2025 Sets Record for Canadian Domestic Travel, Airbnb Reports
Canadians chose to explore their own country in record numbers in 2025, according to data from short-term rental company Airbnb Inc. Domestic travel soared more than 50% since 2019, with guest arrivals exceeding 9.5 million and accounting for over 60% of all Canadian trips on the platform.
The report highlights a surging appetite for discovering local neighbourhoods and communities. Domestic travel through Airbnb generated nearly $10.9 billion in economic activity, supporting an estimated 100,000 jobs and contributing over $7.7 billion in labour income. The economic benefits reached communities outside traditional tourism hubs, aiding small businesses and local attractions.
Provincial Preferences and Regional Growth
Airbnb users showed a strong preference for exploring within their own province. For instance, 70% of domestic travel by Ontarians occurred within Ontario, with similar rates for British Columbians. Quebecers travelled within Quebec 62% of the time, while Albertans stayed in Alberta 51% of the time. The Northwest Territories saw the greatest increase in domestic guest arrivals, Atlantic Canada led regional growth, and Alberta posted the strongest growth in Western Canada.
Travel on the platform also generated nearly $360 million in tax revenue, including over $171 million in federal GST, HST, and QST.
Decline in U.S. Travel, Rise in Overseas Trips
The report coincides with a continued decline in transborder traffic from Canada to the United States. Statistics Canada data from May 1 shows screened transborder air traffic fell 7% in March, marking the 14th consecutive month of year-over-year decreases. In contrast, domestic flight passengers increased by 10.1% from last year. Meanwhile, Canadians travelling to non-U.S. international destinations reached their highest point since 2019, at nearly 30%.
Airbnb's data underscores a shift in Canadian travel patterns, with a strong emphasis on domestic exploration and a move away from U.S. destinations.
