Canadian Travel to the US Rises Despite Trade Tensions

Travel by Canadians to the United States is increasing despite trade disputes, reciprocal tariffs and calls to boycott American products. Cross-border travel between Canada and the US has risen for the seventh consecutive month. However, despite the upward trend, travel volumes have yet to return to 2024 levels.

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, approximately 1.889 million Canadian travellers returned from the United States in October 2026. This was 3 percent higher than the figure recorded in the same month last year.

Statistics Canada figures released on November 12 show that the number of Canadians returning from the US by car increased by 2.2 percent in October compared with the same period last year. Returns by air rose by 5.6 percent. This indicates an increase in Canadian travel to the United States by both road and air.

Despite the upward trend, cross-border travel remains significantly below 2024 levels. Compared with October 2024, the number of Canadians returning from the US by car in October 2026 was 29 percent lower, while returns by air were down 19.6 percent.

Travel by Canadians to the United States declined significantly in 2025. US President Donald Trump's tariff policies, trade disputes between the two countries, and calls to boycott American products and avoid travel to the US were seen as some of the key reasons behind the decline. However, the steady increase in border crossings since April 2026 suggests a shift in the trend.

Meanwhile, travel by US citizens to Canada has also increased. Approximately 1.537 million Americans travelled to Canada by car and air in October, up 8.1 percent from the same month last year.

According to analysts, despite political and trade tensions, people-to-people connections and cross-border travel between the two countries continue. People are crossing the border for various reasons, including visiting family and friends, business, shopping and holidays. However, travel between Canada and the United States will need to increase further to return to 2024 levels.