Decline in Travel Between Canada and the US Worsens

A significant decline in travel between Canada and the US has been observed in recent months, with a notable decrease in the number of Canadian residents visiting the US, as well as a decline in American tourists coming to Canada. According to Statistics Canada, return trips by automobile from the US were down by 36.9% and return trips by air were down by 25.8% in July, compared to the same month in the previous year. This trend is part of a broader cooling of relations between the two countries, with many Canadians feeling uneasy about travelling to the US due to recent events, such as the National Guard presence in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Key Takeaways:

The number of Canadian residents traveling to the US declined by 36.9% in return trips by automobile and 25.8% in return trips by air in July 2024, compared to the same month in the previous year.
American tourists visiting Canada are also on the decline, with the number of international arrivals to Canada decreasing.
Tourism numbers affect communities, with American towns and cities near the international border feeling the effects of the drop in Canadian traffic.
Canadian communities that rely on tourism are also affected by the decline in US visitors.
The decline in travel between the US and Canada is a concerning trend that may have long-term implications for tourism and local economies.
Canadians are encouraged to explore vacation destinations within Canada and discover hidden gems in their own country.
The decline in travel between the US and Canada has been observed since the US presidential election in November 2024.

Statistics:

39 million trips were made by Canadian residents to the US in 2024, representing more than three-quarters of out-of-country travel by Canadians.
Return trips by automobile from the US were down by 36.9% in July 2024, compared to the same month in the previous year.
Return trips by air from the US were down by 25.8% in July 2024, compared to the same month in the previous year.
The number of American tourists visiting Canada is on the decline, with international arrivals to Canada decreasing.

Sources:

Statistics Canada