According to new data from Skyscanner, affordability remains the biggest challenge facing Canadian travellers this summer, with 39% identifying cost as their primary concern.
"Canadians are continuing to prioritize travel this summer, but we're seeing travellers become much more flexible with when they travel," said Laura Lindsay, travel expert at Skyscanner.
"Shoulder season in June and September is becoming increasingly appealing for Canadians looking to avoid peak-season crowds while still enjoying many of the same destinations and experiences."
Skyscanner reports Canadians continue to search for both domestic and international travel options. Among the most popular destinations this summer are Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, along with international hotspots such as Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Lisbon, Athens and Dublin.
However, travellers appear to be paying closer attention to costs than in previous years. Many are adjusting departure dates, comparing destinations and looking beyond traditional peak travel periods in an effort to stretch their travel budgets.
A sweet spot for savings
For those who haven't booked yet, the final week before Labour Day may offer some of the best airfare deals of the season.
Skyscanner found that the week of Aug. 31 to Sept. 6 is expected to offer some of the lowest average flight prices of the summer. Popular international destinations including Paris, Tokyo, Lisbon and Athens all showed lower average fares during that period.
Vancouver was also identified as having its lowest average summer airfares during the same week.
The report notes that departure day can also affect pricing. Mondays frequently emerged as the least expensive day to fly on many routes, while some destinations showed lower fares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
Shoulder season gaining appeal
The findings also reinforce a growing trend toward shoulder-season travel, particularly in June and September.
Within Canada, destinations such as Yellowknife, Winnipeg, Halifax, Kelowna and Victoria ranked among the most affordable places to fly in June. In September, Prince George, Calgary, Toronto, Whitehorse and Vancouver were among the destinations showing lower average airfare prices.
Beyond potential savings, shoulder-season travel often comes with additional benefits, including smaller crowds, easier hotel availability and less congestion at airports.
For travellers with flexibility, shifting a trip by even a few days, or travelling just outside the busiest summer weeks, may be one of the simplest ways to reduce costs while still enjoying many of the same destinations and experiences.
The cheapest destinations to go in June 2026:
- Yellowknife, Canada — average flight price: $220
- Winnipeg, Canada — average flight price: $243
- Halifax, Canada — average flight price: $272
- Kelowna, Canada — average flight price: $289
- Victoria, Canada — average flight price: $338
- Vancouver, Canada — average flight price: $346
- Liberia, Costa Rica — average flight price: $368
- Ottawa, Canada — average flight price: $375
- Montreal, Canada — average flight price: $386
- George Town, Cayman Islands — average flight price: $398
The cheapest destinations to go in September 2026:
- Prince George, Canada — average flight price: $315
- Calgary, Canada — average flight price: $324
- Toronto, Canada — average flight price: $345
- Whitehorse, Canada — average flight price: $355
- Vancouver, Canada — average flight price: $374
- Halifax, Canada — average flight price: $425
- Willemstad, Curaçao — average flight price: $431
- San Juan, Puerto Rico — average flight price: $441
- Ottawa, Canada — average flight price: $450
- Montego Bay, Jamaica — average flight price: $450
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