Cannatourism: Canada’s Best Vacation Spots for a High Vacation
Of all the industries that have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism has been one of the hardest hit. The federal government has released statistics that paint a bleak picture: Employment in tourism fell by almost 30 percent in 2020, with gastronomy and accommodation suffering the most. To help the recovery, the federal government has allocated $67 million to boost the sector.
Many people working in cannabis tourism say it has the potential to aid recovery; Since recreational cannabis became legal in Canada in 2018, casual use has returned to normal, with a growing number of people interested in incorporating it into their vacations. Travel agents, tour operators and others in the industry are taking steps to accommodate them, but they continue to face obstacles.
Regulations limit access and advertising
Although Canadians can now purchase recreational cannabis through the mail or in person from provincially regulated stores thanks to cannabis law, they still face many restrictions on where they can consume it. These restrictions vary by jurisdiction.
There are other issues for businesses that cater to canna-curious travelers. For example, Farmgate stores, which allow licensed producers to sell their products to consumers locally, are now legal in Ontario, but the cannabis they sell must be supplied by the provincial supplier rather than the producers themselves.
Additionally, cannabis companies face onerous restrictions on advertising. Because the law takes the position that the advertising of cannabis is prohibited, a business authorized to sell or distribute cannabis must comply with informational advertising or brand preference advertising.
Cannabis industry experts believe that if all of these obstacles were removed, canna-tourism would thrive here just as it did south of the border, where American states that have legalized recreational cannabis have seen an explosion of cannabis-friendly accommodations, lounges, festivals and Have seen more other services and activities.
Traditional tourism activities such as tours, outdoor recreation and cooking classes might involve cannabis, or alternatively businesses might offer services and events solely focused on cannabis.
“There is an opportunity for cannabis tourism to thrive. This industry is ready to go. It has supply and demand. The only thing that doesn’t exist are regulations that would allow it.”
Susan Dupej, a researcher at the University of Guelph, recently told Leafly.
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Dupej believes that the success of coffee shops in Amsterdam demonstrates that the tourism industry benefits when consumers can buy and consume cannabis in a lounge-like environment without fear of reprimand from authorities or public judgment .
Increasing interest in industry recovery
Despite the current challenges facing canna tourism in Canada, Wendy Forwell, who founded a travel consultancy called Cannabis Hotels in 2018, is optimistic about the future of canna tourism in Canada.
“There is a sense of community in the cannabis space. People want to be with their tribe. One day we will see the opening of many lounges and restaurants specializing in the consumption of cannabis,” she says. “It is clear that the world did not end when we legalized cannabis. Authorities need to start looking to the future now.”
Despite drawbacks and buzzkill limitations, travelers who like to indulge in indicas or want to splurge on sativas on vacation still have options. Here are the best tours, hotels and getaways Canada has to offer.
Grab your weed and explore Canada
Canada High Tours
Canada High Tours offers a variety of cannabis tours and experiences in several Canadian cities. People can consume cannabis while participating in various activities such as graffiti tours, hiking, and painting.
HiBnb
HiBnb is an online booking marketplace aimed at people who want to enjoy cannabis while traveling or doing other activities in Canada. The company says it “offers opportunities to explore cannabis in safe, supportive, and welcoming environments.”
The Movement’s Cannabis Tours
The Movement Cannabis Tours offers a variety of cannabis-centric experiences in Vancouver, where it is based, including walking tours, luxury vehicle tours, and custom tours.
Cannanakis
Cannanaskis offers cannabis-focused tours in the Rocky Mountains. Calgary-based owner Dave Dormer is not licensed to offer cannabis to clients, but does educate them about the history of the plant and provides them with edibles and a safe and legal space to consume their own cannabis during tours.
Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa
In 2019, Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa in Haliburton, Ontario became the first resort in Ontario to openly allow guest consumption of cannabis.
“We don’t intend to be a typical weed-smoking hotel or anything like that,” Jon Massey, the resort’s director of business development, told The Toronto Sun at the time.
“It’s more about acknowledging that it’s legal now, we’re an adults and couples resort and we have professionals who are happy to come and relax in the environment that we provide. Really, it’s a natural progression.”
Aurora Cannabis
Edmonton-based producer Aurora Cannabis has a store in the famous West Edmonton Mall that does more than just sell cannabis. It offers consumers experiences such as music shows, comedy nights, and movie nights.
Mary Jane Manor
Mary Jane Manor is a new cannabis themed retreat in the rural community of Mossleigh, Alberta. It was recently opened by Serena Donovan, the owner of a micro cultivator or processor.
tweed
Tweed*, one of Canada’s best-known licensed producers, has a visitor center at its facility, a former chocolate factory, in Smiths Falls, Ontario. The center gives consumers the opportunity to visit their grow rooms and learn more about the science and history of cannabis.
The Hotbox Lounge
Toronto’s Hotbox Lounge has a patio — known as “The Potio” — where visitors can consume cannabis, as well as a year-round vape lounge. The lounge hosts music and special events most nights.
The Cannabis Cooking Company
The Cannabis Cooking Company* is a Toronto-based cooking school that teaches you how to cook cannabis-infused dishes with a focus on different strains, terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids.
Toronto Toke Tours
Toronto Toke Tours offers customers the opportunity to consume cannabis on a city tour. The company also offers massage and yoga classes.
*These locations are currently closed due to Covid precautions but will be reopening.
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Randy Druzin
Randi Druzin is a Toronto-based writer and journalist. She has worked for several major media outlets, including the National Post and the CBC, and has written for dozens of publications, including The New York Times, Time Magazine, ESPN The Magazine, and The Globe and Mail.
Check out Randi Druzin’s articles
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