February 18, 2026 Team Contibutor
If you’ve noticed more women-only travel tours popping up in your social feeds, you’re not imagining things. The adventure travel industry is experiencing a seismic shift, and Canadian women are leading the charge.
A powerful new demographic is redefining the outbound market: the solo or group female adventurer. Canadian women, particularly those aged 45 and above, are driving an unprecedented surge in women-only travel, seeking bespoke experiences that prioritise safety, connection, and authentic exploration.
This isn’t just a trend; it’s a structural shift in how Canadian women choose to see the world.
“Women-Only Travel Tours Canada” searches explode
Women’s adventure travel is projected to grow by 100% in 2026, with women now accounting for a staggering 80% of all solo tour bookings worldwide. What’s even more striking? Women over 50 represent the fastest-growing segment, with 14% growth over the past five years outpacing every other demographic in the adventure travel space.
Recent search analytics reveal a dramatic increase in queries such as “women-only travel tours Canada,” “solo female travel safety tips Caribbean,” and “G Adventures women’s expeditions reviews.” This shift underscores a clear demand for itineraries crafted with female travellers in mind.
It’s a response to a desire for liberation from the traditional planning burdens often placed on women, a yearning for camaraderie, and a shrewd navigation around the dreaded “single supplement” that often penalises solo explorers.
Why women are choosing women-only adventures
The appeal goes far beyond avoiding the dreaded single supplement fee (though that’s a welcome bonus). Women travellers cite three primary drivers:
Safety without sacrifice- Travelling with like-minded women offers a host of novel experiences. With experienced female guides on their side, women can freely enjoy deeper immersion in destinations like Morocco’s medinas or Colombia’s colonial cities, minus the constant vigilance solo travel often requires.
Authentic connections- Women-focused tours prioritise cultural exchange. They might be visiting women’s cooperatives in the Atlas Mountains or meeting female entrepreneurs in Cartagena. It’s about meaningful experiences, not just sightseeing.
Liberation from logistics- For women who typically handle family travel planning, these tours offer a genuine vacation; someone else sweats the details for once.
For many, the appeal lies in the curated safety and support of a group. What about concerns about solo female travel safety in unfamiliar destinations? These concerns are mitigated when travelling with like-minded companions and experienced guides, often female.
G Adventures-The market leader Canadians trust
Among the leading operators, G Adventures has particularly capitalised on this demand with its highly successful Women’s Expeditions series.
The secret? Local female guides, small group sizes (typically under 16), and itineraries designed around genuine cultural exchange rather than rushed photo ops. Active adventure hiking tours in destinations like the Azores and wellness-focused trips to Costa Rica are particularly popular with the 45+ demographic.
Other operators are quickly following suit, expanding their offerings for women-focused tours.
Where Canadian women are heading in 2026
While traditional Caribbean destinations remain popular, the 2026 female traveller is looking for more. Search data indicates a strong pull towards:
- Portugal: With new Canada-Portugal direct flights 2026, this European gem offers a blend of safety, culture, and stunning landscapes, from the historic streets of Lisbon to the vineyards of the Douro Valley. It’s a prime U.S. travel alternative for Canadians.
- Morocco: Driven by G Adventures’ popular expeditions, Morocco appeals to those seeking rich cultural experiences, vibrant markets, and unique historical sites, all within a group setting.
- Colombia (Cartagena): Emerging as a sophisticated Caribbean hub, Cartagena offers a blend of colonial charm, vibrant nightlife, and stunning coastal scenery, often with dedicated tours focusing on local female entrepreneurs and artists.
- Iceland: For the adventure seeker, Iceland’s dramatic landscapes and focus on wellness (think geothermal spas) make it a top pick for active hiking and soft-adventure tours
The message is clear: the Canadian female traveller of 2026 is discerning, purposeful, and ready to explore the world on her own terms. Travel providers who understand and cater to this powerful demographic will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving market.
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