While there’s no doubt that economic pressures are real, Canadians aren’t giving up on travel.
In fact, a new survey from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) shows that nearly 9 in 10 Canadians plan to travel in 2026 and most are expecting to travel as much or more than last year.
The survey found that travel remains a core part of Canadians’ lives, with 58% saying it is central or important. And while 81% of households expect to make compromises, domestic tourism is increasingly a deliberate choice — Canada by choice, not by default — reflecting shifting preferences and priorities.
The shift isn’t whether Canadians travel — it’s how: flexibility is now the price of entry.
With 92% of travellers planning at least one trip within Canada this year, domestic demand is no longer a side story. While 70% say they are avoiding travel to the United States this year, the data suggests Canadians are increasingly choosing Canadian destinations on their own merits, driven above all by the appeal of Canada’s diverse regions.
And this shift is turning domestic travel into a growing source of demand for tourism and hospitality businesses. BDC estimates that replacing just one overnight stay abroad with one day of travel in Canada could generate up to $4.6 billion in additional GDP — without Canadians spending more overall.
The top travel compromise varies by region — and points to opportunity:
- In British Columbia and northern regions, travellers are showing they’re willing to be more flexible with their travel dates.
- In the Prairies, travellers are the least likely to anticipate making compromises overall. Among those who do, the most common trade‑off is choosing more affordable accommodations
- In Ontario, choosing more affordable accommodations is the most common compromise.
- In Quebec, travellers are favouring shorter trips.
- In Atlantic Canada, off season travel is above the national average, reinforcing opportunities to extend the tourism season.
Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC, explained that: “Tourism operators have a real opportunity to turn this shift into growth,” “Canadians are travelling — but they’re rewarding businesses that make travel easier to say yes to: flexibility, clear value and experiences that feel worth it.”
And Cléroux added: “Tourism businesses that offer flexible pricing, develop shoulder‑season experiences, accommodate shorter stays and clearly promote their local appeal are most likely to capture this evolving demand.”
Yet despite a cautious economic backdrop, the outlook for Canada’s tourism sector remains positive in 2026.
Slower growth, elevated uncertainty and higher energy costs are expected to keep travellers focused on value for money. BDC also published a blog post today that takes a closer look at the tourism outlook for 2026 and what these survey results mean for tourism businesses across the country.
