Canadians are increasingly turning away from the United States as political tensions, border concerns and rising travel costs reshape how people choose their vacations in 2026. New data shows the slowdown is no longer temporary — it is becoming one of the biggest travel shifts between the neighboring countries in years.
According to Statistics Canada, Canadian residents returning from trips to the U.S. fell to 1.1 million in February 2026, down more than 13% compared with the same period last year. Compared with 2024 levels, the decline was even sharper at more than 28%.
A separate University of Toronto study analyzing mobile phone activity found a median 42% drop in Canadian visits to the United States between April 2025 and March 2026 compared with the previous year. The findings reflect a major change in travel behavior for a country that has historically been America’s biggest source of international visitors.
Politics, Border Anxiety and Rising Costs
For many Canadians, the decision is personal as much as financial. Travelers interviewed by USA TODAY said concerns about U.S. immigration enforcement, political rhetoric and comments about Canada’s sovereignty have left them uncomfortable traveling south of the border.
Vancouver lawyer Paul Doroshenko said he canceled upcoming American vacations after becoming increasingly concerned about detentions involving Canadian travelers, immigration policies and repeated references to Canada as a “51st state.” Instead of Florida trips, his family chose Europe and the Dominican Republic.
The weakening Canadian dollar is also pushing families to reconsider U.S. travel. Hotels, shopping, food and entertainment in the U.S. have become significantly more expensive for Canadians compared with domestic vacations or trips to Europe and the Caribbean.
Travel platforms are already seeing the shift. Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook found Canadians are increasingly choosing domestic destinations like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, while Paris, London and Rome rank among the top international picks this year.
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U.S. Tourism Industry Feeling the Impact
The decline is creating pressure on the American tourism sector. The U.S. Travel Association reported overall foreign visitation to the U.S. dropped 5.5% in 2025, largely driven by fewer Canadian travelers. That translated into a 2.4% decline in inbound travel spending revenue.
Canadian visitors are especially valuable because they tend to spend more on extended vacations, shopping trips and seasonal stays. Border towns, restaurants, hotels and small businesses that depend on Canadian tourism are beginning to feel the slowdown.
Some Canadians continue visiting the U.S. for sporting events, family traditions and business travel. Others believe boycotting American travel hurts local businesses more than politicians. Swikblog recently explored similar tourism and travel-demand shifts in its report on Canadian airlines adjusting U.S. routes amid changing traveler sentiment.
Major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup may help revive some travel demand later this year, with projections showing a possible increase in Canadian visitors during the tournament. Still, analysts say long-term recovery will depend on political stability, border confidence and whether Canadian travelers once again feel welcomed in the United States.
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