Domestic Travel Searches in Canada Jump Nearly 20 Percent, Airbnb Data Shows

Airbnb’s latest travel data shows that Canadian searches for domestic Airbnb stays in 2025 have increased by nearly 20 percent compared to the previous year.

This rise signals that more Canadians are choosing to travel within the country instead of flying internationally, and it is having a real impact on where people are booking vacation rentals.

Canadians Are Looking For Hidden Gem Destinations

According to Airbnb, Canadians are seeking out smaller towns, rural getaways, and unique experiences, rather than major city centers.

Top trending domestic destinations include:

Îles de la Madeleine, Quebec
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
Elora, Ontario

These towns share the same traits: charming downtowns, nature access, boutique shops, and a slower pace that appeals to weekend travelers and staycation seekers.

Pet Friendly and Solo Travel Is Rising

Airbnb data also shows an increase in:

Pet friendly bookings
Solo travel
Couple focused trips and romantic escapes

This combines with a second major trend: people want unique properties, not just standard condos. Guests are searching for cabins, tiny homes, A-frames, domes, and cottages with amenities such as hot tubs or waterfront access.

Why This Matters For the Housing Market and Airbnb Investors

The Canada Housing Market audience includes both homebuyers and short term rental investors. This trend has a direct implication:

Ontario’s cottage towns and smaller second tier cities may outperform big cities for Airbnb returns.

With more Canadians choosing local and “hidden gem” travel instead of international vacations, demand is growing in:

Cottage country
Rural lake towns
Smaller cities and downtowns with character
Markets within 2 to 4 hours of Toronto

For investors, this means:

Less competition compared to Toronto or Ottawa
Lower purchase price and property tax
Higher booking rates during peak seasons

Example Ontario markets to watch:

Elora
Prince Edward County
Kawarthas
North Bay and Sudbury (weekend escapes with lakes)

Final Takeaway

Domestic travel is booming. Canadians are staying local and choosing under the radar destinations over big city hotels. With Airbnb searches up nearly 20 percent, the data suggests a strong year ahead for Canadian short term rentals, particularly in smaller Ontario markets.

This shift could make Ontario’s cottage towns and emerging small cities some of the best performing areas for Airbnb investment in 2025.

Sources:
Airbnb Newsroom: https://news.airbnb.com/canadian-2025-spring-travel-trends/
Yahoo Finance: https://finance.yahoo.com/