G Adventures Calls ‘Seasonality Expansion’ a Leading Trend for Canadian Travellers

According to new internal booking data from G Adventures, Canadian travellers are fully embracing off-peak travel for Fall 2026.

Calling it “the defining story of Canadian travel late this year,” G Adventures says “seasonality expansion” is a hot trend. 

“Rather than compressing their trips into narrow peak-summer windows, Canadians are extending their travel calendars well into the autumn shoulder season. This shift is allowing travellers to experience classic global favourites with less crowding, while driving growth in emerging destinations,” G says in a press statement.

Below are some of the key data trends shaping how Canadians are embracing shoulder season travel, and community spotlights as travellers look ahead to the new season.  

Fall classics vs. Emerging Hotspots

While appetite for classic autumn staples remains strong, G says Canadian booking behaviour shows a clear desire to explore new regions during shoulder season. Traditional fall favourites like Peru, Morocco, Italy, Portugal, and Turkey remain the top-booked overall destinations for Canadians this autumn, mirroring 2025. However, the most significant year-over-year (YoY) fall booking surges reflect a growing curiosity for non-traditional itineraries:

• Canada: +250%
• China: +205%
• Indonesia: +98%
• Uzbekistan: +88%
• Bosnia & Herzegovina: +64%
• Poland: +57%
• Sri Lanka: +50%
• Uruguay: +41%
• Egypt: +38%
• South Korea: +33%
• Costa Rica: +23%
• Albania: +21%

Solo Travel Continues to Surge

Independent travellers are increasingly opting for autumn departures to bypass peak summer heat and congestion. G says fall solo departures have surged 40% compared to summer months, with women representing 76% of these solo bookings.

While core solo mainstays include Peru, Morocco, Italy, Japan, and Vietnam, emerging solo favourites for autumn include China (+120%), India (+17%), and Egypt (+12%).

Sports Tourism Meets Cultural Travel: The Launch of Away Games

Aligning with the return of European football, sports tourism is proving to be a major driver for travel demand. To capture this momentum, G Adventures introduced Away Games this summer, a collection of itineraries built around iconic European football culture, with first departures kicking off this fall. 

Initially launched in June with itineraries centering around match-day in England (including Manchester United, Arsenal F.C. and more), the program has since expanded to feature major Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

Destination Spotlight: Shoulder Season Picks 

South Korea: Driven by interest in Korean culture, fall travel to South Korea has risen 33% YoY and 492% over peak summer months. Best of South Korea contrasts Seoul’s modern, neon energy with ancient temple stays, seaside markets in Busan and a guided visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

Italy: As summer heat subsides, couples’ bookings to Italy have jumped 179% for the fall, alongside a 99% overall shoulder-season increase. On the new, Local Living – Tuscany San Gimignano itinerary, travellers stay in a traditional farmhouse, discover medieval streets, wake up to vineyards, and explore nearby Florence at an unhurried pace.

Ireland: Fall bookings are up 30% over summer figures as travellers seek out the majestic and cozy atmosphere on the  Emerald Isle. The Highlights of Ireland itinerary takes travellers from Dublin to Belfast, balancing windswept coastal cliffs with vibrant visits to historic village pubs.

Egypt: Driven by a 38% YoY surge and a 367% jump compared to summer months, Egypt is a primary draw for shoulder season travellers seeking milder desert temperatures. Wonders of Egypt and the Nile pairs classic archaeology, from the Pyramids to the Valley of the Kings, with traditional home-cooked meals hosted by local Nubian families.

Mexico: Ranking among Canada’s top 25 shoulder season destinations for Canadians, travel to Mexico centers on cultural immersion before the winter snowbird rush. Journeys: Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende immerses guests in UNESCO-recognized Día de los Muertos traditions.