Fewer Canadians are travelling to the U.S. as safety, politics, and affordability drive them toward domestic and international alternatives.
Fewer Canadians Flying South Despite Busy Airports
A new report from Statistics Canada reveals that Canadian air travel to the United States has dropped for the third consecutive month as of April 2025. While airports across Canada recorded high traffic volumes, fewer passengers were heading to the U.S.—indicating a significant shift in Canadian travel patterns.
This decline comes even as both domestic and international air traffic continue to grow, highlighting that American destinations are struggling to win back Canadian tourists in a post-pandemic, politically sensitive era.
Airlines Reroute as Demand Shifts Away from U.S.
Canada’s major airlines are quickly adjusting. Air Canada recently unveiled its “largest winter expansion,” introducing 13 new routes and increasing seat capacity to Latin America by 16%. The airline now operates more than 55 daily flights to sun destinations, totaling over 80,000 seats weekly.
WestJet has followed suit, reallocating aircraft from U.S. routes to bolster domestic services and flights to Europe and popular international vacation spots. Both airlines are responding to clear signs that Canadians are looking elsewhere for travel experiences.
U.S. Destinations Launch Targeted Campaigns
In an effort to reverse the downturn, some American states are directly targeting Canadians. California, for example, launched its “California Loves Canada” campaign in partnership with Expedia in May 2025.
According to Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta, the campaign has seen promising early results, with Canadians booking stays at 1,740 participating hotels. Website traffic rose by over 5% and click-through rates jumped by 2,800%, suggesting Canadians remain interested—if cautiously.
Travel Advisors See Hesitancy Over Politics, Safety
Canadian travel advisors confirm that safety concerns and sociopolitical tensions in the U.S. are driving some clients away. Julie Smigadis, owner of the Toronto-based Travel Our World agency, reports a noticeable drop in U.S. bookings.
One example involved an LGBTQ2S+ couple who cancelled a planned anniversary trip to Disney, citing discomfort and unease about travelling south. “They felt unsafe and unwelcome,” Smigadis said. The pair chose to rebook in Mexico, even at a financial loss.
Domestic Travel Surges, Led by Atlantic Canada
Instead, many Canadians are rediscovering destinations within their own borders. Jason Sarracini, CEO of Landsby, a Canada-focused travel platform, says interest in Atlantic Canada is booming. Its affordability, local charm, and intimate atmosphere have made it a top choice.
Sarracini also pointed to growing demand for Indigenous tourism, noting that both Canadian and American travellers are showing interest in culturally educational experiences that reflect Canada’s diverse heritage.
American Resorts Feel the Loss Firsthand
For U.S. resort owners near the border, the absence of Canadian guests is hitting hard. Paul Dame, owner of Bluff Point Golf Resort in Plattsburgh, New York, says Canadian bookings are down 30% compared to last year.
“This isn’t just about money. This is a very emotional thing,” Dame said. He personally contacted 130 long-time Canadian groups—49 of them said they would not return this season, citing broader discomfort with the U.S. climate.
While group bookings continue modestly, individual day-trippers and golfers have nearly vanished, leaving parking lots that were once full now nearly empty.
Calls Grow for Accessible, Affordable Canadian Travel
Despite the surge in domestic travel, advisors warn that high costs at home could soon deter Canadians from exploring their own country. Smigadis believes airlines, governments, and hotels must work together to make travel within Canada more affordable.
“There has to be a way for our dollars to stay here,” she said. “We have a beautiful country, and we need to make it accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford luxury travel.”
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding a Cross-Border Bond
As summer travel ramps up, the challenge for American tourism operators is not just marketing—it’s regaining the trust of Canadian visitors. For Dame and others, the hope is that heartfelt outreach, policy shifts, and positive experiences can help mend strained cross-border ties.
“We’ve been friends and neighbours for decades,” Dame said. “It’s time we start rebuilding that relationship—one visitor at a time.”
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