Quebecers are preparing for another summer of travel, but many say their vacation dollars are not stretching as far as they once did.
According to CAA-Quebec’s annual summer vacation survey, the average amount Quebecers plan to spend on vacations this year remains unchanged at $2,095, the first time in five years that the average budget has failed to increase.
While budgets have stalled, the cost of travel has continued to climb, leaving many vacationers facing what CAA-Quebec describes as a form of “holiday reducflation”, paying more while getting less in return.
The survey found that 60 per cent of Quebecers say inflation is forcing them to rethink their vacation plans. Among those affected, more than one-third plan to reduce their vacation spending and stay closer to home.
Fuel prices are also playing a significant role in travel decisions this summer. More than half of respondents said high gasoline prices are influencing their vacation planning after prices at the pump surged in recent months amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to global oil transportation routes.
Despite the financial pressures, vacations remain a priority for many households. Nearly seven in 10 Quebecers say they plan to take a vacation this summer.
Most will stay within the province
The most popular destinations remain familiar favourites, with Charlevoix topping the list, followed closely by the Gaspé Peninsula and the Quebec City region. The Eastern Townships, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and the Laurentians also rank among the most sought-after destinations.
For those travelling elsewhere in Canada, Ontario and the Maritime provinces remain the leading choices.
Meanwhile, interest in travelling south of the border remains weak. Only four per cent of Quebecers surveyed said they plan to visit the United States this summer, unchanged from last year.
“Despite a difficult economic context for many, vacations remain a sacred time for Quebecers,” said Ariane de Warren, Senior Vice-President of Retail at CAA-Quebec. “Whether they take place here or elsewhere, CAA-Quebec is proud to support vacationers in their summer projects.”
The survey also suggests Quebecers are increasingly avoiding the traditional construction holiday period.
While construction holidays have long been viewed as the province’s peak vacation season, only 26 per cent of respondents plan to vacation during that period this year. August has become the preferred month for travel, with 47 per cent of vacationers choosing to get away after the construction break, up from 40 per cent in 2025.
June is also gaining popularity, with one-quarter of Quebecers planning early summer vacations.
The survey, conducted by Leger on behalf of CAA-Quebec, polled 1,000 Quebec adults between April 23 and May 3.
