The traditional family vacation is shifting ever so gradually. In the past two summers Canadian resort owners have noticed that the summer family bookings are coming later in the seasonal reservation cycle. In some cases Ontario vacation resorts are not filling during the two peak summer months. In addition, demographics are dictating changes in the nature of vacations and holidays. As most baby boomers are approaching or thinking about retirement, with plenty of disposable income and their children are in the process of leaving the nest for university, work, or raising their own families, the travel patterns of the baby boomer era has changed dramatically.



Canada has the most entrenched baby boomer generation by percentage of any country in the world. For this reason, a gradual shift is beginning to occur as some Canadian resorts are seeking out ways to cater to the needs and desires of the baby boomers. The question many boomers may be asking themselves is, with all the family-centered resort locations, how do I find a vacation destination that caters to people in my demographic area? The following paragraphs will outline ways that the Canadian resort industry is changing to make vacations enjoyable and attractive to the baby boomer era as well as factors to consider when planning this type of vacation.

Empty nesters tend to be discerning about the location. Because they have already been through the child rearing years, they generally try to avoid screaming children and look for a full-service resort experience that offers features such as spa services and fine dining. As the baby boomer generation is focusing more on criteria of this caliber, a whole new niche market has been opened that is for more than the large, full-service properties sporting golf courses and multiple dining rooms. You see, the baby boomer population is value conscious and seeks out properties that provide excellent service at a fair price and generally they don't pay "rack rates". They also take pride in finding places that are quaint and off the beaten path...kind of a carry over from their own independent youth when they were pushing back on the establishment before they became the establishment. For this reason, it is important to look at the key factors that appeal to the baby boomers.

One factor that baby boomers tend to appreciate is history. Some prefer a quaint location that is rich in historical themes and reminds them of days when they were a child. On the other hand, some prefer to have a little bit of history at the Canadian lodge or resort with nearby museums and shops that remind them of a piece of history that they find particularly interesting. Whatever the preference, it is important to consider how the elements of history affect the "feel" of the vacation and the memories that they bring to the forefront of one's mind.

Something else that many baby boomers seek out when choosing a Canadian vacation spot is the location. This is important to consider because some like the tranquility associated with nature, while others appreciate the proximity to nearby activities. In addition, the location can vary immensely from one property to the next. Some adult vacation resort properties offer suites with fireplaces, others have spa facilities onsite or nearby the resort, and some locations are more a place of rest and relaxation with very few activities.

Another factor that the baby boomer generation appreciates is flexibility for busy schedules. This is very important to consider because many Ontario Canada vacation resorts or lodges only offer weekly reservations during the summer months. For this reason, those wishing to stay a few days, rather than a full week would be better off choosing a different location that offers nightly reservations or visiting during other seasons when lodging stays do not require a full-weeks stay.

The fourth factor to consider when choosing a vacation destination that caters to the baby boomer demographics is dining. This is one thing that varies significantly among the Canadian properties. Many baby boomers prefer home cooked meals that focus on large portions, and this is available at select lodge properties. However, some people prefer fancy meals with smaller portions and tables decorated nicely with flowers. Whatever your preference, make sure that the dining fits your desires.

The final factor that the baby boomer market seeks out when choosing a vacation destination is service. It is believed that baby boomers are hard wired with a sense of value, quality, and integrity that seeks out personable and genuine service unlike other generations. For this reason, when planning an Ontario Canada vacation that caters to the demographics of baby boomers, it is important to seek out destinations that others have had a positive experience with.