Ottawa ranks among the top fall travel destinations for Canadians

The latest Expedia report tracks how travellers chasing fall leaves or a cheap flight can make the most of sweater season.

Published Sep 20, 2024  •  Last updated 5 minutes ago  •  4 minute read

Ottawa travellers make their way through the departure section of the Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport. Photo by Spencer Colby /POSTMEDIA

Fall is nearly here, and Ottawa travellers are locking in their last trips before winter hits.

A recent Expedia report shows shifts in where — and when — most Canadians are planning to get away. Mexico and Japan are seeing a surge in popularity, while select U.S. and European spots are dropping prices for those who book at the right time.

Beach vacations have made a surprising return to fall itineraries, Thanksgiving travel is trending eastward, and classic leaf-peeping spots remain as popular as ever.

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“Canadians have been hoarding their vacation days this year,” Expedia spokesperson Melanie Fish told the Ottawa Citizen. “With the end of the year approaching, many are squeezing in one last trip for 2024 before those coveted vacation days expire.”

But not everyone is leaving town. Ottawa is also attracting more visitors this season.

Fall leaves along Island Park Drive. Photo by Wayne Cuddington /POSTMEDIA

“With its rich history, cultural museums, and plentiful opportunities for leaf peeping, Ottawa is a great destination for fall travellers, and our data is showing an increased interest,” said Fish.

The city made Expedia’s top 10 most-searched fall destinations this year, ranking tenth based on hotel bookings. “Ottawa is a great autumn destination for families with the city coming alive through cultural festivals, seasonal markets and the return of winter sports,” said Fish. “The city’s green spaces are also bursting with colour in the fall months and lend a stunning backdrop to outdoor adventures like biking in Gatineau Park or canoeing on the Rideau Canal.”

Ottawa’s airport is preparing for a busy season too, with new direct flights to Las Vegas launching in November and a London connection arriving by next spring. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, no stranger to running marathons has backed the expansion as a way to improve international travel options for locals and provide easier access to the capital for visitors.

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Here’s a look at this year’s top destinations for sweater season, along with tips to make the most of your fall travels.

Fall travel trends

Canadians show a strong preference for early autumn getaways, according to Expedia, likely to extend the summer season. Cancun is recording an 83% increase in bookings. Playa del Carmen and Punta Cana are not far behind, with bookings surging by 58% and 40%, respectively. Other sunny spots like Orlando, Turks and Caicos, and Honolulu are also registering more bookings, with rises of 21%, 9%, and 6%.

Paris is set to welcome more Canadian visitors this fall, with bookings climbing by 11%, as travellers take advantage of fewer crowds and post-Olympic discounts, making it the seventh most-searched destination.

Interest in Asia is climbing as well, with Kyoto experiencing an 83% surge in searches, followed by Osaka at 69% and Seoul at 63%.

Meanwhile, Buffalo, New York, has emerged as an unexpected hotspot south of the border, driven largely by Canadian football fans heading to the Bills’ home opener. Lodging searches are up 140%, and flight searches have jumped an impressive 325%, suggesting live sports can be a key motivator for fall travel.

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Thanksgiving takeoffs

While turkey and stuffing remain a meal staple, Canadian Thanksgiving travel preferences are less traditional this year. Toronto and Vancouver, once the busiest destinations for the long weekend, are seeing their search numbers shrink. Montreal, Victoria, and Moncton are emerging as the new hotspots for the holiday.

However, Cancun is the runaway, with a 78% spike in searches compared to last year. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, usually a bright light in holiday travel, is facing dimmer interest with a 16% drop in searches and fewer Canadians betting on the Strip.

Leaf peepers are also branching out this year. Montana is emerging as a surprise contender, with searches soaring by 172%, as Canadians turn southwest for their autumn fix.

While classics like Boston and Québec City still pull in their fair share of foliage admirers. Charlottetown, Edinburgh, and Burlington, Vermont, are getting a bump in interest. However, those heading to Boston should be prepared to shell out more, as daily rates are up 11% compared to summer.

Booking tips for cheap fall flights

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If you prefer smaller crowds, consider booking your flights for the week of November 10, when Expedia predicts travel demand will taper off.

If saving money is your priority, it’s wise to steer clear of Fridays. They are the peak day for airport traffic, which often means higher prices. Instead, try booking a Sunday flight — it could shave about 15% off your ticket for domestic flights.

Price drops of at least 10% make spots like Palm Springs, Tulum, Manchester, and Kailua-Kona particularly appealing for budget-conscious travellers.

When it comes to securing the best fares, timing is everything. Expedia’s data suggests booking your flight 21 to 30 days in advance hits the sweet spot. Book too early, over 91 days out, and you might find yourself paying up to 37% more.

Morning flights tend to be a safer bet, with an 18% lower chance of cancellation compared to afternoon departures. And if you’re headed for a beach escape, travel insurance could prove a smart investment given this year’s active hurricane season.

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Do these trends line up with your plans? Drop your fall destination in the comments.

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