As evening settles over Montréal, the city skyline lights up against the fading sky, creating a striking view along the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec. Travel Pulse Canada
Montréal wrapped up 2025 on a strong note, welcoming 11.8 million visitors over the year. That figure marks a 7.3 per cent increase compared to 2024. Tourism officials described the year as one that unfolded in two clear stages — a cautious spring followed by a steady and confident rebound in the second half.
The organization credited the growth to the resilience of the Canadian market and Montréal’s ability to adjust in a changing global climate.
Domestic Travel Drives Momentum
Canadian travellers played a leading role in the city’s performance. Domestic visits rose 10 per cent year over year. Atlantic Canada stood out in particular, with visits climbing 17 per cent.
While the U.S. market showed some softness during the summer, including a 12 per cent dip in July, the situation improved as the year progressed. By December, the overall decline from the U.S. narrowed to five per cent for the year.
International travel outside the United States also moved in a positive direction. Overseas visits increased by two per cent overall. France delivered especially strong numbers, reaching more than 470,000 visitors. That figure sets a new record and reflects a two per cent increase from 2024.
Changing Travel Habits
Tourism leaders also observed a shift in how travellers plan their trips. Visitors now tend to book their stays about 50 days in advance. In previous years, bookings often happened around 90 days ahead.
This shorter planning window suggests travellers remain cautious as they respond to economic pressures and global uncertainty.
Tourism Spending Remains Solid
Despite fluctuations in visitor patterns, tourism spending held firm. Montréal recorded $5.8 billion in tourism revenue in 2025, matching the total from the previous year.
Spending continued to centre on food and accommodations. Together, restaurants and hotels accounted for nearly three-quarters of all tourism dollars spent in the city.
Hotels Finish Strong
Hotels experienced a slower start to the year, particularly in the first quarter. However, business improved steadily as the months progressed. A strong final quarter helped balance earlier softness and brought overall annual performance in line with 2024 levels.
More than 90 days throughout the year recorded hotel occupancy above 80 per cent. That represents a seven per cent increase compared to 2024, even though hotel capacity expanded by four per cent in 2025.
Online engagement also rose. The official tourism website logged 11.8 million visits during the year, a 14.5 per cent increase from the year before.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The city now prepares for a busy 2026 calendar filled with major events.
The UCI Road World Championships will take place from September 20 to 27, spanning more than 10 days of competition. Organizers expect this event to become Montréal’s largest international sporting gathering since the 1976 Olympic Games.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix will return earlier in the year, moving to May. Officials hope the date change will help restore the strong attendance traditionally seen in June.
Festival season will also return with renewed energy. A wide range of cultural events aims to reinforce Montréal’s long-standing reputation as North America’s festival capital.
With steady visitor growth, stable spending, and major international events on the horizon, Montréal’s tourism sector enters 2026 with cautious optimism and renewed confidence.
