Canadians avoiding U.S. travel, according to Statistics Canada

With the Canada-U.S. trade war continuing, it appears Canadians are putting their money where their mouths are and spending it elsewhere.

Canada experienced a notable decrease in international arrivals in February 2025, with a 10.9 per cent year-over-year decline.

According to Statistics Canada’s latest data, approximately 4.1 million international arrivals were recorded, including both air and automobile travel.

Arrivals by air from U.S. residents decreased by 1.3 per cent.

U.S. residents visiting Canada by vehicle saw a decrease of 7.9 per cent, while Canadian-resident return trips by car from the U.S. fell by a steep 23 per cent.

Despite the overall drop, certain periods experienced a spike in arrivals, particularly around U.S. holidays such as Presidents' Day, which saw a 33.6 per cent increase in non-resident air arrivals.

Lesley Keyter, known as “The Travel Lady,” says despite these declines, she has experienced busy times.

“We’ve never known it so busy,” she said.

“We have had quite a few people, actually, who have contemplated cancelling trips. Obviously, they feel strongly about it. They don’t want to go into the States.”

Instead, many are turning to destinations like Mexico or the Caribbean or staying within Canada for their vacations.

“People want to visit and see. We’ve got the beautiful Vancouver Island, the coastline there, Desolation Sound—all of those places,” she said.

Frank and Maria Faria just returned home from Arizona.

They say they may look elsewhere to vacation.

“It’s completely crazy. I think people should stand up to them (the U.S.),” said Frank Faria.

“I’m concerned because we don’t know how much longer we’re going to have the property there, and properties, their values are going to be hit.”

He says the couple may plan to head across the Atlantic if the threats continue.

“We have a place in Europe, too. That’s our background, and probably we’re going to choose Europe,” he said.

WestJet announced last month it has seen a 25 per cent decrease in demand to the U.S.

In a statement, a company spokesperson says it has seen a difference in the way customers are booking their flights.

“We have observed a shift in bookings from the U.S. to other sun destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean among Canadian travellers,” the statement read.

“The airline remains focused on knowing where people want to go, and we will continue to fly where there is demand. Reciprocal visitation from both Canadian and U.S. tourists is important for the tourism industry, as it drives economic stimulus on both sides of the border.”