Canadians are ditching big cities for these unexpected fall getaways
Turns out, young Canadians don’t always want the hustle and bustle of a big city like Toronto â they’d much rather have a quiet place with a good view.
New data from Airbnb suggests more people, particularly Gen Z, are looking beyond the country’s biggest cities this fall, with smaller towns and rural communities seeing a significant spike in interest.
Searches for Canadian fall stays are up 25 per cent year-over-year, while searches for rural destinations have climbed nearly 30 per cent.
But Gen Z is driving an even bigger jump.
According to the rental marketplace company, searches for domestic fall destinations among Canadians aged 14 to 29 are up nearly 40 per cent from last year, with younger travellers increasingly eyeing small towns.
In other words, the fall travel itinerary is looking less like a big city and a little more like a big hike.
The data is based on Airbnb’s internal searches by Canadian Gen Z travellers during Q2 2026 for stays with check-ins between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 2026, compared with Q2 2025 searches for check-ins between Sept. 2 and Dec. 1, 2025.
Airbnb also says fall is the top season for weekend getaways, with Canadians favouring shorter trips that don’t require an airport or passport. Just a small carry-on with some cozy sweaters and theyâre good to go.
Some of the Canadian spots seeing the biggest uptick in searches include:
Goderich, Ont.
Located right on the edge of Lake Huron, Goderich is “the prettiest town in Canada,” according to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The quiet coastal town has less than 8,000 residents and offers multiple sandy beaches, walking trails, and extraordinary landscapes for all to see.
Haida Gwaii, B.C.
BritishColumbia.com
Meaning âislands of the people,â Haida Gwaii is an archipelago of more than 150 islands off the northern coast of British Columbia. This remote destination, which visitors can only get to by boat or seaplane, offers a truly wild escape with its abundant forests, coastlines and wildlife.
Montebello, Que.
Montebello is a hidden gem with fewer than 1,000 residents, but it packs a massive punch. It happens to be home to the worldâs largest log castle. Nestled in the eastern Outaouais region, this tiny town is surrounded by lush forests, fields, and rolling hills, making it the perfect place to take in all the fall foliage.
Cochrane, Alta.
Only a 20-minute drive west of Calgary, Cochrane offers a taste of Albertaâs western charm without feeling too far removed from the city. With more than 37,000 residents, the historic foothills town is surrounded by rolling landscapes and mountain views, and in the fall, the golden foliage and crisp mountain air make it a beautiful place to explore.
If youâre due for a vacation this season, perhaps itâs worth venturing off the beaten path.
You can check out the fall travel trends report on Airbnb’s website.