A sharp question hangs over travel trends: where are Canadians choosing to go now? In recent years, Canadians accounted for about a quarter of all visitors to the United States. Yet with growing boycotts of US holidays and tensions over tariffs, many are looking elsewhere.
Responding to tariffs on Canadian goods and signals that Canada could become another US state, a rising number of Canadians have embraced a resolute, almost defensive travel mindset often described as an “elbows up” approach—a hockey metaphor implying a willingness to push back against opponents. This attitude has translated into widespread cancellations of planned US trips, and the momentum of Canada-centered travel continues to build as the boycott stretches into its twelfth month, with no clear signs of slowing.
Historically, Canada has been the United States’ largest source of international visitors, contributing about 28% of foreign travelers in 2024. However, early 2025 data shows a pronounced shift: the US Travel Association reports a 23% year-to-date decrease in Canadian inbound travel from January through October, a gap roughly equating to four million fewer Canadian visitors and an estimated loss of about $4 billion (£3 billion).
Even as Canadians cut back on cross-border trips, overall travel within Canada is rising, and many are turning their attention to destinations beyond the US. Several travelers, including writers and content creators, have publicly cited a shift toward exploring domestic landscapes and deeper engagement with Canada, aligning with calls from national leaders to support the home country and invest in domestic experiences.
For example, travel writer Emilie Brillon notes a deliberate pivot away from cross-border road trips to prioritizing Canadian journeys. She even redirected funds from a family trip to the Grand Canyon toward boosting Canada’s economy. Her stance mirrors a broader sentiment among international travelers who are rethinking US travel plans amid political tensions and human-rights concerns.
This shift has elicited strong opinions. Some Canadians have declared they will no longer cross the border at all, instead opting for European destinations or virtual meetings, while others question whether the US tourism industry will absorb the lost revenue. Estimates from the US Travel Association suggest the US could miss several billion dollars in tourism income as a result of these changes.
Canadian domestic tourism has surged in 2025, with more Canadians exploring within their own borders and expanding travel to places like Mexico, Portugal, the Bahamas, and Belize. Statistics Canada reports a noticeable rise in Canadian visits to Mexican cities and a significant year-over-year increase in spending in international cities such as Buenos Aires, Osaka, Copenhagen, and Curacao.
Meanwhile, US destinations that once depended heavily on Canadian visitors are feeling the impact. From January through July, certain regions saw sizable declines: border-crossing into Vermont dropped by about 30%, Las Vegas experienced an around 18% dip, and other popular spots like Ft. Lauderdale and parts of Upstate New York reported similar downturns.
One practical response to shifting demand has been stronger air connectivity to Europe and the Caribbean. Air Canada, citing a strategy to broaden non-stop routes to Berlin, Ponta Delgada, Nantes, and Brussels, emphasizes the aim of giving travelers easier access to key European destinations while strengthening economic ties. The carrier is also introducing a wave of new routes to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America this December, a move likely designed to serve Canadian “snowbirds” who previously relied on warmer US states like Florida or California for winter sun.
In short, Canadians are redistributing their travel budgets and ambitions—from crossing the US border less frequently to seeking richer experiences at home and in other regions. The consequences ripple through both sides of the border, prompting questions about how tourism industries will adapt in a changing geopolitical and economic landscape. Do you think these shifts will persist, or will cross-border travel rebound once political and economic tensions ease? Share your thoughts in the comments.
