Toronto Joins Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal in Dominating Canada’s Winter Travel Scene for 2025, Each City Boasting Its Own Unique Seasonal Offerings

Published on December 6, 2025

Toronto has earned its place alongside Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal as one of the leading destinations for winter travel in Canada for 2025. Each of these iconic cities offers a distinctive winter experience that caters to a wide range of travelers. Toronto, with its vibrant urban atmosphere and world-class attractions, brings a blend of cultural events, ice skating rinks, and festive markets to the table. Vancouver attracts visitors with its mild winter climate, ideal for those seeking both outdoor adventures in the nearby mountains and cozy urban experiences. Calgary, famed for its proximity to the Rockies, continues to be a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, while Montreal, with its European charm, offers a unique combination of outdoor winter activities and a bustling cultural scene. Together, these cities are setting the stage for a memorable and diverse winter season across Canada.

Calgary has earned its place among the most sought-after domestic winter destinations for Canadians, as revealed in Expedia’s latest Winter Travel Outlook. The report, which analyzes lodging searches, provides a snapshot of the top trending locations for the upcoming season, offering insights into the best times to fly and book accommodations. As winter approaches, the data reveals where Canadians are most likely to go and when they should travel to avoid crowds and find the best deals.

Calgary ranks eighth in the list of most popular domestic winter destinations, a testament to the city’s rising appeal as a winter hotspot. Leading the pack is Toronto, which claims the top spot, followed by Vancouver in second place and Montreal in third. These major cities remain favorites due to their vibrant urban landscapes, winter festivals, and a wide variety of attractions that cater to both locals and visitors. Calgary, known for its unique blend of modernity and easy access to the great outdoors, offers a perfect mix of urban comforts and winter adventure. The city’s proximity to the iconic Rocky Mountains makes it a go-to destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Alberta’s winter tourism continues to flourish, with two other cities—Banff and Edmonton—also securing spots in the top 10. Banff, nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, ranks fifth, while Edmonton is ranked ninth. These two destinations are synonymous with spectacular natural beauty and a wealth of activities that draw visitors seeking everything from skiing and snowboarding to cultural experiences. Other popular destinations featured in the top 10 include Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Whistler, and Ottawa, all of which offer unique winter experiences for every type of traveler.

Among emerging winter hotspots, Prince Edward Island has taken the lead as the top trending destination for Canadians this season. Known for its charming landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, PEI offers a quieter winter escape that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Jasper and Kitchener are also gaining traction, as travelers seek more off-the-beaten-path destinations that provide a different kind of winter adventure.

Prime Times to Fly and Stay: What to Know

Expedia’s Winter Travel Outlook also highlights the best and worst times to book flights and accommodations for winter travelers. For those looking to avoid peak travel periods, February 24 and 26, 2026, are the slowest days to fly domestically, offering a more relaxed travel experience. These dates are ideal for those who prefer to avoid the chaos of crowded airports and expensive airfares. For the most affordable airfares, travelers should consider flying on December 4 and 5, as these are the cheapest days to book domestic flights.

On the other hand, January 1 and 2 stand out as the most expensive days to fly, as post-holiday travel and high demand drive up prices. December 20 and 24 are the busiest travel days, with many Canadians returning home for the holidays. These peak travel days are known for crowded airports and inflated ticket prices, so travelers who want to avoid the stress of the holiday rush should plan their flights accordingly.

Accommodation-wise, the slowest days for hotel check-ins are February 9 and 24, offering a quieter and more peaceful stay. In contrast, December 5 and 26 are the busiest days for booking accommodations. Travelers seeking deals should consider staying on January 6 and 13, which are the most affordable dates for hotel stays. The most expensive times for accommodation bookings are December 30 and February 28, so those looking to save may want to avoid these high-demand periods.

The insights come from searches made on Expedia between July 28 and November 2, 2025, for travel scheduled between December 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. This provides a comprehensive overview of the patterns that will shape Canadians’ winter travel plans.

Canadians Head Abroad for Warmth

Although domestic destinations are still favored, more Canadians are opting for international getaways this winter. Tropical spots such as Cancun, Punta Cana, and Puerto Vallarta are seeing increasing demand as Canadians look to escape the harsh winter temperatures for sunnier, warmer climes. These beach destinations are perfect for travelers who want to swap snow for sand and enjoy a more relaxing winter holiday.

For those who aren’t ready to leave the winter behind completely, the Italian destination of Cortina d’Ampezzo tops the list of trending international locations. With its world-class winter sports facilities, including excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, Cortina is attracting Canadians eager for a European winter getaway.

Toronto joins Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal in dominating Canada’s winter travel scene for 2025, each city offering a unique blend of urban charm, winter sports, cultural events, and outdoor adventures that cater to diverse traveler preferences.

As Canadians prepare for the winter season, the outlook reflects a growing desire for diverse winter experiences, both at home and abroad. Whether it’s the snowy peaks of Banff or the sunny shores of Mexico, Canadians have an array of exciting destinations to choose from this winter, ensuring that there’s something for every traveler, no matter their preference.