10 cheapest travel destinations ranked for Canadians this summer

The summer travel season is nearly here and a new report ranks the top 10 most affordable spots from Canadian cities.

Although we are just weeks away from summer, 68 per cent of Canadian travellers are still looking to book their summer holidays, travel aggregator Skyscanner said in its Smarter Summer Report released on Tuesday.

With economic uncertainty amid a trade war, finding an affordable vacation could be difficult this year. Many Canadians, 45 per cent, are open to choosing destinations that allow their budget to go further, Skyscanner found.

“It’s not just about where you go but how you plan,” says Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel expert. “Canadians are taking a more intentional approach this year, looking to extend every aspect of their time off, from stretching their budget and travel time to staying flexible and exploring more destinations.​”

For those looking to save money, Skyscanner noted that the cheapest week to travel for Canadians is Aug. 25, and the cheapest day to fly is Friday.

Another travel hack is to hold off travel for the shoulder season of June and September, if you can. Rates are lower, there are fewer crowds but the weather is usually just as nice.

The report also looked at the most affordable flights this summer.

Top 10 most affordable destinations for Canadians: 

1. Calgary – flights from $364
2. Halifax – flights from $371
3. Kelowna – flights from $475
4. St. John’s – flights from $553
5. Puerto Vallarta – flights from $557
6. Nassau – flights from $619
7. Montego Bay – flights from $619
8. Charlottetown – flights from $659
9. Castries – flights from $701
10. Buenos Aires – flights from $723

Those looking at travelling to the most popular destinations may want to consider flexibility with travel dates. Some weeks and days are cheaper than others, according to the report.

See the full Smarter Summer Report here.