In 2025, Canadians reduced their travel expenditures to the United States by $3.3 billion compared to the previous year, marking a notable shift in travel preferences amid ongoing political and trade tensions. Official data indicates that Canadian spending on U.S. travel dropped from $22.1 billion in 2024 to $18.8 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, spending on international travel outside the U.S. saw an increase of $3.6 billion, reaching a total of $22.8 billion.
The decline in U.S. travel was accompanied by a surge in trips to other international destinations. Canadian visits to Europe went up by nearly 14%, while travel to Asia increased by almost 17%, suggesting a shift towards alternative destinations. This change in travel behavior points to Canadians seeking options beyond the United States for their international excursions.
Additionally, there was a significant drop in border traffic between the U.S. and Canada throughout 2025. Return trips to Canada from the U.S. by road and air decreased by about 25% compared to the previous year. The most considerable decline was noted in July, with border crossings plummeting by roughly one-third during that month.
This trend of reduced travel to the United States has persisted into 2026, with travel volumes remaining below previous levels. Officials have highlighted this as evidence of a sustained shift in Canadian travel behavior away from the U.S. as Canadians continue to explore other international destinations.