Canadian travellers are increasingly visiting Europe outside the traditional summer peak, providing a valuable opportunity for European destinations to strengthen their shoulder season strategies. A study by Data Appeal and Mabrian highlights that Canada is a high-value long-haul market, with strong travel sentiment and increasing air connectivity to major European cities.
The study, presented during the European Tourism Association's webinar series, indicates that Canadian demand is particularly strong during off-peak periods, such as September to October and April to May. In 2025, Canada was the second most connected overseas market to Europe, with 8.7 million available seats. Paris saw significant growth in air capacity, with a 7.4% increase at Charles de Gaulle and an 88.3% rise at Orly, totalling 1.46 million seats. Munich also experienced an 8.8% increase, whilst Milan and Rome saw slight declines.
Carlos Cendra, Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian, noted, “Several data dimensions show a consistent pattern among Canadian travellers visiting Europe: they tend to favour shoulder seasons over summer.”
The analysis also reveals that Canadian travellers, primarily culture-seeking couples, are drawn to destinations like Milan for its cultural and gastronomic offerings, Rome for its heritage, and Paris for its artistic attractions. Sentiment scores show high appreciation for cultural experiences and hospitality, though logistical issues like pricing and accessibility remain friction points.
As geopolitical uncertainties evolve, understanding Canadian travel patterns is crucial for European destinations aiming to capture this counter-seasonal demand and ensure long-term growth
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
