In a marked transformation of travel habits, Canadian expenditure on trips to the United States dropped by $3.3 billion in 2025 compared to the previous year. This decline from $22.1 billion in 2024 to $18.8 billion signifies a notable shift amid persistent political and trade tensions between the two nations.
While spending on U.S. travel dwindled, Canadians increased their international travel expenditures outside the U.S. by $3.6 billion, reaching a total of $22.8 billion. This shift was particularly visible in the rising preference for European and Asian destinations, with travel to Europe and Asia growing by nearly 14% and 17%, respectively. These figures underscore a trend of Canadians exploring alternative international locales rather than visiting their southern neighbor.
Alongside the drop in spending, there was a significant reduction in border crossings from the United States to Canada throughout 2025. The number of return trips, whether by road or air, fell by approximately 25% compared to the previous year. The most pronounced decrease occurred in July, with a roughly one-third reduction in crossings during this peak travel month.
As 2026 unfolds, this trend appears to be maintaining its course, with travel volumes to the United States still markedly lower than in prior years. Officials have noted that these statistics suggest a lasting change in Canadian travel preferences, indicating a continued departure from traditional travel patterns favoring the United States.