Expensive Gas Summer Pressures Canadian Road Trips

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published May 6, 2026

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Families across Canada may face a more expensive road trip season this summer as gasoline prices remain sharply higher than last year, forcing many households to rethink vacation budgets before hitting the road.

According to Global News, citing the Canadian Automobile Association, the national average gas price in Canada is about 190.4 cents per litre, compared with around 132 cents per litre at the same time last year. That difference can significantly raise the cost of family travel, especially for larger vehicles and recreational vehicles.

The pressure is not limited to one region. GasBuddy data cited in the report shows year-over-year increases of about 43 cents per litre in Quebec and 58.2 cents in Newfoundland and Labrador, while British Columbia and Prince Edward Island have seen prices rise by nearly 82 cents per litre compared with last year.

The increase comes amid broader volatility in energy markets. Kalibrate reported that Canadian gasoline prices remained unstable in April, affected by Middle East tensions and supply disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. The average retail gasoline price in Canada reached 191 cents per litre in early April, the highest level since July 2022.

In the Greater Toronto Area, CityNews data showed prices reaching 194.9 cents per litre on May 6 after several increases since late April, highlighting how quickly pump prices have been moving in recent weeks.

Still, higher fuel costs may not cancel summer travel altogether. Tourism and RV industry experts say demand for camping and domestic travel remains strong, but many families may choose shorter trips, closer destinations, fewer travel days, or cheaper accommodation and food options to control costs.

For many households, summer 2026 may become a test of how carefully they can plan. A road trip that once looked like a cheaper alternative to flying may now require a closer look at fuel costs, distance, accommodation, and the size of the family budget.