Canadians are rethinking their summer travel plans—and their wallets are leading the conversation. According to a new Summer Travel Outlook from Expedia, rising airfare and accommodation costs are reshaping how Canadians approach travel in 2026. The result is a noticeable shift toward domestic destinations, paired with a more intentional approach to international trips—especially when it comes to Europe. The takeaway? Travel isn’t slowing down. It’s just getting smarter.
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Homegrown travel is having a moment
With prices climbing, many Canadians are choosing to stay closer to home, opting for road trips, shorter flights, and destinations that offer better overall value. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal continue to dominate, but there’s a growing appetite for destinations that blend affordability with experience.
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Places like Edmonton and Halifax are seeing significant spikes in interest, alongside scenic escapes such as Jasper and coastal favourites like Charlottetown and Moncton. It’s a mix of rediscovery and practicality—travellers revisiting what’s already in their backyard, while stretching their budgets further in the process.
Affordability is also shaping where people go. Cities like Regina, Windsor, Edmonton and Saskatoon are emerging as cost-effective options, while smaller hubs like Abbotsford, Penticton and Cranbrook are proving to be some of the cheapest places to fly within Canada this summer.
Europe still calls—just more selectively
Despite the domestic shift, Canadians aren’t giving up on international travel altogether. Europe, in particular, continues to hold strong appeal. Classic cities like Paris, London and Rome remain top choices, but there’s growing interest in destinations that offer a bit more value—and a little less crowding.
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Regions like Sicily and Puglia in Italy, as well as Spain’s Balearic Islands, are seeing major growth, alongside emerging hotspots like Copenhagen. These destinations offer a balance of culture, scenery and relative affordability compared to Europe’s busiest capitals. The trend suggests Canadians are still willing to go big—but they’re choosing their moments more carefully.
Timing is everything
As price sensitivity increases, when you travel is becoming just as important as where you go. Early June is shaping up as the most affordable window for domestic flights, while late August offers better value for international trips. Bundling flights and hotels, tracking price changes, and booking ahead of peak periods are becoming essential strategies for travellers looking to maximize value without sacrificing experience.
A more intentional way to travel
If there’s a theme to this summer’s travel behaviour, it’s balance. Canadians are finding ways to explore closer to home without giving up on bigger, bucket-list adventures. It’s less about cutting travel out—and more about making every trip count. And in a year where costs are up, that mindset might just be the smartest travel hack of all.
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Feature image by Simeon Maryska
