Rising Fuel Costs Impact Cross-Canada Summer Road Trips

Canadians embarking on cross-country journeys along the Trans-Canada Highway this summer are confronting substantial expenses due to surging fuel prices. The national average price for gasoline has climbed to approximately C$1.90 per litre. This upward trend translates into thousands of dollars in fuel costs for a typical 7,821-kilometre trip from coast to coast, directly impacting summer vacation budgets.

The increase in fuel costs is a continuation of an upward trajectory observed since the first quarter of 2026. Gasoline prices, which hovered around C$1.45 per litre in February 2026, surged to a range of C$1.80 to C$2.00 per litre by April 2026. This pricing environment further inflates total travel costs depending on vehicle type and fuel efficiency; for instance, a vehicle consuming an average of 9 litres per 100 kilometres would require approximately 700 litres of fuel for a Trans-Canada journey, pushing fuel expenses alone beyond C$1,300.

This escalation in costs is directly influencing Canadian consumer travel plans for the summer. A recent survey indicates that two-thirds (66%) of Canadian drivers are considering cancelling or limiting their road trips this summer due to high gasoline prices. This sentiment is generating significant concern for small businesses, particularly those reliant on road trip tourism. Data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reveals that over 84% of small businesses are worried that elevated fuel costs will negatively impact the summer tourism season.

Fuel prices also exhibit significant regional variations across Canada. Western provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan typically experience lower prices, while Atlantic provinces can see prices C$0.10 to C$0.20 higher per litre. Remote northern territories might even face prices exceeding C$2.00 per litre. These provincial disparities necessitate additional strategic planning for drivers on long-distance trips regarding their routes and budgets. Furthermore, seasonal fluctuations, driven by increased demand and summer fuel blends, are expected to push prices 10-15% higher during the summer months.

Analysts and market expectations suggest that fuel prices are likely to remain elevated in the near term. Geopolitical developments and global supply-demand dynamics continue to exert upward pressure on prices. This scenario may lead consumers to opt for shorter trips or reassess their overall vacation budgets. The tourism and hospitality sectors are actively adapting to these changing consumer behaviours by offering more promotions and discounts to stimulate domestic travel. The impact of fluctuating fuel prices on Canadian spending habits and overall economic activity will be closely monitored in the coming period.