Key Takeaways
• Canadian domestic travel bookings surged by 40% for summer 2025, driven by tougher U.S. travel and visa policies.
• Tofino and St. John’s saw search increases of 35% and 30% respectively; Airbnb reports 20% more domestic bookings.
• WestJet is expanding domestic flight routes, responding to demand as Canadians avoid U.S. border hassles and currency costs.
A sharp rise in domestic travel across Canada 🇨🇦 is underway for summer 2025. Many Canadians are choosing to explore their own country instead of traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 or overseas. This big change comes after several new travel and visa policies in the United States 🇺🇸 have made crossing the border less appealing. Data from Expedia Group and Airbnb shows a strong increase in Canadians booking flights, hotels, and vacation rentals within Canada 🇨🇦, especially in places like Tofino, British Columbia, and St. John’s, Newfoundland. As a result, Canada 🇨🇦’s tourism industry is getting a real boost, with airlines like WestJet taking steps to add more domestic routes to meet growing demand.
A Boom in Homegrown Adventures
The numbers speak for themselves. Expedia Group looked at summer travel plans from June 1 to August 31, 2025, and found a large increase in searches for Canadian places to stay compared to the same time last year. Tofino, British Columbia, stands out with a 35% rise in searches, while St. John’s, Newfoundland, saw a 30% jump. Travelers searching for homegrown trips are not limited to those destinations, either.
In another report, Airbnb said that Canadian searches for domestic stays in 2025 have gone up around 20% over last year. Popular picks now include Québec City, Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, and Summerside in Prince Edward Island—all named as “trending” vacation spots.
With so many Canadians keen to stay within the country’s borders, some companies are growing quickly. WestJet, one of Canada 🇨🇦’s main airlines, shared plans to boost its domestic flight network for summer 2025. Several new and returning routes will help more people travel between provinces, smaller cities, and top tourist spots in Canada 🇨🇦. These steps aim to make it much easier for people to see more of their own country.
This surge in domestic travel reflects more than just a love for Canada 🇨🇦’s amazing landscapes. It highlights real economic, political, and social changes that have touched many Canadians’ travel decisions.
Why Are Canadians Choosing Domestic Travel?
Political Tensions and “Buy Canadian” Sentiment
Many Canadians are feeling uneasy about traveling to the United States 🇺🇸 based on recent political events and policy shifts. There has been a rise in what some call consumer patriotism. This means more Canadians are making a point to “buy Canadian”—from their groceries and clothing to their vacations.
One big reason for this feeling is the ongoing tension between Canada 🇨🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸. After U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs affecting Canadian goods, some Canadians felt the need to support their own country in response. Some have even joined boycotts calling for people to travel only within Canada 🇨🇦 and skip trips to the United States 🇺🇸 as a protest.
Concerns at the U.S. Border
Crossing the northern border isn’t as easy, or as inviting, as it used to be. According to travel industry data, the number of Canadians crossing into the United States 🇺🇸 dropped by 36.5% as of May 2025 compared to previous years. This is a huge fall and there are several reasons why.
Reports say Canadian travelers are facing tougher rules, with more people being stopped, questioned, and even sent back at the border. For many, the chance of being detained or deported—sometimes for paperwork issues or new, confusing policies—is too big a risk.
Families and tour groups often want simple, safe trips. The idea of running into trouble with U.S. immigration officers makes many reconsider their plans. For others, hearing stories of friends or family being treated poorly at the border has had a chilling effect.
The Cost Factor: Dollar Exchange and Economic Uncertainty
Besides politics and new rules, money matters are also changing how people travel. The Canadian dollar is weaker compared to the U.S. dollar. That means every time a Canadian spends money in the United States 🇺🇸, it costs more.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has pointed out that this economic twist is good news for Canada 🇨🇦’s tourism sector. People are less likely to leave the country for vacation when their dollar does not go as far. Even simple trips to the United States 🇺🇸—which many Canadians once took for granted—now seem expensive.
Instead, Canadians can save money by traveling at home. They avoid high exchange rates, extra fees, and possibly costly travel troubles at the border. More families and solo travelers are choosing to spend their vacation money supporting local hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and attractions.
The International Scene: Not Just a Canadian Story
Canada 🇨🇦 is not the only country seeing these kinds of changes. Many European countries have also noticed problems with recent U.S. travel and visa policies. Countries including the Netherlands 🇳🇱, France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Ireland 🇮🇪, Norway 🇳🇴, Belgium 🇧🇪, and Portugal 🇵🇹 have issued warnings to their citizens about traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. These governments are worried that the new identification and entry policies could lead to confusion, longer wait times, and possible trouble for their people. Their main goal is to help their citizens stay safe and informed.
In Europe, this has caused a noticeable dip in young people and students wanting to visit or take part in exchange programs in the United States 🇺🇸. Travel groups and school program organizers report that parents and teenagers mention fear of being misunderstood or turned away at the border. Many are switching their vacation plans to friendlier, more welcoming spots.
At the same time, Canadian interest in European vacations has gone up. Surveys show that bookings for Canadians heading to Europe have jumped by 32% for summer 2025. While not everyone can afford a European vacation, this still shows a shift in taste and comfort when it comes to picking international travel destinations.
The Upside for Canada’s Tourism Industry
This renewed focus on exploring Canada 🇨🇦 brings big benefits to tourism businesses across the country. Reports show that Canadians already make up about 76% of the demand for homegrown tourism. That means three out of four tourists spending money in Canadian hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, and adventure trips are Canadian themselves.
As more Canadians choose to discover their own backyard, local businesses in both large cities and small towns are working hard to welcome new visitors. Hotels and bed-and-breakfasts in places like Québec City, Summerside, and Moose Jaw are offering special deals for domestic travelers. Tour companies are creating new packages to meet the needs of families, couples, and groups looking to try something different without leaving Canada 🇨🇦.
WestJet’s expanded domestic flight schedule is only the tip of the iceberg. Other transport companies, from intercity bus lines to rental car firms, also see opportunities for growth. The change is not just happening in July and August, either. Canadians are booking spring, summer, and even fall getaways earlier now, with many spots already reporting high reservation numbers for weekends throughout the year.
This means more money stays in the local economy, helping towns provide jobs in tourism, hospitality, and service industries. It could also lead to future investments, with businesses thinking about upgrades or new attractions to meet travelers’ interests.
Safety and Comfort: How Domestic Travel Fits What People Want
Domestic travel offers a safer, stress-free experience for many. Canadians do not need to worry about unpredictable border rules, tough checks, or changing paperwork requirements. There are no problems about whether a new visa is needed or if a passport might expire soon.
When Canadians travel within Canada 🇨🇦, they can use familiar IDs, speak in their own language, and know their rights and responsibilities. In a world where people want simple, easy trips—and sometimes need to travel at short notice—this gives domestic travel a real advantage over going abroad.
Canadian health insurance and public services also apply at home, so there is less worry about medical emergencies or unexpected costs. This adds peace of mind for families with young children or people with special health needs.
Popular Destinations See Big Gains
It is easy to see why places like Tofino and St. John’s are getting more attention. Both offer natural beauty, fun activities, and the chance to unwind away from crowded airports and busy border crossings.
Other trending areas, like Moose Jaw and Summerside, appeal to travelers looking for something different. These cities offer festivals, history, culture, and hidden gems. As more Canadians explore these spots, local businesses report stronger bookings for both short weekend trips and longer stays.
What This All Means Going Forward
The big question is whether this trend will continue beyond summer 2025. Several experts say that once Canadians see how much their own country has to offer, many will want to keep exploring different regions year after year.
While some Canadians will always look forward to overseas adventures, it is likely that the habit of booking domestic trips will stay strong. The current climate—new U.S. policies, border uncertainties, and high travel costs—may encourage Canadians to keep local travel at the front of their plans through at least 2025.
For people thinking about their own summer 2025 plans, these trends can offer both inspiration and practical advice. Booking early is important, as popular spots fill up fast. Checking airline and hotel deals, and being ready to try new destinations within Canada 🇨🇦, can help travelers get the most out of their vacation time.
Related Rules and Where to Learn More
Anyone planning a trip should look at the official rules about Canadian travel and border crossings from the Canada Border Services Agency. This website gives up-to-date information on travel documents, border opening hours, and changes in government policy.
Final Thoughts
This summer, Canada 🇨🇦 is set to enjoy a record-breaking boom in homegrown tourism. More Canadians than ever are trading plans to head south for a chance to see what’s new and exciting in their own country. This change is being driven by tougher U.S. travel and visa rules, worries about border safety, the high value of the U.S. dollar, and a strong sense of Canadian pride. Big cities, coastal villages, and small towns are ready to roll out the welcome mat.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new focus on domestic travel has already changed the way Canadians think about vacations. The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be a turning point for Canada 🇨🇦’s tourism sector. As Canadians enjoy hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and sharing their travel ideas with each other, it is clear that staying local can be just as fun—and sometimes even more rewarding—as going far from home. For families, solo explorers, and adventure lovers alike, summer 2025 looks set to be remembered as a time when Canada 🇨🇦 itself became the top travel pick.
Learn Today
Domestic travel → Travel or tourism that takes place entirely within one’s home country, rather than visiting foreign destinations.
Visa policies → Government rules determining who can enter a country, how long they can stay, and any documentation required.
Exchange rate → The value of one country’s currency in relation to another, affecting travel costs for international visitors.
Border crossing → The process and checkpoints involved when travelers move from one country to another, often requiring identification and inspection.
Consumer patriotism → A movement where people deliberately buy products, goods, or services produced in their own country to support the local economy.
This Article in a Nutshell
Canadians are rediscovering their own backyard, with domestic travel soaring for summer 2025. Tough U.S. travel policies, currency rates, and a renewed pride in supporting local industries fuel the shift. Trending destinations and expanded WestJet flights highlight how in-country exploration now defines Canadian vacations—benefiting the economy and travelers alike.
— By VisaVerge.com
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