Hopper’s Q3 2024 Consumer Travel Index, released in August, reports that international airfare from the United States to Canada will drop by 18% this fall, the largest decrease compared to all global destinations. This fall’s ticket prices will even be 3% lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Seat capacity will also rise by 12%; the second-largest increase after Asia. Do these reflect the growing demand for travel between the two countries this fall?
According to Statistics Canada, July marks the peak month for U.S. travelers visiting Canada. After July, the number of visitors declines steadily. By November, they expect a nearly 40% drop in visitor numbers. Between 18% cheaper flights and 40% fewer expected visitors, that may translate to more fall travel to Canada.
Canada is clearly on the radar for U.S. travelers. According to Destination Canada‘s ongoing tourism snapshot, Americans rank Canada as the top international destination they will most likely visit by air for their next vacation. Indeed, according to Statistics Canada, one-quarter of U.S. travelers arrive by air, most landing in Canada’s three busiest airports: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
“When travel becomes more affordable, especially between such close neighbors, it will pique interest. But beyond logistics, there is a deeper appeal. Canada in the fall is simply stunning,” says Stephanie Webb, a travel expert and a travel guide at Tripshepherd, after working for years in the Canadian travel industry.
Breathtaking Fall Foliage From Coast to Coast
Andrew Finn, Destination Expert at EXP Journeys, a tour company specializing in bespoke immersive trips, can seamlessly include all three key locations in the perfect fall foliage road trip.
“First, the Canadian Rockies, highlighting Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. Hiking is plentiful and gorgeous! It is also a great time to get in a canoe and explore the beautiful alpine lakes. There are also opportunities to take in the indigenous culture and learn about the history of this region,” says Finn.
Christine Grimble, Manager of Media/Travel Trade & Projects at Tourism Fernie, shares how fortunate they are to experience two distinct fall seasons. From early fall through early October, the valley shifts to vibrant reds and oranges while mild weather still invites visitors to bike and hike. By mid-October, the golden hues of larch trees blanket the whole forest, quietening the pace on trails and the community.
Canada’s fall beauty also shines along the Rideau Canal & Trent-Severn Waterway, says Lisa McLean, Head of Marketing, Longhaul North America, Le Boat. “At Le Boat, we are seeing increased demand for houseboat cruises along these waterways in the shoulder season. These cruises offer a comfortable and relaxed way to explore Canada’s natural beauty at your own pace & from the comfort of your own private boat.”
In Nova Scotia, Trout Point Lodge owner Pamela Wallace describes fall as a particularly magical season in the region. She says the autumn colors are at their peak, creating breathtaking scenes for hikes and paddles along the Tusket River. The vibrant foliage explodes in a mix of reds, oranges, and yellows within 300,000 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of the UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere.
Now, imagine the sought-after combination of fall foliage and the Northern Lights. “Fall aurora-watching tours in Yukon and Northwest Territories are showing significantly higher bookings than last year, possibly due to increased solar activity predicted for this autumn,” says Justin Crabbe, CEO and Founder of Jettly.
“Cabin in the Mountains” Searches Spike
Humans’ connection to nature, a concept known as “biophilia,” has deep roots in our biology. This desire to connect with nature becomes even more prominent during fall as travelers seek quiet escapes.
The quest for a quieter, more serene lifestyle is on the rise, with searches for “quiet life” soaring 530%, according to Pinterest. This longing for simplicity extends to travel, as searches for “quiet places” and “calm places” increased 50% and 42% from last year, respectively.
Additionally, searches for “cabin in the mountains” surged 180%, reflecting the appeal of destinations like Nimmo Bay, a cozy luxury retreat in the remote mountains of British Columbia.
Brianna Sloan, Marketing Manager and Reservations at Nimmo Bay, notes many people anticipate the beautiful fall season in Canada, with Nimmo Bay fully booked through the end of October.
“It is a very moody time of year at Great Bear Rainforest, with misty days that feel perfectly designed for gathering around fireplaces or relaxing in hot tubs and saunas. It can be cool and drizzly, which has an ethereal feeling. When the sun shines, it is pure magic. The overall feeling in the region is calm as nature prepares for winter,” says Sloan.
Finn also praises this area, especially nearby Vancouver Island. He says the crowds thin as fall arrives, allowing some peaceful moments to take in the natural beauty. Fall is also a great time to enjoy the salmon run, go apple picking, catch a glimpse of a grizzly bear, and spend a day on the water whale watching.
Why Is Canada the Fall Favorite for Budget and Luxury Travelers Alike?
The combination of cooler climates, quieter environments, and the appeal of off-peak travel reshapes travel patterns, especially in 2024. “While Europe usually dominates fall travel, Canada is gaining tourists and localities who most likely want to avoid crowds this time of the year,” says Jay Ternavan, Founder of Jayway Travel.
A recent McKinsey report suggests budget-conscious North American travelers book trips further in advance or choose off-peak periods like fall instead of canceling travel-related discretionary spending altogether.
But they are not the only ones to jump on fall travel trends. Travel advisors and partners at Virtuoso, a leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, estimate Canada will see the most significant growth in fall 2024, with a remarkable 168% year-over-year increase.
This trend began over the summer when Canada experienced a 44% surge in visits. “Cool-cation” destinations like Canada are increasingly popular, not to mention growing interest in off-the-beaten-path locations and trips during off-peak times.
Finn says, “While it is typically not of great concern to our clients, pricing does come down a bit once we get into fall, and availability is less of an issue. We are having an even busier fall in Canada this year than last.”
Indeed, it’s busier, as more affordable flights, fewer visitors, and breathtaking natural beauty make Canada an irresistible destination for fall travelers in 2024.
