Decline in U.S. Travel Interest Among Canadians for 2026

Ein Schild weist auf die Grenze zwischen USA und Kanada hin

(Stadtratte via Getty Images)

With rising political tensions between Canada and the U. S., it’s clear that cross-border travel is feeling the effects. Recent data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) showed a dramatic 50.5 per cent drop in Canadian NEXUS applications year-over-year in 2025. Furthermore, a Flight Centre Canada survey found that 62 per cent of Canadians are less inclined to visit the U. S. in 2026 compared to last year.

In a You Gov study for Flight Centre Canada conducted from Nov. 7 to Nov. 11, 2025, with responses from 1,064 Canadian adults (excluding Quebec residents) planning leisure trips for 2026, it was noted that 42 per cent feel that “Canada Strong” will shape their travel approach this year. The report titled “Canada Strong: A National Travel Mindset for 2026 and Beyond” also pointed out how the weak Canadian dollar is affecting travel choices.

“Over the past year, we’ve seen a redistribution of Canadian travel spending,” said Chris Lynes, managing director of Flight Centre Travel Group Canada.

“While U. S. travel has softened, outbound journeys to other international locations and interest in domestic trips have increased. If this trend continues, it could permanently alter where Canadians choose to spend their travel dollars.”

As American destinations lose their status as “go-to” spots for Canadians, 57 per cent of those surveyed reported that political and cultural factors are influencing their choice regarding U. S. travel; additionally, concerns about border hassles and restrictions (52 per cent), safety issues (46 per cent), and cost/exchange rates (44 per cent) play a role.

Gondola ride to Sulphur Mountain overlooks the Bow Valley and the town of Banff (Getty Images)

(MJ_Prototype via Getty Images)

‘More Canadians commit to immersive trips at home’

However, this doesn’t mean that Canadians aren’t interested in traveling at all. Many are opting to explore closer destinations this year, with 25 per cent of those surveyed planning on including Europe in their travels.

Ultimately, cost plays a significant role: 58 per cent state that vacation prices will influence their travel plans.

“Canadians still really want to travel – that hasn’t changed. What has changed is how cautious people are about where they put their tourism dollars,” explained Anita Emilio, executive vice president of Flight Centre Canada.

“Instead of cutting back completely, they’re adjusting by looking for places that match their values, booking earlier and choosing off-season times to travel. It’s a practical shift allowing Canadians to keep traveling without losing out on meaningful experiences.”

According to the Flight Centre report, Atlantic Canada tops the list as the preferred destination for Canadians wanting to explore within their own country, followed closely by British Columbia.

“We’re noticing more Canadians committing to immersive experiences at home – especially multi-stop adventures through Atlantic Canada,” stated Jaime Murcheson, a travel expert and assistant location manager with Flight Centre Direct West. “Clients are treating Canada like they once treated Europe by creating longer itineraries and taking time to thoroughly discover our own backyard.”

Source link