Canadian tourism to U.S. fell 25% in 2025, government data shows
Canadian visits to the U.S. dropped by 7.1 million in 2025 as travelers chose more trips at home and beyond America.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
3 min read
Canadian tourism to U.S. destinations took a sharp hit in 2025, with visits down about 25% from the year before, according to Canadian government data reported by CBS News.
The pullback translated into 7.1 million fewer Canadian visits to the United States compared with 2024, based on travel survey figures. Spending fell too: Canadians spent $13.3 billion in the U.S. in 2025, down from nearly $15 billion the previous year.
The shift did not mean Canadians stopped traveling. The data showed they redirected more of their trips elsewhere, including inside Canada and to destinations outside the United States.
Why did Canadian tourism to the U.S. fall in 2025?
CBS News reported that the decline came during a period of sharper political and trade tensions between the Trump administration and Canadian officials. The Canadian government data shows the travel drop, while the political backdrop helps explain why the numbers landed in a year of strained relations.
In April, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said President Trump’s tariffs had harmed auto and steel workers in Canada and slowed the country’s economic growth, according to CBS News. Relations were also strained by Mr. Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state, with Carney telling him that Canada was not for sale.
Canadians have long been a major stream of visitors for the U.S., helped by the shared border, family ties and warmer vacation spots south of Canada. In 2025, that familiar flow weakened.
The same travel survey figures showed domestic trips by Canadians rose by 5.1 million. Visits by Canadians to countries other than the United States increased by 1.3 million.
What did the White House say?
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly defended the administration’s record on tourism in a statement to CBS News, saying President Trump had supported American tourism through public safety efforts, city beautification and major events.
Kelly pointed to the Los Angeles Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, which she said were brought to the United States and Canada, as well as events tied to the country’s 250th anniversary.
The administration’s view clashes with the Canadian travel numbers for 2025, which show fewer visits from one of America’s closest and most familiar tourist markets.
For Canada, the travel shift brought more activity back home. The rise in domestic travel was described by CBS News as a boost to the Canadian economy, as Canadians spent more of their vacation time within their own borders.
The data leaves a clear picture: in a tense year for U.S.-Canada relations, millions of Canadians chose not to cross south as often, and their travel dollars followed them elsewhere.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.