The Hidden Costs of Domestic Travel: Is Buying Canadian Enough?

Canadians are increasingly choosing localized vacations over trips to the United States. As reliance on the glitzy allure of U.S. holidays dwindles, many are now looking to explore the diverse offerings within their own borders. But how much should travelers expect to spend on these staycations?

Based on data from KAYAK and reported by the Globe and Mail, the costs of domestic flights from various Canadian cities can vary widely, which is essential to consider for budget-conscious travelers planning their itineraries.

Average Domestic Flight Costs in Canada

Here are the average ticket prices for flights originating from different cities:

• Halifax: $421
• Montreal: $419
• Toronto: $333
• Calgary: $316
• Vancouver: $311
• Edmonton: $308
• Winnipeg: $269

For example, a flight from Toronto is approximately $100 less than those from Halifax or Montreal. However, Toronto passengers pay about $64 more on average than flyers from Winnipeg.

Average Short-Term Rental Prices in Canada

Travelers seeking accommodations should also consider the average prices for short-term rentals in Canadian destinations for both peak travel months (July) and off-peak (October):

• Vancouver: $335 (July) / $250 (October)
• Tofino, B.C.: $487 / $377
• Banff: $750 / $475
• Jasper: $302 / $252
• Saskatoon: $123 / $116
• Winnipeg: $135 / $133
• Toronto: $488 / $377
• Elora, Ontario: $319 / $285
• Montreal: $299 / $227
• Halifax: $238 / $205
• Charlottetown: $271 / $203
• Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador: $218 / $148

Notably, the cost of staying in Banff is more than double that of Jasper, demonstrating the premium associated with this iconic national park. Using nearby locations like Canmore or western Calgary can help save budget-conscious travelers a significant amount while still providing access to Banff’s stunning landscapes.

Year-Round Hotel Prices

The average hotel prices across some of Canada’s most popular destinations include:

• Tofino: $477
• Banff: $407
• Vancouver: $285
• Toronto: $255
• Quebec City: $238
• Montreal: $231
• Charlottetown: $210
• Halifax Area: $197
• Kelowna: $196
• Winnipeg: $169
• Sudbury: $158
• Fredericton: $152
• Saskatoon: $150

Trending Canadian Destinations

With a growing interest in domestic travel, AirBnB reports a 20% increase in searches for Canadian properties. Below are the trending travel hotspots for Canadians:

1. Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec
2. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
3. Quebec City
4. Summerside, PEI
5. Sherwood Park, Alberta
6. Blue Mountain, Ontario
7. Lethbridge, Alberta
8. Elora, Ontario
9. Regina
10. Yellowknife
11. Campbell River, B.C.

While many Canadians are exploring their own nation, interest in international travel remains, with notable searches for destinations outside Canada, including:

1. Osaka, Japan
2. Columbus, Ohio
3. Florence, Italy
4. Thira, Greece
5. Kyoto, Japan
6. Medellin, Colombia
7. Detroit, Michigan
8. Taito City, Japan
9. Noord, Aruba
10. Fort-de-France, Martinique

With both domestic and international options on the table, planning an unforgettable getaway within Canada or beyond is more accessible than ever.