“Old school” meets new travel: Flight Centre opens two new stores in Canada

Flight Centre Canada is expanding its brick-and-mortar presence with two new retail locations in Toronto and North Vancouver, betting that personal travel advice still has a place in an increasingly digital booking landscape.

The company is opening Flight Centre Crosstown in Toronto and Flight Centre North Shore in North Vancouver this month, following its 30th-anniversary commitment to invest in the future of travel expertise.

The expansion comes as travellers have more online tools than ever to research and book trips, but Flight Centre says access to a knowledgeable travel expert remains an important part of the planning process.

“Opening new travel stores in 2026 might sound old school, but that’s part of the point,” said Anita Emilio, executive vice president and general manager of Flight Centre Canada. “People can research a trip for hours and still not know what they’re missing. A good travel expert cuts through the noise, flags the trade-offs and helps travellers make confident decisions.

“Technology gives us speed and choice. Our people bring judgement, context and accountability. The real value comes from combining the two.”

The new stores follow a third consecutive record year for Flight Centre Travel Group Canada, the parent company of Flight Centre Canada.

Canada was also the most improved Flight Centre market globally during the financial year that ended in June 2026.

“Brick-and-mortar retail works when it gives access to expertise people can’t get elsewhere,” said Chris Lynes, managing director of Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. “These openings reflect a deliberate investment in a part of the business we know customers value and trust.

“We’re confident in our offering, but we’re also realistic about the current environment. We’ll continue to be selective about where we invest and focus on opportunities that make sense for both customers and the economics of the business.”

Flight Centre says Canadians can access its travel experts in stores, online or virtually with a consultant, providing different ways to seek advice as trip planning becomes increasingly complex.

In Toronto, Flight Centre Crosstown is located at 2507 Yonge Street, north of Eglinton Avenue. As of Sept. 10, the store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Flight Centre North Shore, meanwhile, is located at 120 W. 16th Street, Unit 104, in North Vancouver and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The North Vancouver location will mark its grand opening on Sept. 10 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., with refreshments, prizes and supplier showcases.

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