Why Canadians Are Saying ‘No’ to the U.S., And How It’s Shocking Air Canada, WestJet, and U.S. Tourism in 2025!

Published on December 5, 2025

Why Canadians Are Saying ‘No’ to the U.S. — And How It’s Shocking Air Canada, WestJet, and U.S. Tourism in 2025! In 2025, Canadians are increasingly altering their travel habits, choosing to stay away from the United States. Political tensions, rising concerns about border security, and shifting travel preferences have caused a notable decline in Canadian visits to U.S. destinations. This has sent shockwaves through the airline and hospitality industries, particularly for Air Canada and WestJet, who are adjusting their flight schedules and focusing more on international routes. As Canadian travelers look beyond the U.S. to Europe, Mexico, and other regions, U.S. tourism has taken a significant hit. The result is a ripple effect across the travel industry, forcing airlines to recalibrate their strategies and U.S. destinations to reassess their reliance on Canadian visitors. As this trend continues to unfold, Canadian travelers now have the opportunity to explore new destinations, while the global travel landscape shifts in response to evolving patterns.

Why Canadians Are Saying ‘No’ to the U.S. — And How It’s Shocking Air Canada, WestJet, and U.S. Tourism in 2025!

In 2025, a significant shift in travel trends is emerging, as Canadians continue to rethink their trips to the United States. Political tensions, border uncertainties, and changing travel preferences have led to a notable drop in Canadian travel to the U.S., affecting airlines, the hospitality industry, and tourism across the border. Air Canada and WestJet, two major Canadian airlines, are adjusting to this change, while U.S. destinations heavily dependent on Canadian visitors face a loss of tourism revenue. But this change isn’t just a headache for the U.S. — it’s also creating opportunities for other international destinations and reshaping the way Canadians travel. For those looking to plan their next getaway, the current shift offers fresh insights into how to make the most of the evolving landscape.

The Travel Shift: Canadians Saying ‘No’ to U.S. Travel

Canadians have long been among the top international visitors to the United States, with millions of trips across the border each year. However, 2025 has seen a dramatic decline in cross-border travel. According to Statistics Canada, visits from Canada to the U.S. have dropped by more than 20% in the first half of the year. In particular, automobile travel has been significantly impacted, with Canadian road trips to the U.S. decreasing by up to 30%. This trend is not just a temporary blip; it’s part of a broader shift in travel behavior.

A combination of factors is driving this change. Political tensions between Canada and the U.S., coupled with concerns over border security and immigration policies, have led many Canadians to rethink their trips south. While the United States has traditionally been a popular destination for Canadians due to its proximity and cultural ties, the current climate has created a sense of uncertainty. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s increasing scrutiny, especially in cases involving non-criminal incidents from the past, has made travelers more cautious.

Airlines, too, are feeling the pinch. Both Air Canada and WestJet have had to adjust their U.S.-bound flight schedules. Flights to major U.S. cities, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, are being reduced or consolidated. This not only affects passengers but also the broader airline industry, which has seen demand shift from U.S. destinations to more international travel options.

Air Canada and WestJet: How Canada’s Airlines Are Adapting

The impact on Air Canada and WestJet has been significant. As travel to the U.S. declines, both airlines are rethinking their strategies. Air Canada, for instance, has begun to focus more heavily on international routes, particularly to Europe and Mexico. WestJet, once a major carrier for Canadian travelers heading to the U.S., is also shifting its focus. With fewer Canadians flying to the U.S., WestJet has been expanding its network to include more destinations in Europe, including the U.K. and France, both of which have seen a rise in Canadian tourists.

The shift is not just about reducing routes to the U.S. It’s about a broader recalibration of airline priorities. With international demand increasing, airlines are aiming to provide better options for travelers seeking destinations beyond the U.S. For instance, in the summer of 2025, Air Canada launched new flights to Portugal and Spain, both countries that have seen a notable increase in Canadian visitors. WestJet has also ramped up its service to Mexico, a country that now rivals the U.S. as a top destination for Canadians.

For those looking to book their next flight, these changes present opportunities to explore new destinations with the same level of comfort and reliability that Canadians have come to expect from their national carriers. Whether it’s a sunny getaway to Mexico or an enriching cultural experience in Europe, Canadian airlines are making it easier to travel abroad, offering more frequent flights and competitive fares to popular destinations.

Impact on U.S. Tourism: A Wake-Up Call for U.S. Destinations

The decline in Canadian visitors is hitting U.S. tourism hard, particularly in states that rely heavily on international travelers. Cities like Buffalo, Detroit, and Seattle, which have long depended on Canadian tourists for a significant portion of their revenue, are seeing a noticeable drop in visitor numbers. According to U.S. Travel Association projections, a 20% drop in Canadian visits could result in over $2 billion in lost spending, with many businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors struggling to make up the gap.

For U.S. hotels, especially those in border cities or tourist hotspots like Las Vegas and Miami, the decline in Canadian bookings is already being felt. These cities typically see a high volume of Canadian visitors, contributing significantly to their hotel occupancy rates. With fewer Canadians crossing the border, many hotels are seeing reduced occupancy, which could lead to a downturn in profits. Similarly, U.S. restaurants, attractions, and retailers that have long catered to Canadian tourists are bracing for a tough year.

This shift in travel patterns isn’t just a short-term issue. Experts predict that if the trend continues, the U.S. tourism industry may need to rethink its reliance on Canadian visitors and diversify its marketing efforts to attract tourists from other countries. The rise of Canadian interest in European and Mexican destinations may also shift travel marketing strategies, both within the U.S. and abroad.

The Growing Appeal of International Destinations for Canadians

While the U.S. sees a drop in Canadian visitors, international destinations are reaping the benefits. According to Statistics Canada, outbound international travel from Canada increased by more than 10% in the second quarter of 2025. Countries like Mexico, France, and the United Kingdom have become top choices for Canadian travelers, with Mexico emerging as the number one destination for Canadians looking to travel outside North America.

In fact, the increase in Canadian travel to international destinations is so pronounced that travel agencies and tour operators are adjusting their offerings. Companies like Air Canada Vacations and WestJet Vacations have seen significant increases in bookings for trips to Europe and the Caribbean. Mexico’s popularity, in particular, has surged, with over 470,000 Canadian visitors in the second quarter of 2025. This uptick is driven by Mexico’s proximity, affordability, and appeal as a year-round destination for Canadians.

France and the U.K. have also seen a rise in Canadian visitors, especially as airlines like Air Canada and British Airways expand their flight offerings. The cultural and historical appeal of European destinations, combined with competitive pricing, has made these countries increasingly attractive for Canadian tourists seeking new experiences outside the U.S.

Travel Tips for Canadians: Making the Most of the Shift

As the landscape of travel changes, Canadians are presented with a range of exciting new opportunities. For those looking to explore beyond the U.S., here are some travel tips to help make the most of the shifting trends:

1. Book Early: With airlines adjusting schedules and routes, booking your flights early is essential to secure the best prices and availability. International destinations are becoming more popular, and early booking can help you avoid the rush.
2. Explore New Destinations: Consider venturing beyond the usual destinations. Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean are all offering great deals and unique experiences. Check out new flights from Air Canada and WestJet to destinations like Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Times: If you’re planning to visit popular destinations like France or the U.K., try to travel during off-peak seasons to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices on flights and accommodations.
4. Stay Flexible: With changing flight routes and schedules, it’s important to remain flexible with your travel plans. Airlines are continuously adjusting their routes, so being open to changes can help you find the best travel deals.
5. Take Advantage of Deals: Air Canada and WestJet are offering great deals for travelers heading to international destinations. Keep an eye on promotions, especially for Europe and Mexico, where there’s increased demand.
6. Know Your Options: With the current travel trends, it’s essential to stay informed about the destinations available to you. Whether you’re interested in a beach vacation, a cultural experience, or an adventure, new international routes are opening up all the time.

What This Means for Travelers and the Future of Canadian Travel

The decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. and the subsequent rise in international travel is reshaping the future of Canadian tourism. As Canadians look beyond the U.S., the airline and hospitality industries are responding with new routes, better deals, and more diverse offerings. For U.S. destinations, this shift is a wake-up call to diversify their tourist base and adapt to the changing landscape.

For travelers, this shift means more options, better deals, and the opportunity to explore new destinations. Whether you’re booking a flight with Air Canada to explore the streets of Paris or planning a relaxing beach vacation in Mexico, the world is becoming a more accessible place for Canadian travelers. By embracing this shift in travel habits, Canadians can continue to enjoy the benefits of global tourism while discovering new and exciting destinations.

Why Canadians Are Saying ‘No’ to the U.S. — And How It’s Shocking Air Canada, WestJet, and U.S. Tourism in 2025! As Canadians turn their backs on U.S. vacations, the airline and tourism industries are scrambling. Discover why this shift is reshaping travel—and how you can take advantage of it for your next getaway!

Wrapping Up

The decline in Canadian visits to the U.S. is not just about reduced travel; it’s a reflection of broader shifts in global travel patterns. Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet are adjusting to this new reality, expanding their routes to Europe and Mexico. The U.S. tourism industry is feeling the pressure, but other international destinations are stepping in to fill the gap. For Canadian travelers, this is an exciting time to explore new opportunities, whether you’re flying to Europe for a cultural adventure or heading to Mexico for a relaxing beach vacation. With the changing travel landscape, the world is at your fingertips, offering new experiences and destinations for every kind of traveler.