Travel

Summer travel doesn’t have to break the bank. According to Expedia’s newly released Summer Travel Outlook, several Canadian cities offer exceptional value for budget-conscious travellers in 2026.

Cities such as Regina, Windsor, Edmonton and Saskatoon rank among the most affordable destinations to stay this summer, while smaller hubs like Abbotsford and Penticton are proving to be some of the cheapest places to fly within Canada.

The findings reflect a broader shift in how Canadians are approaching summer vacations. “Canadians are rethinking how they travel this summer,” said Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group brands. “We’re seeing travellers balance rising costs by choosing road trips, shorter flights and familiar destinations at home — while still making room in their plans for dream trips to Europe.”

This value-driven mindset is reshaping domestic travel patterns. While major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal remain popular for their big-city energy, there has been a surge in interest for smaller and nature-focused destinations. Among the top trending Canadian locations are Edmonton and Jasper, both up 35 per cent in search demand. On the East Coast, Halifax rose 25 per cent, followed by Charlottetown and Moncton at 20 per cent.

For those looking to stretch their travel dollars even further, Expedia data shows that timing is everything. The cheapest days to fly domestically this summer are June 5 and June 11, while international travel is most affordable on June 4 and August 31. Travellers who can be flexible with their dates can save significantly by avoiding peak travel periods.

Pages: 1 2

For years, British Columbia and Alberta dominated Canada’s domestic tourism landscape. But in 2026, the tide has turned.

According to new booking data from FlightHub, Ontario has emerged as the most popular destination for domestic travellers, overtaking other provinces. Alberta and British Columbia follow closely behind, rounding out the top three.

The shift reflects a broader trend of Canadians choosing to stay closer to home, driven by rising costs and a renewed interest in exploring the diversity of their own country.

The change isn’t just visible in provincial rankings — it’s showing up in specific flight routes. Toronto to Calgary has become the most booked domestic flight for summer 2026, replacing last year’s top route of Toronto to Vancouver. This change points to a growing demand for travel to Alberta, possibly driven by its mix of urban attractions and access to outdoor experiences, but overall, Ontario remains the most reserved destination of all.

FlightHub’s data also reveals which specific Canadian cities are capturing travellers’ attention. Toronto tops the list as the most booked Canadian destination, followed by Vancouver and Calgary. Edmonton ranks fourth, with Montréal and Winnipeg rounding out the top six, reflecting both urban and regional demand across the country.

Ontario’s leadership in domestic travel comes at a time when Canadians are making deliberate choices about where to spend their travel dollars. Early bookings for trips within Canada increased from 36 per cent in 2025 to 44 per cent in 2026 — an eight percentage point jump. At the same time, travel to the United States has softened, dropping from 14 per cent to 13 per cent of bookings.

Pages: 1 2

A historic 19th-century Canadian town best known for its Victorian streets and world-class wineries is experiencing an unprecedented international tourism surge.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is stealing the global travel spotlight in 2026, drawing millions of visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, India and France. Expanded flight options via Air Canada, Delta, British Airways, United Airlines and WestJet have made travel seamless, with tourists flocking to experience the town’s unique blend of history, wine country and picturesque lakeside views.

The international boom is fuelled by strategic airline expansion. Air Canada has enhanced European connectivity with expanded routes from London and Frankfurt to Toronto. British Airways offers seasonal service from London to Toronto. Delta Air Lines has strengthened U.S. feeder traffic with flights from New York and seasonal U.S. cities, while United Airlines provides support from the Midwest and West via Chicago and Denver. WestJet has introduced seasonal India-to-Calgary and India-to-Toronto routes, feeding growing South Asian travel demand. Toronto Pearson International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport serve as primary gateways for travellers heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

But access is only part of the story. Niagara-on-the-Lake has long been known for its historical significance. Founded in 1792 as Newark, it was the first capital of Upper Canada. The War of 1812 left its mark — Fort George and many historic homes were rebuilt in the 19th century. Today, visitors can stroll tree-lined streets featuring Georgian, Regency and Victorian architecture, enjoying a picturesque, pedestrian-friendly experience.

The Shaw Festival remains a primary cultural driver. This repertory theatre attracts thousands annually with productions spanning George Bernard Shaw’s works to contemporary plays. Visitors often plan multi-day stays around the festival schedule, turning a simple visit into a dedicated cultural getaway.

Pages: 1 2

Forget Santorini. The coastal village of Ucluelet on Vancouver Island is quietly stealing the spotlight as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Expedia Group’s latest “Destinations of the Year” list — powered by real-time data from millions of daily visitors to the Expedia site and app — highlights where global interest is rising fastest. Among the top emerging destinations is Ucluelet, the stunning year-round coastal destination in British Columbia, which saw a 44 per cent search increase over the past year.

Ucluelet was ranked #7 out of #10 global destinations, and it was the only Canadian spot to make the list. The selection was based on actual increases in flight and accommodation searches on Expedia for travel between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025, compared to the same period the previous year.

So what’s driving the sudden love for this tiny district municipality of about 1,650 people? The answer lies in a broader global shift: travellers are seeking peaceful, nature-focused experiences away from overcrowded tourist hotspots.

“Ucluelet is a place where the seasons bring dramatic shifts in weather, atmosphere, adventure and natural beauty,” says Discover Ucluelet. The village is renowned for its year-round outdoor adventures and rugged wilderness. The hike along the famed Wild Pacific Trail offers some of the most breathtaking views of the coastline, with hikers able to clearly spot the Broken Group Islands, Barkley Sound, and Amphitrite Point. The accessible 9 km journey was previously voted the #1 Thing to Do on Vancouver Island by TripAdvisor.

Pages: 1 2

Early booking data reveals a decisive shift: Canadians are turning away from U.S. destinations and rediscovering their own backyard.

New data from FlightHub, the Canadian online travel agency, shows that Canadians are locking in summer 2026 travel plans earlier than ever. Between March 1 and April 21, 2026, bookings surged 36 per cent compared to the same period in 2025 — a powerful signal of strong travel intent despite rising costs.

Behind this early booking surge lies a fundamental change in where Canadians actually want to go. Early bookings for trips within Canada increased from 36 per cent in 2025 to 44 per cent in 2026 — an eight percentage point jump. In contrast, travel to the United States saw a slight decline, dropping from 14 per cent to 13 per cent.

“We’re seeing a redistribution of Canadian travel spending,” says Chris Lynes, Managing Director of Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. “While U.S. travel has softened, outbound travel to other international destinations and interest in domestic trips has strengthened.”

Pages: 1 2