Home » Canada Travel News » Canada Sees Historic Growth In Local Travel With Six Point Nine Million Additional Domestic Trips In 2025 As Canadians Rediscover Their Own Country Canada Sees Historic Growth In Local Travel With Six Point Nine Million Additional Domestic Trips In 2025 As Canadians Rediscover Their Own Country
Published on January 29, 2026

In 2025, Canadians are shifting their travel habits in a major way, with a significant rise in domestic tourism as U.S. trips see a steep decline. This change is driven by a combination of rising travel costs, political tensions with the U.S., and a renewed interest in exploring local destinations. With over six million more trips taken within Canada, more Canadians are opting to rediscover their own country, embracing its diverse landscapes and experiences, rather than traveling south of the border.
Canadians are increasingly turning to domestic destinations, shifting away from traditional trips to the United States. This growing preference for local travel has been driven by rising costs and a heightened interest in experiencing the country’s own diverse landscapes and cultures. The surge in domestic tourism has also been fueled by multicultural families and a desire for more authentic, local experiences.
Recent data shows that in the third quarter of 2025, Canadians took 6.9 million more domestic trips compared to the previous year, marking a noticeable rise in local travel. This trend points to a clear change in travel habits as Canadians prioritize discovering their own country. The growth in domestic tourism is widespread across Canada, with suburban families leading the charge, exploring the rich cultural, historical, and natural offerings of their home provinces.
In contrast to the boom in domestic travel, visits to the United States have dropped sharply. High travel costs, exchange rate fluctuations, and ongoing political tensions have made cross-border trips less attractive for Canadians. As a result, many are opting to explore Canada’s unique destinations instead of venturing south. Moreover, the desire to support local economies and reduce environmental impact has encouraged more Canadians to stay closer to home.
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While some regions, particularly the northern territories of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, have seen a decline in domestic tourism, the overall trend remains positive. These areas’ higher travel costs may have contributed to the drop, but other provinces have thrived. For instance, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan reported the highest growth in domestic tourism, with some areas experiencing double-digit increases in visitor numbers.
Ontario saw the largest increase, with 3.6 million more visitors, followed by Quebec with an additional 1.6 million visitors. Alberta also recorded a notable rise, welcoming 697,000 more visitors. These provinces’ diverse offerings, including outdoor adventures, cultural events, and urban experiences, have become major draws for Canadian travelers.
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This surge in domestic tourism is not confined to just a few provinces. Virtually every part of Canada experienced an uptick in travel, signaling that Canadians are increasingly discovering the wealth of experiences their own country has to offer. The interest in local travel is so widespread that it reflects a broader shift in the way Canadians view tourism. Instead of seeking vacations abroad, many are now turning to their own backyard for enriching and memorable experiences.
At the same time, trips to the U.S. have dropped by nearly 3.5 million, a 31% decline compared to the same period in 2024. While Canadian travelers are cutting back on U.S. visits, international travel has seen an uptick. Data from Statistics Canada reveals that in November 2025, Canadian residents took 1.1 million round-trip flights to international destinations, a 14.1% increase from the previous year.
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Among the top international destinations for Canadians in 2025 were Mexico, France, and the United Kingdom, with 471,000, 319,000, and 279,000 visits, respectively. This shift in travel patterns shows that while Canadians are avoiding the U.S., they are still eager to explore international destinations, albeit further afield. Countries like Japan, Spain, and France have seen significant increases in Canadian visitors, with Japan leading the charge with an 88% increase in arrivals from Canada.
This trend suggests that Canadians are becoming more adventurous in their travels, seeking new and culturally rich destinations. Whether traveling domestically or abroad, Canadians are increasingly looking for meaningful experiences that go beyond traditional tourist spots. The shift toward more sustainable and responsible travel is likely to continue as Canadians seek to support local communities and reduce their carbon footprint.
Ultimately, this change in travel behavior reflects broader shifts in the global tourism landscape. As costs rise and environmental concerns grow, travelers are prioritizing destinations that align with their values. Canadians are rediscovering the beauty and diversity of their own country while also venturing out to explore emerging international destinations. This shift will likely reshape the tourism industry both at home and abroad, as Canadians continue to seek out new and authentic travel experiences.
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