Canadian travel to US shrunk by $3.3bn in 2025 after Trump’s return to office

Canadian spending on travel to the United States plummeted by $3.3 billion in 2025, a significant economic consequence attributed to Donald Trump's return to office and his administration's policies. New data from Statistics Canada reveals that Canadians are actively choosing alternative international destinations over the US, signaling a shift in travel preferences.

The report, published by Canada's national statistics agency, indicates that "Following the change in the US administration in early 2025 and the implementation of America First policies, Canadian travel sentiment shifted abruptly." Total US travel spending in 2025 amounted to $18.8 billion, a notable drop from $22.1 billion in 2024.

In stark contrast, Canadian spending on travel outside the US surged by $3.6 billion in 2025, reaching $22.8 billion. Visits to Europe saw an increase of nearly 14%, while travel to Asia grew by almost 17%. This trend sharply contrasts with the declining numbers of visits to the US.

Overall return trips to Canada from the US by vehicle and air decreased by approximately one-quarter in 2025 compared to 2024. July 2025 recorded the steepest decline, with border crossings falling by about one-third year-over-year. The agency described these sustained drops as "the deepest and most sustained on record" since digital record-keeping began in 1972, with declines exceeding 30% previously only seen after the 9/11 attacks.

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Following the change in the US administration in early 2025 and the implementation of America First policies, Canadian travel sentiment shifted abruptly.