When Canadians plan trips that require a passport instead of car insurance, why do they hesitate? It is clear from the numbers that long trips across international lines are becoming more popular while the typical road trip from Canada to the U.S. is becoming less popular. When Canadians travel in style, they’re not giving up their desire to leave; they’re just choosing different destinations. This change isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic shift toward experiential value, driven by financial concerns and a strong desire for deeply engaging cultural events. If you want to get the most out of your trip around the world, the first thing you need to do is find out where Canadians prefer to go.
The Declining Draw of Southbound Travel
Recent data confirms the changing preference. Statistics Canada reported a notable year-over-year decrease in Canadian residents returning from the United States in the first half of 2025, especially by car. This is a massive shift away from the historically dominant cross-border trips. Why? The strong U.S. dollar makes every purchase north of the border feel like a luxury tax, diminishing the value of short visits. Travelers are now asking: if I have to spend a premium, why not spend it on a more exotic destination?
The Rise of the ‘Value Adventure’
This pivot is driven by the hunt for better value. The cost of a luxury vacation that lasts for a few weeks is often comparable to a much more expensive trip that takes place closer to home, largely because the Canadian dollar offers a favorable purchasing power in destinations like Mexico and many parts of Europe (including Portugal and Italy). For Canadians, the excellent relative value offered by the Mexican Peso and the generally lower cost of goods in many popular overseas markets (like those within the Eurozone) make the longer trip financially justifiable compared to the premium required for travel in the expensive U.S. market. Destination Canada and industry reports confirm that more Canadians are picking longer, more meaningful vacations that focus on national identity, the environment, and one-of-a-kind events. In this group are “Astro-adventures” to see the Northern Lights, health vacations, and food-focused tours.
New Hotspots: Europe and Asia Lead the Way
The new places people want to go show a desire for more and more learning. Sun-drenched European countries like Greece and Portugal are getting a lot of bookings because they offer culture and food that can’t be found on short-haul flights. Statistics Canada says that in the first quarter of 2025, Canadians traveling to other countries actually raised their visits by 7.1% year-over-year and their spending by over 11.3%. Aside from Europe, Canada’s tourists also went to a lot more places in Asia, like Japan and China, thanks to better transportation and more interesting culture sites.
Blending Leisure and Local Entertainment
These days, tourists want their whole trip to be convenient, even the time they take to relax. This is true whether they are planning a stay in a fancy villa in the Azores or a train trip through Japan. At the same time, they want solid and seamless experiences both in person and online. To maintain a sense of familiarity, travelers rely on accessible Canadian digital services while abroad, including popular entertainment platforms that offer live dealer games, streaming services for localized media, and digital banking to easily manage money while they’re away. Being able to access familiar Canadian digital platforms provides a sense of comfort, even when travelers are thousands of miles away.
Plotting Your Global Itinerary
It’s clear to Canadian travelers that the world is open and that their currency is getting stronger in places around the world. People are now much less interested in short trips and more interested in long, culturally rewarding trips that are full of experiences. Spending money where it gives you the most memories, history, and excitement are what it’s all about.
