Airbnb Sees Canadian Staycations Surge as Domestic Travel Booms

A growing number of Canadians are choosing to explore their own country instead of heading abroad, and Airbnb’s latest 2025 booking data confirms the trend. With international travel—particularly to the United States—on the decline, domestic Airbnb bookings in Canada have surged, ushering in a new era for local tourism and reshaping the short-term rental landscape nationwide.

From cabins in the Rockies to lakeside cottages in Ontario and boutique lofts in Montréal, Canadians are embracing staycations as a meaningful and cost-effective way to travel. The result is a booming domestic market that is supporting regional economies, encouraging sustainable travel habits, and redefining what it means to “get away.”

A Surge in Domestic Bookings

According to Airbnb’s Q2 2025 report, Canadian domestic bookings have risen by more than 38% year-over-year, a notable jump that coincides with a 40% decline in Canadian leisure travel to the U.S. This inverse trend underscores a growing preference for local experiences, especially among younger travellers and families seeking more flexible, budget-friendly holiday options.

Airbnb’s data also indicates:

• Weekend and long weekend bookings are up 45% compared to the same time last year.
• Rural and small-town destinations have experienced the most significant growth, with some areas seeing bookings triple.
• Experience bookings, such as guided hikes, local food tours, and cultural workshops, have doubled, suggesting Canadians are looking for more immersive, place-based travel.

Shifting Preferences: Why Canadians Are Staying Home

Several factors are fuelling this staycation boom:

1. Cost of U.S. Travel
   With the Canadian dollar trading low against the U.S. dollar and inflation affecting prices on both sides of the border, international travel has become less appealing. Accommodations, dining, and attractions in the U.S. now come at a premium, pushing many Canadians to reconsider cross-border trips.
2. Rediscovering Canada’s Diversity
   Travel campaigns like “Rediscover Canada” and the launch of the Canada Strong Pass have helped Canadians see their country with new eyes. From coastal villages in Newfoundland to wine tours in British Columbia, the message is clear: you don’t have to go far to find something extraordinary.
3. Remote Work Flexibility
   As hybrid work models persist, Canadians are taking advantage of the ability to work from anywhere. This has led to an increase in midweek bookings and extended stays, as workers blend business with leisure in scenic domestic locations.

Top Staycation Hotspots

Airbnb released its list of the most popular Canadian destinations in 2025, revealing some surprising shifts in traveller behaviour:

• Prince Edward County, Ontario – An artsy wine region gaining popularity as an alternative to Niagara.
• Tofino, British Columbia – A remote coastal gem with a strong eco-tourism appeal.
• Canmore, Alberta – A quieter, more affordable alternative to Banff for mountain getaways.
• Charlevoix, Québec – Blending French charm with stunning fjord landscapes, this region is on the rise.
• Fundy Coast, New Brunswick – Known for its tides and trails, this area is drawing adventure-seekers.

Smaller communities like these are reaping the rewards of staycation travel, benefiting from economic stimulation while offering unique experiences that differ from urban hotel stays.

Economic Benefits for Local Communities

The rise in domestic bookings is doing more than reshaping travel habits—it’s having a real economic impact. Hosts and local businesses in off-the-beaten-path areas are seeing increased income, while tourism-dependent communities are bouncing back from the challenges of the pandemic.

According to a recent report from Tourism HR Canada, short-term rentals contribute over $2 billion annually to the Canadian economy. Airbnb estimates that in 2025 alone, the average host earned $9,000 CAD, with rural hosts earning slightly more due to longer stays and less supply.

In areas with limited hotel infrastructure, Airbnb has allowed small towns to accommodate seasonal demand and diversify their tourism offerings.

Experiences: Going Beyond the Stay

Airbnb’s experience platform—where travellers can book locally guided activities—has also seen significant growth in Canada. Experiences like Indigenous storytelling circles, maple syrup tapping tours, and kayak excursions are gaining traction, reflecting a desire for more authentic and culturally grounded tourism.

This emphasis on experience-driven travel mirrors global trends where travellers value personal connection and local knowledge over standard tourist attractions.

The Role of Sustainability

Environmental considerations are another key driver behind the domestic travel surge. Many Canadians are actively seeking lower-carbon vacations, especially younger demographics who express concern about climate change.

Choosing domestic destinations accessible by car, bus, or rail—combined with stays in eco-certified or off-grid properties—is increasingly popular. In 2025, Airbnb Canada reported a 60% rise in searches for “sustainable” or “eco” stays.

This interest is supported by Airbnb’s partnership with local environmental groups to highlight green-certified listings and provide education around responsible travel.

Looking Ahead: A New Travel Culture?

As staycations become more than just a stopgap for international trips, some experts suggest we’re witnessing the emergence of a long-term shift in Canadian travel culture.

“We’re seeing a mindset change,” says Dr. Karen MacLean, a tourism researcher at Dalhousie University. “It’s not just about saving money. People are discovering joy, pride, and comfort in travelling closer to home.”

Tourism operators are adapting accordingly, investing in infrastructure, storytelling, and partnerships that align with this new demand for local, meaningful, and flexible travel experiences.

What This Means for Canada’s Travel Future

Airbnb’s data reflects more than just a booking trend—it captures a moment of transformation. As Canadians move away from cross-border travel and embrace the diversity of their own country, the result is a more grounded, accessible, and sustainable tourism economy.

Whether staying in a lighthouse on Cape Breton, a vineyard yurt in the Okanagan, or a Northern cabin under the aurora, Canadians are proving that world-class experiences don’t require a passport—just a willingness to rediscover home.