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Fans watch as Portugal takes on Croatia during the first half of a World Cup round of 32 soccer match, in Toronto on Thursday, July 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan
By The Canadian Press

Airfares jump and hotel prices soar amid World Cup demand spike

Jul 20, 2026 | 9:08 AM

Statistics Canada says customers paid a lot more for travel services last month, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver — the country’s host cities for the World Cup.

The agency says the cost of traveller accommodation for June rose about 20 per cent year-over-year in Ontario and British Columbia.

It says rental car prices rose nearly seven per cent across the country compared to June 2025 as travel demand increased.

StatCan says airfares jumped 9.6 per cent last month from a year earlier, pushed up by vacationers’ urge for domestic trips as well as higher jet fuel costs caused by the Middle East war.

It says the spike in ticket prices marks the largest fare increase since February 2023.

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Some experts say the higher domestic fares likely won’t come down until early autumn as fuel prices rise once more and Canadians continue to shun U.S. travel.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 20, 2026.

Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

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