BST Vacations unveils 2024 Peterborough program, introduces “Elevated Escapes”

BST Vacations (Blowes & Stewart Travel Group Ltd) has revealed its 2024 lineup of destinations for their Peterborough Departures program.

Next year, BST Vacations will travel to Charleston, South Carolina, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Memphis, Tennessee, Quebec City, Quebec, Montreal, Quebec, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Île du Havre aux Maisons, Magdalen Islands, and will offer five nights in New York City or a five-night cruise to Bermuda aboard Norwegian Joy, embarking from NYC.

October of 2024 marks 10 years since the first Peterborough Charter, out of Peterborough, ON, the company pointed out in a press release on Wednesday (Sept. 13).

In 2014, BST was celebrating their 40th year in business and wanted to celebrate in a unique way: they came up with the idea to operate the first passenger Boeing 737 out of the Peterborough Airport.

“It was a charter to New York City, and it sold out in 24 hours,” the company recalls.

A second plane was added to accommodate everyone that wanted to come along, and the anniversary was celebrated on a rooftop in the Big Apple with 280 of their clients.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the departure program, BST is heading back to New York City and passengers will be able to choose a New York City or cruise adventure.

The NCL cruise will be hosted by Scott Stewart, president of BST Vacations, and Dana Empey, vice-president of BST Vacations.

Introducing Elevated Escapes

In addition to the regular charters that fly on a Boeing 737-800, BST is also introducing a new brand of departures, called “Elevated Escapes,” flying on a SAAB 340, a 33-passenger aircraft.

“They are perfect for the discerning traveller looking for elevated travel, with personal concierge service and unique curated experiences,” the company said.

The SAAB 340 will be used for Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and for a longer flight to “Canada’s best kept secret” – the Magdalen Islands.

“For the 2023 season, we announced a new Airline partner, Nolinor Airlines, and have been using their OWG plane for our charters this year. It is the largest passenger plane to fly from the Peterborough Airport and holds 189 passengers. We are continuing with Nolinor for our regular departures in 2024 and are pleased to be adding a new airline partner to our portfolio, Pascan Airlines, who will operate their SAAB 340, 33 passenger plane for the new line of departures, our Elevated Escapes,” said Scott Stewart.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to grow the charter program and to try new things. None of this would be possible without the support from the community and our past passengers, and for that we are so grateful. The SAAB 340 will be available to be chartered privately by groups, families, & businesses, which is also very exciting.”

Food & beverage included

BST Vacations reminds passengers and agents that “this is not your run of the mill travel experience” as food and beverage is included and is all locally sourced.

“This is part of BST’s community first initiative, where rather than outsourcing the food and beverage to the airline, they bring it on themselves and support local businesses,” the company said.

Continental breakfast and in-flight meals are handpicked and made to order the morning of the flight by Sobeys Catering department on Lansdowne Street.

Spirits and beer on board, meanwhile, are from local distilleries and craft brewers.

In 2022, BST Vacations served the Publican House Pet Pilsner on board and were able to collect $1,500.00 in donations for the Humane Society’s Pet Project on their flights and are doing the same in 2023.

Final tally for the 2023 donation will be announced following their last charter of the 2023 season heading to Nashville in September.

“As always, passengers can expect an enjoyable, hassle-free travel experience without the headache of battling traffic,” the company noted.

For full details on the departures, click here.

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