Canadians Pivot to Domestic Travel: BDC Survey Reveals Regional Shifts

Event summary

  • 90% of British Columbians plan at least one in-province trip in 2026, averaging 7.6 days.
  • 70% of Canadians are avoiding U.S. travel this year, favoring domestic destinations.
  • BDC estimates replacing one overnight stay abroad with domestic travel could add $4.6B to GDP.
  • Regional compromises vary: B.C. prioritizes flexible travel dates, Ontario cuts accommodation costs.
  • Survey of 1,000 Canadian adults conducted Feb 25–Mar 3, 2026, with ±3.1% margin of error.

The big picture

Canadians are deliberately choosing domestic travel over international options, a shift that could permanently alter tourism economics. BDC's data suggests this isn't just a cost-saving measure but a preference for regional experiences, creating a $4.6B GDP opportunity if even one overnight stay abroad is redirected. The regional compromises highlight how operators must adapt pricing and offerings to capture evolving demand patterns.

What we're watching

Regional Strategy
How tourism operators will tailor offerings to B.C.'s flexibility demand vs. Ontario's cost-cutting.
Seasonal Demand
Whether Atlantic Canada's off-season travel surge can sustain longer tourism seasons.
Economic Resilience
The pace at which domestic travel replaces international trips as a GDP driver.

Related topics

Tourism