by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Thu April 23, 2026
A new survey from Flight Centre Canada suggests Canadians are redefining adventure travel.
According to research conducted by YouGov, 78% of Canadians say adventure travel today is defined by discovery rather than physical intensity. A further 91% believe a trip can feel adventurous without any thrill-seeking at all.
“Five or ten years ago, adventure meant pushing your limits physically,” says Anita Emilio, executive vice president for Flight Centre Canada.
“Now, it’s about stepping into the unknown — intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. Canadians are choosing places that are not just farther away, but also feel different because that’s what makes a trip feel like an adventure today.”
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The findings show that 72% of travellers define adventure as experiences that expand their worldview.
Top interpretations include experiencing different cultures and ways of life (14%), exploring a new city or region (13%), and stepping outside one’s comfort zone (11%). Smaller shares pointed to venturing off the beaten path (10%), trying new foods (6%), or spending time in nature (6%).
Only 28% of respondents still associate adventure with high-adrenaline or physically demanding activities.
Long-haul destinations gaining ground
The survey also highlights a shift in destination preferences. Long-haul regions rank highest for perceived “adventure,” led by Africa (43%) and East and Southeast Asia (40%), followed by Australia and New Zealand (37%). The United States trails significantly at 12%.
That trend aligns with broader travel patterns. Data from Statistics Canada shows overseas trips increased by 9.3% in March, while travel to the U.S. continued to decline.
For spring and summer 2026, Mexico, Canada and the Dominican Republic remain the top destinations by volume for Flight Centre bookings. However, the strongest growth is in long-haul markets, including Portugal (57%), New Zealand (52%), the Netherlands (40%) and Germany (32%).
The data also points to growing interest in destinations such as Greece, Argentina and Colombia, as travellers become more comfortable booking trips that feel less familiar, supported by guided tours, cruises and packaged itineraries.
Demand holds despite global pressures
The shift comes as global travel becomes more complex, with geopolitical tensions contributing to rising fuel costs and adjustments to airline pricing and capacity.
RELATED: Cancellations Loom as Jet Fuel Crisis Deepens, IATA Warns
Despite these pressures, demand remains resilient. The survey found 82% of Canadians view travel as essential to their wellbeing, suggesting it continues to be a priority even as conditions fluctuate.
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