Published on
August 9, 2025 |
The ongoing trade war between the US and Canada has sparked significant changes in travel trends. As tensions escalate, many Canadians are reconsidering their travel plans to the United States, opting instead for international destinations. This shift is primarily due to the ongoing political climate and trade disputes, which have made some Canadians wary of spending money in the US. As a result, countries in Europe, South America, and Asia are seeing an increase in Canadian travelers. This change is not only reflected in travel spending but also in the destinations people are choosing. Cities like Buenos Aires, Osaka, and Copenhagen are now becoming popular alternatives for Canadians who previously favored US destinations. This evolving travel behavior highlights a broader shift in attitudes, where Canadians are prioritizing destinations that offer not only better value but also a sense of security and welcome amid the political turbulence of the Canada-US relationship.
Changing Attitudes Toward U.S. Travel
Many Canadians who previously visited the US for vacations, business, and leisure are now opting for other destinations. Take Kelly Bergquist, an Edmonton native, for example. She used to visit the U.S. at least once a year, but with the rise in trade disputes and a difficult political atmosphere, she now finds herself reconsidering her travel options. Bergquist shared that the ongoing issues with the U.S. made her feel uneasy about spending money there.
This sentiment reflects a broader shift in Canadian travelers’ attitudes. While many would have readily chosen U.S. destinations in the past, the current geopolitical climate is pushing people toward exploring international alternatives. Instead of the U.S., Bergquist has shifted her focus to more distant locales, such as the Balkans in southeastern Europe and Mexico.
Surge in Travel Spending for Alternative Destinations
The recent data from Flight Centre Canada confirms this shift. Between May and July 2025, travel spending to countries like Argentina, Japan, and Denmark saw significant growth compared to the previous year. Buenos Aires, Argentina, witnessed a 148% increase in Canadian travel spending, while Osaka, Japan, saw a rise of 137%. Cities like Copenhagen, Denmark, and Curaçao in the Caribbean also reported increases of over 100%. Other destinations such as Aruba and Lisbon saw notable jumps in travel activity as well, further underscoring the shift away from U.S. travel.
Flight Centre Canada data reveals that while travel within Canada is seeing some uptick, many Canadians are turning to international destinations instead of venturing south. According to the data, spending in destinations like Lisbon, Portugal (61% increase), and Prague, Czech Republic (38% increase), shows a marked preference for overseas travel. The trend highlights a broader movement to countries offering rich cultural experiences and possibly more stable political environments.
More Canadians Opting for International Getaways
The shift is not just a change in spending; it’s evident in the volume of Canadian travelers visiting international destinations. The Japan National Tourism Organization reported a 23% increase in Canadian visitors in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. Similarly, Turismo de Portugal highlighted a 6.5% increase in Canadian visitors between January and May 2025.
Countries in South America are also benefiting from this change. Brazil saw a 12.9% increase in Canadian visitors from January to June 2025, according to Visit Brasil. This is a notable growth pattern, as Canadian travelers seek to avoid the U.S. in favor of destinations that offer not only new experiences but also a sense of welcome.
Canadians Rethink Short Getaways and Plan Longer Trips
Andrew Stafford, a manager at Flight Centre in Vancouver, noted that many Canadians are opting to extend their trips. Instead of taking shorter weekend trips to U.S. destinations, they are now planning longer vacations to more distant places. The trade war and political tensions with the U.S. are increasingly top of mind for Canadian travelers, and they are choosing to invest their time and money in more diverse and far-reaching trips.
According to Stafford, while Canadians are still traveling at similar rates to previous years, they are choosing destinations that offer a better experience and a sense of security. Travelers are making decisions based on a variety of factors, including the overall political climate, exchange rates, and flight availability.
The Impact on US Tourism
Tourism operators in the U.S., especially those in border states and cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Florida, are starting to feel the effects of the changing travel patterns. Historically, Canadians have been one of the largest groups of international visitors to the U.S., but recent shifts in travel preferences may have long-term implications.
For example, the Marival Group, a Canadian-owned hotel chain in Mexico, has seen a rise in Canadian visitors since the onset of the trade dispute, according to the company’s vice president of sales and marketing, Salvador Ramos. The company has seen an increase of about 5-6%, translating to approximately 15,000 more Canadian visitors at its resorts. The company has doubled down on digital campaigns targeting Canadian cities like Calgary, Ottawa, and Winnipeg, further capitalizing on the growing trend of Canadian travelers heading to Mexico.
The Shift Toward Feeling Safe and Welcome
For many Canadians, the political climate in the U.S. is a key consideration when choosing where to travel. Joan Allison of Windsor, Ontario, once spent months every year in the U.S., but now, due to the growing political tensions, she has decided to opt for international destinations instead. Allison, like many others, expressed that the changing attitudes and border security measures in the U.S. have made her hesitant to visit.
Wayne Smith, director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research at Toronto Metropolitan University, emphasized that Canadians’ desire for safety and welcoming environments is affecting their travel decisions. Canadians are choosing destinations where they feel comfortable and respected. This reflects a growing trend where political climates, immigration policies, and security concerns play a significant role in the decision-making process for Canadian tourists.
The Future of U.S.-Canada Travel
As tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue, tourism experts predict that the trend of Canadians shifting away from U.S. destinations could persist. The combination of political instability, border security concerns, and the trade dispute may result in a long-term shift in travel patterns. While U.S. tourism may see a decline in Canadian visitors, countries in Europe, South America, and Asia could continue to benefit from the growing demand for international travel.
In conclusion, Canadians are adapting to a new travel reality, where politics and safety are central to their decision-making. As they turn to countries that offer better value, political stability, and a welcoming environment, the U.S. may no longer hold the same appeal as it once did.
