TORONTO, May 6, 2025: According to new research from global travel app , a new trend is emerging: the Maximizer Summer. In 2025, Canadian travellers don’t just want summer - they want more of it - and they’re planning smarter to make it happen. As part of its new , Skyscanner‘s survey found that 88 per cent of Canadians believe it’s important to maximize their summer vacation this year.

“It’s not just about where you go but how you plan,” says Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert. “Canadians are taking a more intentional approach this year, looking to extend every aspect of their time off, from stretching their budget and travel time to staying flexible and exploring more destinations.​” 

With 68 per cent of Canadian travellers still looking to book their summer holidays and 45 per cent open to choosing destinations that allow their budget to go further, Skyscanner’s Smarter Summer Report couldn’t come at a better time. Paired with tools like search, which highlights the best-value destinations from any departure point, and that notify travellers when fares drop, Skyscanner is the ultimate travel hack for Canadians looking to plan smarter this summer. 

Top 10 Most Affordable Destinations for Canadians: 

1. Calgary - flights from $364 
2. Halifax - flights from $371 
3. Kelowna - flights from $475 
4. St. John’s - flights from $553 
5. Puerto Vallarta - flights from $557 
6. Nassau - flights from $619 
7. Montego Bay - flights from $619 
8. Charlottetown - flights from $659 
9. Castries - flights from $701 
10. Buenos Aires - flights from $723 

Cheapest Week to Travel for Canadians: Week of August 25 

Cheapest Day to Fly for Canadians: Friday 

Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for Canadians

Out of Office Energy

The report data also reveals that people are mentally switching to vacation mode well before they take off, and it's paying off; 36 per cent of travellers said that getting into the summer vacation mood earlier makes them more productive.​ 

Whether you have a trip booked or are still dreaming of one, Laura Lindsay shares tips on some easy ways to get into the jet-set mindset sooner: “You don’t need a boarding pass to start your summer. Shopping for travel essentials, curating a playlist, or daydreaming about your next getaway are simple ways to get into the out-of-office mentality. Even setting a countdown or sharing plans with friends helps build excitement before you take off.” 

Summer to the Max 

With Canadians looking to take more vacations this summer compared to last year, they are also making the most of their summer by maximizing every aspect of their holidays: ​

• Budget: 46 per cent of Canadians are making the most of their budget by staying in budget-friendly accommodations to spend more on experiences.  
• Season length: 30 per cent of Canadians are extending their summer by taking holidays in the shoulder season to avoid peak prices and crowds.​ 
• Flexibility: 84 per cent of Canadians are open to shifting their travel dates to save money, taking advantage of the cheapest days and weeks to fly.​ 
• Destination Experiences: Canadians are exploring alternative destinations, with 76 per cent open to visiting a less well-known destination over a popular one. 

Explore the full Smarter Summer Report .

Kananaskis Village, AB, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge proudly announces the grand opening of the new Black Diamond Club. This exclusive addition to the property, separate from the main hotel, offers unmatched luxury with reimagined rooms, privacy, valet parking and meticulously-crafted bespoke experiences to inspire a profound connection with nature and adventure for every guest. Reservations are open now, with room availability beginning May 1, 2025.

Nestled in Alberta’s stunning Kananaskis Valley just one hour west of Calgary, the hotel-within-a-hotel provides discerning guests with the pinnacle of luxury, service and amenities, all set against breathtaking views in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Offering a relaxing and luxurious stay while acting as a basecamp for mountain adventure, a dedicated Adventure Concierge will curate personalized experiences for Black Diamond Club guests, connecting them to the awe-inspiring beauty and thrills of Kananaskis Country. Whether it’s gliding through snow-covered forests on a dog sled, riding horseback along rugged western trails, teeing off at one of two world-class 18-hole golf courses, running and hiking the 1,200+ kilometres of trails, indulging in chef-led dinners or basking in exclusive access to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa, every moment is designed to delight and inspire.

The space offers 71 newly renovated guest rooms across 3 floors, including king and queen rooms, lofts and suites, all designed with elements that echo the serene beauty of the resort’s natural surroundings, with room rates starting at $799.99 CAD. These spacious accommodations boast upgraded bedding, plush jersey robes, premium bathroom amenities and soothing beauty and wellness products to create a serene atmosphere. Turndown service is provided daily and includes tidying the room, tucking in the bed, closing the blinds and placing Röc Glacier Waters on the bedside table. Guests can begin their mornings with cozy in-room beverages, including their favorite Nespresso coffee or locally sourced teas from Jolene’s Tea House in nearby Banff.

“The Black Diamond Club expansion marks an exciting milestone for The Lodge,” said Liz Hovey-Smith, General Manager, Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests to this exclusive part of our resort and offer them an escape from the ordinary — an authentically Canadian moment of quiet luxury at the threshold of adventure.”

Exclusive access to the Black Diamond Club Lounge offers guests a peaceful retreat to relax and recharge before and after a day of unplugged adventure, with full breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., après-adventure canapes from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., desserts from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A la carte cocktails, wines, snacks, Nespresso coffee and a selection of loose leaf teas are available at all times. Just steps away from the Black Diamond Club building, the resort's five dining venues provide a range of culinary experiences, from a classic Canadian steakhouse to a cozy après-ski chalet and beyond. The Lodge’s take on an authentically Canadian campfire, Fireside Moments, takes place every evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where guests are invited to gather and connect with the great outdoors after a day of adventure.

Perfect for group bookings, the Black Diamond Club offers a mountain of luxury with customized itineraries, private dining experiences and exclusive access to all resort amenities, catering to both professional and leisure needs. Whether in state-of-the-art meeting rooms or serene lounges, each space is designed to foster both productivity and tranquility.

For more information, please visit 

TORONTO, ON (May 6, 2025)– & and have teamed up to launch the contest. From now until June 30, 2025, Canadian travellers can enter for a chance to win incredible prizes!

Each month during the contest period, one lucky winner will receive a free two-night stay at any Motel 6 or Studio 6 location in Canada, plus a $250 CAD Krown Rust Gift Card to help protect their vehicle from the elements.

In addition to the grand prizes, guests who enter via the contest website , will have the option to receive 10% off the Best Available Rate for their next stay at participating Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations in Canada and $15 CAD off a Krown Rust Protection treatment for their vehicle - just in time for summer roadtrips!

“Motel 6 and Studio 6 have always been trusted accommodations for road trippers, and this contest is all about celebrating that spirit of adventure,” said Ally Wesson, Vice President of Marketing at Motel 6 Canada. “With our clean, comfortable rooms and affordable rates, travellers can focus on making unforgettable travel memories.”

The contest will be promoted through in-location signage, email, social and digital media. The contest is open to legal residents of Canada, excluding Quebec, who have reached the legal age of majority in their province or territory at the time of entry.

Enter today and make your next roadtrip even more rewarding. For full contest rules and regulations and to enter, visit . To book your stay at Motel 6 or Studio 6, visit or .

After three years of impressive double-digit growth and a surge in global travel spending following the COVID-19 lockdowns, the market continues to expand, though more modestly. Economic uncertainty, U.S. tariff policies, and unstable global trade relations have led businesses and consumers to scale back their travel budgets.

According to data presented by , global travel and tourism revenue is expected to grow by only 4.4% in 2025, the smallest annual increase in the past five years.

Slower Growth Led by Decline in U.S. Travel Spending

It took three years for the travel and tourism sector to fully recover after COVID-19, but now the market faces new challenges, mostly coming from the United States. International travel to the U.S. has taken a hit amid economic uncertainty and trade wars, with stricter immigration policies and political tensions pushing European and Canadian tourists elsewhere. At the same time, domestic travel is slipping, affected by poor weather, late Easter, and weakening consumer confidence.

As one of the biggest contributors to global travel and tourism spending, the slowdown in the U.S. is already having a ripple effect on the worldwide market. According to a Statista Market Insights survey, global travel and tourism revenue is expected to grow by just 4.4% in 2025, reaching $955 billion. That is 0.1% less compared to the growth rate in 2024 and the lowest annual increase in five years.

Much of the global slowdown can be traced back to the U.S. market.  According to Statista, the U.S. travel and tourism sector will grow by 4.3% in 2025, down from 4.9% last year, reaching a $223.6 billion value. In contrast, both Asia and Europe are set to see stronger growth. Europe’s travel and tourism revenue is projected to rise by 3.1%, slightly up from 3% in 2024, totaling $305.9 billion. Meanwhile, Asia is expected to post the largest increase, with revenue growing by 5.2%, 0.5 percentage points higher than last year, and hitting $307.7 billion.

Analyzed by segments, cruises are expected to see the sharpest slowdown, with annual revenue growth dropping from 7.9% to 4.9%. Vacation rentals and camping will also experience notable declines, with growth rates falling by 0.5 percentage points to 5.5% and 5.9%, respectively. In contrast, hotel and vacation package segments are set for modest improvement, with revenue growth increasing to 3.9% and 4.3%.

More Than 2.1 Billion Travelers Expected to Spend in 2025

Despite rising prices driven by inflation, the number of people spending their money on travel remains shockingly high. According to Statista, more than 2.1 billion people will pay for hotels, cruises, vacation rentals, and package holidays in 2025, 140 million more than last year.

Furthermore, this number will continue growing in the years ahead. Even as revenue growth slows, the market is projected to gain over half a billion new users within the next five years, pushing the total to over 2.6 billion by the end of the decade.