Maybe a coast-to-coast road trip has been on your list for years. Maybe you’ve always wanted to spend a few months somewhere warm. Or perhaps you’ve been eyeing a longer stay in Europe and are finally wondering if 2026 is the year to make it happen.
Whatever your travel goals look like, this year is a great time to pursue them. In this post, we’ve rounded up some of the best destinations — both across Canada and abroad — along with practical tips on travel insurance, health preparation, budgeting, and more. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer stay somewhere new, here’s what’s worth knowing before you go.
Key Topics:
- Canada has some outstanding destinations worth exploring — from Victoria to Quebec City to Halifax — and many offer discounts for travellers 55+
- Internationally, Portugal, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Poland offer strong value for Canadians in 2026
- Good preparation — travel insurance, medications, and registering your trip — makes a meaningful difference when travelling abroad
- For Canadian homeowners 55+, the equity in your home may be able to help fund travel without touching your savings
Where Should Canadians 55+ Travel in Canada in 2026?
Canada is genuinely one of the most rewarding countries to travel through, and there’s a strong case for exploring more of it before heading anywhere else. Here are a few destinations that are well worth the trip:
- Victoria, British Columbia — Known for its mild climate, charming Inner Harbour, and beautiful gardens like Butchart Gardens. Ideal for leisurely strolls and relaxing seaside views. Visit in late spring or early fall for mild weather, blooming flowers, and smaller crowds.
- Quebec City, Quebec — Offers European charm and historic sites like Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel in October for beautiful fall colours and lower hotel rates. The city’s free funicular also connects Upper and Lower Town, making sightseeing more accessible.
- Banff, Alberta — Breathtaking mountain views, accessible hot springs, and scenic drives like the Icefields Parkway. September is the sweet spot — pleasant weather with far fewer crowds than summer.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia — A harbour city with maritime history, world-class seafood, and nearby scenic drives like the Cabot Trail. June or September offer mild weather and a more relaxed atmosphere.
One practical tip worth keeping in mind: Parks Canada offers a discounted annual Discovery Pass, granting unlimited entry to all national parks and historic sites — a great value for those planning multiple visits across the country.
What Are the Most Affordable International Destinations for Canadians in 2026?
If international travel is calling, there are several destinations that offer real value for Canadians — good exchange rates, manageable day-to-day costs, and the kind of pace that makes longer stays genuinely enjoyable.
- Portugal — Widely considered the best European destination for North American travellers, offering mild weather, excellent public healthcare, and a relatively straightforward path to longer stays. Coastal cities offer stunning scenery and vibrant culture, while inland areas provide even more affordable options.
- Costa Rica — Natural beauty and the famous “Pura Vida” lifestyle attract those who want a healthy, active time away surrounded by stunning landscapes. Living costs are flexible — some couples live comfortably on around $2,500 monthly. Both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines offer beautiful beach living, while mountain regions provide cooler climates.
- Thailand — A long-haul option where on-the-ground costs are largely offset by a consistently favourable exchange rate. Destinations like Chiang Mai offer breathtaking national parks, lively markets, and cultural sites that make even longer stays realistic for value-focused travellers.
- Poland — A strong choice for those wanting to explore Europe affordably, without the price tag of Paris or Rome. Travellers can enjoy UNESCO-listed old towns, lively cultural districts, and excellent local cuisine. Its central location also makes it a practical base for a wider European journey.
What Do You Need to Do Before Travelling Internationally?
Good travel comes down to good preparation. Here’s a practical checklist to work through before you leave:
Travel insurance:
- Make sure your policy includes health, life, and disability coverage. It should cover pre-existing conditions and medical evacuation.
- Travel insurance companies may limit coverage or significantly increase premiums for travellers over 65 — shop around and read the fine print carefully.
Medications:
- Bring extra medication beyond what you expect to need, keep it in its original container, and carry a copy of your prescription in your carry-on luggage.
- Confirm with your destination’s embassy that any medications you take are permitted in that country — rules differ more than you might expect.
Health preparation:
- See a health care provider at least six weeks before departure to confirm whether any vaccinations, anti-malarial medications, or travel-related health directives are needed.
Register your trip:
- Sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad so that the Government of Canada can contact and assist you in case of an emergency abroad, and help your family reach you if needed. It takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
On longer flights:
- Reduce the risk of blood clots by getting up and walking around occasionally, stretching your legs while seated, and selecting an aisle seat where possible. A health care professional may also recommend compression stockings.
How Can Canadian Homeowners 55+ Fund Their Travel Plans?
Travel is one of the most rewarding ways to spend this chapter of your life — and it does not have to feel financially out of reach. For Canadian homeowners 55+, the equity built up in your home may be able to help make it happen. Through the CHIP Reverse Mortgage from HomeEquity Bank, eligible homeowners can access a portion of that equity as tax-free cash, with no monthly mortgage payments required for as long as you live in your home. Whether you’re planning a longer stay abroad or simply want more room in your budget to travel on your own terms, it’s worth knowing what your options are. Get your free estimate today and find out how much you could access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable international destination for Canadians in 2026?
Portugal, Costa Rica, and Thailand consistently offer the best value. All three provide a favourable exchange rate for Canadians, low day-to-day costs, and a quality of life that makes longer stays comfortable. Portugal is the top European pick; Costa Rica suits those wanting warmth and nature closer to home.
Do I need travel insurance if I’m travelling within Canada?
Yes, it’s still a good idea. Provincial health coverage extends within Canada but may not cover emergency medical transport between provinces or extended hospital stays outside your home province. A supplemental travel policy is generally inexpensive and worth having for peace of mind.
How far in advance should I start planning an international trip?
A minimum of two to three months is a reasonable starting point. Key things to action early:
- See a health care provider at least six weeks before departure for vaccinations, medications, and destination-specific health advice.
- Check that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
- Confirm visa requirements early, as processing times can add weeks.
Is it safe to travel internationally at 55+?
Yes — with the right preparation. A few simple steps go a long way:
- Register your trip through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and ensure your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions, medical evacuation, and repatriation.
- Travel with a companion where possible.
- Keep digital copies of your key documents — passport, insurance, and prescriptions — accessible on your phone or email.
What is the best time of year to travel within Canada?
It varies by destination. As a general guide:
- Victoria and Halifax are best in late spring or early fall for mild weather and smaller crowds.
- Quebec City is beautiful in October for fall colours and lower hotel rates.
- Banff is at its best in September, after the peak summer rush has settled.
How can I fund a longer trip without dipping into my savings?
If you own your home, you may have more options than you think. The CHIP Reverse Mortgage from HomeEquity Bank allows eligible Canadian homeowners 55+ to access a portion of their home equity as tax-free cash, with no monthly mortgage payments required. It is one way to travel more freely without putting pressure on your day-to-day budget.
Ready to make that trip happen? If you are a Canadian homeowner 55+, the equity you have built in your home could help fund the travel you have been putting off. With the CHIP Reverse Mortgage, you can access tax-free cash with no monthly payments required — so you can focus on planning your next adventure, not stretching your budget. Get your free estimate today and find out how much you could access.
The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, legal, travel, or medical advice. Travel conditions, costs, entry requirements, visa rules, and health and safety recommendations can change at any time — always consult the official Government of Canada travel advisory at travel.gc.ca and verify details directly with your destination’s embassy or consulate before making any travel arrangements.
For personal financial advice, please speak with a licensed financial advisor or mortgage professional.
For health and medical guidance related to travel, please consult a qualified health care provider before departing.