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Toronto-based publicist Tracy Lamourie says she used to travel to the US regularly but was blunt about her plans moving forward: “[I’m] never crossing the border again,” she said. “[I] switched to Europe for travel and Zoom for meetings. [Between the] 51st state rhetoric and human rights abuses – while it never seemed safe – now it’s on the no-go list.”
Lamourie’s stance reflects a broader sentiment, as many international travellers have been rethinking their US travel plans this year – a trend that the USTA estimates will cost the US $5.7bn (£4.28bn).
According to Statistics Canada, the country’s central statistical agency, domestic travel within Canada has surged in 2025, alongside increased Canadian travel to Mexico, Portugal, the Bahamas and Belize. The agency reports a nearly 12% rise in Canadian visitors to Mexican cities year to date. Data also shows that Canadian spending in destinations like Buenos Aires, Osaka, Copenhagen and Curacao was up more than 100% this summer compared to 2024.
AlamyIslands in the Caribbean have seen record numbers of Canadians this year (Credit: Alamy)
Meanwhile, US destinations that typically rely on Canadian tourism are feeling the impact. Between January and July, 30% fewer Canadians crossed the border into Vermont compared to the same period in 2024. Las Vegas has seen an 18% year-to-date decline, and places like Ft Lauderdale, Upstate New York and many other regions are experiencing similar downturns.
An increase in flight connectivity to Europe and the Caribbean is making it easier for Canadians to bypass the US. “From Canada to Berlin, Ponta Delgada, Nantes and Brussels, we are strategically increasing new non-stop routes across Europe to bring convenient access to key destinations, while strengthening economic ties and supporting tourism,” Air Canada executive vice president and chief commercial officer Mark Galardo said in a statement.
From 4-20 December, the airline is also launching 13 new routes to the Caribbean, Central America and South America – a move that is likely aimed at Canadian “snowbirds” who previously relied on US states like Florida or California for winter sun.
