In 2025, Canadians dramatically reduced their travel spending in the United States, cutting back by $3.3 billion compared to the previous year. This decline reflects a major shift in travel habits, likely influenced by ongoing political and trade tensions between the two countries. The data shows that Canadian expenditure on U.S. travel dropped from $22.1 billion in 2024 to $18.8 billion in 2025, highlighting a significant change in destination preference.
While visits to the U.S. decreased, Canadians increased their travel spending on destinations outside of the United States. In 2025, spending on international travel rose by $3.6 billion, reaching a total of $22.8 billion. This shift was particularly notable in travel to Europe and Asia, where Canadian visits surged by nearly 14% and 17% respectively, indicating a growing interest in exploring other parts of the world.
The decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. was also evident in border traffic statistics. Throughout 2025, return trips from the U.S. to Canada via both road and air decreased by approximately 25% compared to the prior year. The most significant drop occurred in July, with border crossings plummeting by about one-third, underscoring a broader trend of reduced travel between the neighboring countries.
As 2026 unfolds, this pattern appears to be continuing, with Canadian travel volumes to the United States remaining significantly below historical levels. Officials have noted that these figures suggest a persistent change in Canadian travel behavior, with many opting for destinations other than the U.S. for their international travel experiences.