Quebec Joins Manitoba, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in Experiencing a Tourism Surge as Canadians Opt for Domestic Travel in 2025

Published on December 13, 2025

In 2025, Quebec, along with other provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, is experiencing an unparalleled surge in domestic tourism, as Canadians turn their travel focus inward, opting for local adventures over international destinations. This shift in travel behavior is being driven by a combination of factors, including political tensions with the U.S. and a strong national desire to explore Canada’s rich cultural and natural heritage. As a result, Canadian provinces have seen record-breaking tourism numbers, with Quebec emerging as a central hub for domestic travelers.

The data, as confirmed by Statistics Canada and Destination Canada, reveals that 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the domestic tourism sector. With a significant 8.3% year-over-year increase in domestic tourism spending, Canadian provinces are capitalizing on the staycation trend, which is not only providing a much-needed boost to local economies but also redistributing tourism benefits from major urban centers to smaller towns and rural areas.

Growing Preference for Domestic Travel: A Nation-Wide Phenomenon

Across Canada, domestic travel has surged, with spending expected to hit a record $104 billion in 2025. This represents an 8.3% increase from the previous year, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. In the second quarter of 2025, Canadians took a staggering 90.6 million trips, with a noticeable increase in both same-day and overnight trips compared to 2024. Same-day trips alone rose by 12.4%, highlighting the appeal of short getaways, while overnight trips increased by 8.4%.

The strong performance of domestic travel is not a fleeting trend; it is part of a broader shift in Canadian travel behavior, one that is favoring local experiences. Canadians are increasingly opting to explore the vast beauty of their own country rather than traveling abroad. Notably, Quebec and other provinces, including Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, are reaping the rewards of this shift.

Quebec: The Heart of Canada’s Domestic Tourism Surge

Quebec stands at the forefront of this tourism boom, with a remarkable 20% increase in domestic bookings in 2025. The province’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant festivals make it a magnet for local tourists. Old Montreal, Quebec City, and the Laurentians have seen record numbers of visitors, reinforcing Quebec’s reputation as a must-visit destination for Canadians seeking to reconnect with their roots.

Statistics Canada confirms that Quebec’s tourism growth has not only helped local businesses thrive but has also contributed to regional economic development. The province’s diversified tourism offerings, from its French heritage to its winter wonderland of outdoor adventures, appeal to a broad range of travelers, further driving this boom. This surge in tourism has been a critical factor in boosting Quebec’s economy and fostering job creation in the hospitality and service sectors.

The Rise of Smaller Provinces: A Shift in Regional Tourism

In addition to Quebec, several smaller provinces have experienced substantial growth in domestic bookings, with Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan all reporting more than 20% growth in domestic tourism in 2025. These regions are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and cultural experiences away from the bustling urban centers.

The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia and Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick have drawn increased attention from domestic travelers, thanks to their striking coastal landscapes and rich maritime heritage. Similarly, Saskatchewan‘s expansive prairies and national parks, such as Prince Albert National Park, have captured the imaginations of Canadians looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Smaller towns and rural communities are particularly benefiting from the “staycation” trend, with many rural areas seeing increased demand for accommodations and services. Local businesses, ranging from bed and breakfasts to regional tour operators, have capitalized on this surge, ensuring that tourism’s benefits are spread more evenly across the country.

Political and Economic Factors Influencing Travel Decisions

The shift towards domestic travel has been influenced by multiple factors, including growing political tensions between Canada and the United States. From January to October 2025, the number of vehicles crossing the U.S.-Canada border fell by nearly 20%, and the decline in air arrivals from the U.S. was significant, with a 12.6% drop in November compared to the previous year.

In addition to political reasons, Canadians have been drawn to the safety, convenience, and ease of domestic travel. With the ongoing uncertainty around international travel, especially to the U.S., many Canadians are choosing to stay within their own borders, opting for familiar yet scenic destinations.

The domestic tourism surge is also a reflection of Canada’s rich natural landscapes, diverse cultural heritage, and world-class infrastructure, which have long made it an attractive destination for international travelers. But for 2025, it’s the locals who are taking advantage of these offerings, helping to sustain a robust tourism industry despite global uncertainties.

Accommodation and Tourism Infrastructure Thrives

The increase in domestic travel has been reflected in the performance of Canada’s hospitality sector. Hotel occupancy reached an impressive 80.7% in August 2025, the highest since 2014. The growth in bookings is not limited to traditional tourist hotspots; even remote areas have seen an uptick in visitors, supporting local accommodation providers and strengthening the national tourism economy.

In response to this surge, provinces have ramped up efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, with new hotels, resorts, and experiences being developed to accommodate growing demand. From revamped rural bed-and-breakfasts to state-of-the-art wellness retreats, Canada’s tourism infrastructure is evolving to meet the needs of today’s travelers.

Sustaining the Momentum: Canada’s Long-Term Tourism Strategy

Looking ahead, Canada’s tourism sector is positioning itself to continue growing by focusing on both domestic and international markets. As Destination Canada works to enhance the country’s international appeal, the ongoing preference for local travel is likely to remain strong. For the Canadian tourism industry, the challenge will be to sustain this momentum while managing the environmental and social impacts of growing visitation to certain regions.

Local governments are increasingly investing in sustainable tourism initiatives, ensuring that future growth is balanced with environmental conservation and cultural preservation. This forward-thinking approach will help Canada maintain its appeal as a top travel destination, both for locals and international visitors.

Conclusion: A Transformative Year for Canadian Tourism

In 2025, Quebec and other provinces across Canada are seeing the benefits of a burgeoning domestic tourism market. As Canadians increasingly choose local adventures over international travel, provincial economies are flourishing, and small businesses are thriving. Quebec’s rich cultural offerings, alongside the stunning landscapes of British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, have made them prime destinations for domestic travelers, shaping the future of Canadian tourism. With the ongoing shift in travel patterns and the continued growth of local tourism, 2025 is set to go down as a transformative year for Canada’s travel industry.