Canadian Staycations Boom: Airbnb Bookings Up 20%

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on Apr 30, 2025

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The Rise of the Canadian Staycation: Why are Canadians Choosing to Stay Home?

The popularity of Canadian staycations is driven by a confluence of factors. Rising costs associated with international travel, a growing awareness of sustainable tourism, and a desire for unique local experiences are all contributing to this shift. Canadians are increasingly choosing to explore the hidden gems within their own country, prioritizing convenience and supporting local businesses.

• Increased cost of international flights and accommodation: Soaring airfare prices and inflated accommodation costs in popular international destinations are making international travel significantly less affordable for many Canadians. Recent reports indicate a substantial increase in airfare costs, making domestic travel a much more attractive alternative.

• Growing preference for sustainable and eco-friendly travel: The environmental impact of air travel is a growing concern for many environmentally conscious Canadians. Staycations offer a significantly lower carbon footprint, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainable and responsible travel choices.

• Desire to explore hidden gems within Canada: Canada boasts a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, from the rugged mountains of British Columbia to the Atlantic coast's charming fishing villages. Staycations allow Canadians to discover these often-overlooked destinations, enriching their travel experiences.

• Convenience and reduced travel stress: Planning and executing a domestic trip is considerably less stressful than international travel. This convenience factor is a major draw for busy Canadians seeking a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

• Support of local businesses and communities: By choosing a staycation, Canadians directly contribute to the economic well-being of their local communities, supporting restaurants, shops, and attractions within their own provinces.

Airbnb's Leading Role in the Canadian Staycation Boom

Airbnb has played a pivotal role in facilitating this staycation surge. The 20% increase in bookings reflects a significant shift in travel preferences, with Canadians embracing the platform's diverse range of accommodation options.

• A 20% increase in Airbnb bookings: This substantial rise underscores the immense popularity of Canadian staycations and Airbnb's prominent position in this growing market. Data from Airbnb itself shows a marked increase in bookings across various Canadian provinces.

• Variety of accommodation options: From cozy cabins nestled in the woods to modern apartments in bustling city centers, Airbnb offers a diverse range of accommodations to cater to various preferences and budgets. This variety ensures that Canadians can find the perfect staycation setting to suit their needs.

• Economic impact on Canadian hosts: The surge in bookings translates to increased revenue for numerous Canadian Airbnb hosts, stimulating local economies and supporting individual entrepreneurs.

• Geographic distribution of the booking surge: While data varies, initial reports suggest a significant increase in bookings across popular staycation destinations, including Ontario cottage country, Quebec's charming villages, and British Columbia's stunning mountain resorts.

The Economic Impact of Canadian Staycations

The boom in Canadian staycations has far-reaching positive consequences for the Canadian economy. The increased spending on local goods and services generates significant revenue, contributing to job creation and boosting the national GDP.

• Positive impact on local businesses: Restaurants, shops, attractions, and other local businesses directly benefit from increased tourist spending generated by staycations, leading to economic growth at the community level.

• Contribution to provincial and national GDP: Staycations contribute significantly to the overall GDP of provinces and the nation as a whole, bolstering economic indicators and driving overall growth.

• Job creation in tourism and hospitality: The rise in domestic tourism has led to the creation of new jobs in various sectors within the tourism and hospitality industry, supporting employment and reducing unemployment rates.

• Potential for long-term growth in the domestic tourism sector: The current trend suggests a strong potential for sustained growth in the domestic tourism sector, presenting lucrative opportunities for businesses and individuals involved in this industry.

Sustainable Tourism: A Positive Side Effect of the Staycation Trend

The shift towards staycations has a significant positive impact on sustainable tourism. By choosing domestic travel, Canadians reduce their carbon footprint and support environmentally responsible practices.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Compared to international air travel, staycations drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable travel model.

• Support for local and sustainable businesses: Staycations often involve supporting locally owned businesses and eco-conscious initiatives, fostering sustainable economic development.

• Promoting eco-tourism initiatives: The growing popularity of staycations encourages the development and promotion of eco-tourism initiatives across Canada, leading to more responsible and sustainable travel practices.

Conclusion

The remarkable 20% surge in Airbnb bookings highlights the explosive growth of the Canadian staycation trend. This shift, driven by factors such as rising international travel costs, a growing preference for sustainable tourism, and a desire to explore domestic destinations, offers significant economic and environmental benefits. The positive impact on local businesses, job creation, and sustainable tourism practices makes the Canadian staycation a winning formula for both travellers and the Canadian economy.

Embrace the booming Canadian staycation trend – explore your own backyard and discover the wonders of domestic travel! Find your perfect getaway on Airbnb Canada or plan your adventure with resources from Tourism Canada. Discover the beauty of Canada, support local businesses, and enjoy a truly unforgettable Canadian staycation!