Statistics Canada data from March 2026 reinforces the broader trend: road trips from Canada to the U.S. declined 4.5 per cent compared to March 2025 and have dropped 35 per cent compared to March 2024, while air travel to the U.S. fell by 13.8 per cent year-over-year. For the third straight month, more Canadians boarded flights to overseas destinations than drove to the United States, reversing a long-standing trend.
Advertorial
A recent survey commissioned by Flight Centre Canada and conducted by YouGov found that 62% of Canadians say they are less likely to visit the United States in 2026 compared to last year, with many citing political and cultural concerns, border frustrations, and the unfavourable exchange rate.
The shift to domestic travel isn’t just about politics or exchange rates — it’s also about value. According to Expedia, the cheapest days to fly domestically this summer are June 5 and June 11, while international travel is most affordable on June 4 and August 31. Early June and late August offer opportunities to avoid peak pricing, and travel experts say being flexible and planning ahead will be key strategies for Canadians navigating higher costs this summer.
For Ontario, this perfect storm of factors — affordability, accessibility, diversity of attractions and shifting traveller sentiment — has created an unprecedented opportunity. Whether it’s the bright lights of Toronto, the natural wonders of Niagara, or the quiet charm of small-town Ontario, Canada’s most populous province is finally getting the recognition it deserves from its own citizens.
