Canada Day travel: Canadians staying local for the long weekend amid Canada-U.S. tensions

Yahoo

2 days ago

With Canada Day just around the corner, amid growing tension with the U.S., Canadian travellers are looking closer to home for their long weekend vacation. According to Kayak, there's been a 25 per cent spike in domestic flight searches, compared to last year.
But aside from destinations Canadians need to fly to, Canadian road trips are on people's minds. Kayak found that 55 per cent of rental car searches are now domestic, compared to international car rental searches that were more popular last year (International car rentals make up 52 per cent of searches in 2024, according to Kayak).
Leading up to the weekend, leaving a little bit earlier for your vacation can be beneficial for saving on flights, with average domestic airfare being the lowest on June 25.
When you are flying, flights that take off between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. have a 15 to 18 per cent chance of being delayed, versus 42 per cent for evening flights, according to Kayak.
If you're looking to rent a car, Kayak has found that Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary are the cheapest pickup location options in Canada
According to Kayak, Winnipeg has seen a 48 per cent increase in search interest on the site, compared to Canada Day interest in 2024.
The city's exchange district is a great place to walk, and head into local restaurants and shops. There are also a number of different walking tours for the area. Another option is The Forks, a great place to bike, visit museums, do some shopping or have a drink at The Common.
For museum lovers, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a great option, with powerful storytelling from exhibits including one on Canada's LGBTQ+ history, and another on Indigenous women in Canada.
If relaxation is more your speed, Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg is where you want to go, which also has a number of interesting "Village Rituals," along with other massage and body care options.
And don't forget about Assiniboine Park Zoo, with more than 80 acres to explore.
Kayak found that there has been a 28 per cent increase in search interest for Canada Day weekend trips to Vancouver, compared to last year.
The British Columbia destination is the perfect place to get a mix of city experiences, while being close to great moments out in nature.
Head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver for a unique adventure, from walking on the suspension bridge or experiencing the cliff walk, to taking in the Living Forest exhibit. There are activities for the whole family.
For shopping lovers, Robson Street is a great stop, along with Yaletown.
Stanley Park is always a must-stop in the city, with several walking trails, including the Seawall, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path at 28 kilometres. It's also the home of Canada's largest aquarium, with more than 65,000 animals.
With Kayak seeing a 10 per cent increase in search interest for Canada Day travel to this Quebec city, Montreal never disappoints.
Often compared to a European city, Montreal's unique style is a Canadian delight.
Boasting some of the best food in the country, each neighbourhood has its own set of culinary delights. But a must is always Montreal-style bagels, a sweeter and chewier version than what you get in other places. St-Viateur and Fairmount Bagel are popular choices. Food lovers can also make a stop at the Atwater market, located in a beautiful art deco building.
To get a great view of the city, walk up to the viewpoint at Mount Royal Park, or to get that more European vibe, wander the streets of Old Montreal.
A notable attraction is Olympic Stadium from the 1976 summer games, a captivating piece of architecture, also located by the Montreal Biodome and Botanical Garden.