These are the top destinations for Canadian travellers avoiding the U.S.
With a rise in Canadian pride, more Canadians are choosing to travel within their own country this summer. According to Airbnb spokesperson Matt McNama, this trend – building steadily since January – isn’t just about convenience. Canadians are craving travel that explores parts of the country they may not been to before. Recent Airbnb data reveals a clear summer trend in 2025 with nearly nine million domestic guest arrivals in 2024 – a 40-per-cent leap since 2019. At the same time, Canadian wanderlust is going global. European hotspots like Greece, Portugal and Italy are now top destinations for travellers seeking sun, flavour and cultural richness.
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Magdalen Islands, Quebec Wind-swept dunes and Acadian charm stretch across the eastern archipelago. “Places like the Magdalen Island offer incredible beaches, hikes and road trips. That’s something Canadians are really looking for right now,” McNama says. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)
La Haute-Gaspésie, Quebec Rugged cliffs and scenic roads meet untouched forest trails in this hiker’s haven. The rise in domestic tourism shows that “Canadians want to do something different and see places in Canada they haven't seen before,” McNama says. (Airbnb)
Blue Mountain, Ontario More than a ski hill, Blue Mountain’s hiking trails and lakeside retreats shine in the summer. “It's actually a four-season destination,” says McNama. “Whether you’re hiking, hitting the spas or just chilling by the lake, it’s a great spot for a quick escape two hours north of Toronto.” (Airbnb)
Matawinie, Quebec Rustic cabins, pristine lakes and forests just an hour from Montreal offer a peaceful reset. “On this domestic list is a lot of places that explore the great outdoors and a lot of smaller communities like quiet seaside towns,” McNama says. (Airbnb)
Waterton Park, Alberta Tucked where the Rockies meet the prairie, this park stuns with wildflowers, peaks and lakes. McNama says the wave of Canadian pride is helping to boost local tourism. (Curtis Ng/The Canadian Press)
Algonquin Park, Ontario Canoe routes, stargazing and loons calling at dawn – Algonquin is Ontario’s ultimate wilderness escape. (Fred Thornhill/The Canadian Press)
Falcon Lake, Manitoba A local gem with classic cabin culture, sandy beaches and forest trails. “Think of it as a cottage-country area. Falcon Lake is really cool and again, not a place you would typically think of going to but that’s what makes this list so exciting this year,” McaNama says. (Airbnb)
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador East-coast magic meets rugged coastline. “Talk about one of the hidden gems in Canada. You’ve got colourful row houses that lean into that maritime lore and the heritage there. You can go whale watching, Puffin watching, sailing,” McNama says. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)
Hubbards, Nova Scotia A cozy coastal village offering seafood, sun and charm. McNama says there’s a pull this year towards quiet seaside towns like Hubbards. (Airbnb)
Winnipeg, Manitoba A cultural capital filled with art and history. “They've got an incredible art scene. It's a thriving historical area. Beyond that, they've got a really good food scene as well. I think Canadians are really drawn to that,” McNama says. (Airbnb)
Thira, Greece Thira offers golden sunsets, whitewashed cliffs and the Aegean Sea’s glimmer. “This is Canadians looking at maps and places and saying, ‘Wow, I've never been to Thira. Let’s make that happen,’” McNama says. (Airbnb)
Mexico City, Mexico Vibrant, energic and endlessly layered, Mexico’s capital stirs the senses with food, colour and soul. McNama says as one of the biggest cities in the world, Canadians are flocking to this destination to explore it all. (Fernando Llano/AP Photo)
Tokyo, Japan Tokyo blends history and culture together to create a full experience. “These are some of the biggest cities with the most culture you can ever experience and something so different,” McNama says. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)
Bari, Italy This southern port city pairs Adriatic beaches with Roman ruins and local charm. McNama says Bari is one of those under-the-radar Italian spots people are curious about and ready to discover. (Airbnb)
Nord de Palma District, Spain Sun-drenched Mallorca landscapes, breezy beaches and laid-back Mediterranean rhythm. McNama says Canadians are seeing out places like this with local flavour and natural beauty. (Airbnb)
Marrakesh, Morocco A feast for the senses: spice markets, desert gardens and labyrinthine streets full of life. (Pexels)
Funchal, Portugal Rugged cliffs drop into the Atlantic as Madeira’s capital serves up wine, walks and wonder. (Airbnb)
Cascais, Portugal A breezy escape on the Portuguese coast where surfers and sunset lovers can be found. McNama says Canadians are discovering places that blend charm and access. (Airbnb)
Chamonix, France Tucked into the French Alps, this storybook mountain town is perfect for cool-weather summer hikes. McNama says small French communities like Chamonix are popping onto Canadian’s radars. (Airbnb)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Rio is Brazil’s heartbeat with palm-lined beaches, samba rhythms and endless views. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
