Why Thursday is the Cheapest Day to Fly from Canada in 2026

The Big Shift: Why Thursday?

For years, Tuesday and Wednesday were considered the cheapest days to fly. But 2026 data shows a clear shift — Thursday has taken the top spot for the cheapest departure day from Canadian airports including Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), and Montreal (YUL).

The reason is simple: business travel patterns have changed. Business travelers used to fly out Monday and return Friday. Now, they're heading home earlier — many wrapping up by Wednesday or Thursday. This leaves Thursday flights with fewer business travelers competing for seats, which drives prices down for leisure travelers like you.

Cheapest vs Most Expensive Days to Fly from Canada

How Much Can You Actually Save?

The savings vary by route, but the difference between a Thursday and a Sunday departure on the same route can be significant. On popular routes from Toronto to Europe, choosing Thursday over Sunday can save anywhere from $80 to $200 CAD on a round-trip ticket.

For short-haul routes to the US or within Canada, the difference is smaller but still worth considering — especially if your schedule has flexibility.

Combine Thursday with September for Maximum Savings

If you really want to stretch your travel budget, combine a Thursday departure with a September travel date. September is the cheapest month for international travel from Canada, with flights to Amsterdam and Dublin dropping up to 41% compared to summer.

A Thursday departure in September to Europe from Toronto could save you $200 to $300 CAD compared to a Friday departure in July — that's a significant chunk of your travel budget freed up for experiences.