With the hugely popular Can-Am Days just a couple weeks away, we sit down with Rebecca Seeds, Canadian Account Manager at Visit Myrtle Beach to discuss what to expect at this year’s event, how Canadians can get there this year, and what most people still don’t know about this beloved destination.
1. Myrtle Beach’s popular Can-Am Days is returning next month. What can you tell us about this year’s event?
“The 2024 Can-Am Days will be the 63rd consecutive year that Myrtle Beach has been welcoming their Canadian friends back to ‘The Beach’ and take advantage of exclusive savings at hotels, activities, up to 50% off select live entertainment, attractions, restaurants and more!
“Myrtle Beach is all about reconnecting with loved ones, exploring the natural splendor of the Grand Strand, learning coastal culture in the 14 different communities, playing your best game of golf and finding that perfect bite. With deals and events specifically for Can-Am Days, you can enjoy the beach vacation you deserve.
“This year’s events will take place March 9-17 and include a kickoff party at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and Visitors Centre with a cake and goodies for all who drop by. Then you can enjoy your favorite Tim Hortons Coffee at the Ripley’s Aquarium and receive a discount if you are a CAA member. The week also features a BBQ festival and a free concert in downtown Myrtle Beach.
“Coupons are not needed to receive the Can-Am Days discount, however, some deals have specific conditions, such as proof of a valid Canadian ID. For more information go to
www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/events/can-am-days.”
.
2. Has airlift returned in full since the pandemic?
“The Myrtle Beach Airport (MYR) has seen significant growth in flights from across the country with many connecting flight options from hubs like Toronto and Montréal. Currently there are no direct flights from Canada, however, you can fly direct from Toronto into Charleston with Air Canada daily starting in March; Myrtle Beach is only a two-hour drive from Charleston.
“Another great option is departing from Detroit or Buffalo as both are close proximity to Canadian borders and they offer easy connecting flights with Delta, American Airlines, Southwest and United to Myrtle Beach. Let’s remember that Canadian travellers also love a great road trip and Myrtle Beach is less than a day’s drive away!”
3. What’s new in the destination that you can share?
“We are excited to share that a Margaritaville Resort and Compass by Margaritaville Hotel will be opening in 2025 in downtown Myrtle Beach. Additionally, a new elevated mini golf and casual outdoor dining experience called PopStroke Golf will be opening in 2024. PopStroke features two 18-hole putting courses, jumbotrons and large TV’s located all throughout the property, lively bars, a full-service scratch restaurant and family-friendly amenities including an ice cream parlour, a playground and various outdoor games like cornhole and foosball.
“Long described as the Golf Capital of the World boasting 92 golf courses, Myrtle Beach will make history in 2024 when it hosts its first-ever PGA tournament, The Myrtle Beach Classic. The PGA tournament in Myrtle Beach runs from May 9-12, concluding on Mother’s Day, at the renowned beach front Dunes Golf & Beach Club designed by Robert Trent Jones.”
.
4. What’s something that most Canadians don’t know about Myrtle Beach?
“Myrtle Beach has been a mecca for Canadians Snowbirds, however they might not know that there is a Canadian Snowbird Golf Membership deal where for US$47 you can get a Myrtle Beach Golf Passport membership that gets you discounted rates at over 70 courses. In addition to offering the best rates on green and cart fees at courses along the Grand Strand, Golf Passport members also receive special offers from a variety of local businesses that will greatly enhance the value of the Passport membership card.
“Canadians may also not know that Myrtle Beach has ‘moderate’ temperatures during the winter months. Even in our coldest months the average temperature is about 56 degrees Fahrenheit ,or 14 degrees Celsius, which is cool but pleasant and the water is still warm for swimming. Fall has its own charm in this beloved coastal destination. It is known as Myrtle Beach’s Secret Summer and is the perfect time to visit as there are fewer crowds and the temperatures are still warm, usually ranging from the mid-70s to 80s.”
.
5. Myrtle Beach is obviously known for being a family and Snowbird destination. But would it make for a good weekend getaway for Canadians?
“While we would love it if everyone stayed a week or more in Myrtle Beach, it would still make a great long weekend getaway because we have all the components needed for an action-packed weekend. You could take a one-stop connecting flight from Toronto and be in Myrtle Beach, swimming in the ocean by 2:00 p.m. We have over 2,000 restaurants to choose from offering our famous, fresh seafood caught right off our coast, as well as a diverse array of other culinary experiences. And in the downtown area there are seven live entertainment theaters to choose from. All this, combined with great golf courses, 100 kilometres of coastline, beautiful beaches, a recently renovated mile-long Boardwalk, and State Parks for biking and hiking, make for an unforgettable long weekend getaway.”
For more information about travel to Myrtle Beach go to www.visitmyrtlebeach.ca.