In 2025, Canadian travelers significantly reduced their spending on trips to the United States, with expenditures dropping by $3.3 billion compared to 2024. The decline, from $22.1 billion in 2024 to $18.8 billion in 2025, marks a notable shift in travel preferences as Canadians appear to be opting for destinations other than the U.S. This change comes amid persistent political and trade tensions between the two neighboring countries.
While Canadian spending on U.S. travel decreased, there was a notable increase in expenditures on international travel to regions outside of the United States. Canadians spent an additional $3.6 billion on trips to other countries, bringing the total to $22.8 billion. European travel saw a rise of nearly 14%, and trips to Asia surged by almost 17%, suggesting these regions have become more attractive alternatives for Canadian travelers.
The impact of this trend was also evident in the border traffic figures for 2025. The number of return trips from the U.S. to Canada, whether by road or air, fell by approximately 25% compared to the previous year. July was particularly affected, with border crossings dropping by about one-third, indicating a peak in the reduced travel activity during that month.
As of 2026, this trend of diminished travel to the United States by Canadians persists, with travel volumes still lagging behind previous levels. The sustained shift in travel behavior points to a broader re-evaluation among Canadians regarding their travel destinations, possibly influenced by the ongoing geopolitical climate.