From quaint coastal towns to underrated urban escapes, these are the spots Canadians are heading to this spring.

With fewer Canadians heading down south to vacation, it’s no surprise that local travel is on the rise. Just a few months into the year, Airbnb is already seeing a 20 percent increase in searches for domestic stays compared to 2024.

While this follows a greater trend in cross-country travel that has boomed since the pandemic, the vacation rental platform is reporting a surge in more unexpected destinations this spring. Here are the cross-country hotspots that Canadians are flocking to right now.
 

1. Communauté maritime des Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Que.

Photo courtesy Quebec Maritime/Facebook

The Magdalen Islands are part of an archipelago off the coast of Prince Edward Island. Visit the Quebecois islands for breathtaking views of the Atlantic, seaside golfing, and even surfing.

2. Moose Jaw, Sask.

Photo courtesy Moose Jaw Tourism/Instagram

Known as Canada's "Most Notorious City," Moose Jaw has a quirky history of rumrunners and its connection to the Prohibition. Take a trolley ride to learn local lore, go on a ghost tour, or dip your toes in the nearby mineral waters.

3. Québec City, Que.

Photo courtesy Québec Cité/Facebook

This vibrant provincial capital city has all the history you could dream of on the edge of the St. Lawrence River. 

4. Summerside, P.E.I.

Photo courtesy City of Summerside/Facebook

Head over to the horse races or stroll along the coast of P.E.I.'s second-largest city.

5. Sherwood Park, Alta.

This small hamlet in Strathcona County offers plenty of greenspace to wander. If you're feeling adventurous, check out the local waterpark. 

6. Blue Mountain, Ont.

Photo courtesy Blue Mountain Resort/Facebook

Just minutes away from the blue waters of Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain is a family-friendly spot to visit for all-season fun, including skiing, hiking, and biking.

7. Lethbridge, Alta.

Photo courtesy City of Lethbridge/Instagram

Visit Lethbridge for its charming Japanese gardens, beautiful lakeside park, and its iconic sky-high bridge. 

8. Elora, Ont.

Photo courtesy Elora Fergus/Facebook

The charming streets of Elora are lined with delightful small businesses and restaurants. Stay at the Elora Mill for a luxurious experience or head over to the Gorge for a fun-packed day in the water.

9. Regina, Sask.

Photo courtesy City of Regina/Facebook

Saskatchewan's tourism industry is budding for a reason—check out Regina's globe theatre, royal museum, or paddle down the city's winding river.

10. Yellowknife, N.W.T.

Photo courtesy Ken Cheung/Pexels

Yellowknife is the place to be to spot the Northern Lights. In the day, head out for a dog-sled ride and check out the Old Town.

11. Campbell River, B.C. 

Photo courtesy Campbell River/Facebook

Campbell River is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Don't miss the 60-metre-high suspension bridge in Elk Falls Provincial Park.

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