OTTAWA — Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals a significant downturn in travel patterns for Canadian residents returning from the United States. In September 2025, there were approximately 1.4 million automobile trips back to Canada, marking a notable decline of 34.8% compared to the previous year. This drop is part of a broader trend of reduced travel that has persisted throughout the year.
Conversely, air travel from the U.S. and other countries showed a different trajectory. Canadian-resident return trips by air totaled 1.3 million in September 2025, down 7% from the same month in 2024.
In terms of air travel specifics, Canadian residents returning from non-U.S. destinations saw a 3.9% rise, amounting to roughly 1 million trips in September 2025. However, air travel from the U.S. experienced a substantial downturn, with returns decreasing by 27.1% to 372,000 trips.
On the inbound side of travel, statistics also reflect a decline for U.S. residents visiting Canada. In September 2025, air travel to Canada by U.S. residents saw a mere 0.4% decrease when compared to the same month in 2024. Additionally, travel by automobile from the U.S. into Canada dropped by 5.3%.
These figures indicate a significant change in travel trends, highlighting a complex scenario in the tourism and travel sectors. For further insight into travel statistics and trends, visit Statistics Canada.
For travelers planning their next journey, staying informed on the latest data can help navigate changing travel conditions and make more informed decisions.
