Canadian return trips from the U.S. fell 32% in May 2025, as political tensions and economic patriotism drive more Canadians to avoid cross-border travel.
Canadian Travel to U.S. Falls Nearly 32% in May 2025
Sharp Drop Signals Changing Travel Preferences
Statistics Canada has reported a substantial 31.9% year-over-year decline in Canadian residents returning from the United States in May 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly drop, suggesting a sustained shift in Canadian travel patterns influenced by ongoing political tensions and changing consumer priorities.
Why Travel to the U.S. Is Declining
Political Rhetoric and Trade Friction Drive Boycott
Relations between Canada and the United States have soured in recent months due to the ongoing trade war and controversial remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump. Recent comments from U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, labeling Canadians as “mean” and “nasty,” further fueled public backlash. Canadian Premier David Eby responded by encouraging citizens to continue their cautious approach to cross-border spending, reinforcing the growing trend of a U.S. travel boycott.
Domestic and European Travel on the Rise
Canadians Looking Closer to Home and Across the Atlantic
While travel to the U.S. declined, trips to other international destinations rose. Statistics Canada recorded an 8.9% increase in return trips from overseas, and a 9.3% rise in Canadians returning from countries outside North America. Travel industry data supports this shift, with airports reporting higher demand for European destinations and a surge in domestic tourism.
Economic Patriotism and Policy Shifts
Canada Strong Pass Encourages Local Exploration
In response to the economic effects of the trade dispute, the federal government introduced the Canada Strong Pass. This initiative provides Canadians with free or discounted access to national parks, museums, galleries, and Via Rail, encouraging domestic travel. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the program as a show of unity and national pride, launched “at a time when our economy is under attack from President Trump.”
Impact on U.S.-Canada Tourism Exchange
Both Sides Feeling the Effects
The travel chill is mutual: visits by U.S. residents to Canada dropped 5.6% in May 2025, marking the fourth straight monthly decline. Some American lawmakers visiting Ottawa this month acknowledged the downturn, with one senator stating bluntly, “We miss you.” The cooling travel exchange signals a larger diplomatic chill that could affect tourism revenues on both sides of the border.
What Lies Ahead for Canadian Travel?
Sustained Shift or Temporary Reaction?
While it remains unclear whether this downward trend in U.S. travel will extend into 2026, the numbers suggest a deepening sentiment among Canadians to reevaluate their international destinations. For now, patriotism, politics, and consumer choice are reshaping how and where Canadians choose to travel.
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