Canadians spent $3.3bn less on travel to the United States in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to new data from Statistics Canada. The sharp drop reflects a shift in travel preferences following Donald Trump's return to office and his administration's America First policies, including tariffs and annexation talk.
Spending shift away from the US
Total US travel spending by Canadians fell to $18.8bn in 2025, down from $22.1bn in 2024. Meanwhile, spending on international travel excluding the US rose by $3.6bn to $22.8bn. Canadian visits to Europe increased nearly 14% year-over-year, while visits to Asia jumped almost 17%.
“Following the change in the US administration in early 2025 and the implementation of America First policies, Canadian travel sentiment shifted abruptly,” the Statistics Canada report stated.
Historic border crossing declines
Return trips to Canada from the US by vehicle and plane dropped by about one quarter overall in 2025. The steepest declines occurred in July 2025, when border crossings fell by roughly one-third compared to July 2024. Statistics Canada described the nearly year-long drop as “the deepest and most sustained on record” since digital record-keeping began in 1972. The only previous decline exceeding 30% was in September 2001 after the 9/11 attacks.
Continuing trend into 2026
Preliminary 2026 data shows leisure travel to the US remains at levels similar to late 2025, which saw a 27% decline in return trips between October and December. The agency said this signals “a persistent shift away from the United States by Canadian residents in their travel preferences.”
The data underscores the economic cost of Trump’s hostile policies toward Canada, as Canadians opt for other international destinations over US vacations.
