New data from Statistics Canada reveals that Canadian travel to the United States is continuing its downward trend, with fewer Canadians crossing the border for both air and car trips in the first few months of 2026.
Decline in Air Travel
The number of Canadian air passengers returning from the U.S. dropped by 12% in March 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, according to the federal agency. This follows a 10% decline in February and an 8% drop in January, indicating a sustained decrease in air travel to the U.S.
Car Travel Also Down
Car trips from Canada to the U.S. also fell, with a 7% decrease in March 2026 compared to March 2025. The decline was particularly notable in Ontario and Quebec, where border crossings dropped by 9% and 11%, respectively.
Possible Reasons
Experts suggest several factors may be contributing to the decline, including a weaker Canadian dollar, higher costs of travel, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. dollar has strengthened against the Canadian dollar, making travel more expensive for Canadians. Additionally, some Canadians may be choosing to vacation domestically or in other countries due to concerns about U.S. policies or safety.
Impact on Tourism
The decline in Canadian travel is significant for U.S. tourism, as Canadians are the largest source of international visitors to the United States. In 2019, before the pandemic, Canadians made over 21 million trips to the U.S., spending more than $20 billion. The current trend could have economic implications for border states and popular tourist destinations.
Statistics Canada notes that the data is preliminary and subject to revision. The agency will continue to monitor travel patterns in the coming months.
