Canada Looks North: 2025 Travel Trends

Coastal road trips, small-town gems and sun-splashed getaways are defining the year.

Quick Take

• 77% of Canadians intend to vacation inside the country this summer, up eight points from 2024
• Overall, leisure-travel intention has jumped to 55 % of adults
• Canadian return trips outside North America by air rose 9.1% in April and 9.8% in May 2025.
• Longwoods International reports 40% of travellers are choosing to vacation within Canada, while 27% are eyeing overseas hotspots such as Mexico and southern Europe.

Where Canadians are going and spending their travel dollars instead

This year’s trend is seeing Canadians spend their dollars on destinations that offer safety, value, and a sense of ease. Here’s where people are headed and why.

1. Close-to-Home Escapes: With the rising cost of travel and growing concerns about healthcare access abroad, many are choosing to stay within Canadian borders. Travelling within Canada offers the comfort of familiar systems, no need for currency exchange, and fewer travel logistics. Popular picks include the sandy shores of Prince Edward Island, the charming countryside of Charlevoix, Québec, and the serene beauty of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast.
2. Big, Scenic Road Trips: More Canadians are hitting the road in search of once-in-a-lifetime views and wide-open spaces. Flexible itineraries and the ability to explore at your own pace make road trips a top choice for families and couples alike. Favourites include the breathtaking Icefields Parkway in Alberta, the winding Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, and the rugged coastline of Newfoundland’s Viking Trail.
3. Sun and Fun: For travellers craving warmth and relaxation, destinations like Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico offer affordable all-inclusive options, friendly locals, and direct flights from most major Canadian cities.
4. Culturally Rich European Getaways: Those seeking depth and discovery are increasingly drawn to southern Europe, where the Canadian dollar still goes a long way. Whether you’re strolling through vineyards in Portugal’s Algarve, exploring Moorish architecture in Spain’s Andalusia, or savouring slow living in Italy’s Puglia region, these destinations deliver history, culture, and incredible food for a good value.
5. Adventure and Wellness: For travellers seeking adventure and wellness, 2025 offers a wealth of unique, brag-worthy experiences right here in Canada. From witnessing the magical northern lights at remote Yukon aurora lodges, to the thrill of heli-hiking in British Columbia’s rugged backcountry, to observing polar bears in their natural habitat during Churchill’s peak season: these one-of-a-kind journeys promise awe, connection, and unforgettable stories to share.

Don’t forget emergency medical travel insurance

Even when you holiday in another Canadian province, your government health plan won’t fully cover ambulance, prescription or hospital-transfer costs. The gaps grow wider the moment you step onto a plane for Mexico, Spain or anywhere else abroad.

At HUB SmartCoverage we work with trusted providers to secure emergency medical protection that:

• Covers out-of-province and out-of-country care up to $5 million.
• Includes 24/7 multilingual assistance and direct-pay arrangements with hospitals.
• Offers single-trip, annual multi-trip and family plans so you only pay for what you need.

Bottom line: whether you’re chasing whales in Tofino or tapas in Seville, the right travel-medical policy turns a stressful incident into a covered claim, so you can get back to your vacation.

Ready to explore safely? Get started on your emergency medical coverage quote for your 2025 adventures, wherever they may lead.