Skyscanner Reveals 2026 Canadian Travel Trends: Personal Journeys Tops

Skyscanner has released its 2026 Travel Trends Report, with fresh insights into how Canadians plan to travel and spend in the coming year.

The findings point to a new era of deeply personal travel. Trips that are inspired by individual passions, from visiting destinations straight out of favourite novels to journeying abroad in search of the latest viral bite. Canadians are redefining exploration as a reflection of who they are.

“Travellers are planning with greater purpose, shaping trips that reflect who they are and what matters most, at a price that feels right for them”, says Skyscanner CEO Bryan Batista. 

Drawing on proprietary data, a global survey of more than 20,000 travellers, and trusted industry insights, Skyscanner has unveiled its 2026 Travel Trends Report. The findings reveal everything Canadians need to know for the year ahead, from evolving travel behaviours to the top 10 trending and best-value destinations shaping upcoming travel plans.

Canadian travellers in 2026 are showing an increasing desire for destinations that blend cultural immersion, coastal charm, and energetic city life. From the natural beauty of Portugal’s Azores to the vibrant capitals of the Caribbean, and the bustling urban hubs of Mexico and Taiwan, Canadians are seeking destinations that offer warmth, authenticity, and accessibility.

This year’s travel patterns point to a balance between far-flung international adventures and closer-to-home getaways, with Canadians gravitating toward places that celebrate nature, culture, and meaningful connection.

“Travellers are redefining what it means to explore, whether embracing self-care through beauty inspired trips, seeking serenity in the mountains, or letting literature inspire their journeys,” says Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner Travel Expert. 

“2026 is the year that travel gets personal, and it’s about more than the destinations themselves. Canadians are pioneering a travel landscape that is all about crafting unique itineraries that resonate on an individual level, making each trip a deeply personal adventure.”  

Here are the top 10 destinations with the biggest year-on-year increase in searches*: 

1. Terceira Lajes, Portugal: +209 per cent increase 
2. Basseterre, Saint Kitts: +170 per cent increase
3. Castries, Saint Lucia: +160 per cent increase 
4. Guadalajara, Mexico: +146 per cent increase 
5. Comox, Canada: +145 per cent increase 
6. Kaohsiung, Taiwan: +122 per cent increase 
7. Victoria, Canada: +115 per cent increase 
8. Gander, Canada: +105 per cent increase 
9. Lyon, France: +99 per cent increase 
10. Ponta Delgada, Portugal: +98 per cent increase 

These are the top factors determining budget-friendly travel destinations among Canadians:  

• The cost of flights (62 per cent) 
• The cost of accommodations (58 per cent) 
• The cost of food and drink (37 per cent) 

These are the top 10 best value destinations**:

1. Lyon, France: -35 per cent price drop 
2. Dublin, Ireland: -29 per cent price drop 
3. Seoul, South Korea: -22 per cent price drop 
4. Bucharest, Romania: -21 per cent price drop 
5. Zurich, Switzerland: -21 per cent price drop 
6. Venice, Italy: -20 per cent price drop 
7. Ponta Delgada, Portugal: -20 per cent price drop 
8. Mexico City, Mexico: -16 per cent price drop 
9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: -16 per cent price drop 
10. Marrakech, Morocco: -16 per cent price drop 

Find the Full 2026 Travel Trends Report here.