U.S. tensions, weak loonie combine for spring break boom in Victoria, B.C. [Video]

Growing tensions with the United States coupled with a weak Canadian dollar have combined to create something of a spring break boom in Victoria, B.C.

“We used to travel in the ‘States a fair amount, but we’re just not comfortable right now,” Lorie Hyatt, visiting from Ontario, told Global News.

“I don’t think we’re going to travel to the U.S. for the next four years,” added Roger Hyatt.

The couple were among many tourists enjoying the streets of B.C.’s capital Global News spoke with on Wednesday, who cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff and annexation threats in choosing to travel domestically this year.

The result is paying dividends for local tourism operators.

“Lots of Canadians, definitely. Yesterday there were people down on the docks, they said they chose to travel to B.C. rather than travelling to the ‘States,” said Nik Coutinho with Prince of Whales whale watching.

Coutinho said business was already brisk, ahead of the company’s official seasonal …