out further from home.

This past summer included a perfect blend of easing restrictions, approved vaccines, and businesses picking up pace.

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About the data: Year-over-year volumes are based on a comparison to the same period in the year prior. Moneris^® spending reports measure spending in Canada across a range of categories by analyzing credit and debit card transaction data. The figures and percentages cited are derived from aggregated transaction volumes being processed by Moneris^® in the applicable categories.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed.