Flight Prices In Canada Are Already Soaring & Experts Say They’re Going To Get Pricier

Domestic flights are up 29%, according to a new report ✈️

Managing Editor, Canada

If you've been dreaming of a vacation, you may want to book it sooner rather than later! That's because flight prices in Canada are already soaring and experts say it's only going to get worse.

A new report from travel app Hopper has found that plane ticket prices in Canada have shot up since June 15th — which was just days before the feds announced travel restrictions would begin to be eased.

Domestically, Hopper says airfare is up 29% since mid-June, with average prices climbing from $419 to $542.

The cost of flying from Canada to the States is also increasing, up 24% between mid-June and July. The average price of a ticket has jumped from around $445 to $551, per the report.

The surge is less extreme between Canada and other international destinations around the world, with airfare rising by 8%.

It's not just Canadians who'll have to deal with rising ticket prices, either. Per the research, flights from the United States to Canada climbed by a "massive" 25% between June 15 and July 18, 2021.

This increased by an additional 6% after July 19, when the Canadian government confirmed that eligible fully vaccinated U.S. travellers would be able to visit Canada for non-essential purposes.

Will prices keep climbing?

Experts at Hopper expect the cost of flying to "continue to rise with steadily increasing travel demand to Canada."

It's also worth keeping in mind that the Canadian government continues to advise against all non-essential travel right now. When this advisory gets dropped and more people prepare to go abroad, flight costs could jump once again.

It's not all bad news, though. Hopper's report adds that "concerns about the effect of variant strains or newly imposed travel restrictions may suppress demand and airfare." Prices could also level off in the coming months due to seasonality, since summer is usually the peak travel season.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Managing Editor

    Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

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