When combing through our data to find the top destinations of the year for Canadian travellers, we realized that some places defy the numbers. So, we’ve gathered our top picks for the places you need to see in 2019. The following cities are superlative in their own right, from the best destination to honeymoon to the up-and-coming city that should be on your radar. See where to go, why to go, when to book, what to expect and how much to spend. All so you can confidently plan an epic holiday this year.
Note: Our recommendations on how far in advance to book your flight are based on 2018 data. As always, if you find a good deal — no matter how far ahead of your trip you find it — book it.
10 KAYAK Pick Destinations for Canadian Travellers
#1 Most Instagrammable Destination
Burano Island, Venice, Italy
Looking to get a great shot this year? Feed your followers with a trip to Burano Island, just 40 minutes from Venice, Italy. Known for its canals, lace manufacturing and colourful homes, this former fishing village is the perfect backdrop to your next #travelgram.
Go in October when weather is still mild (the average temp is 18 degrees) and when airfare is at its lowest (median price for a round-trip flight from Canada is $875). Plus, our data shows that if you book at least a month ahead, you can expect to find a good price on your flight.
To get to Burano, opt for the daily ferry from San Zaccaria on Venice Island. This 45-minute trip costs only 6.50 Euros, while a water taxi is sure to run you 130 or more. While on the island, visit the lace shops lining the streets. Whether you have an actual project you need the fabric for or are looking for a handmade gift, it’s the perfect souvenir to bring back.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | October ($875) | February ($163/night) | 1 month ahead ($1,029) |
| Most expensive | December ($1,487) | May ($371/night) | 4 months ahead ($1,075) |
#1 Foodie Destination
Bangkok, Thailand
Two words: Thai food. More specifically, curry, tom yam, larb lanna, khao phat… the list goes on. From sweet to spicy to sour, Thai food has all the best flavors — and you can usually find them all in one dish. That’s why we chose it as the top destination for any food-lover to visit.
If you want to get the full foodie experience, go in April to celebrate the Thai New Year, when you’re sure to find amazing street food and festivals. You can expect flight prices to be around $970 that month and hotels around $141/night. (A word of warning, however. April is in the direct middle of their “hot season,” when the average temperature is in the mid-30s.) But if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, September is the cheapest month to travel (median airfare $874 round-trip). Just watch the forecast as this is the height of the rainy season.
Whenever you decide to go, be sure to book your flight at least 4 months in advance if you want to be sure you’re getting the best price.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | September ($874) | October ($137/night) | 4 months ahead ($922) |
| Most expensive | July ($1,391) | February ($874/night) | 1 month ahead ($1,099) |
#1 Pet-Friendly Destination
Victoria, British Columbia
We get it. A vacation just isn’t complete without Fido. And if you want to travel somewhere that’ll give him all the zoomies he needs, Victoria should be on your list. With loads of parks open to pets, plus over 66 pet-friendly hotels listed on KAYAK, it’s a great place to bring your best furry friend.
According to our data, flight prices are at their lowest in September, which makes for a pleasant time to travel with weather in the high teens. And you can get by without a ton of advance planning. We found that travellers who booked at least 2 months ahead scored some of the best deals on a flight (median $333 round-trip).
While in Victoria, show your dog the sights. Harbour Ferries offer pet-friendly tours out on the water, so you can take a sunset cruise with the one who loves you most.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | April ($315) | November ($203/night) | 2 months ahead ($333) |
| Most expensive | November ($404) | July ($408/night) | 6 months ahead ($438) |
#1 Honeymoon Destination
Marrakesh, Morocco
Celebrate your new life together by heading to Marrakesh. With romantic architecture, luxury spas and beachy breezes, the city is the perfect place to unwind and recharge after months of planning your big day.
And if you’re wondering when to go, go in December. Mild weather coupled with popular film and arts festivals makes it a great time to visit. According to our data, you can expect to pay around $959 for your flight and $239/night if you decide to go then. But if budget is top of mind, the most affordable month to fly is January, when the median airfare is around $888. If per diem costs are more your concern (because after that reception, you need a few weeks off), April sees the lowest median hotel rates, around $114/night. Just be sure to book your flight at last 6 months in advance — this is when travellers last year found the best deals ahead of their trip.
While in Marrakesh, Heritage Spa is known for its couples treatments, from massage to traditional hammam baths. Then, take a walk through the Menara Gardens where you can stop by a secluded bench to take in a few blissful minutes of newly married life.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | January ($888) | April ($114/night) | 6 months ahead ($959) |
| Most expensive | July ($1,391) | October ($315/night) | 2 months ahead ($1,068) |
#1 Wine Destination
Mendoza, Argentina
Some of the best varietals come from Mendoza, which has nearly 1,000 vineyards and produces almost 80% of Argentina’s wine. So go live out all your Malbec fantasies.
If you want to get in on the grape-stomping action, head there in March for the National Grape Harvest Festival. And as it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, you’ll be visiting during Argentina’s summer (which offers a nice contrast to Canada’s winter). Expect to pay around $1,504 for your flight and $146/night on your hotel if you plan to join in the festival. Just be sure you book your trip at least 6 months ahead — that’s when travellers found the best prices on their flights.
With so many different vineyards to visit, you can truly tailor your picks by the experience you’re looking for. For a low-key atmosphere, visit Archaval Ferrer, which was started by a group of friends in 1998. For something a bit more extravagant, visit Salentein in Argentina’s newest wine region, Valle de Uco. The winery has an important Argentine art collection, restaurant and can’t-miss views.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | June ($1,011) | September ($89/night) | 6 months ahead ($798) |
| Most expensive | December ($2,076) | July ($227/night) | 3 months ahead ($1,486) |
#1 Group Trip Destination
Nashville, Tennessee
Grab your friends and your cowboy boots. Music City is ready to welcome your group with its signature hospitality, Grand Ole Opry and hot chicken. Plus, to help you kick off your group trip, have your friends vote on travel dates, hotel picks and more in our Trip Huddle tool.
If your friends are on a budget, you’ll want to consider your per diem costs. November is when median hotel rates around lowest (around $290/night), airfare is reasonable (around $460 round-trip) and the weather is a pleasant 16 degrees. But as long as you’re booking your flights 5 months in advance, you should be able to find a good deal.
No visit to Music City is complete without a little… music. Visit The Station Inn for authentic bluegrass concerts almost every night of the year. If you’re looking to dance, head to No. 308 for late-night drinks and DJs. Then, on Sunday morning, recover at Adele’s Sunday buffet. And at $28USD per person, the price is right.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | January ($327) | November ($290) | 5 months ahead ($450) |
| Most expensive | October ($537) | October ($523) | 6 months head ($505) |
#1 Up-and-Coming Destination
Abbotsford, British Columbia
In our opinion, Abbotsford could very well be the next big thing in Canadian tourism. With parks, gardens, museums, hipster vibe and Castle Fun, it’s the under-the-radar destination you should visit in 2019. Plus, with more airlines and low-cost carriers flying into Abbotsford International, you can expect to see it quickly become one of the more affordable destinations in Canada.
To reap the benefits of good weather and low airfare, go in September when temps are in the 20s, it’s relatively dry and median airfare is at its lowest ($202 for a round-trip flight). It’s also when you can expect to land a good deal on a hotel — rates are around $113/night. Just be sure to book at least 2 months ahead of your trip if you want the best chance at getting a good deal on your flight.
September is also a great time to grab a sunny spot outside at Field House Brewing, order a flight and their local charcuterie board, and blend in. This popular local hangout is touted as one of the best craft breweries in Canada, and you can hang out there late-night, with drink specials from 8-10pm.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | September ($202) | February ($90/night) | 2 months ahead ($214) |
| Most expensive | December ($428) | August ($130/night) | 6 months ahead ($404) |
#1 Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Destination
Cabo, San Lucas
Cabo still reigns supreme when it comes to a destination that likes to party. And when you want to send off your friend who’s about to get hitched, it makes for a great getaway.
Visit Cabo in September when the summer crowds have waned and you’re getting the lowest airfare (median $521 round-trip). If per diem costs are what keep you up at night, the lowest median hotel rates are in May when you can expect to find a room for around $296/night. Just plan to have every book at least 2 months ahead of your trip, as that’s when travellers found the best flight deals.
To plan the perfect send-off, think about your soon-to-be-married friend’s personality. Are they a bit rock-and-roll? Then you can’t miss a night at Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Cantina. Cliche? Perhaps. A rocking good time? Always. Or maybe your friend likes to live the luxe life. Book a table at El Farallon, and they’re sure to be impressed. If the bride or groom lives a more bookish life, then a night at La Biblioteca de Tequila, where their 150+ tequilas are arranged by a library system, is in order.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | September ($521) | May ($296/night) | 2 months ahead ($598) |
| Most expensive | July ($680) | December ($477/night) | 4 months ahead ($650) |
#1 Adventure Destination
Queenstown, New Zealand
Hiking, bungee-jumping, paragliding, oh my. New Zealand’s natural beauty is what draws adventurers looking for amazing backdrops to their daring feats. If you’re hoping to get as much trail-time as possible, plan to visit during the city’s summer months (so, our winter months as Queenstown is in the Southern Hemisphere).
January is when you’ll find around 15 hours of daylight and low median airfare ($1,761) before flight prices start to spike in February. Temps will be in the 20s, making it perfect weather to get out and explore. IF you want a fighting chance at getting a good deal on your flight ticket, however, just be sure to book at least 2 months ahead.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | September ($1,576) | May ($155/night) | 2 months ahead ($1,776) |
| Most expensive | December ($3,173) | February ($349/night) | 3 months ahead ($2,052) |
#1 Family Destination
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Ready to get the kids off their screens and into nature? Impress them with a trip to see water gushing over solid rock at a rate of 168,000 cubic metres per minute. That’s right, this year we’re picking Niagara Falls as the best place to bring the family.
While summer is perhaps the most popular time to visit the Falls, consider visiting in September instead. You’ll beat the vacation crowds and still benefit from decent weather (the average temperature is 21 degrees). It’s also when flight prices drop after being up all summer long (our data shows that you can expect to pay around $263 for your round-trip flight). Hotel rates also experience a post-summer drop, with a median price of $286/night in September. Just prepare yourself to book at least 2 months ahead of your trip — that’s when travellers last year had the best chance of landing a deal.
And if your brood can only spend so much time at the Falls, there’s plenty more to do in the area. Explore the delightfully touristy Clifton Hill area, with its Dinosaur Adventure Golf and the Midway. Or, if you’re hoping for something with a bit more greenery and a bit less neon lights, drive just 25-miles from the Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here you’ll find quaint shops and sprawling wineries. You can even treat the crew to a farm-to-table feast at the critically-acclaimed Treadwell.
| Median airfare from CA | Median hotel rate | When to book | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Least expensive | September ($263) | January ($168/night) | 2 months ahead ($297) |
| Most expensive | December ($495) | August ($325/night) | 6 months ahead ($504) |
Methodology
Our Top 10 KAYAK Pick topics and destinations were curated by the KAYAK Marketing Team. Median airfare and hotel rates for destinations were based on travel dates 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018. We considered searches conducted on the CA KAYAK site between 10/25/2017 – 10/24/2018 for travel from Canada occurring for travel dates specified. Our When to Book recommendations come from an analysis of median airfare as a function of months before departure. For smaller destinations or those without a major international airport, the closest major airport was used to source data.
