Travellers hoping to catch affordable flights over the Canada Day long weekend from Vancouver to destinations south of the border (or outside the province) aren't out of luck.
While the options are limited, locals can enjoy return trips to a handful of destinations that aren't exorbitantly priced. Trips for under $300 aren't available this close to departure but several cost under $500.
Have a look at some of the best options from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) departing over the weekend.
Flights from Vancouver to Los Angeles
One of the cheapest round-trip tickets to the U.S. from Vancouver, return trips to Los Angeles are a breeze, with multiple direct flights departing daily that typically take around three hours.
Locals who can leave on Friday, June 28 can fly for just over $400 round-trip. A United Airlines flight departing YVR at 12:40 p.m. stops in Denver before arriving in L.A. at night; it returns on Monday, July 1 on an 11 a.m. departure. The total cost of the ticket is $429 (see slide two).
Alternatively, travellers needing to leave on Saturday can enjoy an early departure with Air Canada at 8:45 a.m. The outbound flight is at 11:50 a.m., allowing a full day in the city after you land. The return United Airlines flight departs on Monday, July 1 at 11 a.m. and stops in Denver. The total cost of the ticket is $575 (see slide three).
Flights from Vancouver to Phoenix
Arizona offers one of the cheapest deals for locals looking for sunshine who want to try something outside of LA and Las Vegas. It is also the fifth-largest city in the United States, offering sublime desert views and a coveted bucket list attraction: the Grand Canyon.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is considered one of the spa capitals of the country, located a short, 25-minute drive from Phoenix.
Trips from Vancouver to Phoenix over the holiday weekend are among the cheapest heading south of the border.
Locals who can depart on Friday, June 28 can fly out at 6 a.m. from YVR and get into Phoenix just after noon; the outbound trip includes one stop in Seattle. The trip home departs on Monday, July 1 at 6 a.m. and the total cost of the ticket is $672 (see slide four).
Flights from Vancouver to Portland
While Portland is certainly an easy road trip destination from Vancouver, cheap flights provide an affordable alternative for people without wheels or who don't want to drive.
Flights departing on Saturday, June 29 and returning on Monday, July 1 start at $591 with Air Canada. Both flights are direct and just over an hour in either direction (see slide five).
Flights from Vancouver to Atlanta
Lively nightlife, rich history, and top attractions including the Georgia Zoo and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights make Atlanta, Georgia a coveted travel destination.
Flights from Vancouver to the southern U.S. city are also a steal over the holiday weekend. A flight departing YVR late Friday, June 28 at 11:45 p.m. makes a stop in Houston, Texas before arriving in Atlanta on Saturday, June 29 at 11:01 a.m. Travellers can enjoy a couple of days in the city before departing on Monday, July 1 just after noon. The trip home includes another stop in Houston and the total cost of the ticket is $409 (see slide six).
Flights from Abbotsford to Edmonton
Flights from Vancouver to Edmonton or Calgary in Alberta cost significantly more than during the rest of the year. However, tickets departing from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) cost about half the price, making it an ideal substitute.
A flight departing on Saturday, June 29 night and returning on Monday, July 1 at 2 p.m. costs $363 and both flights are direct (see slide seven).
Travellers who are looking for low-cost options out of YXX but who don't want to drive to the Fraser Valley have several options.
Find out how to catch cheap flights out of Abbotsford International Airport (YXX).
