People feeling more connected to nature as they enjoy outdoors during pandemic
It's been a stressful year, but amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people have made a stronger connection with nature and are feeling the health benefits -- both physical and mental -- of time spent outdoors.
Every morning, Kevin Snair ventures out to the Hopewell Rocks to film a family of peregrine falcons perched high in the cliffs. It's a routine that's now become second nature to the provincial park's "public relations and marketing coordinator" -- and a source of calm.
"Now, I so look forward to it, this hour or so of just solitude out in nature, just taking in whatever comes," Snair says. "It's great therapy."
With all of the stress and uncertainty caused by COVID-19, it appears more Canadians are looking to reconnect with nature nowadays.
A new poll by Leger Marketing shows that 76 per cent feel that the pandemic has fueled a new appreciation for the outdoors.
In Atlantic Canada, that number is higher than anywhere else at 85 per cent.
"We're seeing about the same visitation as last year, but people just seem so engaged, they're soaking in nature, I think," said Snair. "We've been kind of closed up a bit and missing that connection, so it's great to see that again."
Hike Nova Scotia says membership has increased by 20 per cent, which is the highest increase they have ever experienced.
"We're hearing anecdotally and through some data that is being reported from trail managers that traffic on the trails has definitely gone up, it's quite noticeable," said Janet Barlow, the executive director of Hike Nova Scotia.
The new poll also shows that 65 per cent of respondents feel the pandemic has given them a greater appreciation for travel within Canada.
Nearly half of Canadians plan to take a road trip this summer, which is up almost 10 per cent over last year, something Gary Howard of CAA says isn't surprising.
It's a trend he expects to see continue into this summer and fall.
"While I think people would like to travel internationally, it's not safe to do so yet, so they are planning for 2022," Howard said. "We've already seen quite a bit of bookings, in the meantime, people want to go somewhere."
Go somewhere, and soak in the sights as we look to explore the outdoors and hit the open road.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Thieves use stolen forklift to rip cash machine out of U.K. bank
Police in the U.K. are searching for a group of suspects seen on video using a forklift to steal a cash machine from a bank.
'There was a lot of black smoke': Crane operator sounds alarm while trapped during highrise fire in Halifax
A tower crane operator alerted emergency crews after noticing a fire on a construction site in Halifax Tuesday morning.
Cherry blossoms blooming in Canada: Here's what to know
There is a swaying sea of colour in some cities across Canada, and it's a sure sign of spring: cherry blossoms are in bloom.