Why Canadians Are Choosing Domestic Travel This Summer

Canadian travellers are still making room for summer vacation, but many are looking closer to home.

With travel costs, gas prices, exchange rates and international uncertainty shaping decisions, domestic travel is becoming a practical choice for many Canadians. But staying in Canada is not only about saving money. It is also about convenience, familiarity, regional experiences and the chance to support local businesses.

Recent travel research suggests Canadians are not giving up on summer trips. They are becoming more selective about where they go and how they spend.

According to Leger’s June 2026 Canadian Travel Intentions & Emerging Trends Report, based on a survey of 1,532 Canadian residents aged 18 or older, 56% of Canadians plan to take a leisure trip this summer, unchanged from summer 2025 and up from 47% in summer 2024. That shows travel demand remains resilient, even as affordability concerns continue to shape plans. Cost and inflation were the top factors affecting summer travel plans, cited by 48% of Canadians, followed by gas prices at 37%, personal finances at 36% and airfare costs at 25%.

Those pressures help explain why domestic travel is standing out. Among Canadians planning leisure travel this summer, 77% intend to travel within Canada, compared with 14% who plan to travel to the United States.

The appeal is easy to understand. A trip within Canada can reduce some of the friction that comes with international travel. There is no currency exchange to manage, fewer border concerns, less uncertainty around travel rules and often more flexibility around transportation and timing.

BDC’s Canada tourism outlook 2026 also points to the strength of domestic travel. Based on a survey of 1,000 Canadians conducted between February 25 and March 3, 2026, BDC reports that 92% of Canadian travellers expect to take at least one trip within Canada in 2026. The top reasons for domestic travel included exploring Canada’s diverse regions, visiting friends or family, supporting Canadian businesses and the economy, lower costs compared with international travel and easier logistics.

Statistics Canada data shows that this interest in domestic travel has already translated into more trips and more spending. In the second quarter of 2025, Canadian residents took 90.6 million trips that included a domestic visit, up 10.9% from the same quarter a year earlier. They also spent $20.3 billion on visits within Canada, up 13.5% year over year.

The categories where spending rose are also telling. Food and beverage spending increased 20.4% to $5.4 billion, while recreation and entertainment spending rose 23.6% to $1.8 billion. That suggests domestic trips are not only about getting away for less. Canadians are still spending on the meals, activities and entertainment that make a trip feel like a vacation.

That matters for Canadian destinations and tourism businesses. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, entertainment venues and local operators are not just competing on price. They are competing on whether a trip feels easy, worthwhile and distinctive enough to justify the spend.

For destinations, that means highlighting more than affordability. Clear itineraries, local food, family-friendly activities, outdoor experiences, cultural events, road-trip routes and flexible options can help Canadians see what is available within reach.

The shift toward domestic travel reflects a more selective travel mindset. Canadians still want summer vacations, but they are weighing cost, convenience and experience more carefully.

For many travellers this summer, the best trip may not require a passport. It may be the one that feels easy to plan, worth the money and closer than expected.

Research author

Jackpot City Casino, a licensed operator, offers a wide range of interactive digital casino games designed for adult players seeking online entertainment. They enhance users' experience and promote responsible gaming through education. As part of its commitment to understanding the Canadian audiences it serves, Jackpot City conducted this research to explore how travel habits, budgeting, and leisure priorities are evolving, insights that help inform more relevant, responsible entertainment experiences across the country.