Jun 15, 2026
For Canadians hoping to save money on summer travel, when you go matters almost as much as where you go.
A new report from Skyscanner shows affordability remains the biggest challenge facing Canadian travellers this summer, with 39% saying cost is their primary concern. Another 29% said they’re unsure when flights are at their cheapest, highlighting how difficult it can be to find value during peak travel season.
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“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, in a statement.
“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.”
Canadians are still travelling — but they’re watching costs more closely
Even with many households watching their spending more closely, travel hasn’t fallen off the priority list.
Skyscanner’s data shows Canadians are still searching heavily for both domestic and international destinations this summer. Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver ranked among the most popular destinations, alongside international favourites including Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Lisbon, Athens and Dublin.
The difference now is that travellers seem less willing to book first and worry about the cost later. Timing, price comparisons and deal-hunting are playing a bigger role in trip planning.
Many travellers are looking for savings wherever they can find them, either by shifting departure dates, comparing destinations or travelling just outside the busiest weeks of the summer.
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The week of August 31 could offer some of the lowest fares
If you’re still planning a trip, waiting until late summer could pay off.
According to Skyscanner, the week of August 31 to September 6 is expected to offer some of the lowest average flight prices of the season.
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Several popular international destinations show their lowest summer airfare averages during that week, including Paris, Tokyo, Lisbon and Athens. Vancouver also appears on the list, with the same period identified as the cheapest week to visit among the summer travel dates analyzed.
The report also highlights specific days of the week that may offer better value when departing. Mondays frequently appeared as the cheapest day to travel for many destinations, while some routes showed lower fares on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
Of course, airfares can change quickly, but the pattern is genuine: travellers with flexible schedules tend to have more opportunities to save.
Shoulder-season travel could offer additional savings
For Canadians who have flexibility beyond the traditional summer vacation window, June and September may offer some of the strongest opportunities to save.
Skyscanner identified several Canadian destinations with relatively low average flight prices during those months. In June, destinations including Yellowknife, Winnipeg, Halifax, Kelowna and Victoria ranked among the most affordable options.
September showed similar value, with Prince George, Calgary, Toronto, Whitehorse and Vancouver appearing among the lowest-priced destinations in the country.
The savings aren’t the only potential benefit of travelling in June or September. Smaller crowds, easier hotel bookings and slightly less hectic airports can all make for a smoother trip.
For Canadians who haven’t yet booked a summer break, timing may be one of the most effective tools to help keep travel costs under control. The report suggests that shifting a trip by even a few days — or travelling just outside the busiest weeks of summer — can sometimes deliver the most direct route to savings.
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
Managing Money • Jun 11
