These are the 10 destinations Canadians most want to visit this year
Where in the world do Canadians want to travel to the most? Survey says: pretty much everywhere.
Canadians have cast their votes in the second annual Travellers’ Top Picks Awards from Air Canada Vacations, revealing an eclectic mix of top destinations they’d like to visit in 2026.
According to the travel company, 1.3 million votes were cast across 10 categories.
When it comes to the ultimate beach vacation full of sand, surf, sunshine, and margaritas, Mexico’s Riviera Maya came out on top.
The popular stretch of Caribbean coastline offers plenty for Canadian sun-seekers, from the pristine shores of Playa Maroma to snorkelling in Puerto Morelos National Reef Park. Travellers can even explore ancient Maya sites, including Coba and Chichén Itzá.
This year, Phuket, Thailand, was the top wellness destination for Canadians.
It’s quite easy to see the appeal, with palm tree-lined beaches, lush jungle landscapes, and an abundance of White Lotus-esque resorts offering everything from yoga and meditation to luxurious spa treatments.
Phuket takes the crown from Bali, Indonesia, which Canadians selected as their top wellness destination in 2025.
For the ultimate bucket list destination, Canadians chose Cinque Terre, Italy.
The picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site along the Italian Riviera is known for its colourful houses, dramatic coastline, rich local culture, and postcard-worthy backdrops. In 2025, Santorini, Greece, took the top spot.
Canadians clearly love international cuisine, and this year, Santiago, Chile, was crowned the top foodie destination.
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The capital city offers an impressive mix of culinary experiences, whether it’s street-side empanadas, Japanese-Chilean Nikkei dishes, or traditional stews like Cazuela. Only in Chile’s capital is it possible for visitors to go skiing, hiking, and wine-tasting all in one day (and what Canadian doesn’t love all three?).
The winners of the 2026 Travellers’ Picks are:
Wellness: Phuket, Thailand
Family Break: Nassau, Bahamas
Foodie Favourite: Santiago, Chile
Hidden Gem: Funchal, Portugal
Bucket List: Cinque Terre, Italy
Beach Vacation: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Romance: Paris, France
City Break: New York City, U.S.
Arts & Culture: Prague, Czech Republic
Adventure Travel: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
To learn more about these awards, visit Air Canada Vacations’ website.