Flight comparison and deals publishing platform Cheapflights.ca analysed their data to determine when to book to get the best deal on a flight within Canada. After the release of their ‘When to fly, when to buy’ data release, Cheapflights.ca did another deep dive and came up with some key findings on getting the best deal on flights to 25 of Canada’s top destinations. The numbers published are averages and so seasonality would be a factor on when to book to score the best fare. Here are a few highlights:

- Big cities like Toronto or Vancouver usually require a four- to five-month lead time to get the best deal.

- Secondary airports typically don’t require the same lead time. Abbotsford, BC, for example, averages 72 days vs. Vancouver’s 143 days.

- Flights to Fredericton, NB and Deer Lake, NL require the least amount of planning, at just 54 and 53 days respectively.

- The week leading up to Labour Day is generally the most affordable time to fly.

Of course, increased competition between Air Canada, WestJet and Porter Airlines, combined with new entrants like New Leaf Travel, and the possible launch of Ultra Low Cost Carriers (ULCC) Jetlines and Enerjet’s FlyToo, will have an impact on airfares and therefore, advanced booking requirements.

The top 25 Canadian destinations and how far in advance to book, on average*, are as follows:

1.   Vancouver, British Columbia - 143 days (4.75 months)

2.   Montreal, Quebec - 140 days (4.5 months)

3.   Toronto, Ontario - 138 (4.5 months)

4.   Edmonton, Alberta - 121 days (4 months)

5.   Calgary, Alberta - 118 days (4 months)

6.   Ottawa, Ontario - 118 days (4 months)

7.   Whitehorse, Yukon - 109 days (3.75 months)

8.   Victoria, British Columbia - 103 days (3.5 months)

9.   Halifax, Nova Scotia - 98 days (3.25 months)

10. Winnipeg, Manitoba -92 days (3 months)

11. Kelowna, British Columbia -90 days (3 months)

12. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island -89 days (3 months)

13. St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador -88 days (3 months)

14. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories -84 days (2.75 months)

15. London, Ontario -81 days (2.75 months)

16. Regina, Saskatchewan -75 days (2.5 months)

17. Quebec City, Quebec -72 days (2.5 months)

18. Abbotsford, British Columbia -72 days (2.5 months)

19. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan -67 days (2.25 months)

20. Moncton, New Brunswick - 66 days (2.25 months)

21. Thunder Bay, Ontario -61 days (2 months)

22. Fort McMurray, Alberta - 59 days (2 months)

23. Windsor, Ontario -56 days (1.75 months)

24. Fredericton, New Brunswick - 54 days (1.75 months)

25. Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador - 53 days (1.75 months)

*This data is based on averages from departure points across Canada and is intended as a guideline only.

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