In 2025, Canadians drastically reduced their spending on travel to the United States, opting instead for destinations further afield. Official figures show that Canadian travelers spent $18.8 billion in the U.S., down from $22.1 billion the previous year — a decrease of $3.3 billion. This notable change in travel habits comes amid ongoing political and trade tensions that have seemingly influenced Canadian preferences.
As Canadian interest in the U.S. waned, their spending on international travel outside the United States surged by $3.6 billion, reaching $22.8 billion. This shift was particularly evident in the rise of travel to Europe and Asia, with European trips increasing by nearly 14% and visits to Asia climbing by almost 17%. These figures suggest that Canadians have been exploring alternative international destinations as they steer clear of their southern neighbor.
The decline in travel to the United States was also mirrored in border traffic data. Throughout 2025, return trips from the U.S. to Canada, whether by road or air, plummeted by approximately 25% compared to 2024. The most significant drop occurred in July, when crossings fell by about one-third, marking a notable change in travel patterns.
This trend of reduced travel to the United States has persisted into 2026, with travel volumes still remaining below previous highs. Officials suggest that these figures indicate a lasting shift in Canadian travel behavior, as more people choose destinations beyond the traditional trips south of the border.