June 10, 2026 Team Contributor
For Canadians planning summer travel, when you book may matter more than where you go. New data on the cheapest time to book flights in Canada suggests that smart timing could mean big savings despite rising demand.
According to the latest Skyscanner 2026 Smarter Summer Report, travel remains a strong priority, with affordability the biggest hurdle.
In fact, while 39% of Canadians agree with this, 29% admit they are unsure about the right time to book flights to get the best prices.
When can Canadians save the most?
Data from Skyscanner shows that aligning travel time with specific days or weeks can create a noticeable difference.
The report states:
- Price dips tend to align with the decreasing seasonal demand
- Early September and late August provide the best values across numerous destinations
- Mondays offer the cheapest flight fares
- Flexible dates also spike up opportunities for saving
The insights highlight that booking habits, instead of just destination choice, today are the key drivers of travel affordability.
Top travel destinations of Canadians this summer
The report also identifies a mix of international and domestic destinations that are shaping travel demand among Canadians today.
Top destinations include:
- European cities like Rome, Lisbon, and Paris,
- Domestic cities like Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver
- Seasonal favourites like Dublin and Montreal
- Long-haul options like Athens and Tokyo
Findings by Skyscanner also indicate that, while international travel remains popular, domestic trips continue to offer more flexible and predictable pricing.
Top Summer Destinations for Canadians & Cheapest Travel Time
| # | Destination | Cheapest Week | Cheapest Day | Avg Flight Price | Avg Hotel Price | Avg Car Rental |
| 1 | Toronto, Canada | July 6–13 | Monday | $446 | $387 | $88 |
| 2 | Calgary, Canada | August 10–16 | Monday | $426 | — | $97 |
| 3 | Vancouver, Canada | Aug 31–Sept 6 | Friday | $466 | $622 | $107 |
| 4 | Paris, France | Aug 31–Sept 6 | Monday | $1,083 | $327 | $85 |
| 5 | Tokyo, Japan | Aug 31–Sept 6 | Tuesday | $1,205 | $201 | $68 |
| 6 | Rome, Italy | August 3–9 | Monday | $1,077 | $269 | $60 |
| 7 | Lisbon, Portugal | Aug 31–Sept 6 | Wednesday | $910 | $269 | $44 |
| 8 | Montreal, Canada | July 6–12 | Friday | $489 | $255 | $85 |
| 9 | Athens, Greece | Aug 31–Sept 6 | Monday | $1,159 | $246 | $56 |
| 10 | Dublin, Ireland | Aug 24–30 | Wednesday | $723 | $394 | $62 |
What the Skyscanner data suggests about travel trends
Skyscanner’s analysis highlights the broader shift in how Canadians approach travelling and travel planning. Travellers are becoming more data-driven and emphasize flexibility and timing over fixed plans.
The report also states that:
- Shoulder-season travel is gaining popularity due to lower prices
- Mid-week departures often balance availability and cost
- Travellers are delaying bookings for monitoring price trends
The latest Skyscanner report gives Canadians a simple takeaway – timing has become one of the most powerful tools for saving significantly on travel. As the demand for the cheapest flights to book in Canada keeps growing, Canadians who adapt to the patterns may find better deals without compromising on experience and destination.
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