Canadian travel is booming in 2026: why it's a good time to plan your next trip

Canadian travel is up 10% this year

At its ELEVATE Canada conference in Toronto, Travel Leaders Network reported that its Canadian travel business is up 10% year over year. It's a clear sign that Canadians aren't just dreaming about getaways this year. They're booking them.

If you've been putting off a family vacation, here's where Canadians are heading and how to get good value from your trip.

Where Canadians are heading

Sun destinations remain winter favourites for Canadian travellers, including many leaving from Toronto and the GTA.

• Mexico: all-inclusive resorts and plenty of culture make Mexico a top pick for families. Compare Cancun vacation packages or head south to the Riviera Maya.
• The Caribbean: turquoise water and white-sand beaches suit couples, solo travellers and families alike. Explore Caribbean vacations, including Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Montego Bay in Jamaica.
• Getaways closer to home: not every trip needs a passport. A weekend at one of the hotels near you is an easy family escape.

How to get more from your 2026 vacation budget

• Book early when you can: popular resorts fill up fast around school holidays, and booking early usually gives you more choice of rooms and dates.
• Consider an all-inclusive package: vacation packages that bundle flights, hotel and meals make your budget easier to plan.
• Stay flexible: if your dates are open, last-minute deals can be a good way to save.
• Compare before you book: look at hotel deals across several destinations before you settle on one.

Plan your next trip with shoptravel

On shoptravel you can compare vacation packages and hotels in one place, with prices in Canadian dollars. With more Canadians on the move in 2026, now is a good time to turn your travel plans into a booking.