Canadians spent $3.3bn less on travel to the US in 2025 after Donald Trump returned to office, according to new Statistics Canada data. The decline marks a dramatic shift in travel patterns as American policies under the America First agenda triggered a widespread pullback from Canadian tourists.
The Scale of the Travel Decline
Total US travel spending by Canadians in 2025 fell to $18.8bn, down from $22.1bn in 2024. This 15% drop contrasts sharply with a $3.6bn increase in spending on international travel outside the US, which reached $22.8bn. The data underscores a deliberate pivot away from the United States.
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Border Crossings Plummet
Return trips from the US to Canada by vehicle and plane dropped by about 25% overall in 2025 compared to 2024. July saw the steepest decline, with border crossings falling by nearly one-third from the previous year. Statistics Canada called these declines "the deepest and most sustained on record" since digital record-keeping began in 1972.
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| US travel spending (Canadians) | $22.1bn | $18.8bn | −$3.3bn |
| Non-US international spending | $19.2bn | $22.8bn | +$3.6bn |
| Visits to Europe | Baseline | +14% | Increase |
| Visits to Asia | Baseline | +17% | Increase |
| Return trips from US (vehicle & plane) | Baseline | −25% | Decline |
Why Canadians Are Choosing Other Destinations
Trump’s tariff regime and repeated remarks about annexing Canada soured travel sentiment. The Statistics Canada report noted that after the change in US administration, "Canadian travel sentiment shifted abruptly." Canadians are not avoiding travel altogether—they are simply replacing US vacations with trips to Europe, Asia, and other regions.
Historical Context
The only previous decline of more than 30% in border crossings occurred after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. The 2025 drop is similarly historic but driven by political and economic factors rather than security concerns.
Key Takeaways
- Canadians spent $3.3bn less on US travel in 2025, a 15% year-over-year drop.
- Non-US international spending rose by $3.6bn, indicating a deliberate shift.
- European and Asian visits surged 14% and 17% respectively.
- Border crossings fell by 25% overall, with a 30% dip in July 2025.
- Early 2026 data shows the trend continuing, with similar declines seen in late 2025.
What This Means for the Future
The sustained decline suggests a long-term change in Canadian travel behavior. If America First policies persist, US tourism—especially from Canada, its largest source of international visitors—may never fully recover. For now, Canadians are voting with their passports, choosing destinations that welcome them.
FAQ
Why did Canadians reduce travel to the US in 2025?
Canadians reduced US travel primarily due to Donald Trump’s hostile policies, including tariffs and annexation rhetoric. Statistics Canada reported a sharp shift in travel sentiment following the new US administration.
How much money did Canadians spend less on US travel?
Canadians spent $3.3bn less on US travel in 2025 compared to 2024, totaling $18.8bn. Meanwhile, spending on other international destinations rose by $3.6bn.
Are Canadians traveling less overall?
No. Canadians are not reducing overall travel; they are replacing US trips with other international destinations. Visits to Europe increased by 14% and to Asia by 17% in 2025.
Will the trend continue in 2026?
Yes. Statistics Canada data from early 2026 shows leisure travel to the US continuing at levels similar to late 2025, which saw a 27% drop from the previous year. The shift appears persistent.
For more insights on how travel patterns are evolving, explore our Canada travel section for the latest updates and destination guides.
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