Shift in Canadian Travel Preferences: European and Asian Destinations Gain Popularity

Post by : Mina Rahman

Canadians are rethinking their travel plans for 2026, as interest in the United States continues to wane. Recent survey findings illustrate that nearly two-thirds of Canadians are opting to travel outside the U.S. next year.

Conducted in November 2025 with over 1,000 participants, the survey shows that 62% of Canadians are less inclined to travel to the U.S. compared to the previous year. Many are now channeling their travel budgets toward what they consider safer, more predictable, and economically viable options.

Travel within Canada still reigns supreme, with over one-third of respondents planning domestic trips. Europe takes the second spot, followed closely by Mexico and Asia, underscoring a rising trend for long-distance travel and culturally enriching experiences. A mere fraction of Canadians expect to venture into the U.S. in 2026.

Demographics play an important role, too; older Canadians show the most reluctance towards U.S. travel, while younger individuals are slightly more open yet still cautious. Reasons for avoidance include political tensions, delays at border crossings, safety fears, and poor exchange rates.

Booking data reflects this shift, with a noticeable fall in Canadian leisure travel to the U.S. in 2025, while growth continues for destinations like Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and Asia. Experts suggest that this trend is indicative of a more profound shift in consumer confidence rather than a decline in travel enthusiasm.

As Canadians continue to seek purposeful and economically sound travel experiences, the global tourism landscape for 2026 is evidently changing, with the U.S. no longer the focal point.