Younger Canadians are planning more trips to explore their family roots, new survey data shows. The shift highlights growing interest in heritage travel among Gen Z and millennials, who now prioritize these experiences more than they did a year ago.
Roots travel gains momentum among younger generations
A YouGov survey revealed that 84% of Gen Z and 87% of millennials in Canada want to take ancestry-focused trips. Over half of each group said these journeys matter more to them now than in 2025.
Anita Emilio, executive vice president of Flight Centre Canada, explained how personal stories often spark the decision to travel. A faded photo, an old address, or a family story can feel real when standing in that location. Such trips turn family history into something tangible that can be shared with relatives who remember it.
Canada’s diverse population may contribute to this trend. The latest census counted more than 450 ethnic origins among residents, with immigrants and permanent residents making up 23% of the population—the highest share since 1867.
Emilio added that these trips create opportunities for connection across generations. Families visiting ancestral places allow younger members to ask questions while older relatives can still provide answers.
Multigenerational trips come with challenges
Another Flight Centre survey found that 79% of Gen Z and 80% of millennials have either traveled or would consider traveling with multiple generations of their family. What younger Canadians hope to gain from these trips differs slightly by age.
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Gen Z travelers most often want to learn about family history (57%), understand cultural identity (52%), and visit ancestral places (49%). Millennials share similar goals, with 61% focused on cultural identity and 53% eager to see ancestral regions. Strengthening family ties ranked as a priority for 42% of both groups.
Nearly nine in 10 younger travelers face obstacles when planning these trips. Cost is the biggest issue, mentioned by 48% of Gen Z and 51% of millennials. Other problems include limited research time (21% of Gen Z, 20% of millennials), uncertainty about where to begin (19% of Gen Z, 24% of millennials), and difficulty coordinating schedules (16% of Gen Z, 18% of millennials).
Emilio recognized the practical difficulties. Three generations traveling together rarely want the same experience. A grandparent may seek family burial sites, while a parent focuses on origins and a teenager prioritizes local dining and internet access. Balancing different interests, attention spans, and mobility needs becomes essential.
Younger generations have sought meaningful travel before. In the early 2020s, gap-year programs and volunteer tourism grew popular, though those trips lacked the family-centered approach of today’s roots travel. The current trend emphasizes connecting with specific places tied to personal history rather than general cultural exploration.
For many, roots travel may respond to globalization. While digital connections make the world feel smaller, some travelers look for physical places that ground their identity. The challenge remains making those places meaningful across generations, even when their expectations differ.