Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Canadians Choose Home: Domestic Travel Surges as U.S. Trips Decline in 2025
Published on
October 31, 2025
When Canadians set out to explore last summer, many chose homegrown destinations instead of heading south to the United States. Data show fewer Canadians crossing the border as domestic travel grows stronger. More Canadians are turning their focus to exploring their own provinces, spending time and money within the country. Families, friends, and solo travellers alike are finding beauty closer to home. This change reflects a sense of comfort, pride, and practicality among travellers who prefer shorter, simpler trips that support local communities and businesses.
Canada’s travel industry is seeing a major shift in demand. Many Canadians appear to be staying closer to home, favouring domestic trips over cross-border escapes. Recent national surveys indicate that fewer Canadians are travelling abroad, particularly to the United States. This change highlights how local tourism operators now stand to benefit from travellers redirecting their spending to Canadian destinations.
The tourism landscape is adapting to this new reality. With fewer Canadians heading south, provinces and territories that rely on domestic visitors are seeing stronger numbers. Data show that Canadians are taking millions more local trips compared to last year, signalling growing interest in home-based travel. This increase in domestic spending points to renewed strength across Canada’s tourism sector.
For tourism industry leaders, the message is clear: the focus must shift toward local promotion. Travel operators, hotels, and marketing agencies are now positioning Canadian destinations as the first choice for travellers. Many Canadians say they have adjusted their travel plans due to tariffs, costs, and shifting attitudes about cross-border travel. These factors combine to make local vacations more appealing than ever.
Cross-border dynamics are changing in both directions. Fewer Americans are visiting Canada too, leading tourism operators to double down on attracting Canadians themselves. Meanwhile, international travel to other destinations outside North America continues to rise, creating a complex balance of trends. For Canada’s tourism economy, this shift brings both challenges and opportunities.
Domestic tourism providers are seizing the moment. Airlines have started adjusting routes and capacities, cutting some flights to popular U.S. destinations while expanding options within Canada. Hotels, resorts, and tour companies are launching new offers that showcase regional attractions and encourage Canadians to discover hidden gems. For local economies, this shift translates into more direct spending that stays within the country.
Canadian travellers are finding joy in rediscovering their homeland. A weekend getaway to a nearby city, a coastal drive, or a mountain retreat feels more attainable and rewarding than long overseas trips. With fewer border hurdles and no currency worries, these local experiences offer both relaxation and connection. This pattern is boosting small towns and rural destinations that depend on tourism income.
For Canada’s tourism boards, the focus now turns to storytelling. The goal is to highlight the ease, value, and authenticity of Canadian travel experiences. Promoting festivals, national parks, coastal routes, and culinary adventures can appeal to travellers looking for variety and meaning. With the right campaigns, Canada can strengthen its position as both a home and a destination worth exploring.
Government travel guidance continues to influence public sentiment. Advisory updates remind travellers of entry requirements and political climates that may affect trips abroad. As these factors evolve, many Canadians choose the stability of exploring within their own borders. For tourism planners, staying alert to these trends will be essential in shaping policy and promotion strategies.
Ultimately, this moment signals transformation for Canada’s tourism industry. As cross-border travel declines, the desire to explore locally grows stronger. Tourism operators, governments, and communities can use this turning point to build a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector. If they inspire Canadians to keep discovering the country they call home, they can turn this shift into lasting strength for Canada’s travel future.
