Although warm weather has landed, Canadians are taking off this summer
IAN STALKER
Some like it hot… in other parts of the world.
While summer is in full swing in this country, those in the travel industry offer a number of reasons why Canadians should vacation abroad instead of sticking to their own backyards.
Among those suggesting Canadians pack their bags and head south is Jerry Grymek, who carries the flag in Canada for the island of Dominica, with Dominica in a part of the world most Canadians view as a winter destination.
“Summer is actually an underrated time to visit Dominica, especially for Canadians,” Grymek says. “Beyond more attractive hotel rates, there are several compelling reasons that align with current travel trends. Fresh off being named the No. 1 Island in the Caribbean and No. 9 in the World in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Dominica continues to build momentum as one of the region’s most exciting destinations. Improved regional air connectivity is making the island even more accessible, with Caribbean Airlines offering service via Trinidad and expanded regional connections that make it easier than ever for Canadians to reach the Nature Island through key Caribbean hubs. Whether travellers are seeking rainforest adventures, wellness escapes or authentic cultural experiences, getting to Dominica is becoming increasingly seamless, reinforcing its appeal as one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.”
Grymek also suggests that Dominica will appeal to those who don’t want to be elbow-to-elbow with other tourists during their summer vacations.
“While many travellers flock to crowded beaches during the summer months, Dominica offers Canadians a quieter, more authentic Caribbean escape,” he continues. “Summer often brings attractive hotel rates and seasonal offers, allowing visitors to experience luxury eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and wellness retreats at exceptional value. With fewer crowds at waterfalls, hiking trails, hot springs, and dive sites, travellers can enjoy the island’s natural beauty at a slower pace and connect more deeply with local communities.”
Notably, summer is also when Dominica’s lush rainforest is at its most vibrant.
“Fed by the tropical climate, waterfalls flow at full force, rivers are ideal for canyoning and river tubing, and the island’s volcanic landscapes burst with rich greenery,” he shares. “Unlike destinations known primarily for beaches, Dominica is a haven for active travellers seeking hiking, whale watching, diving, snorkelling, and wellness experiences surrounded by unspoiled nature. With easy regional connections through Caribbean hubs such as Barbados, Antigua, and San Juan, Dominica is an ideal choice for Canadians looking to escape the ordinary and discover the Caribbean’s Nature Island during the summer season.”
Grymek also notes Contour Airlines has also just announced a new nonstop service between Douglas-Charles Airport in Dominica and Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. Beginning Oct. 5, the new route will operate twice weekly, establishing an important new air connection between the Eastern Caribbean and one of the region’s key commercial gateways.
Meanwhile, Renata Snidr of NARAT says pricing is often a key factor in convincing Canadians to vacation abroad in June, July and August.
“Acknowledging that certain destinations are adversely impacted by nontraditional weather patterns, there is no doubt, however, that international travel delivers value for Canadians,” she states. “Weather-impacted regions are localized at destinations, and weather patterns are not uniform across those countries. Many international destinations offer exceptional price and value compared to holidaying in Canada. Additionally, under the unpredictable weather systems experienced today, there is no assurance on how Canada’s weather will prevail through the summer season.”
This said, combined with Canadian sentiment and government incentives promoting domestic travel, she says more Canadians are also discovering their nation.
“The key takeaway is that travel consumers should not limit themselves, but rather seek value when determining their travel,” Snidr notes. “NARAT tour products have routinely underscored value and travel accessibility for Canadians. We comprehend that leisure travel is not only a source of enjoyment but can concurrently be a source of wellbeing. In all, this epoch has made it evident that circumstances may become challenging when delaying travel opportunities.”
Notably, Goway’s Moira Smith, who heads the tour operator’s Asia program, is quick to point out that temperatures can vary dramatically on that continent.
“Canadians tend to assume summer means ‘avoid Asia’, but that’s only half the story,” she says. “Where you go matters more than when. Take Bali: our summer is actually the island’s dry season, which makes it the high season there. At that time of the year you will find clear skies, less humidity, and ideal conditions for exploring its beaches, rice terraces, and temples. Singapore is another easy case: sitting almost on the Equator, it has warm, tropical weather year-round, so there’s really no ‘wrong’ time to visit. Summer is just as good as any other month.”
For destinations that do get hot in summer, Smith says the trick is to head north or up.
“Japan’s cities can be sweltering in July and August, but regions like Takayama, in the Japanese Alps, and Hokkaido, in the far north, offer cooler air, green mountains, and some of the country’s best hiking and festival seasons,” she explains. “China works the same way — the mountainous landscapes around Zhangjiajie, the dramatic karst peaks that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar, stay refreshingly cool and are stunning in summer. The takeaway for Canadian travellers: don’t rule out Asia in summer – just choose the right part of it.”
All inclusive resorts are also appealing to a growing number of Canadian travellers with many sunny destinations attracting travellers year-round. For example, Bahia Principe’s properties are having a promotion with families and multi-generational travellers in mind that runs until Sept. 30, and offers exclusive savings across a selection of Bahia Principe Explore properties in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, with the offers available through Dec. 20, depending on the property.
Participating properties include Explore Tulum and Explore Coba in Mexico, as well as Explore Esmeralda, Explore Punta Cana, Explore Turquesa, Explore La Romana and Explore Legend in the Dominican Republic.
Puerto Vallarta’s Buenaventura Grand Hotel also believes summer is a great time of year for a visit with savings of up to 26%.
“Summer vacation remains one of the most popular travel seasons for families, and Puerto Vallarta continues to rank among Mexico’s most sought-after destinations thanks to its warm weather, calm beaches, and diverse mix of relaxation, dining, and activities for all ages,” the hotel says. “As multigenerational travel continues to reshape the way families vacation, Buenaventura Grand reaffirms its commitment to providing accommodations and experiences designed to bring loved ones together while creating meaningful memories on Mexico’s Pacific coast.”
