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Summary

These 3 Quebec spots are among Canada's top trending destinations for summer 2025

Turns out, you don't have to leave the province to take a vacation that feels worlds away. ⚜️

Red cliff in Havre Aubert, Quebec with waves in the ocean in the St-Lawrence river.

According to a new Airbnb travel trends report, many Canadians are choosing to stay closer to home this year.

Isabel Poulin | Dreamstime
Senior Writer

If you're planning a summer getaway but aren't looking to travel too far, you're not alone.

According to a new Airbnb travel trends report, many Canadians are choosing to stay closer to home this year, and three of the country's most in-demand summer destinations are right here in Quebec.

The booking site says nearly 9 million domestic guest arrivals were recorded in 2024, which is up more than 40% since before the pandemic. That trend is expected to continue into the summer, with more people opting for cozy cabins, lakeside cottages, and off-the-grid escapes over big hotels and international tours.

The report, released May 22, lists the following top 10 trending Canadian destinations for summer 2025 based on recent booking data. Here's who made the cut:

Canada's top trending summer destinations:

  • Magdalen Islands, QC
  • La Haute-Gaspésie, QC
  • Blue Mountain, ON
  • Matawinie, QC
  • Waterton Park, AB
  • Algonquin Park, ON
  • Falcon Lake, MB
  • St. John's, NL
  • Hubbards, NS
  • Winnipeg, MB

Quebec's hotspots

Magdalen Islands

Tucked out in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this dreamy archipelago is having a serious moment. People are flocking to its wide-open beaches, red cliffs, and Acadian vibes. Located about 1,200 km from Montreal, Îles-de-la-Madeleine is about as far from city life as you can get without leaving the province.

La Haute-Gaspésie

This stretch along the St. Lawrence is pure road trip gold. With steep mountains on one side and crashing waves on the other, it's a rugged corner of Quebec that feels like another world — and at nearly 900 km from Montreal, it kind of is.

Bonus: it's also prime territory for hiking, camping, and lighthouse selfies.

Matawinie

Matawinie is a sweet spot for anyone craving nature without the crowds. It's part of the Lanaudière region, known for its rugged terrain, hidden waterfalls, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you're staying in a yurt, a treehouse, or a rustic chalet, it's the kind of place where you can really relax.

Plus, Montrealers can drive there and back on just one tank of gas.


Airbnb also noted that travellers are leaning more toward meaningful, experience-focused trips this year. The app now features revamped tools like wishlists for group planning, highlights that show if a listing is a "Guest Favourite," and easier ways to browse by location or activity.

That doesn't mean people aren't heading abroad too, though. International bookings are also up, especially to sunny and scenic places across Europe. These are the top international destinations for Canadians this summer, according to Airbnb:

Top international spots for Canadians in 2025:

  • Thira, Greece
  • Mexico City, Mexico
  • Tokyo, Japan
  • Bari, Italy
  • Nord de Palma District, Spain
  • Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Funchal, Portugal
  • Cascais, Portugal
  • Chamonix, France
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

So whether you're heading to the Maggies or making your way to the Med, one thing's clear: summer 2025 is shaping up to be all about slower travel, smarter planning, and finding places that actually feel like a break.

  • Born and raised in Montreal, Al Sciola is a Senior Writer for MTL Blog. With a background in covering sports and local events, he has a knack for finding stories that capture the city’s spirit. A lifelong Canadiens fan and trivia enthusiast, Al spends his downtime sipping espresso and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

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