TORONTO — The question on many Canadians’ minds is: when will the decline in travel to the U.S. come to an end? Recent data from Statistics Canada suggests that this trend is set to continue, with no signs of recovery in the immediate future.
Statistics Canada reported that in May 2025, air travel by Canadian residents returning from the U.S. dropped a staggering 24.2% compared to the same month the previous year. This significant decline follows a downward trend observed earlier in 2025, where April showed a decrease of 19.9% and March recorded a drop of 13.5%.
In contrast, international travel from Canada to destinations outside the U.S. has seen a marked increase, with return trips from overseas countries rising by 9.8% compared to May 2024. This trend indicates a shift in preferences among Canadian travelers, who are now seeking alternative destinations beyond the borders of the United States.
The surge in overseas travel is proving beneficial for the retail travel industry, as travelers are increasingly inclined to book their international excursions through travel advisors. This preference is likely attributed to the professional insights and convenience that travel advisors offer, guiding Canadians in planning their trips to diverse international locales.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these trends will impact Canadian tourism to the U.S. and what further changes may arise in the travel habits of Canadians looking for new adventures abroad.
