Ontario resort town sees huge boom as Canadians turn to domestic vacation destinations

Domestic travel across Canada is booming, and Blue Mountain, one of Ontario's most-loved resort destinations, has become a top contender for country-wide travellers. So, if you're noticing your friends and coworkers swapping international flights for car rentals to go on a road trip, it's not a figment of your imagination.

According to Statistics Canada, Canadians took 67.6 million trips within the country in the first quarter of 2025, a 2.2 per cent uptick compared to the same time last year.

Instead of taking off overseas — goodbye cobblestone streets and beach resorts — more Canadians are opting to explore locations right in their backyard, and one Ontario destination in particular is seeing a spike in visitors: Blue Mountain.

Blue Mountain has always been a popular go-to spot for skiers and snowboarders in the winter, but a report issued by Airbnb recently shows that an increased number of locals are flocking to it year-round.

The Blue Mountain Resort boasts scenes of countryside chalets in the mountains, giving Europe a run for its money. 

Think hiking trails with gorgeous views of Georgian Bay (ie. The Blue Mountain Cascade Trail), a buzzy little village boasting a European-esque ambience, and an overall adventurous vibe. It's a staycation hotspot for all the right reasons.

You can zip through luscious foliage that brings you closer to nature in Blue Mountain, too.

People are booking everything from cozy chalet stays and spa days — a trip to the Scandinavian Spa is a must — to zip-lining experiences, cottage weekends, and even wine tours in nearby Collingwood.

And if you're in the village, the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster is a must-try ride that will take you through a luscious landscape, giving you a scenic view as you speed down the track.

According to Blue Mountain Resort, the mountain coaster is "Ontario's first and only mountain coaster," making the experience even more exclusive.

Built as a winter retreat, Blue Mountain is becoming known as a year-round destination.

With travel costs rising and the Canadian dollar running short abroad, a quick drive to the mountains, right here in Ontario, feels like an affordable luxury. And of course, I'd be remiss to not mention the elephant in the room. With the ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S., Canadians are rethinking trips south of the border in increasing numbers. 

With something there to do for everyone, Blue Mountain has quickly become Canada's answer to a European-style alpine escape — minus the jetlag and heavy credit card bills, of course.