In 2025, more Canadians choose long-distance trips, with France, Spain, and Japan drawing the biggest increase in travellers. Travel Tour & World
Canadians show strong interest in long-distance travel in 2025. Many people choose France, Spain, and Japan for their vacations. These countries attract record numbers as Canadians look for deep cultural experiences and famous landmarks. Travellers want something new, and these destinations offer history, food, and adventure.
Japan records the biggest rise. Canadian visits climb by 88% in the second quarter. This adds about 110,000 extra tourists. France also draws more visitors. Canadian trips increase by 49%, adding another 105,000 visits. Spain shows steady growth as well. Canadians clearly feel ready to explore places far from home.
Mexico Still Holds the Top Spot
Mexico continues to welcome the most Canadian tourists. About 471,000 people visit in the second quarter of 2025. Easy flights and warm weather keep Mexico popular. France follows in second place with 319,000 visits. The United Kingdom ranks third with 279,000 Canadian travellers. These destinations remain long-time favourites.
Caribbean Visits Drop After Storm Damage
Not every region sees growth. The Dominican Republic and Cuba face sharp declines. A strong storm, Hurricane Melissa, hits the region in late October and disrupts travel. Visits drop by more than 20%. Many resorts begin repair work, but travellers wait for better conditions.
Thailand sees the biggest fall. Canadian visits drop by 67%. Safety concerns rise, and many tourists choose other locations. These shifts show how weather and safety shape travel choices.
Domestic Travel Reaches New Highs
Canadians still enjoy exploring their own country. Domestic travel rises to 90.6 million trips in the second quarter of 2025. This marks an increase of 10.9% from the year before. Same-day trips grow the most. They rise by 12.4% and reach 58.6 million. Many people take short breaks and enjoy nearby attractions.
Overnight trips also grow. Canadians take 32 million overnight journeys, an 8.4% increase. Families explore small towns, national parks, and coastal areas. Many travellers enjoy the chance to discover new places close to home.
Domestic tourism spending rises as well. Canadians spend $20.3 billion in the second quarter. Local attractions, outdoor experiences, and family trips drive this growth. Canada’s natural landscapes continue to draw interest from both locals and visitors.
Trips to the United States Continue to Fall
Travel to the United States keeps declining. Canadian visits fall by 21.6% compared with the same period in 2024. Many travellers look for lower costs or safer destinations elsewhere. Some choose Europe or Asia for unique cultural experiences. This drop affects the U.S. travel industry, which relies on Canadian visitors.
High travel costs, safety concerns, and shifting interests may explain the decline. Canadians now look for new experiences, and many find them outside the United States.
A Changing Travel Landscape
Canadians show clear interest in both faraway adventures and local discoveries. Japan and France grow popular for their culture and energy. At the same time, domestic tourism reaches record levels as people explore their own regions. Safety, cost, and convenience guide many decisions.
These patterns highlight a changing travel world. Canadians continue to seek meaningful experiences, whether across the ocean or within their home provinces. Both international and domestic tourism play important roles in shaping Canada’s travel future.
