Why More Canadians Are Choosing Staycations Over U.S. Vacations in 2025
In a significant travel shift, Canadians in 2025 are turning away from vacations in the United States and embracing staycations at an unprecedented rate. This trend, fuelled by growing political tensions, rising tariffs, and cross-border travel costs, has led to a dramatic realignment in holiday plans across the country. Recent surveys show that only 10% of Canadians intend to travel to the U.S. this summer, while a staggering 77% plan to vacation within Canada’s borders.
This pivot is more than just a matter of convenience—it’s a response to a changing economic and social climate that’s reshaping how Canadians approach leisure, family time, and summer travel.
The Cost of Crossing the Border
For decades, the United States was the default destination for countless Canadian summer holidays. From shopping trips in Buffalo to beach getaways in Florida or California, the ease of access and favourable exchange rates made it an attractive option. However, 2025 has brought new complications.
Rising tariffs between Canada and the U.S., particularly on tourism-adjacent sectors like hospitality and food services, have made American vacations notably more expensive. On top of that, the weakening Canadian dollar and increased fees for travel insurance and mobile roaming in the U.S. have pushed many families to reconsider the value of heading south.
“Even a basic road trip to New York State now costs us nearly 30% more than just a couple of years ago,” says Angela Martin, a Toronto-based mother of three. “We decided to put that money toward a cottage rental in Muskoka instead—and honestly, we’re not looking back.”
Political Tensions and Perception Shifts
Beyond financial reasons, political factors are also influencing travel behaviour. With mounting cultural and legislative divisions in the U.S., some Canadians report feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome while travelling stateside. A June 2025 poll from Leger revealed that over 40% of respondents cited “personal or ethical discomfort” as a reason for skipping U.S. travel this year.
Canadian travel influencers and journalists have picked up on this trend, encouraging followers to “rediscover home” and support domestic tourism instead. The hashtag #StaycationStrong has been trending on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, celebrating uniquely Canadian adventures and staycation stories.
The Rise of the Great Canadian Road Trip
The result? A surge in domestic tourism, particularly through road trips. Families, couples, and solo travellers alike are exploring scenic corners of the country that were often overlooked in favour of foreign destinations. Popular routes include:
- The Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler
- The Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff
- The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
- The Klondike Highway through the Yukon wilderness
According to travel booking platforms like Expedia and Booking.com, demand for domestic car rentals and accommodation in rural areas has risen by over 35% compared to last summer.
In addition, VIA Rail reports a significant uptick in rail bookings, particularly for long-haul routes connecting Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces—evidence that Canadians are re-embracing slow travel.
Supporting the Local Economy
The benefits of this inward travel focus extend far beyond personal budgets. Local economies—especially in smaller towns and rural regions—are seeing a welcomed boom. Lodges, independent restaurants, and tour operators across British Columbia, Alberta, and the Maritimes report record-breaking summer bookings.
For example, Banff and Lake Louise hotels are nearing 100% capacity for most weekends through August, while glamping sites in Northern Ontario and Quebec are fully booked months in advance. Even traditionally quieter destinations like Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park and New Brunswick’s Fundy Isles are experiencing a new wave of popularity.
Tourism boards have taken note. In response to the staycation boom, several provinces have ramped up advertising campaigns aimed at promoting hidden gems and encouraging off-season travel into autumn. The messaging is clear: Canada isn’t just where we live—it’s where we play, too.
A More Sustainable Way to Travel
Interestingly, this trend also aligns with growing environmental awareness among Canadians. Travelling locally means a smaller carbon footprint, especially for those choosing rail, biking, or EV-based road trips.
With fewer flights and less international travel, some families are using their staycations to adopt slower, more intentional travel habits. Think farm stays, guided forest bathing walks, Indigenous-led cultural experiences, and multi-day cycling tours—experiences that are low-impact yet deeply immersive.
The Future of Canadian Travel
Will the staycation trend endure beyond 2025? Early signs suggest yes. While international travel will always have its place, Canadians are rediscovering the beauty and diversity of their own backyard.
With economic and political factors still evolving, and climate concerns becoming more urgent, the idea of “travelling far to feel free” is being replaced with something more sustainable and satisfying: reconnecting with home.
So whether it’s a kayaking trip in the Okanagan, a stargazing retreat in the Yukon, or a food tour in Prince Edward County, Canadians in 2025 are proving that you don’t have to leave the country to find adventure, relaxation, or connection.