Top 10 Destinations to get Canadians Daydreaming About Travel

Let’s face it, you deserve a vacation. Whether you’re planning your next big getaway or just daydreaming about it, there’s no better time to start imagining your perfect trip. From breathtaking Canadian destinations to international bucket-list adventures, we’ve rounded up the top five travel spots in Canada and the top five international destinations for Canadians to add to their must-visit list.

No matter where your wanderlust takes you, UP Express makes it easy to start – or end – your journey. With service seven days a week, UP Express now gets you from downtown Toronto to Pearson International Airport in just 28 minutes, with stops at Union Station, Bloor, Mount Dennis, Weston, and Pearson Airport. Travel has never been more convenient and stress-free!

The Best Travel Destinations In Canada For Canadian Travellers

You don’t need to leave the country to have an unforgettable vacation. From stunning natural landscapes to vibrant cities, Canada has it all. Add one of these top five Canadian destinations to your travel bucket list:

Banff, Alberta

Crisp air, stunning mountain views, and wildlife galore, Alberta’s mountain community of Banff and nearby Lake Louise is one of the most popular places for a Canadian getaway. No matter the time of year, Banff offers something for everyone! Head to the slopes for some of the country’s finest skiing in the winter months or pack your hiking shoes for the summer and hit the trails around Lake Louise. For an unforgettable summer adventure, canoe through the crystal blue waters of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake. Year-round, soak in the scenery from the picturesque outdoor Banff Upper Hot Springs for the trip of a lifetime.

Montreal, Quebec

Calling all foodies! Montreal is a food-lover’s paradise, no matter your palate. From hard-to-get reservations at one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favourite spots, Au Pied de Cochon, to the deliciously cheap eats from around the world at the Jean Talon Market, there is always somewhere to tempt your taste buds in between exploring the city’s many museums, galleries, bars, and unique spas.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Put Niagara Falls on your must-visit list! Beyond the iconic waterfalls, explore Clifton Hill’s attractions, experience the thrill of Niagara’s Fury boat ride, try your luck at the casinos, or enjoy a family getaway at Great Wolf Lodge. As a bonus, your PRESTO card also offers PRESTO Perk discounts on select Clifton Hill activities and Great Wolf Lodge.

Getting there is simple with UP Express, connecting Toronto Pearson Airport to Union Station. From Union, transfer to a GO Transit Niagara-bound train, offering year-round service with extra trains on weekends and holidays in the summer.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Enjoy some East Coast charm with a visit to Nova Scotia’s city by the sea. As the province’s cultural hub, Halifax is the place to be for live music and nightlife and it also offers visitors a wide range of unique shops, cafes, and restaurants along the nearly four-kilometer harbourfront boardwalk. The gateway to Canada for over one million immigrants, Canada’s Museum Of Immigration at Pier 21 is a must-visit on any trip to the city.

Vancouver, British Colombia

Head West for some stunning nature and big city vibes in Vancouver. With a buzzing craft brewery scene, breathtaking views from the city’s famous Stanley Park, boutique shopping, and the Granville Market loved by locals and visitors alike, Vancouver truly has something for everyone. Don’t let the laidback vibe fool you – there are plenty of nightlife spots to get your dance on, cozy pubs to sit in and have a chat, and some of the country’s best restaurants to fill your Vancouver itinerary.

The Best International Travel For Canadian Travellers

While Canada has plenty to offer, it’s always fun to dream of international adventures. Here are five destinations that continue to inspire Canadian travellers in 2026:

Kyoto, Japan

With its growing luxury hotel and restaurant scene, Kyoto is truly the crown jewel of Japan. A bucket list- worthy destination for Canadians, Kyoto boasts a bevy of the country’s must-see attractions like the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion UNESCO World Heritage site and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. After a day of hanging out with the Japanese macaques that roam Monkey Park Iwatayama, the bustling Pontocho Alley is the place to unwind with a cocktail and do some geisha-spotting.

Tulum, Mexico

Always a favourite destination for Canadians, Mexico’s beautiful sandy beaches and exciting culture make for a great getaway for families, friends, couples, and solo travellers. Tulum’s dramatic coastline is home to one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most-stunning archaeological sites, the Tulum Mayan ruins. Affordable eats and sleeps are plentiful in the town centre, but head to the coast for picturesque beachside bungalows that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise.

New York, United States

The city that never sleeps is slowly emerging from the pandemic, and eager to welcome visitors with open arms. No city south of the border has as much culture on offer as New York with its over 80 museums spread across five boroughs dedicated to everything from modern works of art and fashion to TV and ice cream. Some of the world’s finest dining may be just a reservation away here, but nothing beats a slice of New York pizza, especially after a Broadway show.

Florence, Italy

Ciao Italy! Why not eat and drink your way through the Tuscan countryside? This centre of Italy’s Renaissance arts and culture scene is where Michelangelo’s David calls home. When you’ve had your fill of Florence’s finest antipasto and wines, take in the perfect 360 degree view of the Tuscan capital and countryside at the Piazzale Michelangelo or hop on a guided bicycle tour to learn more about the city’s landmarks and famous residents.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

There’s no doubt Morocco is a multi-city destination for Canadians, but the beautiful blue-washed mountain village of Chefchaouen should top your list of travel destinations in the future. Get your camera ready because this pretty city is a stunner with its painted houses and mountain views at almost every turn. A great outpost for nature explorers, and with luxury accommodation on the rise, it is the perfect place to slow-down after the hustle and bustle of sprawling Marrakech.