In 2025, Canadians significantly reduced their travel expenditure to the United States, spending $3.3 billion less compared to 2024 amidst ongoing political and trade tensions. Official data reveals that Canadian travel spending in the U.S. dropped from $22.1 billion in 2024 to $18.8 billion the following year. This shift indicates a preference for destinations beyond the American borders among Canadian travelers.
While visits to the U.S. declined, Canadian spending on international travel outside the United States saw a notable increase of $3.6 billion, rising to $22.8 billion. This change highlights a growing interest in alternative global destinations. Specifically, travel to Europe grew by nearly 14%, and visits to Asia surged by almost 17%, as Canadians sought experiences in different parts of the world instead of the neighboring U.S.
The reduction in travel to the United States was also evident in the decreased border traffic throughout 2025. The number of return trips from the U.S. to Canada by both road and air saw a significant decline of about 25% compared to the previous year. The most pronounced drop occurred in July, with border crossings plummeting by approximately one-third, underscoring the broader trend of Canadians opting for other international destinations.
This trend of reduced travel to the United States has persisted into 2026, with travel volumes yet to recover to their previous levels. Officials suggest that these figures reflect a lasting change in Canadian travel patterns, pointing towards a sustained preference for destinations outside the United States. This ongoing shift marks a significant development in the travel habits of Canadians, as they continue to explore options beyond their southern neighbor.