Call it Canada Strong, Loonie Loyalists, or World Citizens, if current travel trends continue, a permanent reshaping of “where Canadian travel dollars flow,” could be at hand, says a new survey by Flight Centre.
“Over the past year, we’ve seen a redistribution of Canadian travel spending,” says Chris Lynes, Managing Director of Flight Centre Travel Group Canada. “While U.S. travel has softened, outbound travel to other international destinations and interest in domestic trips has strengthened…”
And if sustained, this could permanently reshape how – and where – Canadians travel, Lynes adds.
Flight Canada says its new national survey of 1,000 Canadians – “Canada Strong: A National Travel Mindset for 2026 and Beyond” – conducted by YouGov, aligns with Statistics Canada figures that show a 28% decline in travel to the U.S. in 2025, offset by increased domestic and international travel.
According to the YouGov survey, 62% of Canadians say they are less likely to visit the U.S. in 2026 compared to last year – signalling a pullback that appears increasingly structural rather than seasonal. What hasn’t changed is Canadians’ desire to travel, only how they are deciding where to go.
Report Insights
U.S travel comfort has eroded
- The U.S. is no longer the default destination as six in 10 Canadians (62%) say they are less likely to visit in 2026 compared to last year. Only 8% are more likely to visit.
- The top factors affecting the decision are political/cultural climate (57%), border hassles/ travel restrictions (53%), safety/security concerns (46%) and cost/exchange rate (44%).
Canada and Europe come out on top
- Canada ranks as the top destination of 2026 with 37% of Canadians placing it in the No. 1 spot on their travel wishlists.
- Confidence in Europe surges with one in four Canadians (25%) slotting it into their top travel spot, making it the second most desirable location for 2026. Mexico and Asia each garner 9% of the vote.
It’s about values and value
- For 86% of Canadians, travel feels different this year with nearly six in 10 Canadians (58%) saying cost will ultimately determine where they travel. Still, 20% say they are willing to pay more to travel within Canada to support local jobs.
- These mindset changes signal a new era of Canadian travel – one driven by purpose, ease and value. In 2026, that means staying close to home with adventures in Banff and Lake Louise, zipping to Europe to explore alternative destinations like Croatia, the Azores and Italy’s Sardegna and Umbria regions, or stretching the Canadian dollar further in Asia, the top destination of the year for 15% of Gen Z.
“Canadians still really want to travel – that hasn’t changed. What has changed is how careful people are being with where they invest their tourism dollars,” says Anita Emilio, Executive VP, Flight Centre Canada. “Instead of pulling back, they’re adjusting – looking for destinations that align with their values, booking earlier and travelling in the shoulder season. It’s a practical shift that lets Canadians keep travelling without sacrificing the experiences that matter.”
See the full report at Canada Strong: A National Travel Mindset for 2026 and Beyond.
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