Air Canada is expanding its winter network after new research found that Canadian travellers value relaxation above all else when choosing a cold-weather escape. The Ipsos survey, released October 20, 2026, found 72% of respondents rate relaxing and recharging as important, and the airline is adding non-stop routes to match.

What do Canadian travellers want from a winter trip?

The survey, commissioned by Air Canada and conducted by Ipsos, asked Canadians who travel in fall or winter what shapes their destination choices. Beyond relaxation, cost matters to 68%, guaranteed sun and warm weather to 57%, and convenience such as direct flights to 53%. Nearly half, 47%, said adventure and new experiences influence their decisions.

Restlessness is also a factor: 55% said there are many winter destinations they have yet to explore, while 21% mostly stick to a few familiar spots and 12% feel they have already considered most options. For 36%, the appeal of trying somewhere new is the chance of finding a new favourite.

Where do travellers want to go?

Hawaii tops the list of future winter escapes at 49%, followed by Costa Rica at 47% and Australia at 41%. Interest also reaches less familiar ground: 37% said Central and South American destinations such as Colombia and Peru feel unfamiliar but appealing, and 33% said the same of long-haul Asia-Pacific routes.

The survey also found that destination choice goes beyond sunshine. Canadians weigh safety, healthcare quality, political stability, financial risk and weather, according to the findings.

Which routes are being added?

Air Canada's expanded winter schedule includes Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, Roatán, Santo Domingo, Mérida and Mazatlán, plus additional seasonal service from Canadian cities.

  • Montréal: Tenerife, Roatán, Santo Domingo, Quito and Aruba
  • Toronto: Tenerife, Roatán, Quito and Mérida
  • Vancouver: Mazatlán, Monterrey, Liberia and Puerto Escondido
  • Calgary: Cancún and Puerto Vallarta
  • Edmonton and Winnipeg: Montego Bay; Winnipeg also gets Punta Cana
  • Québec City: Pointe-à-Pitre; Halifax: Bridgetown

Mark Galardo, Air Canada's chief commercial officer, said the network is meant to offer more choice and non-stop options while keeping the destinations Canadians return to each year.

FAQ

What matters most to Canadian winter travellers?

Relaxation and recharging, cited by 72% of those surveyed, followed by affordability at 68% and warm weather at 57%.

Are the new routes year-round?

Air Canada describes the additions as part of its expanded winter schedule, with seasonal service from several Canadian gateways.