Stay local, travel smarter: Discover Canada this holiday season
As Canadians plan holiday getaways, more travellers are choosing to explore the incredible experiences found closer to home. With domestic travel demand rising and flexible package options available for solo travellers and families, it’s not too late to plan a Canadian adventure this holiday season – while making sure you’re protected with the right travel insurance along the way.
Domestic and local travel demand is growing
There are several key trends that make Canada a compelling choice this season:
- Canadians are taking more domestic trips, year-over-year. According to Statistics Canada, in the first quarter of 2025, Canadian residents took 67.6 million trips that included a domestic visit, which is up by 2.2 %, and spent $13.8 billion on domestic tourism, which is up by 4.4 %.
- Broader industry research shows domestic visitor spending in Canada is projected to reach close to $104 billion in 2025, which is more than double the year-over-year growth of last year.
- Additionally, Allianz Global Assistance notes that while Canadians are optimistic, the destinations and patterns are shifting. While U.S. trips are down, and interest in Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe is growing, domestic travel offers a strong alternative.
Canadians continue to value travel and are planning trips strategically. Choosing travel within Canada gives you access to world-class nature, vibrant cities, and cultural experiences, often at more affordable prices and with less hassle than international trips. It’s a great time to explore what’s closer to home.
Making holiday travel plans that work
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure or a family holiday, here are some types of Canadian travel package ideas to explore, and how to make the most of them:
Solo and couple getaways
- A weekend skiing or snowboarding trip in the Rockies (e.g., Golden or Whistler) with lift-ticket, lodging, and gear rental included.
- A multi-day road trip package across a province (e.g., the Canadian Maritimes or British Columbia’s coastal loop) with stays, car rental and guided experience add-ons.
- A wellness retreat in a Canadian spa or hot-spring destination (e.g. Banff or Radium) or cozy cabin with a guided nature walk and curated dining.
Family holiday packages
- Family-friendly ski resorts offering kids’ clubs, family suites, resort credits, and bundled food and activities.
- All-inclusive resort stays in Canada (e.g., in the Yukon or Nova Scotia) that offer nature-based experiences plus quiet downtime.
- Indoor fun getaways to destinations with water parks, science centers, and museums, bundled with attraction passes and hotel deals.
Booking smart to maximize your holiday travel experience
- Keep an eye on deals: Many Canadian resorts and publishers offer last-minute mid-week discounts, family specials, or multi-day bundle savings.
- Check what’s included: When booking a family package, note the inclusions (e.g. meals, activities, equipment rental, travel between destinations) and whether there are value-adds for children.
- Support local or community-based experiences: Canadians are trending toward experiences that highlight local culture, nature, and stories beyond the big destination brands.
What you need to know about insurance for Canadian trips
While your provincial health plan offers coverage when you travel within Canada, domestic travel still comes with medical and cancellation risks your provincial plan may not cover. Services that may not be fully covered include emergency dental, prescription replacement, ambulance services, and out-of-province medical costs.
Even while travelling domestically, unexpected situations can disrupt your plans. Travel insurance helps bridge those gaps and plays an essential role in ensuring a smooth, stress-free holiday.
A Westland client story
Travel plans can change in an instant. Without the right protection, those changes can be expensive. Here’s a real-world example of how quickly costs can add up.
Trip cancelled before departure
Emma had booked a 10-day family trip to Newfoundland, however two weeks before departure, her father had a medical emergency. While she needed to stay home, most of her trip was prepaid and non-refundable:
- Flights for 3 people: $2,250
- Hotel (9 nights): $1,980
- Car rental: $850
- Whale-watching tour: $360
- Airport parking & childcare: $215
Total trip cost: $5,655
Eligible refund amount without insurance (flights, hotel, car rental, whale watching): $170
Out-of-pocket loss covered by travel insurance (Allianz): $5,485
If Emma had already started the trip and needed to rush home due to the same family emergency, trip interruption insurance would cover:
- Last-minute flights home: $2,700
- Unused hotel nights: $880
- Unused car rental: $280
- Cancelled excursions: $360
- Extra travel costs: $75
Total: $4,295
Out-of-pocket trip interruption loss without insurance: $4,295
Travel insurance policies offer various types of coverage, each tailored to different needs. Understanding the different types of coverage can help you choose a policy that best suits your family’s needs, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout your trip – that’s where a Westland Insurance broker can step in to support!
Local expertise, national support with Westland Insurance
With locations and advisors across Canada, Westland understands domestic travel trends and risks that international insurance doesn’t always capture. Westland Insurance can support travellers with:
- Tailored insurance options for solo adventurers, couples, and families
- Clear guidance and support understanding policy details and navigating claim documentation
- Helping travellers save more with bundling options like auto and snowmobile insurance
- Expert advice for both Canadian and international travel needs
Travelling locally this holiday season can help ensure smart saving, and a more relaxed and well-prepared getaway.
Explore your travel insurance options – or to get personalized help choosing the right plan – contact Westland Insurance today!
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