Alberta, Canada – Canadian resident travel is on the rise in Alberta and across the nation, with national trends showing robust growth in domestic tourism during the first quarter of 2026. According to updated National Travel Survey data, residents of Canada undertook 78.7 million trips domestically and internationally, reflecting a 1.5% increase over the same period in 2025.

Domestic Tourism Drives Travel Growth

Domestic tourism continues to be a cornerstone of Canadian resident travel, particularly in regions like Alberta, where local attractions and recreational opportunities draw residents to explore within the province and across the country. The first quarter of 2026 saw a 2.3% uptick in domestic tourism, with Canadians recording 69.1 million trips inside the country. Despite a slight 1.2% decrease in overnight visits, travelers compensated with longer stays, as the average trip length expanded by 3.7%.

Travel Expenditures and Tourism Spending Surge

Tourism spending reached significant new heights, with Canadian residents disbursing $14.5 billion on domestic tourism alone during the first quarter. This surge in travel expenditures is a sign of confidence in the tourism sector and offers positive economic impact for Alberta’s many tourism-dependent communities. Local businesses, hotels, and attractions benefited from increases in both same day visits and extended stays.

Patterns in Overnight and Same Day Visits

Overnight visits accounted for a substantial portion of travel, although their total volume saw a minor decline. However, the increase in the average duration of these trips suggests that travelers are favoring more immersive experiences. Same day visits remained popular as well, helping sustain activity around Alberta’s major sites and natural parks. Longer journeys may also translate to increased spending in accommodations, dining, and attractions across the region.

Outbound Tourism Sees Mixed Results

While domestic interest surged, outbound tourism faced challenges during the first quarter of the year, with the total number of international trips by Canadians dropping 3.3% to 10 million. Notably, visits to United States destinations fell by 10.6%. In contrast, visits overseas climbed by 6.2%, led by increasing travel to popular destinations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica. Overall, Canadian travelers spent 16.7% more during their overseas journeys, reflecting both increased travel costs and changing preferences.

Inbound Tourism Benefits Alberta and the Nation

The same period recorded an upswing in inbound tourism, as 4.5 million international travelers visited Canada. This included a notable increase in U.S. residents making trips north of the border, as well as growth in visitors from other overseas markets. U.S. visitors increased their spending by 16.5%, providing a boost to Alberta’s tourism sector and regional economies. Overseas visitors also contributed to tourism spending, with a reported increase of 10.2% compared to the previous year.

Travel Insights for Alberta and Beyond

The recently released National Travel Survey tables have provided deeper insights into how travel behaviors are shifting among Canadians. For stakeholders in Alberta and neighboring areas, these data highlight the expanding opportunities for local tourism promotion and the importance of tailoring experiences to different types of travelers—those seeking overnight visits, same day adventures, and extended journeys alike. The survey also emphasizes the need to monitor trends such as outbound travel patterns and international visitor behaviors to further support tourism growth in Alberta and across the country.

Looking Ahead for Canadian Resident Travel

With Canadian resident travel trends showing stable growth in Alberta and nationally, the future appears optimistic for both the domestic tourism industry and allied sectors. Emphasizing exceptional experiences, strategic marketing, and investment in tourist infrastructure will help maintain Alberta’s position as a destination of choice for residents and visitors. As the 2026 travel season progresses, stakeholders remain attentive to evolving patterns in both domestic and international markets, committed to sustaining the region’s vibrant tourism economy.