Travel websites are excellent resources for booking and planning vacations, and choosing the right travel site can make a difference in the success and enjoyment of your trips. But with so many options, is there a single best travel website Canadians should use?

13 Best Travel Websites in Canada

In my experience, picking a travel website is mostly a matter of personal preference. The best site depends on the type of trip you're making and what reservations you require. Some websites allow you to plan and book your entire trip on a single site, while others are best suited for one type of booking, such as flights, accommodations, or car rentals.

To help you find the right travel website for your next trip, I've compiled the following list of the best travel sites for Canadians. While I've numbered the list, don't think of it as a ranked order. With many of these sites, it's like comparing apples to oranges.

For example, Expedia.ca is entirely different than WestJet.com, which is different than Airbnb. All are excellent travel booking sites, but they serve different purposes. With that in mind, here's the list.

1. Expedia.ca

Expedia.ca is a popular online travel agency that lets you book flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. The beauty of Expedia is that, unlike booking directly through the service provider, you can use it to plan and book your entire trip. Expedia is an American company that's been around for nearly 30 years, so you're dealing with a reliable travel provider when booking with Expedia.

What Is Expedia For TD?

Expedia has a relationship with TD Bank, called ExpediaforTD.com, which gives the customers of one of Canada's largest banks access to all of Expedia's services while earning TD Rewards points faster when they use an eligible TD Credit card to book their travel.

2. Booking.com

Booking.com is one of the world's largest travel marketplaces and is well known for its hotel booking services, guaranteeing some of the best prices for your stay. They offer a vast selection of hotels to choose from, as well as free cancellation on most bookings.

In addition to hotels, you can also book car rentals and flights on Booking.com. Frequent users can benefit from Booking.com's Genius Loyalty Program, which rewards members with up to 20% discounts on hotel rates and free breakfasts and room upgrades at select properties.

3. Tripadvisor.ca

Tripadvisor is a travel information website aggregating reviews and ratings from travellers worldwide, making it easy to research everything from restaurants to hotels to local attractions as you plan your next trip.

You can make the most of the Trip Advisor website in several ways. You can read and write reviews, save your favourite attractions, and message other travellers.

And while you can't book travel directly on Trip Advisor, you can search their website for great deals on flights and hotels and book travel by clicking on the link of one of Trip Advisor's many travel partners.

4. Google Flights

It only makes sense that the world's most popular search engine would make it easy to find the best travel deals. Google Flights is a reliable search engine for comparing prices and availability of flights and hotels from all available travel providers. It offers an easy way to filter your preferences and find the best possible deal for your travel dates.

You can start by choosing your destination or finding inspiration using Google Flight's world map. Like Trip Advisor, Google Flights lets you explore and read reviews from popular attractions worldwide

5. Aircanada.com

Air Canada offers flights to multiple destinations both within Canada and internationally. By booking directly through their website, you can easily take advantage of Aeroplan, Air Canada's loyalty program, and potentially snag some great deals.

Also, as Canada's largest airline, you can access hundreds of global destinations through Air Canada and its 25+ Star Alliance partner airlines.

6. WestJet.com

WestJet, Canada's second-largest airline, offers competitive prices and exclusive deals on flights and vacation packages on WestJet.com. Their website is easy to use, and you can sign up for price alerts to ensure you get all the savings.

If WestJet is your preferred airline, I recommend signing up for the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, which allows you to accumulate WestJet dollars that you can redeem for flights and other rewards. In addition to the 1.5% standard earning rate, you'll get an annual companion voucher starting at $119 CAD. You also get a free checked bag and several travel insurance coverages with the card.

7. Airbnb

Airbnb is an excellent alternative to hotels, as it leverages the sharing economy to provide unique accommodations for a more personalized experience. With options ranging from private homes to quirky lodgings, Airbnb ensures a memorable stay wherever your travels take you. If you find the right property, Airbnb can offer a better value for a longer term, but you won't get the same services that a hotel offers.

8. VRBO

VRBO, or Vacation Rentals By Owner, offers a selection of private vacation rentals, perfect for a more intimate and home-like experience during your travels. Their website allows you to refine your search to find the ideal accommodation that fits your preferences and budget.

9. Hotwire.com

Hotwire is an excellent resource for booking last-minute flights, hotels, and car rentals at discounted prices. Their “Hot Rate” deals can save you significant travel expenses, but be prepared for a bit of mystery, as Hotwire will only reveal the specific providers after you book. I recently used a Hot Rate to rent a small SUV in California and paid approximately $200 CAD for a six-day rental. Pretty impressive. 

10. Travelocity

Travelocity is a popular website which is owned by Expedia. It offers a wide range of travel services, from flights and hotels to cruises and vacation packages. Their website has a variety of filters and options to help you find the best deal for your travel plans.

11. Kayak.com

Kayak is a popular search engine for flights, hotels, and car rentals. It compares multiple websites to find you the best prices and even has a “Price Forecast” feature to give you an idea of whether it's a good time to book.

12. Tour Radar

Tour Radar focuses on group tours and all-inclusive packages, making it simple to plan your next adventure. With a wide range of options for different types of travel, Tour Radar can help you find the perfect tour for your taste and budget.

13. Redtag.ca

Redtag.ca is a Canadian-owned travel booking website that offers a variety of vacation packages, flights, and hotel deals. Their user-friendly platform lets you quickly find discounts and deals for your desired destination. You can search for deals by travel provider, featured destinations, or Redtag's Lowest Price Calendar.

Travel Websites Canada: Final Thoughts

There you have it, my list of the best travel websites in Canada. While I'm not picking the “best travel site,” there are sites I recommend in different situations.

If you want to book your entire vacation on one site, I recommend starting with Expedia. If you're only booking a flight, try Google Flights or either of the two airline websites if you are a loyal Air Canada or WestJet customer.

I book most of my hotel stays on Booking.com. In my experience, their prices are consistently among the lowest available. In addition to saving money, I like the flexibility of making a reservation, then cancelling and rebooking if I find a better deal closer to my travel date.

And Trip Advisor is hands down the best website for researching and planning your trip. You can easily find helpful reviews for any hotel, restaurant or other attraction you're considering.

FAQs

What are the top alternatives to Expedia in Canada?

Alternatives to Expedia in Canada include Booking.com or Travelocity. These sites offer various travel services, from hotel bookings to flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. Consider local sites like Redtag.ca for a more tailored experience for Canadian travellers.

What makes Air Canada Vacations stand out among competitors?

Air Canada vacation packages combine exclusive flight deals with a wide selection of hotels, car rentals, and excursions. You can easily customize your vacation package on their website and benefit from the Air Canada network's extensive reach to various destinations.

What is the best travel website in Canada?

The best travel website in Canada depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular options include Expedia.ca, Booking.com, and Kayak. However, comparing several sites to ensure you get the best deal is always a good idea.