If you're having getaway thoughts ahead of the long weekend, but don't feel like fighting traffic on the roads, several low-cost, last-minute flights from Vancouver remain available.
Currently, three destinations offer the lowest prices out of Vancouver, including one on Vancouver Island, one in Alberta, and one in Manitoba.
The August long weekend begins on Saturday, Aug. 2, but many people will start heading out of town or take Friday off; these flights all depart Vancouver on Friday and return on Monday.
Have a look at the best travel deals out of Vancouver.
Edmonton
If you can take Friday off work, Flair Airlines has an ultra-cheap, low-cost ticket option.
The flight departs Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Friday, Aug. 1, at 6:50 a.m. and returns from Edmonton (YEG) on Monday, Aug. 4, just after 10 a.m. The ticket costs $209, including tax, when booked directly through Flair Airlines (see slide two).
Nanaimo
If you aren't a fan of BC Ferries or want to avoid the guaranteed long weekend crowds, you can take a float plane out to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.
The flight departs from Vancouver's Coal Harbour seaplane terminal on Friday, Aug. 1, at 2:10 p.m. and returns from Nanaimo on Monday, Aug. 4, just before 8 a.m. The ticket costs $162, including tax, when booked directly through Harbour Air (see slide three).
This price is considered "typical" for economy, according to Google Flights, meaning you aren't paying a premium to fly last-minute on the popular weekend.
Winnipeg
Locals who want to get across the Prairies aren't out of luck for an affordable flight. Despite being a couple of provinces away, flights to Winnipeg remain cheap, starting at just over $400 round-trip, making them significantly cheaper than those bound for Saskatchewan or Ontario.
This particular flight departs Vancouver (YVR) on Friday, Aug. 1, at 3:45 p.m. and returns from Winnipeg (YWG) on Monday, Aug. at 6 a.m. The outbound flight is with Flair Airlines, and the return is with WestJet, but flights must be booked through ly.com to get the lowest price ($429) or through Expedia ($438).
This price is also considered "typical" for economy, according to Google Flights, so you aren't getting figuratively robbed for a little fun getaway.
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