The shift appears to be influenced in part by rising airfare, particularly for U.S. routes. According to FlightHub, domestic airfare rose 15 per cent in 2026, with average round-trip prices increasing from 254to293. But the increase is even more dramatic for U.S. travel, where average fares jumped 35 per cent, from 324to437.
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The data suggests that convenience, cost considerations, and a renewed interest in local exploration are shaping travel decisions. Canadians aren’t just dreaming about staying home — they’re booking flights, and they’re doing it early.
A recent survey commissioned by Flight Centre Canada and conducted by YouGov adds another dimension to this trend. According to the national poll, 62 per cent of Canadians say they are less likely to visit the United States in 2026 compared to last year. Political and cultural concerns south of the border, frustrations with border control and travel restrictions, and the unfavourable exchange rate all factored into Canadians’ decision-making. Many are now looking to support the local economy by travelling within Canada. Europe is also seeing a peak in Canadian travellers, with one in four Canadians ranking countries across the continent as their top international choice for 2026.
Meanwhile, Statistics Canada’s cross-border travel data for March 2026 confirms the broader slowdown. Road trips to the United States declined 4.5 per cent compared to March 2025 — and have dropped a striking 35 per cent compared to March 2024, signalling a significant longer-term slowdown. Air travel to the U.S. also fell by 13.8 per cent year-over-year. For the third straight month, more Canadians boarded flights to overseas destinations than drove to the United States, reversing a long-standing travel trend. Overseas travel rose by 4.9 per cent year-over-year.
Millennials lead the way in this new era of Canadian travel, accounting for 31 per cent of bookings at FlightHub in 2026. Generation X follows closely at 29 per cent, showing that mid-career travellers are also actively planning their summer trips well in advance.
Despite higher prices across the board, Canadians are continuing to book early, indicating strong travel intent. Domestic demand remains robust, and as one industry observer noted, Canadians are choosing Canada again — with confidence and purpose.
