Rising tariffs and patriotic sentiment drive a surge in domestic travel as Canadians opt for road trips and national parks over U.S. vacations.
Domestic Travel Soars Amid Political Tensions
An escalating political climate between Canada and the U.S. is reshaping vacation plans for many Canadians this summer. Following recent tariff hikes and anti-Canadian rhetoric from U.S. leadership, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to explore their own country instead of traveling across the border.
Policy and Patriotism Fuel Travel Shift
The movement gained momentum after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on Canadian goods and made controversial remarks about annexing Canada. In response, Canadian consumers and travelers launched a “Buy Canadian” campaign, fueling domestic tourism. Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced the “Canada Strong” pass, offering free or discounted access to national parks and cultural sites, reinforcing the call to explore home soil.
Tourism Sector Sees Record Demand
Travel companies are reporting a surge in bookings. London, Ontario-based Guess Where Trips saw a 75% increase in demand for curated road trips, especially around Ottawa and other regional attractions. Whale watching tours in Nova Scotia, RV rentals in British Columbia, and flights to the Yukon are all reporting peak levels of interest.
Canadians Cite Cost and Principle in Travel Choices
Bank of Canada data shows 55% of Canadians plan to reduce travel to the U.S. this year, while 35% intend to spend more within Canada. Divya Mohan, a Toronto-based communications specialist, said she swapped a Texas vacation for a trip to Winnipeg, praising its cultural offerings. Vancouver’s Kramer Solinsky chose local road trips over costly flights abroad, citing both cost-efficiency and a desire to support Canadian businesses.
Airlines Adjust Routes to Meet New Demand
To meet the increase in domestic travel, carriers like Air North expanded routes to remote northern areas. Arrivals to Yukon rose 7.6% in the first half of 2025. Porter Airlines increased its domestic capacity to 80%, while WestJet suspended several U.S. routes due to declining interest.
A Costly but Rewarding Alternative
Despite higher costs associated with some domestic flights, Canadians are finding ways to explore locally—through road trips, package deals, and regional tourism passes. Industry leaders believe this trend reflects not just a political statement but a renewed appreciation for Canada’s diverse travel offerings.
Outlook for Late Summer and Fall
With bookings up across the board, tourism operators anticipate the busiest season in recent history. As more Canadians turn inward for adventure, 2025 may become a defining year for the growth of Canada’s domestic travel industry.
Reported by Maple News Wire. All rights reserved.
