Vacation “shrinkflation”: Paying the same to do less

The results of CAA-Quebec’s annual survey¹ on Quebecers’ summer vacation plans show that, for the first time in five years, the average vacation budget has remained unchanged at $2,095—a sign that economic conditions continue to put pressure on households. While budgets are holding steady, the cost of living and fuel prices keep rising, meaning vacationers are getting less for their money. 

Gas prices, which have risen sharply in recent months due to the war in Iran and the disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, are weighing heavily on vacation planning decisions. In fact, 51% of Quebecers say high fuel prices are influencing their vacation plans, while 60% report that inflation has forced them to rethink their travel arrangements. Among those affected by inflation, 35% intend to reduce their vacation spending and stay home rather than travel.

Staying in Canada and avoiding the United States: A trend

This summer, 67% of Quebecers plan to take a vacation, with most choosing destinations within Quebec. Charlevoix, the Québec City area, and the Gaspé Peninsula remain the most popular destinations, but many travellers also plan to explore other parts of Canada: 45% of those vacationing within Canada will visit Ontario, and 43% will travel to the Maritime Provinces. Once again, the United States is being largely avoided, with only 4% of Quebecers planning a trip there, a proportion similar to last year.

A long-standing myth about vacation timing

While mid-summer and the construction holiday period were once considered peak vacation times, 47% of vacationers now prefer to travel in August after the construction holiday, up from 40% in 2025. June is also becoming more popular, with 25% of respondents taking vacations then compared with 19% last year.  

Although the construction holiday is still widely viewed as a defining vacation period for Quebecers, data shows that for the past 11 years only one-quarter of vacationers have taken time off during that period. This myth can now be put to rest, much like the belief that gas prices always rise ahead of weekends and construction holidays.  

Snapshot

Destinations in Quebec (top 5): 

• Charlevoix: 17%
• Gaspé Peninsula: 16%
• Québec City and area: 15%
• Eastern Townships: 14%
• Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Laurentians: 12%

Destinations in Canada (top 5): 

• Ontario: 45%
• New Brunswick: 25% 
• Nova Scotia: 23% 
• Prince Edward Island: 15%
• Newfoundland and Labrador: 10%

European destinations: 

• Italy: 30% (18% in 2025)
• Spain: 23% (10% in 2025)
• France: 14% (29% in 2025)
• Portugal: 14% (stable since 2023)

Vacation length: 

• Three weeks or more: 31%
• Two weeks: 34%
• One week: 20%
• A few days: 12% 

Vacation period: 

• June: 25% (+6 points vs. 2025)
• July (before the construction holiday): 31%
• During the construction holiday: 26%
• August (after the construction holiday): 47% (+7 points vs. 2025)
• September: 16%

Main activities at destination: 

• Sightseeing: 39%
• Rest, do nothing: 35%

• Visit friends or family: 28%
• Go to the beach: 26%
• Hike or trek: 22%
• Attend one or more cultural events: 19%
• Take a road trip: 17%

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services across a variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety.

_{1 Online survey conducted from April 23 to May 3, 2026, among 1,000 Quebecers aged 18 and over from Leger’s panel.}

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