Canada has published new data showing the countries that attracted the most Canadian travellers in 2025. According to Statistics Canada, Canadian residents made 14.27 million visits to overseas countries during the year, an increase from 12.95 million in 2024 and 12.27 million in 2019. The figures were published in Statistics Canada's Tourism Activity, 2025 report, released on September 25, 2026. This report highlights a notable shift in Canadians' travel patterns during the year.
Mexico emerged as the most visited destination by Canadian residents in 2025, with 2,662,000 visits. The Dominican Republic, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy also featured prominently in the list of top 5 overseas destinations. The Dominican Republic recorded 984,000 visits, while France, the United Kingdom, and Italy had 977,000, 878,000, and 805,000 visits, respectively. These numbers indicate a strong demand for both popular holiday spots and European destinations.
The latest figures show that overseas travel by Canadian residents increased in 2025. Canadians made 14.27 million visits to overseas countries, representing a 10.2% increase from 2024 and a 16.3% increase compared with 2019. Spending on overseas visits reached C$31.3 billion, up 17.5% from 2024. This significant increase in overseas travel indicates a growing trend among Canadians to explore destinations beyond their country.
In addition to the increase in overseas travel, domestic travel also saw an upswing in 2025. Canadian residents made 342.04 million domestic visits in 2025, compared with 337.05 million in 2024 and 333.60 million in 2019. This growth in domestic travel suggests that Canadians are also exploring their own country's attractions.
However, visits to the United States declined significantly in 2025. Canadian residents made 23.096 million visits to the US, down from 30.185 million in 2024 and 31.506 million in 2019. Visits to the US for holidays, leisure, and recreation fell by 21.5% compared with 2024, while visits to see friends and relatives declined by 9%. This decline in US visits is a notable shift in Canadian travel patterns.
The 2025 figures show that Canadian residents travelled more within Canada and to overseas destinations, while visits to the United States fell considerably. This change in travel patterns may be attributed to various factors, including changes in travel preferences, economic conditions, or global events. Further analysis is needed to understand the underlying causes of this shift.
The new data released by Statistics Canada provides valuable insights into Canadian travel patterns. The report highlights the growing trend of Canadians exploring overseas destinations, with a notable increase in visits to Mexico and other popular destinations. As the travel industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Canadian travel patterns change in the future.
Key points
- Mexico was the most visited destination by Canadian residents in 2025, with 2,662,000 visits.
- Overseas travel by Canadian residents increased by 10.2% in 2025 compared with 2024.
- Visits to the United States by Canadian residents declined by 21.5% in 2025 compared with 2024.
