by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 4:25 PM ET, Tue October 20, 2026
Canada is now Intrepid Travel's fastest-growing market worldwide, following a 48% year-over-year increase in Canadian bookings in September and a 21% increase year to date.
The tour operator says the growth reflects rising interest in small-group adventure travel among Canadians, with gains across both direct bookings and travel advisor channels.
“September was a standout month in what has been a big year for Canada,” said Christian Wolters, President, Canada, Intrepid Travel.
“What’s encouraging is the breadth of that growth. We’re seeing Canadians embrace small-group travel across destinations, travel styles and price points, which is a strong signal that small group adventure is gaining real momentum in Canada.”
Advisor Bookings Climb 43%
Both direct and trade bookings contributed to September's results. Direct bookings increased 50% year over year, while bookings through industry partners rose 43%.
Intrepid attributed some of the growth to increased investment in the Canadian market, including its sponsorship of the Toronto International Film Festival for a third consecutive year.
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The company has also been working to expand its relationships with Canadian travel advisors, including participation in the Air Canada Vacations Roadshow in September.
That same month, Intrepid announced a new distribution agreement with Air Canada Vacations, making eight small-group itineraries across Canada available through the tour operator's booking platform and travel advisor network.
The partnership comes as Intrepid reports a 10% year-to-date increase in Canadian bookings for its domestic trips.
Japan, Ecuador and Peru
International destinations are also contributing to Intrepid's Canadian growth.
Japan and Ecuador have been among the company's strongest-performing destinations among Canadian travellers this year, while Peru is seeing increased interest ahead of its peak travel season.
Japan's popularity is reflected in broader travel figures. According to Statistics Canada data cited by Intrepid, Canadians made 188,000 visits to Japan during the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 79,000 compared with the same period last year.
Globally, Morocco was Intrepid's most popular destination in September, followed by Vietnam and Italy.
Other destinations recording significant year-over-year increases in customer numbers included Ecuador, up 93%, Argentina, up 59%, and Uzbekistan, up 40%.
Canadians Spending More, Booking Further Ahead
Intrepid says its Premium and Comfort travel categories have been among its strongest performers in Canada this year, contributing to higher average booking values.
The company is also seeing Canadians plan further ahead, with demand for 2027 departures contributing to the performance of its Early Bird promotion.
“We have a strong base of repeat travellers who come back to Intrepid again and again, and September showed us that more Canadians are discovering Intrepid for the first time than ever before. That combination of loyalty and new customers discovering small-group travel gives us a lot of confidence in the opportunity ahead.” Wolters continued.
More Than 80 New Trips for 2027
To accommodate demand, Intrepid has introduced more than 80 new itineraries for 2027.
The additions include trips across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America, along with itineraries exploring less-visited regions such as Turkey's Black Sea coast and Northern Spain's Picos de Europa.
The expanded program comes as Intrepid looks to build on its Canadian growth through both direct sales and its travel advisor partnerships.
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