In 2025, Canadian travel to the United States experienced an unprecedented decline, creating ripples across the tourism industry in both countries. For decades, Canadians were a key source of tourism revenue for U.S. destinations, particularly in Florida, California, New York and border states such as Montana and Vermont. Statistics show that Canadian visits by car fell by more than 30 percent in key months, while air travel dropped by double-digit percentages. This sudden decline reflects not only economic pressures and currency fluctuations but also political sentiment and evolving travel preferences among Canadians.
The consequences of this shift are far-reaching. Canada Tourism Freeze U.S Destinations tourism boards and local businesses have seen hotel bookings decrease, retail sales soften and airline routes adjusted to meet lower demand. At the same time, Canadians are choosing alternative destinations, both within their own country and abroad, shifting the traditional travel landscape. This trend represents more than a temporary slowdown it indicates structural changes in cross-border tourism patterns.
Economists suggest that the reduced Canadian flow could translate into billions of dollars in lost spending and tens of thousands of jobs affected in hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors. Understanding the factors behind this change is essential for the travel industry to adapt and remain resilient.
A Drop in Numbers: The Data Behind the Shift
Canadian travel to the United States fell sharply in the first half of 2025. Road trips, traditionally the most common mode of cross-border travel, declined by over 30 percent, while air travel also dropped by 20 to 25 percent. These reductions affected every major destination, from sun-filled beaches in Florida to ski resorts in New York.
| Month | Car Travel Drop | Air Travel Drop |
| April | 35% | 20% |
| May | 38% | 24% |
| June | 33% | 22% |
| July | 37% | 26% |
The data reveal that Canadian tourists once accounted for about a quarter of all foreign visitors to the United States. Their spending contributed billions annually to hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and airlines. The 2025 decline is historically significant and marks a major shift in cross-border tourism.
Reasons Behind the Decline
Several factors contributed to the reduction in Canadian visits to the United States. Economic considerations, such as a strong U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar, made trips more expensive. Many travelers found domestic destinations or alternative international locations more appealing.
Political sentiment also played a role. Surveys indicate that a portion of Canadians avoided U.S. travel due to political tensions and policies they perceived as unwelcoming. Social trends favoring regional tourism and “staycations” further reinforced this shift.
“Economic and political pressures are influencing Canadians’ travel decisions. The U.S. is no longer an automatic choice,” says Dr. Emily Hartwell, a tourism economist.
“Airlines and tourism boards must adapt to these long-term changes in behavior,” adds Miguel Reyes, a senior travel analyst.
Airline Networks Adjust to Changing Demand
Major Canadian airlines have responded by reducing flights to U.S. cities with lower demand. Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, and Flair Airlines scaled back service to cities such as Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. Instead, carriers increased flights to Europe, Mexico, and domestic Canadian destinations.
| Airline | U.S. Routes Reduced | New/Expanded Markets |
| Air Canada | Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington | London, Paris, Frankfurt |
| WestJet | Multiple leisure routes | Europe and domestic flights |
| Porter | Mid-Atlantic U.S. flights | Canadian domestic destinations |
| Flair | Various U.S. flights | Sun destinations and Canadian hubs |
These adjustments reflect the need for airlines to align capacity with demand. They also indicate a broader trend of Canadian travelers diversifying their destinations.
Economic Impact on U.S. Tourism
States that historically relied on Canadian visitors have felt the financial effects. Montana, New York, and Florida reported declines in hotel occupancy and retail sales. Seasonal tourism, including winter sports and summer vacations, suffered noticeably.
Economists estimated that a 10 percent decline in Canadian visitors could reduce U.S. tourism revenue by more than $2 billion. The actual declines in 2025, exceeding 30 percent in many cases, suggest that financial losses are substantial. Local businesses have initiated marketing campaigns aimed at attracting Canadians back, but reversing the trend requires more than promotions; it requires restoring confidence in cross-border travel.
New Competitive Landscapes
As Canadian travel to the United States declines, other destinations are benefiting. Mexico, the Caribbean, and European capitals have seen increased Canadian tourism. Domestically, Canadians are exploring more regional attractions, from coastal British Columbia to historic Quebec.
This shift illustrates a broader global trend in tourism: travelers are prioritizing cost, cultural experience, and safety over tradition. The United States may face challenges in regaining its share of Canadian tourists unless strategic changes are made in marketing, accessibility, and pricing.
Takeaways
- Canadian travel to the U.S. fell sharply in 2025, affecting both road and air travel.
- Political and economic factors influenced travel decisions.
- Airlines reduced U.S. routes and expanded European and domestic networks.
- Border and winter-dependent states in the U.S. faced economic strain.
- Canadians increasingly opted for domestic travel or international destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Tourism boards are exploring strategies to attract Canadian visitors back.
- The trend may reflect a long-term shift in North American travel behavior.
Conclusion
The decline in Canadian travel to the United States highlights the complex interplay of economic, political, and social factors shaping modern tourism. For the Canada Tourism Freeze U.S Destinations the drop has immediate financial consequences and signals a need to rethink marketing and engagement strategies. For Canadians, the trend reflects more diverse travel choices and a growing preference for domestic or alternative international destinations.
Restoring Canadian interest in Canada Tourism Freeze U.S Destinations travel will require addressing both economic and political concerns, as well as offering compelling reasons to return. This tourism freeze demonstrates that even long-standing travel patterns are not immune to broader changes. Moving forward, both nations must adapt to ensure a sustainable and mutually beneficial travel relationship.
FAQs
Why are Canadians traveling less to the U.S.?
Economic pressures, political sentiment, and alternative travel options have made the U.S. less attractive in 2025.
How has U.S. tourism been affected financially?
States relying on Canadian visitors experienced lower revenue, reduced hotel occupancy, and fewer seasonal jobs.
Which U.S. states were most affected?
Montana, New York, Florida, and other border or winter destinations saw significant declines.
Where are Canadians traveling instead?
Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and domestic Canadian destinations have grown in popularity.
How have airlines responded?
Canadian carriers reduced U.S. routes and expanded flights to Europe, Mexico, and domestic locations.
References
- Forbes. (2025, July 10). Canadian visitors to U.S. plummet. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/07/10/canadian-visitors-to-us-plummet-june-2025
- Forbes. (2025, April 29). Trump politics keeping Canadians from visiting U.S., survey reports. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/04/29/us-travel-boycott-60-of-canadians-staying-away-because-of-trump-survey-says
- BC Aviation Council. (2025, May 4). Canada freezes U.S. travel routes as airlines adjust. https://www.bcaviationcouncil.org/canada-freezes-us-travel-as-air-canada-westjet-porter-and-flair-slash-routes-to-major-cities-including-san-francisco-miami-new-york-and-washington-to-tap-growing-demand-in-europe
- Travel and Tour World. (2025). News on tourism impacts and city declines. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/new-york-joins-new-hampshire-maine-montana-washington-and-vermont-as-canadian-travel-freeze-to-us-takes-its-toll