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Skyscanner: Sri Lanka capital is incredibly popular for Canadian travellers in February

There has been a 59 per cent increase in February flight bookings from Canada to Colombo over the last month

Sri Lanka, Colombo, Galle Face Beach, Sunday bath
Sri Lanka, Colombo, Galle Face Beach, Sunday bath

Canadians are looking to travel to South Asia in February, with Sri Lanka's capital Colombo being particularly popular, according to Skyscanner. Information provided to Yahoo Canada revealed that Skyscanner has seen a 59 per cent month-over-month increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to Colombo.

According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, Canadians are looking for travel destinations that provide unique cultural experiences, but are also more budget-friendly. Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert, highlighted that Colombo is a great option for those travellers.

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Lindsay advised that Colombo is a destination with a mix of modernity and tradition, with a great combination of relaxation and exploration activities.

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"Visitors can check out the UNESCO Heritage-listed Dutch fort, which offers a glimpse into the island’s past. For nature enthusiasts, venture off to Udawalawe National Park, home to over 400 elephants, or take part in surfing or yoga activities on the southern coast," Lindsay stated. "And for the scenic route, travellers surely won’t want to miss the chance to take the train from Kandy to Ella, dubbed one of Asia’s most beautiful journeys."

"Colombo’s vibrant cultural festivals add to its February appeal. Visitors can experience events like the Navam Perahera, a dazzling procession featuring traditional drumming, colourful costumes, and elaborately decorated elephants, making it a unique and unforgettable travel experience."

The evening skyline at the Beira Lake, Colombo
The evening skyline at the Beira Lake, Colombo

Using Skyscanner search data, the price for roundtrip flights from Toronto to Colombo in February is currently as low as $1,569.

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Flights from Vancouver to Colombo can be found for $1,942 or $1,760 from Montreal.

Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights.

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Foodies aren't going to want to miss the opportunity to take a street food tour in Colombo.

"Taste your way through Colombo’s culinary scene with a street food tour, where you can savour some of Sri Lanka’s iconic dishes like spicy sambols, lamprais, kiribaith and more from beloved local vendors," Lindsay advised. "Unmissable for foodies, this immersive experience offers not just delicious bites but also a deep connection to the city’s vibrant culture, history, and, of course, flavours."

Travellers will also want to make time to take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a 500-metre long ocean-side urban park along the coast.

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"Visitors can enjoy the sea breeze, fly a kite, or sample local street food like isso vadai (shrimp fritters)," Lindsay highlighted. "Perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers, this sprawling oceanfront park is a lively spot to relax and soak in Colombo."

For thrill seekers, Sri Lanka is a great destination for white water rafting, specifically in the town of Kitulgala.

"Only a two-hour drive from Colombo, Kitulgala offers adrenaline-inducing white water rafting experiences on the Kelani River, nestled by picturesque rainforests," Lindsay stated. "Guide your way through thrilling rapids ranging from grade two to three - an ideal adventure for both beginners and seasoned adrenaline junkies."

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Maniumpathy Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Maniumpathy Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sayura House is a boutique hotel in the heart of the city. With just 12 rooms, the property features a cozy garden lobby, ocean views from the rooftop, and it's a one-minute walk to the sea. It was the property's Sri Lankan-Japanese director, with a passion for architecture, who turned his childhood home into the hotel.

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The five-star Maniumpathy hotel is located in the central Cinnamon Gardens district. The seven-room boutique hotel is described as a "serene city oasis." The property has a number of experiences to enhance your stay, including sunset sailing, open air jeep safari, and cooking class.

The Taj Samudra is a luxury hotel that overlooks Galle Face Green. Set within 11 acres of lawns and gardens, the hotel has 300 rooms and suites, and it's located just a short walk from the business district, historical centre, and a host of cultural landmarks. There is also an outdoor pool and a beautiful afternoon tea service.

Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation.

Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later.

  • Step 1: Find your flights and hotel

  • Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you’re logged into your Skyscanner account!

  • Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you’re planning.

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

  • Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

  • Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

  • Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

  • Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.