TORONTO — With summer 2025 on the horizon, new insights from Booking.com reveal Canadian travellers are embracing a season filled with nature, global discovery and culturally rich experiences – both at home and abroad.
According to Booking.com data, 72% of Canadian leisure travellers are excited to explore the world this summer, and the same percentage plans to spend more on travel than they did in 2024. The season is expected to bring high demand across domestic destinations and international hotspots alike.
A strong summer for Canada’s west
Canada’s renowned biodiversity and natural landscapes are drawing strong interest, with 42% of Canadian travellers expressing a desire to explore lakes, mountains and national parks. Notably, destinations like the hot springs of Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, as well as the dramatic fjords and tablelands of Gros Morne National Park, are gaining attention among travellers looking for immersive nature experiences.
Western Canadian destinations are seeing a significant surge in travel searches. Booking.com reports year-over-year increases in accommodation interest from Canadian travellers of:
- 61% for Kelowna
- 61% for Canmore
- 45% for Banff
Families and meaningful travel
Family travel is on the rise, with 90% of Canadian parents planning at least one domestic trip, and 81% planning at least one international trip this year. Europe is the top pick for international travel among parents (48%), followed by Asia at 21%.
Beyond sightseeing, families are prioritizing cultural and educational experiences, with 87% of Canadian parents saying they want trips that expose their children to diverse cultures and traditions – from historic landmarks and public art to unique culinary offerings.
Group travel on the rise
Group travel, particularly among Gen Z, is gaining momentum this summer. 29% of Gen Z travellers plan to travel with friends, and 24% intend to incorporate nature-based activities like stargazing and outdoor exploration.
While the social aspect is appealing, planning group travel isn’t without its challenges. Among Canadians who travelled in a group last year, 26% experienced friction due to differing budgets or interests, and 22% noted challenges with varying travel styles.
Travel over things
Experiential travel continues to trump material gifts, especially among couples. Across generations, a strong majority of Canadians say they prefer travel over physical items:
- 72% of millennials
- 74% of Gen Z
- 69% of boomers
This shift aligns with the 44% of Canadian travellers who are planning a couples’ trip in 2025.
Top trending destinations
Based on booking trends, here are the top destinations in Canada that Canadian travellers are eyeing for summer 2025: Kelowna, Canmore, Banff, Halifax, Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec City, Montreal and Niagara Falls.
Among global destinations, the top choices are: Paris (France), Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), Tokyo (Japan), Dubai (UAE), Bangkok (Thailand), Alicante (Spain), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Rimini (Italy) and Dubrovnik (Croatia).
