Niagara-on-the-Lake among world’s top 10 travel destinations: Report

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Ontarians already know Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming place for a relaxing weekend getaway, but the charming town in the heart of the province’s wine country is apparently piquing the interest of international travellers.

The lakeside town with a population of less than 20,000 has been ranked ninth among the world’s top 10 destinations in Expedia’s Unpack ’27 report released Wednesday.

The travel-booking site’s trends report said year-over-year searches for Niagara-on-the-Lake have increased 35%, putting it in the company of cities such as South Korea’s bustling Busan and Italy’s historic Perugia that are seeing surges in flight and accommodation searches on the platform.

The town, best known for its vineyards and charming bed and breakfast locations, is the only Canadian destination that made Expedia’s list.

The travel site’s trends report hailed Niagara-on-the-Lake as “one of Canada’s best-preserved 19th-century towns” with a main street “lined with Victorian-era storefronts and tea rooms,” while noting the town’s proximity to more than 20 “award-winning wineries.”

California resort city tops list

As for the destination earning the top spot on Expedia’s list of trending places to visit? That honour goes to South Lake Tahoe in California.

Flight and accommodation search interest on Expedia for the resort city in the Sierra Nevada mountains was up 195% year over year.

“A destination doesn’t have to be undiscovered to be on the rise,” said Melanie Fish, vice-president of global public relations at Expedia Group Brands.

“South Lake Tahoe is proof with searches up 195%. From year-round adventures in Tahoe to seaside markets in Busan and medieval streets in Perugia, our 2027 list is full of places worth planning your next trip around.”

The travel site compiled the list by comparing flight and accommodation searches on its platform from Sept. 1, 2025, to July 27 to searches from Sept. 1, 2024, to July 27, 2025.

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Expedia’s 2027 destinations of the year:

1. South Lake Tahoe, Calif. — 195% increase year over year in searches

2. Hyogo, Japan — 95%

3. Punta del Este, Uruguay — 65%

4. Sedona, Ariz. — 55%

5. Busan, South Korea — 50%

6. Holbox, Mexico — 45%

7. Perugia, Italy — 35%

8. The Tweed, Australia — 35%

9. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. — 35%

10. Chichester, U.K. — 30%

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