Canadians plan to hit the road this summer, but they are far more likely to fuel up the car for a Canadian destination or book a flight to Europe than cross the border into the United States. Multiple surveys show travel intentions are strong while interest in the US has plummeted. Leger’s latest poll finds 77% of Canadians plan to travel in the next few months, and 55% of them will take a “dedicated holiday,” up sharply from 47% last year. Just as striking is where they will go, with 77% intending to stay within Canada, compared with 69% in 2024. Money is one reason. .A TD Bank survey says 64% of respondents will travel domestically to save cash and support local businesses.Nearly nine-in-ten also want to seek out unique shops and attractions on the way. Younger travellers are leading the charge, choosing short-term rentals in Muskoka, the Okanagan, and the Rockies. Only 10% of Canadians now expect to visit the US, less than half last year’s figure. Respondents said new tariffs, political friction, a weak Canadian dollar, and long border waits are deterrents to travelling to the US. .Airlines and tour companies report a jump instead in bookings to Mexico, Portugal, and the Caribbean, as well as an increase in European rail passes. Spending plans remain healthy. BMO’s Real Financial Progress Index pegs the average summer vacation budget at $3,825, with 62% of travellers ready to match or exceed last year’s vacation expenditure even as they trim day-to-day costs or dip into savings. Over half plan to offset some of their vacation costs using loyalty points. Whether it’s hiking in the Rockies, eating seafood in Atlantic Canada, or exploring museums in Toronto, survey after survey suggests Canadians want experiences that bring them closer to nature, culture, and each other.This year they can find plenty of that without ever crossing into the US.
