According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the number of Canadians flying to the United States has decreased for the ninth consecutive month. The report highlights a significant trend in travel preferences, indicating that fewer Canadians are choosing to cross the southern border as holiday travel approaches.
In October 2023, only 24.4 percent of passenger traffic at Canada’s major airports was comprised of trips to the U.S., down from 28 percent during the same month last year. This shift has coincided with a broader increase in overall travel, as more than 5 million passengers passed through Canada’s eight largest airports, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.5 percent. Specifically, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) welcomed over 900,000 travelers, marking an increase of nearly 6.6 percent compared to the previous year.
Canadians appear to be favoring domestic travel over international flights. Travel to other cities within Canada surged by 8.5 percent during the same period. This trend suggests a growing preference for local destinations, possibly driven by various factors, including economic considerations and changing attitudes towards international travel.
Interestingly, air travel from the United States to Canada also saw a modest increase, with arrivals up by 1.3 percent year over year. This may indicate that Americans continue to view Canada as an attractive travel destination, despite the drop in cross-border trips from Canada.
On the ground, data from the Whatcom Council of Governments highlights a significant decline in land crossings. B.C. license plates crossing into Washington state dropped by 37 percent in October, further illustrating the trend away from travel to the U.S.
The decline in cross-border travel can be traced back to February 2023, shortly after former U.S. President Donald Trump took office. His administration’s policies and rhetoric, including comments about Canada potentially becoming a “51st state,” may have contributed to the growing reluctance of Canadians to travel south.
As the holiday season approaches, these trends will likely influence travel plans. With domestic travel on the rise, Canadians may continue to prioritize local experiences over international trips.
