September Sees Significant Drop: Canadian Car Visits to US Plunge 35 Percent and Air Travel Falls 27 Percent

Basio badr

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September Sees Significant Drop: Canadian Car Visits to US Plunge 35 Percent and Air Travel Falls 27 Percent

The downturn in Canadian travel to the United States has reached significant levels, continuing its trajectory through September. This trend has serious implications for both U.S. tourism and the economy.

Key Statistics on Canadian Travel to the U.S.

According to data from Statistics Canada, several noteworthy trends have emerged regarding Canadian visits to the U.S.:

Road Trips: Canadian road trips to the U.S. fell by 35% in September compared to the previous year, consistent with a 34% decline recorded in August.
Air Travel: Air travel from Canada decreased by 27% year-over-year, following a 25% drop in August.
Duration of Decline: September marks the ninth consecutive month of significant decreases in Canadian travel, with consistent double-digit reductions in both car and air travel since April.

American Travel Trends

The trend is not one-sided. American visits to Canada also declined, although the drop was less severe. In September, 5% fewer Americans drove to Canada compared to the same month last year.

The Economic Impact of the Decline

Historically, Canadian tourists have represented about 25% of all international visitors to the U.S. Their spending was substantial, totaling $20.5 billion in 2024. However, recent estimates predict a 24% decrease in Canadian travel to the U.S. for the first half of 2025.

Projected Loss: U.S. tourism officials anticipate an overall economic loss of up to $29 billion this year due to decreased travel.

Underlying Causes of Reduced Travel

Several factors contribute to the decline in international visitors to the U.S. Key among them are:

Geopolitical tensions and anti-immigration policies have shaped negative perceptions of the U.S.
Travel sentiment has shifted globally, with a significant impact on U.S. tourism.
Despite a weakened dollar making the U.S. more affordable, concerns regarding policies have deterred travelers.

Conclusion

The significant drop in Canadian visits in September reflects ongoing economic challenges for U.S. tourism. Continuous efforts will be necessary to reverse this trend and rebuild positive travel sentiment.