Canada unifies Mexico, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Dominican Republic, and Italy in sending more tourists to these countries as Canadians ditching America in 2025. This shift in travel trends is clear and steady for Canada. Canada unifies Mexico, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Italy as the top choices for Canadians who want new experiences, better value, and fresh adventures.
These countries offer culture, beaches, history, and events that attract Canadian tourists in large numbers. As Canadians ditch America, they are booking more flights to Mexico’s resorts, Japan’s cities, Portugal’s coasts, Spain’s festivals, and Italy’s landmarks.
Canada unifies these destinations with growing airline routes and travel deals. The strong US dollar and trade tensions are making America less attractive, while these other countries are more welcoming and cost-effective. As a result, Canada unifies Mexico, Dominican Republic, Japan, Portugal, Spain, and Italy in shaping the new Canadian travel map. Canadians ditch America and explore the world in new ways.
Canadian travel patterns in 2025 are shifting in a way that has caught the attention of airlines, tourism boards, and holiday planners. Fewer Canadians are crossing into the United States for leisure or business trips. Instead, more are booking flights to Mexico, Europe, Japan, and even destinations within Canada. This trend is backed by official numbers from Statistics Canada, which show a steady decline in US-bound trips and a rise in overseas travel. The reasons range from trade disputes and a strong US dollar to better deals and growing flight options to other destinations.
In mid-2025, data showed a clear drop in Canadian travel to the United States. In June, air travel from Canada to the US fell by more than 22% compared to the same month the previous year. Car trips dropped even more, by around one-third. At the same time, travel to overseas destinations rose by over 7%. The decline started earlier in the year. In May, Canadians made nearly 32% fewer trips to the US than in May 2024, while overseas travel went up by nearly 9%.
These figures are significant because the United States has long been the top destination for Canadian travellers. US Cities like Orlando, Las Vegas, and New York City have always been popular for short breaks and winter escapes. But in 2025, Canadians are rethinking where they spend their travel money.
Mexico is the biggest winner from this shift. The country’s warm weather, beaches, and cultural attractions are attracting record numbers of Canadian visitors. Between January and June 2025, around 1.68 million Canadians arrived in Mexico by air. That’s an increase of nearly 12% compared to the same period in 2024.
The most popular destinations include Cancún and the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Mexico City. Canadians are also exploring more of Mexico’s lesser-known spots thanks to new flight routes. Airlines like WestJet and Air Transat have expanded their schedules to include cities like Guadalajara and the newly opened Tulum International Airport. Package deals and all-inclusive resorts make Mexico especially appealing for winter holidays.
The appeal of Europe lies in its variety. Travellers can choose between historic cities, beach resorts, and countryside escapes. For many Canadians, the chance to visit multiple countries in one trip adds extra value. Favourable flight deals and competitive package prices are making Europe more accessible than ever.
Japan is another standout in 2025. In 2024, Canadian visits to Japan reached a record 580,000, and this year the numbers are still climbing. The upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka is drawing interest, along with Japan’s mix of traditional culture, modern cities, and natural beauty. Direct flights from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal make Japan an increasingly convenient option for Canadians looking for a long-haul adventure.
The Caribbean continues to attract Canadian tourists, but the growth is uneven across islands. The Dominican Republic is reporting record-breaking visitor numbers, with Canada as a key source market. Jamaica and the Bahamas are also seeing healthy Canadian arrivals. However, Cuba has experienced a drop in Canadian visitors, losing ground to other destinations offering newer resorts and varied amenities. Airlines have increased capacity to the Dominican Republic and other islands to match demand.
Domestic travel within Canada is also benefiting from the decline in US trips. Tourism spending inside Canada is expected to grow by around 2–4% in 2025. Popular domestic destinations include major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montréal, as well as national parks, coastal regions, and resort areas. Domestic holidays offer Canadians the chance to avoid currency exchange rates and complicated border requirements. They also appeal to travellers who prefer shorter, more flexible trips.
Several factors are driving this shift away from US holidays. The strong US dollar makes travel to the United States more expensive for Canadians. A holiday in Orlando or New York now costs noticeably more when converted from Canadian dollars.
Trade tensions and new tariffs between Canada and the US have also influenced public sentiment. In early 2025, Canada’s prime minister encouraged citizens to spend their travel dollars at home or in other countries. The message was clear: support domestic and alternative international tourism.
Airline capacity is another factor. Canadian carriers have reduced flights to the United States while adding more routes to Mexico, Europe, and Asia. More choice and better pricing to these destinations make them easier to book.
Tour operators are also promoting packages to match the new demand. Multi-country European tours, long-stay Caribbean packages, and cultural trips to Japan are all being marketed to Canadians who want alternatives to US holidays.
For US destinations, the drop in Canadian visitors is a warning sign. Canadians are high-value travellers who often stay longer and spend more than domestic tourists. Losing this segment could mean millions of dollars in lost revenue for hotels, attractions, and restaurants in US cities.
For Mexico, Europe, Japan, and parts of the Caribbean, the trend represents an opportunity. These destinations can capture more Canadian market share by maintaining competitive pricing, offering direct flights, and highlighting unique cultural and leisure experiences.
In Canada, tourism boards can use this shift to encourage more domestic holidays. By promoting national parks, festivals, and regional food scenes, they can keep travel spending within the country.
The data points to a clear list of winners in 2025. Mexico is leading the way with its beach resorts and growing list of city destinations. Europe is pulling in travellers with its cultural variety and improved flight access. Japan is rising quickly as a long-haul favourite thanks to events like Expo 2025 and its unique mix of tradition and innovation. The Caribbean remains popular, though success varies by island. And Canada itself is holding more travellers who might otherwise have gone south.
If current trends continue, US destinations may see further declines in Canadian arrivals. Any easing of trade tensions or weakening of the US dollar could help reverse the trend, but the competition from Mexico, Europe, and Asia will remain strong. Airlines are likely to keep adjusting routes to match demand, which could further cement these new travel patterns.
For Canadians, the change offers more variety and potentially better value. It encourages travellers to explore different parts of the world or rediscover their own country. For the global tourism industry, it’s a reminder that visitor flows can shift quickly in response to economic, political, and market changes.
In 2025, Canadian tourists are broadening their horizons. Many are leaving behind familiar US destinations in favour of Mexico’s beaches, Europe’s cultural treasures, Japan’s vibrant cities, and Canada’s own natural beauty. This shift is being shaped by currency rates, government messaging, airline strategy, and the appeal of fresh experiences. For destinations willing to adapt, the change brings both challenges and opportunities.
