Trips to the United States by Canadian residents increased for the fourth consecutive month in July, with 2.3 million return trips reported, marking a 10.2 percent rise from the same month in 2025. The surge in travel was predominantly by car, with automobile trips up 12.8 percent, while air travel saw a decline of 1.4 percent. The increase is partly attributed to a base-year effect due to significant travel reductions in 2025. However, compared to pre-pandemic levels in July 2024, car trips are still down 28.9 percent. Statistics Canada highlighted that same-day trips accounted for a substantial portion of July’s increase, while overnight travel remains significantly lower than two years ago. A separate survey indicated that nearly half of Canadian travelers plan to visit the U.S. in the next year, reflecting a gradual recovery in cross-border travel intentions despite ongoing concerns about U.S. government policies.
Why It Matters
The data underscores the ongoing recovery of cross-border travel between Canada and the United States, which was severely impacted by the pandemic and subsequent trade conflicts. In July, the significant rise in automobile trips indicates a shift in travel preferences, while the decline in air travel suggests lingering hesitancy among Canadians regarding longer vacations. Historical data shows that visits to the U.S. have not fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with Canadians reporting a decrease in both leisure and family visits over the past couple of years. The travel intentions survey further highlights evolving perceptions among Canadians about safety and the attractiveness of the U.S. as a travel destination amidst changing political and economic conditions.
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