September 24, 2026 Team Contributor
For two years in a row, New York City has been named Air Canada Vacations Top City Break at the second annual Travelers’ Top Pick Awards on 23rd September 2026 in Toronto.
The recognition reinforces the city’s status as the top short-haul international escape for Canadians who seek world-class dining, culture, and entertainment.
Air Canada Vacations Top City Break – 1.3+ million Canadians cast vote
The Annual Travellers’ Top Pick Awards serve as the major benchmark for Canadian travel preferences, collecting more than 1.3 million votes across 10 distinct categories.
Competing against premier metropolitan destinations across North America, New York City secured the top spot, all thanks to its unmatched density of attractions, diverse vacation package offerings, and accessible transborder flights, available through Air Canada Vacations.
Award metrics: –
- Category – Top City Break (Air Canada Vacations Travellers’ Top Picks)
- Total voting volume – 1.3+ million votes cast across 10 categories
- Estimated Canadian arrivals – 820,000 forecasted visitors
- Primary travel motivators – Broadway, Michelin dining, museums, sports, shopping
- Flight accessibility – Frequent direct service from major Canadian gateways
A crucial international market
Canada is New York’s most important international feeder market, with tourism authorities forecasting 820,000 Canadian arrivals in 2026.
Frequent daily flights from major hubs including Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto enable travelers to arrive in Manhattan in just a few hours, making the city great for extended long weekends, weekend trips, and seasonal vacations.
“Canada is one of New York City’s most important international markets with 820,000 visitors forecasted in 2026, and we’re honored that Air Canada Vacations customers have named NYC the Top City Break for the second year running… New York City and Canada have a long history, and this recognition reflects that bond of mutual respect and connection. We look forward to welcoming even more Canadians for world-class city breaks.” – Jerry Cito, Chief Sales Officer at NYC Tourism + Conventions.
The five borough seasonal traditions and highlights
The award coincides with a renewed effort by NYC Tourism + Conventions to expand Canadian visitation across all five boroughs – Staten Island, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Incoming travellers throughout the winter and fall seasons can look forward to an action-filled lineup of iconic events as well as neighborhood experiences, like:
- Winter theatre and illumination – Dazzling holiday light displays in Dyker Heights, new Broadway theater debuts, and festive open-air markets at Union Square and Bryant Park throughout the season.
- Historic holiday milestones – The city is gearing up for the milestone 100th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, followed by the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting.
- Cultural and autumn festivals – October features citywide Diwali celebrations, major art exhibitions and neighborhood culinary walks.
Planning a quick weekend escape or searching for current hotel promotions in New York? Explore these NYC travel deals to browse discounted vacation packages, prime Manhattan accommodations, and Broadway ticket bundles. Talk to our certified travel advisors for exploring the Air Canada Vacations Top City Breaks today.
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