A seismic shift is happening in the world of travel, and it's got Canadians at the center of the story. Once a cornerstone of the U.S. tourism industry, Canadians are now rethinking their travel habits, and the numbers tell a compelling tale. But where are they going instead? Let's dive in.
In recent years, a staggering one in four visitors to the U.S. has been Canadian. However, with a growing number of Canadians choosing to boycott U.S. holidays, a significant shift in travel patterns is underway. This trend began in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods and his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state. This has led many Canadians to adopt an unofficial motto, the hockey term "elbows up", which means punishing the opposition. The boycott of U.S. travel has now extended into its 12th straight month, and there are no signs of it slowing down.
For years, Canadians have been the biggest source of international visitors to the U.S., accounting for 28% of foreign tourists in 2024. But since January 2025, that figure has dropped dramatically. According to the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), inbound Canadian travel to the U.S. is down 23% year-to-date (January-October), resulting in an estimated $4 billion (£3 billion) loss compared to the previous year. The USTA also reports that roughly four million fewer Canadians have visited the U.S. so far this year.
But here's the interesting part: Canadians are traveling more overall. This begs the question: where are they going instead?
Many Canadians, including travel writer and content creator Emilie Brillon, have decided to heed national calls – including those from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – to support Canada and explore their own country.
"I used to cover road trips across both Canada and the U.S.," said Brillon. "But last March, I made a conscious shift to focus solely on Canada. We even canceled a planned family trip to the Grand Canyon in April 2025 and chose to redirect that budget into the Canadian economy instead."
This shift reflects a broader sentiment, as many international travelers have been rethinking their U.S. travel plans this year.
Toronto-based publicist Tracy Lamourie, who used to travel to the U.S. regularly, is now blunt about her plans: "[I'm] never crossing the border again," she said. "[I] switched to Europe for travel and Zoom for meetings. [Between the] 51st state rhetoric and human rights abuses – while it never seemed safe – now it's on the no-go list."
This is a trend that the USTA estimates will cost the U.S. $5.7 billion (£4.28 billion).
According to Statistics Canada, domestic travel within Canada has surged in 2025, alongside increased Canadian travel to Mexico, Portugal, the Bahamas, and Belize. The agency reports a nearly 12% rise in Canadian visitors to Mexican cities year-to-date. Data also shows that Canadian spending in destinations like Buenos Aires, Osaka, Copenhagen, and Curacao was up more than 100% this summer compared to 2024.
But here's where it gets controversial: the U.S. destinations that typically rely on Canadian tourism are feeling the impact. Between January and July, 30% fewer Canadians crossed the border into Vermont compared to the same period in 2024. Las Vegas has seen an 18% year-to-date decline, and places like Ft. Lauderdale, Upstate New York, and many other regions are experiencing similar downturns.
And this is the part most people miss: An increase in flight connectivity to Europe and the Caribbean is making it easier for Canadians to bypass the U.S. Air Canada is launching new non-stop routes across Europe and to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, aiming to cater to Canadian travelers. From December 4-20, the airline is launching 13 new routes to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America – a move that is likely aimed at Canadian "snowbirds" who previously relied on U.S. states like Florida or California for winter sun.
So, what do you think about this shift in travel patterns? Do you see this as a temporary blip, or a more permanent change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!"
