Toronto Joins Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Others in Facing a Significant Decline in US Tourist Arrivals in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 30, 2025

Toronto joins Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and others in facing a significant decline in US tourist arrivals in Canada due to economic factors, changing travel trends, and competition from other destinations. This decline in transborder traffic has affected major airports across the country, with cities like Toronto and Vancouver seeing noticeable drops in US-bound travelers. Factors such as shifting travel preferences, the growing appeal of other international hubs, and broader economic challenges are contributing to this trend. As these airports adjust to the changing landscape, there is a strong focus on improving services, expanding routes, and adapting to new travel demands to help reverse the decline.

Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International: Decline in Transborder Traffic

Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport, Canada’s busiest airport, saw a 9.7% year-over-year decrease in transborder traffic to the United States in September 2025. As the main hub for flights to and from the U.S., the airport handles a significant portion of Canada’s transborder traffic. The decline could be attributed to various factors, including changing travel preferences, competition from other airports, and broader economic conditions. Despite the drop, Toronto Pearson remains a critical gateway for international travel, with ongoing efforts to improve its services and infrastructure to maintain its role as a major transborder hub.

Vancouver International: Decrease in U.S. Bound Passengers

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) experienced a 6.6% decrease in transborder traffic to the United States in September 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. As one of the largest Canadian airports, Vancouver plays a crucial role in facilitating travel between Canada and the U.S. The decrease may be influenced by factors like shifting travel patterns, increased competition from other international airports, and the economic climate. Nevertheless, Vancouver continues to be a vital international gateway, and the airport is likely to focus on enhancing its offerings to attract more passengers in the future.

Montréal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau International: Sharp Decline in Transborder Traffic

Montréal/Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport saw a significant 13.7% year-over-year decline in transborder traffic to the United States in September 2025. This sharp drop reflects the overall trend across Canada’s major airports, with Montréal, a key airport in the French-speaking province of Québec, also impacted by global economic factors and travel shifts. The reduction in U.S.-bound flights may be due to increased competition from other Canadian airports and changing traveler preferences. However, the airport’s strategic location and strong connections to Europe and other global destinations will likely help maintain its position as a key international travel hub.

Calgary International: Noticeable Decrease in U.S. Traffic

Calgary International Airport experienced a 10.4% decrease in transborder passenger traffic to the United States in September 2025. While Calgary has a smaller proportion of transborder traffic compared to Toronto or Vancouver, it remains an important gateway for travelers between Canada and the U.S., particularly for flights to western U.S. destinations. The decrease in traffic may stem from a variety of factors, such as shifting travel trends, changing regional demand, and broader economic pressures. Calgary International is likely focusing on strategies to boost U.S.-bound traffic, possibly by enhancing its route network and attracting more airline carriers to serve its growing passenger base.

Edmonton International: Moderate Decline in U.S. Traffic

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) also saw a decline in transborder traffic in September 2025, although it was not as severe as the drops recorded at the larger Canadian airports. While the specific numbers are not disclosed, Edmonton’s role as a regional hub for flights to the United States is essential for travelers in Alberta. The slight decrease could be linked to changing travel habits and competition from nearby Calgary International. Edmonton continues to focus on enhancing passenger experience, offering more efficient services, and strengthening its U.S. connections to maintain its position as a critical gateway for travelers in Western Canada.

Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International: Smaller Decline in Transborder Traffic

Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), which serves the capital region, experienced a smaller decline in U.S.-bound passengers in September 2025 compared to the larger airports. As a secondary Canadian hub for U.S. flights, Ottawa’s transborder traffic is impacted by the shifting dynamics of business and leisure travel. The airport’s strong government and diplomatic traffic continue to be a core driver, but it faces competition from larger airports like Toronto Pearson and Montreal Trudeau. The slight drop in U.S. traffic may be reflective of the ongoing changes in the global travel environment and adjustments in business travel patterns.

Canadian Airports Facing Declines in U.S. Traffic

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International: Decline in U.S. traffic due to broader regional trends. Saskatoon is working on expanding services and enhancing U.S. connections to maintain its role as a key regional gateway.

Halifax Stanfield International: Moderate decrease in U.S. traffic, attributed to seasonal changes and competition from nearby airports. U.S. traffic remains vital for connecting the Maritimes to U.S. destinations.

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International: Small decline in U.S. traffic, reflecting global travel trends. Winnipeg continues to focus on expanding U.S. connections and improving services to attract more passengers.

Victoria International: Slight decline in U.S. traffic, influenced by increased competition from Vancouver International. Victoria aims to strengthen U.S. connections and maintain its relevance in the competitive market.

Toronto joins Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and others in facing a significant decline in US tourist arrivals in Canada due to economic factors, changing travel trends, and competition from other destinations.

Conclusion

Toronto joins Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and others in facing a significant decline in US tourist arrivals in Canada. This decline is driven by economic factors, changing travel trends, and increased competition from other international destinations. While these Canadian airports continue to be key gateways for US-bound travelers, they must adapt to the shifting landscape by enhancing their services, improving infrastructure, and focusing on sustainable tourism to recover lost ground and attract more visitors in the future. These efforts will be essential in reversing the current trend and ensuring long-term growth.