Road Trips, Remote Destinations and Reliable Connectivity Top Summer Travel Priorities

New Rogers survey finds 8 in 10 Canadian travellers expect connectivity even when they want to unplug

With the most coverage in Canada with Rogers Satellite, Rogers helps Canadians stay connected beyond traditional cell coverage

TORONTO, July 29, 2026 – From road trips and cottage weekends to camping and backcountry escapes, most Canadians are embracing closer-to-home travel this summer. And according to a new survey, not being able to contact someone in an emergency is a trip dealbreaker for many.

The new Rogers survey, conducted using the Angus Reid Forum, found that three-quarters of Canadians said they planned to travel within Canada rather than far-away destinations. Among these travellers, road trips top the list with two-thirds saying they plan to hop into the car for their summer adventure. About four in 10 Canadian travellers plan to go to remote or off-the-grid areas.

But even as some travellers look to unplug, eight in 10 say they still expect connectivity when it matters. Not being able to contact someone in an emergency is a dealbreaker for trips for two-thirds of travellers.

“Canadians are exploring more of our vast country this summer and they’re telling us connectivity matters when travelling off the beaten path,” said Mark Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, Rogers. “With Rogers Satellite, when Canadians are beyond the reach of traditional cell towers, they can text 911, monitor weather conditions, navigate remote highways and trails, and check in with family.”

Maps, Weather and Emergencies Matter Most
The survey found staying connected to practical tools tops entertainment and social media, with maps and navigation ranked as the most important (78%), followed by texting and messaging (62%), emergency services (60%), phone calls (55%) and weather apps (55%).

With Rogers Satellite, a first of its kind satellite-to-mobile service in Canada, travellers can use text-to-911 services as well as satellite-ready apps including WhatsApp, Messenger, Google Maps, X and AccuWeather in areas outside of traditional cellular coverage.

Connectivity Is Shaping Domestic Travel Decisions
Only 18 per cent of the country is covered by traditional wireless networks, including stretches of highways. Rogers Satellite helps give Canadians an extra layer of connectivity beyond the reach of these networks.

When travellers think about travelling to areas outside traditional cell coverage, connectivity is increasingly part of the plan:

• 49% say reliable connectivity would make them more likely to explore remote destinations
• 65% expect basic, reliable connectivity for calls, texts and navigation when travelling in rural or remote areas
• 85% say reliable connectivity would make them feel safer in remote areas

To see where Rogers Satellite connectivity is available and to learn more about getting Rogers Satellite for $0 with new Rogers 5G+ mobile plans, visit rogers.com/satellite.

About the Survey
The online survey was conducted by Rogers using Angus Reid Forum between June 17 and June 23, 2026, among 1,015 Canadians planning to travel within Canada during summer 2026. The survey was conducted nationally in English and French.