Record Year for Canadian Domestic Airbnb Travel
Domestic Airbnb stays in Canada surged to an unprecedented 9.5 million guest arrivals in 2025, marking a 50% increase over pre-pandemic levels from 2019. This jump coincides with a 14-month decline in cross-border air travel, signaling a clear shift toward homegrown tourism.
The financial ripple is substantial. Airbnb’s domestic bookings pumped nearly $10.9 billion into the Canadian economy last year, supporting close to 100,000 jobs and generating over $360 million in tax revenue. Regional loyalty stood out—about 70% of travelers from Ontario and British Columbia opted for stays within their own provinces. Meanwhile, the Northwest Territories saw the fastest growth, and Atlantic Canada emerged as the top regional performer. This isn’t just a travel trend; it’s reshaping local economies across the country.
Economic Impact and Job Support
Domestic Airbnb bookings in Canada surged to 9.5 million guest arrivals in 2025, marking a 50% increase from 2019. This boom translated into nearly $10.9 billion in economic activity, according to Airbnb’s latest data. The ripple effect extended beyond revenue, sustaining approximately 100,000 jobs across the country. These roles spanned hospitality, cleaning services, local retail, and transportation sectors.
Tax revenues also climbed, with over $360 million collected at various government levels. Provinces benefited unevenly; Ontario and British Columbia saw strong in-province travel, which helped local economies rebound. The Northwest Territories experienced the fastest growth rate, while Atlantic Canada led in regional gains, reflecting a shift toward exploring less traditional destinations.
This surge in domestic travel cushioned the blow from declining cross-border air traffic, which fell for the 14th month straight. The data suggests Canadians are not just traveling more within their borders—they’re fueling a significant economic engine that supports livelihoods and regional development.
Regional Travel Patterns and Growth Highlights
Domestic travel within Canada surged sharply in 2025, with Airbnb reporting 9.5 million guest arrivals—a 50% increase from 2019. This spike happened as cross-border air travel continued its decline, marking 14 straight months of reduced international flights. The trend reveals Canadians favoring local destinations over trips abroad.
Ontario and British Columbia stood out, with 70% of travelers choosing to stay within their own provinces. Atlantic Canada emerged as the fastest-growing region for Airbnb stays, while the Northwest Territories recorded the highest percentage increase year-over-year. These shifts highlight a clear regional preference for nearby getaways rather than distant travel.
This domestic travel boom isn’t just about convenience or comfort; it’s fueling local economies. Nearly $11 billion flowed into Canadian communities, supporting close to 100,000 jobs across tourism and related sectors. Tax revenues also saw a boost, topping $360 million. The data suggests a reshaped travel landscape, where Canadians are rediscovering their own backyards—and the economic benefits are tangible.
What This Means for Canadian Tourism and Economy
The surge in domestic Airbnb travel is reshaping Canada’s tourism landscape. With nearly 10.9 billion dollars pumped into the economy and around 100,000 jobs tied to this activity, local communities are seeing tangible benefits. This isn’t just a blip caused by border closures; it signals a shift in traveler habits that could stick. Regions like Atlantic Canada and the Northwest Territories, often overlooked in national tourism strategies, are now gaining momentum. That means more balanced economic growth across provinces, not just in the usual hotspots.
For businesses, this trend opens new opportunities. Local hosts and small-scale operators are thriving, while service industries in these regions—restaurants, retail, transport—are capturing more spending. Policymakers might take note too. Supporting infrastructure and marketing for domestic travel could sustain this momentum, especially as cross-border travel remains sluggish. Tax revenues from this boom provide governments with additional resources, potentially easing budget pressures elsewhere.
Still, questions linger about how long this domestic preference will last once international travel picks up. For now, the data underscores a clear economic upside to Canadians rediscovering their own backyards. The challenge will be to maintain that interest and investment to keep these gains from fading.
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