Not sure where to head for your next vacation? We get it. So instead of overthinking it, let us do the heavy lifting. We took a look at the cities most searched by Canadian travellers on our site, so you can stay on trend without even trying.
Note: Our recommendations on how far in advance to book your flight are based on 2018 traveller data. As always, if you find a good deal — no matter how far ahead of your trip you find it — book it.
10 Most Popular Destinations from Canada
1. Toronto, Ontario
Change in rank: Up 1 from last year
Canadians are keeping their #1 pick close to home. And we’re not surprised to see this perennial favourite top the list.
According to our data, median flight prices are at their lowest in April. While you may assume springtime will mean warmer weather, temps remain on the cooler side (think highs around 12) until summer months.
Toronto is a big city — the largest in Canada — so getting from one end to the other can be time-consuming and costly. There’s a lot to do and chances are, you won’t see everything while you’re there. (That’s just another reason for a return trip, if you ask us.) When choosing a hotel, consider where you’ll be spending the most time, then filter by preferred neighbourhoods when you search on KAYAK. But be sure to check out the Distillery District, a historic and funky area that houses some of the city’s best bars, cafes, shops and galleries. Hit up Hoi Bo for clothing and decor, grab a pastry at Brick Street Bakery and check the neighborhood calendar for local performances. At night, settle in for some Spanish tapas by booking a table at the highly-rated Patria on King Street West. Just don’t pass on the paella.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | April ($413) | January ($221/night) | 1 month ahead ($416) |
| Most expensive | November ($513) | September ($386/night) | 6 months ahead ($543) |
2. London, England
Change in rank: Down 1 from last year
While the Royal Wedding is so last year, there are still plenty of reasons to make the trip to London. With our data showing median flights at their lowest in October, a fall trip is an attractive option.
Prices hover in the same ballpark whether you book six months in advance or the month before, so keep an eye on the flights using a KAYAK Price Alert for the best deals.
London is a sizeable city, but public transportation makes it easy to get around. Purchase an Oyster Card on your first tube ride — the card is free (with refundable deposit) and preloaded with money. Using an Oyster Card gives you a discount on each trip and also caps the amount you spend in one day — meaning if you ride it a lot you’ll eventually be taking advantage of free rides. After you’ve enjoyed all the (free) museums — get your adrenaline pumping by riding whitewater rapids at the Lee Valley White Water Centre (built for the games in 2012).
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | February ($758) | January ($233/night) | 2 months ahead ($834) |
| Most expensive | December ($1,153) | July ($348/night) | 5 months ahead ($879) |
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
Change in rank: Up 2 from last year
Another domestic spot making our list is Vancouver. In fact, it’s up two spots from last year, meaning searches for this West Coast destination are soaring. What makes Vancouver a Canadian hotspot? Friendly locals, a burgeoning foodie scene and median airfare under $500 year round doesn’t hurt (our data shows that it’s at its lowest in April).
Vancouver is an eclectic city and spending time outside is a must. Wander the urban parks and gardens, and dine from one of the areas renowned food trucks (check local street food maps to get updates on their whereabouts). But if sit-down is more your style, grab a table at Fets Whisky Kitchen for Southern-style comfort food. After a meal there — or if you’ve had enjoy city time — drive just 30 minutes from downtown to find hiking trails and mountain views.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least Expensive | April ($329) | February or November ($265/night) | 1 month ahead ($319) |
| Most Expensive | December ($428) | July ($552/night) | 6 months ahead ($563) |
4. New Delhi, India
Change in rank: Up 7 from last year
Whether you’re travelling home to visit family and friends or heading off for vacation, New Delhi has a lot to offer. While flights aren’t cheap, our data shows media prices at their lowest in fall. The rainy season ends in mid-September, meaning that travelling end of September or October will bring shoulder season savings and temps in the high 20s. While booking early is best for scoring savings, prices don’t change dramatically when you book more than two months in advance.
Travelling by taxi or rickshaw? Be savvy and negotiate the price up front. If you’re not comfortable bargaining, use a ride-sharing service (the most popular ones are available in the city). And if your driver offers suggestions for additional stops, keep in mind that they probably get a commission if they take you there.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | September ($1,033) | April ($100/night) | 6 months ahead ($1,116) |
| Most expensive | December ($1,771) | December ($194/night) | 1 month ahead ($1,225) |
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
Change in rank: Down 2 from last year
Las Vegas making our Most Popular list is no surprise — this desert city has something for every type of traveller. Not a gambler? Not to worry. If you like music, performing arts, good food, sunny weather or being active, Vegas is worth the trip. Median airfare is less than $500 year-round, and the lowest prices were found just a month in advance (around $456) making it ideal for a last-minute getaway.
If you’re planning on spending time at any of the area’s attractions, we suggest purchasing a Go Las Vegas Card. Pay one price up front and choose from nearly 50 of the city’s attractions, saving you up to 60% off what you’d pay if you bought each attraction ticket individually. From classic Vegas shows to Madame Tussauds to a ride on the High Roller Observation Wheel, there are tons of attractions on the list.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | January ($442) | December ($197/night) | 1 month ahead ($456) |
| Most expensive | March ($493) | October ($299/night) | 6 months ahead ($495) |
6. Paris, France
Change in rank: No change
With pretty cobbled streets, postcard-perfect architecture and sweet treats on nearly every corner, it should come as no surprise that Paris made our Most Popular list. According to our data, median airfare is at its lowest in October. And Paris in autumn is pretty ideal — weather is typically pleasant, which is perfect for exploring on foot.
Take advantage of the metro to get around. Comprehensive and affordable, it’s the best way to explore. If you’re around the Sacre Coeur, take time to walk around Montmartre. In colder months, be sure to grab a cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) at Grenouilles or a crepe in warmer months (or any months really) at Sur la route de Plouescat.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least Expensive | October ($704) | August ($242/night) | 6 months ahead ($790) |
| Most Expensive | December ($1,337) | June ($414/night) | 3 months ahead ($843) |
7. New York, New York
Change in rank: Down 3 from last year
You may be surprised but the Big Apple is one of the more affordable city breaks on our list. Median flight prices are mostly under $400 (August is the rare exception and it’s still around $404). For an especially budget-friendly trip, travel in April. Aside from lower-than-average flight prices, Central Park in springtime is more than reason enough to visit. Plus, spring is also when the highly-anticipated multi-disciplinary art center known as The Shed opens on the West Side.
No need to plan too far in advance, our data shows the lowest prices one month before travel (with the median falling around $322). While staying outside of Manhattan will save you money, be aware of distances. It’s a big city and commuting time — whether by subway or taxi — can be longer than you might think. And remember that New York is a big foodie city, so you’ll want to select and reserve your tables ahead of time.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | April ($318) | February ($237/night) | 1 month ahead ($322) |
| Most expensive | August ($404) | October ($491/night) | 6 months ahead ($383) |
8. Los Angeles, California
Change in rank: Down 1 from last year
Sun, sand and Hollywood glamour — Los Angeles is unlike anywhere else. And with that sun happening year round (think mostly in the 20s), there really is no bad time to visit. For the lowest median prices, consider visiting in November. Book between two and three months in advance to find some of the best prices.
If you want to get the most from your LA experience, consider renting a car. While Hop On, Hop Off bus tours can be an alternative if you’re not comfortable driving, you’ll miss out on lazy drives down the winding Pacific Coast Highway. Be sure to stop at one of the area’s best-kept secrets — the beach at El Matador State Beach in Malibu. Stretches of sand are peppered with massive rocks forming caves and arches, making for incredibly instagrammable photo ops.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | November ($362) | December ($266/night) | 2-3 months ahead ($410) |
| Most expensive | July ($504) | February ($317/night) | 6 months ($427) |
9. Orlando, Florida
Change in rank: Down 1 from last year
If you’re looking for a theme park experience, there’s a reason the mouse comes to mind. Median flight prices are at their lowest in the months sandwiching the Christmas holidays, so aiming to travel in November or January (avoiding popular school vacation weeks whenever possible) is a smart move. And not only for your wallet. Temps in Orlando can get hot and humid in summer, so winter is an ideal time to visit. Booking between one and three months ahead of travel may secure you the best deals (with median prices falling around $444).
If you’re spending time in a theme park, plan as much as possible. Each park is bigger than you may think and when you factor in the inevitable crowds, getting from one end to the other can be time-consuming, Having a general plan can be game-changing. For extra planning points, pack a refillable water bottle and a rain poncho (bottled water and ponchos will cost way more in the parks and tropical weather often leads to brief, unexpected rain showers).
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | January ($343) | September ($170/night) | 3 months ahead ($443) |
| Most expensive | August ($512) | March ($270/night) | 6 months ahead ($496) |
10. Calgary, Alberta
Change in rank: Down 1 from last year
We’re not surprised to see Calgary round out our list. With laid-back charm and a median flight prices under $400 for most of the year, it’s popular for a reason. According to our data, April brings the lowest median prices. Because the weather in Calgary is unpredictable, April could bring pleasant temps or you could see snow. Luckily, you can find some of the best prices (think median around $307) just one month in advance if you’d like to watch the weather.
Start your trip in downtown Calgary, with its world-class restaurants, museums, shopping and entertainment. Book a table at the popular WORKSHOP kitchen + culture for an improvised menu that features contemporary Canadian dishes. Then, when you need some wildlife, drive an hour and a half outside the city to reach Banff National Park. Truly the best of both worlds.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | April ($323) | December ($170/night) | 1 month ahead ($307) |
| Most expensive | November ($460) | July ($241/night) | 6 months ahead ($512) |
Ready to go? Start at KAYAK for all the information you need to plan your next vacation with confidence.
Methodology
For our Most Popular destinations, we considered flight searches conducted on the CA KAYAK site between 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018 for travel from Canada occurring for travel dates specified. To pick the top 10, we looked at flight destinations with the greatest number of searches for travel between 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018. To find the change in popularity rank, we compared these results with travel dates 10/25/2016 – 10/24/2017. Median airfare and hotel rates for destinations were based on the travel dates and overall search dates. Our When to Book recommendations come from an analysis of median airfare as a function of months before departure.
