European coastlines and charming cityscapes top Canada Day trends

With the sun and school both out, the Canada Day long weekend¹ is synonymous with summer, sandy beaches and splashing in lakes. As summer gets underway, weekend escapes and big trips with the family are top of mind for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. According to Airbnb data, searches in Q1 2023 for stays over the long weekend significantly increased compared to 2022².  Whether it’s a road trip up north, chilling at a lakeside cabin, or a relaxing poolside getaway overseas or down south, guests are using this time to indulge in the joy of travel and create unforgettable summer memories. 

Sparking wanderlust: Southern cityscapes, European sun, and local wonders

Canadian travellers are back to big cities overseas this July 1, and they are looking to share the experiences with loved ones. Over Canada Day in 2023, family bookings³ account for the largest share of overall nights booked during the holiday weekend. With Europe’s timeless allure and captivating culture, it comes as no surprise that travellers are seeking la dolce vita in cities like Rome, Porto, and Barcelona during the Canada Day long weekend. Guests are also setting their sights on the Big Apple and the southern charm of Nashville for stateside escapes. Below are some of the top trending international destinations Canadian guests are searching for this Canada Day weekend⁴: 

Top trending international destinations for Canadians

• Rome, Italy
• Porto, Portugal
• Nashville, United States
• Seattle, United States
• Barcelona, Spain
• Boston, United States 
• New York, New York
• Paris, France
• Athens, Greece
• Dublin, Ireland

No Canadian summer is complete without Canucks exploring their own backyards, and this Canada Day is no exception. This year, Canadians are proving there’s no place like home with Ontario taking a whopping eight of 10 top trending domestic destinations Canadian guests are searching for this Canada Day weekend, with the stunning wineries and beaches in Prince Edward County taking the top spot⁵:

Top trending domestic destinations for Canadians

• Prince Edward County, Ontario
• Port Colborne, Ontario
• Kingston, Ontario
• Calgary, Alberta
• Toronto, Ontario
• Niagara Falls, Ontario
• Mississauga, Ontario
• Grand Bend, Ontario
• Wasaga Beach, Ontario
• Edmonton, Alberta

Sizzling hot Categories: Beach, Amazing Pools, Lakes, and Rare Finds 

It’s clear that Canadian guests are marking the long weekend by warming up the grill in a range of Categories on the platform. In May 2022, we released Airbnb Categories and a new flexible search feature as a way to make it easier to discover millions of homes you never knew existed. This year, we encourage guests to use these features as a way to enjoy the weekend away from the tourist hotspots and discover somewhere new. 

Guests are searching for sandy shores, tranquil escapes, and hidden gems with Beach, Lake, Amazing Pools, and Cabins being the most booked Categories this Canada Day long weekend⁶. And what summer in Canada is complete without a camping adventure? Here are some of the most wishlisted camping stays in Ontario and BC⁷.

Most wishlisted Ontario Camping Category listings 

• Crater Basin Campsite – Wilderness Experience. Faraday, Ontario
• Country Glamping Bonfield, Ontario
• Elegant Lotus Belle Tent, Rockhill Park Shelburne, Ontario
• Glamping on 50 Acres of private forest Port Hope, Ontario
• Sitting Rock Point, 17 acre Glamping Retreat Roseneath, Ontario

Most wishlisted BC Camping Category listings

• Out There – Private Island, Off-grid Retreat Sunshine Coast, BC
• Experience Van Life in a cozy heated 1970 VW Bus! Capital, BC
• One of a kind converted 1969 School Bus Sooke, BC
• Secluded Mountainside Airstream, AC + Outdoor Tub Bowen Island, BC
• Canvas Tent 1 – Okanagan Glamping Co. Vernon, BC

Fireworks on a budget: Unveiling wallet-friendly stays 

Summer can be an expensive time, but that doesn’t mean travellers need to miss out on planning a long weekend getaway. On Airbnb, guests can find a range of options that suit any budget, allowing anyone to celebrate in style without breaking the bank. Airbnb Rooms are a great option for guests looking for affordable options to connect and have authentic experiences with a local. In fact, in 2022 more than 80 percent of private room stays globally were under $130 CAD a night, with an average rate of about $88 CAD per night⁸. Here are the top-booked destinations this Canada Day long weekend where guests found a stay under $130 CAD per night⁹. 

• Toronto, ON
• Calgary, AB
• Quebec City, QC
• Saskatoon, SK
• Vancouver, BC
• Edmonton, AB
• Winnipeg, MB
• Ottawa, ON
• Halifax, NS
• Saanich, BC

Airbnb dispersing travel from coast-to-coast-to-coast

As summer heats up and summer vacations get underway, domestic and international visitors are travelling across Canada – and in a way you might not expect. A recent report from Airbnb shows that in 2022, Canadian Hosts welcomed more than 2.2 million guest arrivals to areas where there are no hotels¹⁰, generating more than $1.5 billion CAD in Host earnings and still more in economic activity driven by guest spending, based on a first-ever analysis of Airbnb and OpenStreetMap¹¹ data. 

These economic benefits circulate in communities that may not exist if not for Airbnb listings providing the opportunity for guests to stay and spend in local diners, shops, tours, museums, and attractions across these smaller cities and towns this summer and beyond. 

In 2022, Airbnb listings existed with no hotel presence in nearly 50 percent of Canada’s dissemination areas¹². Meaning, guests have the ability to travel to many more places by using Airbnb, as compared to hotels that traditionally are located in higher-traffic areas. 

Ignite your earnings and spark joy: Hosting on Airbnb this summer

Hosting on Airbnb during long weekends presents a golden opportunity to embrace the spirit of summer while earning extra income. In fact, during the Canada Day long weekend in 2022, Canadian Hosts enjoyed a median Host payout of over $1,000 CAD in extra income from the weekend’s stays¹³. For those planning to be away for the holiday weekend, they can take advantage of this opportunity by making their entire space available for bookings. This way, Hosts can enjoy their own adventure while earning income from travellers eager to embrace the Canada Day festivities. For anyone interested in hosting, visit airbnb.com/host. 

_{All listings included in this press release are intended to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not endorse or promote these listings or any other accommodations or experiences on the platform.}