Last year, millions of Canadians decided to skip trips to the U. S., opting instead for more vacations within Canada and other countries, according to data from the Canadian government.
The number of visits by Canadians to the U. S. fell by about 25% in 2025, resulting in billions less spent on tourism, the report indicates. Canadians spent $13.3 billion in the U. S. last year, a decrease from nearly $15 billion in 2024. This decline happened during a time of increased political and trade tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian officials.
For instance, in April, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that President Trump’s tariffs negatively impacted auto and steel workers in Canada and hindered economic growth. Mr. Trump’s remark suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state further strained relations, with Carney responding that Canada is not for sale.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly asserted that the Trump administration’s policies have actually helped boost tourism in the U. S.
“President Trump has done more for American tourism than anyone, including by making our cities safe and beautiful again for all to enjoy and bringing major events like the Los Angeles Olympics and FIFA World Cup to the United States and Canada,” she said in a statement to CBS News. “The administration also spared no effort giving our country’s 250th anniversary the spectacle it deserved, which was witnessed by visitors from around the globe.”
Canadians have always enjoyed traveling to the U. S. for vacations and family gatherings due to its close proximity and generally warmer weather.
However, travel survey results reveal that Canadians recorded 7.1 million fewer visits to the U. S. last year compared to 2024, spending more time vacationing domestically and abroad. Domestic travel among Canadians increased by 5.1 million trips, benefiting Canada’s economy while total visits outside of the U. S. went up by 1.3 million.
Edited by Alain Sherter
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