True or false? What the numbers say about travelling in Canada
Do you think no one travels in winter? That only retirees hit the road in RVs? Welcome to our True or False on travelling in Canada. This article cuts through the rumours, giving you solid facts you can share with friends and family.
We rely on the analysis of sales data from 2025-2026 Authentik Canada road trips. The goal? To challenge the most common misconceptions about travelling in Canada!
1. Is Eastern Canada really less popular than the West?
FALSE, at Authentik, 65% of summer road trips sold are in Eastern Canada. This figure is based on our 2025 sales data and reflects a trend we’ve seen consistently over the past twenty years.
The idea that the Rockies are the main draw is still widespread. Take a look at our Q&As to find out which destination to choose between Eastern or Western Canada!
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2. In Quebec, do travelers mainly choose car-based road trips?
TRUE, In 2025, at Authentik, 63% of road trips in Quebec were taken by car, compared with 37% by RV. Car travel therefore remains the most commonly booked way to explore the province.
3. Is it true that Canada mainly attracts the French, myth or reality?
FALSE, at Authentik Canada in 2025, in the East, 77% of road trips sold in Eastern Canada were taken by French travellers. In Western Canada, however, the picture is quite different, with strong representation from English-speaking countries such as the UK and Australia.
- together represent more than 50% of international arrivals,
- are more likely to visit Western Canada, mountains, wilderness, national parks,
- are very attracted to adventure, authenticity, and wide-open spaces.
4. Is Quebec City really the most popular destination in Eastern Canada?
TRUE, at Authentik, Quebec City is the top-selling destination in the East, ahead of neighbouring Montreal, based on the number of nights travellers spend there.
Here is a Top 5 of the most booked destinations in Quebec (summer 2025 bookings):
- Quebec City
- Montreal
- Saguenay Fjord
- Mauricie
- Tadoussac
This ranking highlights the strong appeal of the region’s iconic cities, alongside the natural landscapes that often spark our travellers’ dreams. Why Quebec City? The city blends historic charm with easy access to nature, the perfect combination for a first Canadian experience.
Justine (LinkedIn)
5. Is bear watching really the best-selling activity?
FALSE, although the idea of coming face to face with a black bear captures the imagination, bear watching is not the top experience requested by our travellers, even if it still ranks among the top five in Quebec.
Here is a Top 5 of the most booked nature activities at Authentik in Quebec (summer 2025 bookings):
- Whale watching
- Animal parks
- Val-Jalbert Village
- Bear watching
- Seaplane flight
This is also a good moment to thank our partners on the ground, who help make your trips unique and unforgettable (we had to sneak in a small tribute somewhere).
6. Are summer road trips mainly booked between January and March?
TRUE, 74% of bookings at Authentik were made during these key months in 2025. There’s also a growing number of bookings around September back-to-school season and during promotional periods like the now-popular Black Friday.
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7. Is it true that there are few travelers in Canada during winter?
FALSE, at Authentik Canada, no less than 22% of trips are winter trips (2025 sales data) and we’ve welcomed more than 500,000 travelers since our creation in 2002!
Believe us, these winter trips are about far more than watching the snow fall from a cabin window. Snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice skating, tobogganing, ice fishing — there’s no shortage of experiences, and airfares are often more affordable too.
8. People often say that traveling in Canada has become too expensive for families, true or false?
FALSE, on average, the cost of a family road trip in Canada is still lower than a trip of similar length in Europe, excluding flights, while offering greater perceived value. This is a key point to keep in mind.
When families travel to Canada, the sense of wide-open spaces, the change of scenery and the closeness to nature all contribute to the feeling of a truly big trip and a unique shared experience.
How much does a 15-day family trip to Canada actually cost?
The average price of a 15-day package varies greatly depending on the season, the destination (East or West), the type of accommodation, the activities selected, the booking window, and your family setup (including the number of rooms required).
You should budget at least £2,600 per adult for a family trip to Eastern Canada. That said, this figure is only an estimate, as many factors can influence the final cost. Let’s talk it through, book an appointment with our team. meeting with the team to discuss.
9. Is it true that RV in Canada mainly attract retirees?
FALSE, RV are popular among all types of travelers at Authentik Canada: families with children account for 57% of RV or van sales for a first trip.
- An original mode of transportation
- A reinforced connection to nature
- The flexibility of a mobile accommodation
In short, traveling by RV in Canada is trendy. In fact, RV searches on the Authentik Canada website have jumped by 74% in 2025, a coincidence?
10. Is it necessary to book your trip to Canada 6 months in advance?
TRUE, the average lead time for a trip to Canada with Authentik is exactly 182 days, or 26 weeks, which is 6 months and 2 days. This figure is based on 2025 trips but has been consistent for years at Authentik.
Still wondering about the best time to go? Check out our Practical Information section, a real gem: When to Go to Canada?
Summary table of misconceptions about travel in Canada
| Misconception | True or False | What Authentik Data Says |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Canada is less popular than the West | False | 65% of summer road trips are sold in Eastern Canada |
| Travelers who visit Quebec prefer cars over RV | True | 63% of road trips in Quebec are done by car |
| Travelers to Canada are mostly French | False | In the East, 77% are French, but in the West, English-speaking countries dominate |
| Quebec City is less popular than Montreal | True | Quebec City is the most booked destination in the East |
| Bear watching is the most popular activity in Quebec | False | Whales, the Saint-Félicien Zoo, and Val-Jalbert are more popular |
| Travelers book their summer road trip mainly between January and March | True | 74% of bookings take place between January and March |
| Few travelers choose winter because of the cold | False | 22% of trips sold are winter stays |
| Traveling to Canada has become too expensive for families | False | The average package is lower than a trip in Europe, excluding flights |
| Traveling by !!!VR!!! in Canada is just for retirees | False | 57% of first-time RV rentals are by families |
| You need to book your trip around 6 months in advance | True | Average lead time is 182 days, or 6 months and 2 days |
''We all have someone close to us who claims to know a destination inside out. But I’m particularly fond of Descartes’ apple tree metaphor: you shouldn’t simply pick the fruit of knowledge and accept everything at face value without examining the source, the roots of the tree (a definite nod to my philosophy teacher). For this article, we went straight to the source and are sharing our travel data with you, unfiltered. Want to go further? Ask us your questions in the comments!'' Justine
About the author
![Justine De Bandt]()
Justine De Bandt
Montreal, Quebec
I traded Normandy’s drizzle for Quebec’s snowy winters and road trips through pine forests! I’m far too curious to sit still, and never short of something to say... So I share my discoveries, hoping to inspire others to find out for themselves if winter really is colder on the other side of the world.
I traded Normandy’s drizzle for Quebec’s snowy winters and road trips through pine forests! I’m far too curious to sit still, and never short of something to say... So I share my discoveries, hoping to inspire others to find out for themselves if winter really is colder on the other side of the world.
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