Where Are Canadians Moving in 2026?

2026 has been a busy year for moving. Across Canada, people have been packing up and heading somewhere new, and the data behind those moves is genuinely fascinating. Here is a look at where Canadians are going, and what it actually costs to get there.

The Top 10 Places People Are Leaving

Looking at moving labour jobs booked across Canada this year, a clear picture emerges of the cities and towns people are departing most often. The reasons are just as varied as the destinations. A Zoocasa survey found the most common motivations include wanting more space or a better-quality home, becoming a first-time homeowner, finding a more desirable neighbourhood, or adjusting for a change in household size. Job changes, major life milestones, and family needs round out the list.

What stands out is that the places people leave most often are also the places many people choose to move to. Canada's biggest urban centres keep circulating people in and out, even as smaller cities and towns attract a growing share of movers.

So Where Are People Actually Going?

From those top 10 departure points, Canadians spread out to 42 different destinations when staying within the country. Most moves stay within the same province, which lines up with what survey data has consistently shown. That said, inter-provincial moves are very much part of the story too.

Ontario destinations included:

Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Waterloo, Kitchener, London, Oakville, Windsor, Whitby, Oshawa, Pickering, Ajax, Aurora, North York, York, Maple, Vanier, Pontypool, and Welland.

British Columbia destinations included:

Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Kelowna, Penticton, Nanaimo, Abbotsford, North Vancouver, Burnaby, and Langley.

Alberta destinations included:

Calgary, Edmonton, Airdrie, Red Deer, Strathmore, Bragg Creek, Lac La Biche, and Fort McMurray.

Other destinations included:

Saskatoon and Regina in Saskatchewan, Winnipeg in Manitoba, and Montreal and Brossard in Québec.

What Does Moving Labour Actually Cost?

This is the question everyone has. The average cost to hire two movers for two hours in Canada is around $280 CAD. That covers labour only, which means loading, unloading, and the heavy lifting, not the truck itself.

That number is a national average, though. Your actual cost could be higher or lower depending on five key factors:

• How many movers are available in your area
• How much demand exists locally at that time
• Which day of the week you book
• The time of year (summer and month-end are typically pricier)
• The specific services you need

Here is a rough sense of how labour costs can shift by region and season:

Estimates based on the national average of $280 CAD and typical seasonal and regional variation patterns. Actual quotes will vary.

What This Means If You're Thinking of Moving

Whether you are thinking about upsizing, relocating to a new city, or finally making the jump into homeownership, knowing where others are moving and what it costs to get there is genuinely useful context.

If Ontario is on your radar, the data shows the province attracts movers from across the country. Cities like Hamilton, Waterloo, and Kitchener are pulling people in alongside the expected draws of Toronto and Ottawa. That demand shapes local markets, and it is worth understanding before you make your next move.

I'm always happy to talk through what any of this means for your specific situation, whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring options in October 2026.

If you're curious what's available in the market today, here are a few current listings to browse.