News Releases

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - June 14, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

According to BMO's 2012 Summer Travel Survey, two-thirds of Canadian vacationers (63 per cent) said they will travel within Canada, compared to 57 per cent in 2011. Also, 79 per cent of Canadians plan to travel with their family.

BMO's survey, conducted by Leger Marketing, also revealed that most Canadians (66 per cent) planning a summer vacation this year expect to spend $2000, with 35 per cent spending below $1000.

The number one factor influencing family vacation plans is affordability. Meanwhile, the inclusion of children was far down the list with only 5 percent of Canadians taking into account their kids' wishes.

Canada has hundreds of unique venues and events to choose for vacationers. According to a Leger Marketing survey from 2011, about 44 per cent of Canadians said if money was not a factor, they would likely visit the Calgary Stampede in the next five years.

As the official bank of the Calgary Stampede for the past 100 years, BMO Bank of Montreal offers five Family Financial Tips leading up to the Centennial Celebrations at Stampede.

BMO Family Financial Tip #3 - Plan ahead and set a budget for your family vacation.

To help families make the most of their holiday plans, BMO Bank of Montreal offers the following summertime tips:

Save During the School Year: sock away $20 or $30 a week in a separate savings account; it adds up fast.

Work to Spend Less on Frivolous Things: watch your wallet in the months ahead of your vacation; stay away from impulse clearance sales and unnecessary takeout dinners.

Kids' Budget: Help your kids create their own summer budget with a BMO SmartSteps for Parents Budget Sheet.

Look for Freebies: Some experiences are expensive (like a week at a camp) but worthwhile. But also look for inexpensive or free activities, such as hiking, scavenger hunts and even running through the sprinkler! And head on down to the Calgary Stampede for BMO Kids' Day - free admission and a free pancake breakfast before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 11.

Use Loyalty Rewards: Stretch your vacation budget by using loyalty reward points to offset some part of your summer holiday costs. BMO is giving away 1000 Bonus AIRMILES to all new BMO Gold MasterCard account holders.

BMO's 2012 Summer Travel Survey was conducted from April 23-26, 2012, by Leger Marketing. The sample was 1502 Canadians, 18 years or older. The margin of error is 2.5 per cent.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is proud to be the official bank of the Calgary Stampede for the past 100 years. That's why we're corralling the community to celebrate with us at our special events - the BMO Farm Family Awards and BMO Kids' Day.

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $525 billion as at April 30, 2012, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

To view the photo associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120613-1967stampede800.jpg.