Data from Statistics Canada reveals a significant shift in travel preferences among Canadians, with a pronounced inclination toward domestic travel over visits to the United States. The trend is gaining momentum, evident from the September air travel statistics.
Domestic Travel on the Rise
In September, Canadian airports reported screening 2.5 million domestic passengers, marking a 10.2% increase compared to the same month in 2024. Leading this upward trend was Toronto Pearson International Airport, which experienced a noteworthy 15.2% year-over-year surge in domestic passenger volumes.
Decline in US Travel
Conversely, transborder air travel to the United States showed a worrying decline, plummeting by 10.5% as only 1.2 million passengers chose to fly south. This decline marks the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year decreases, leaving travel volumes 5.4% lower than in September 2019, prior to the pandemic.
Impact on Automobile Crossings
Moreover, crossing the border by automobile also saw a significant drop in September, declining by 34.8%. This hesitance among Canadians to visit the U.S. correlates with ongoing economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.
US States Facing Tourism Challenges
Several U.S. states are feeling the brunt of this shift in travel patterns. As reported by Caribbean News, states like California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, and New York have experienced nine consecutive months of tourism declines. Factors such as rising costs, evolving travel preferences, and general economic uncertainty have been cited as key contributors to this trend.
California’s Strategic Shift
The tourism sector in California is adapting to these changes by focusing on domestic travelers. Initiatives include promoting lesser-known destinations and providing value-driven packages aimed at addressing affordability concerns.
Political Factors Influencing Travel
Canadians’ hesitance to travel south is also influenced by political factors, particularly trade tensions and U.S. policy rhetoric. Provinces like Prince Edward Island and Quebec have cut back on U.S. trips by more than 50%, whereas Ontario’s decline stands at just under 30%.
Growing Interest in International Destinations
Interestingly, the trend of avoiding U.S. destinations has led Canadians to explore overseas options. Non-U.S. international travel increased by 6.9% in September 2025, reflecting a 13.2% hike from pre-pandemic figures. European and Asian routes have garnered increased popularity, with Generation X travelers notably pushing this demand. A robust performance is particularly evident in routes in and out of Western Canada.
As the travel landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Canadians’ preferences are shifting, and their response to both domestic and international travel is reflective of broader economic and political contexts.
