Canadians are adjusting their travel habits in response to rising costs, new travel planning tools, shifting global conditions particularly in the United States, according to the 2026 Blue Cross® Travel Study. 

Nationally, nearly half (49%) of Canadian travellers use AI to compare prices, build itineraries and explore destination options – a trend growing across all generations, from Gen Z to Boomers. The Study also shows that 87% of Canadians are cutting back on some travel expenses, including the trip length, shopping and premium upgrades, to stay within budget. 

Geopolitical concerns continue to weigh on travel decisions, with 76% of Canadians less likely to travel to the U.S. in 2026 due to political tensions, trade issues and exchange rate pressures. Yet Canadians remain committed to travel: 95% of those avoiding the U.S. still plan to travel elsewhere, choosing Canadian destinations (68%), Mexico and the Caribbean (38%), or overseas locations (35%). 

“Canadians are not travelling less – they’re travelling smarter,” says Sylvain Charbonneau, President and CEO, Quebec and Ontario Blue Cross.  “We’re seeing travellers use new AI tools to plan with greater awareness and flexibility, showing that their appetite for exploration remains strong even in an uncertain world.”

Travel insurance remains a central part of travel planning. The majority (86%) of Canadian travellers have coverage, and 83% recognize that an emergency room visit abroad could cost more than $3,600 CAD – demonstrating sustained demand for protection and peace of mind. 

British Columbia: Canada’s most digital-first travellers

British Columbians stand out as the country’s most active users of AI for trip planning. According to the Study, 51% of BC travellers use AI to help plan their trips – the highest rate in Canada. 

Travellers in BC rely on AI for key tasks such as comparing prices (27%), building itineraries (23%) and finding destination inspiration (22%). BC also leads the country in the use of AI translation tools, with 16% using them – well above the national average of 10%. 

BC residents are also reassessing their travel to the United States. 40% of British Columbians plan to visit the U.S. less this year, while 72% plan to take at least one trip within Canada – reflecting a strong preference for domestic exploration.

“British Columbians are thoughtful, tech-forward travellers who value preparedness,” says Adrian Bois, Senior Vice President and Chief Individual Products Officer at Pacific Blue Cross. “They’re using AI alongside travel insurance to make confident decisions – whether they’re exploring close to home or travelling abroad.”

To learn more about the Study, please visit www.bluecross.ca/travelstudy-2026.