Canada’s travel landscape is shifting. Explore key trends shaping how and where Canadians will travel in 2026.
Top Travel Trends Canadians Should Expect in 2026
A Shift Toward Tech-Enabled Travel Experiences
As 2025 draws to a close, digital innovation is reshaping the way Canadians plan and experience travel. The coming year is expected to bring widespread adoption of AI-powered planning tools, allowing travellers to build personalized itineraries within minutes. These platforms streamline everything from lodging selection to activity recommendations, reducing the time and stress usually associated with trip preparation.
Industry analysts say this shift will accelerate in 2026, driven by a demand for convenience, flexibility, and customized travel options. For Canadian travellers who increasingly rely on mobile apps, digital wallets, and real-time travel alerts, the next year may mark the strongest integration of technology and tourism to date.
Growing Interest in Mountain Escapes and Nature Retreats
Nature-focused travel—especially mountain and alpine destinations—is emerging as a dominant trend for 2026. Canadians are showing heightened interest in quieter, scenic retreats over traditional beach-centric vacations. Destinations offering hiking, wellness lodges, thermal spas, and serene landscapes are seeing increased search activity heading into the new year.
This shift reflects broader post-pandemic travel habits: more solo trips, shorter weekend escapes, and a desire for peaceful environments away from urban noise. Mountain towns in British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec are expected to benefit as domestic tourism maintains momentum.
Cultural Immersion and “Local Living” Gain Momentum
Travel in 2026 is expected to move beyond sightseeing and guided tours. Canadians are gravitating toward deeper cultural engagement—activities such as community-based tourism, local food exploration, traditional craft workshops, and immersive neighbourhood experiences.
Instead of luxury-first packages, travellers are choosing authenticity: markets over malls, home-style cuisine over chain restaurants, and boutique accommodations over large resorts. This cultural shift indicates a growing preference for meaningful, story-driven travel experiences rather than high-priced, curated itineraries.
Wellness Travel Enters the Mainstream
Wellness tourism—once a niche market—is set to expand significantly next year. Canadians are prioritizing mental health, rest, and holistic well-being when selecting destinations. As a result, spa retreats, meditation lodges, forest-bathing excursions, and wellness-focused hotels are expected to attract strong interest.
Many international destinations are responding by introducing specialized programs combining physical wellness, cultural rituals, and eco-friendly practices. For Canadians planning 2026 travel, wellness experiences may offer a compelling alternative to conventional vacations.
Micro-Trips and Flexible Itineraries Become Popular
With busier work schedules and hybrid workplaces shaping daily life, micro-trips—short, frequent getaways—are rising in popularity. These trips, often spanning two to four days, provide an accessible way to recharge without committing to long vacations.
Airlines and hotels are aligning with this trend by offering flexible bookings, no-fee changes, and bundled short-stay packages. For Canadian travellers, this flexibility is expected to be a major driver of domestic and regional travel in the months ahead.
Responsible and Sustainable Travel Takes Priority
Sustainability remains a core focus for many Canadians. As global discussions around climate change intensify, travellers are opting for eco-friendly accommodations, low-impact activities, and itineraries that support local communities.
From carbon-offset flight programs to sustainable dining and eco-certified hotels, 2026 is projected to bring increased pressure on the industry to adopt greener practices. This aligns with the rising number of travellers who factor environmental impact into their trip decisions.
What Canadians Should Keep in Mind for 2026 Travel
Expect more digital tools shaping how trips are planned and managed.
Look to mountain and nature destinations for crowd-free, restorative escapes.
Prioritize cultural immersion for richer, more meaningful travel experiences.
Consider micro-trips to balance time constraints with the need for downtime.
Choose sustainable options to reduce environmental impact while supporting local economies.
Stay updated instantly — follow us on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn.
