Montréal Tourism Boasts 11.8M Visitors in 2025, Up 7.3%

Tourisme Montréal closed 2025 with 11.8 million visitors, a 7.3% increase over 2024, following what it described as a year that unfolded in two distinct phases - a spring marked by uncertainty and a steady recovery in the second half.

The organization said the growth reflects the strength of the Canadian market and Montréal’s ability to adapt in an unpredictable global environment.

Domestic Travel Leads Growth

Domestic travel continued to drive results, with the Canadian market up 10% year over year. Gains were particularly strong from Atlantic Canada, which rose 17%.

U.S. visitation dipped mid-year, down 12% in July, but improved toward year-end, finishing 2025 with a more moderate decline of 5%. Overseas markets posted 2% growth overall.

France stood out among international markets, setting a new record with more than 470,000 visitors, a 2% increase over 2024.

Tourisme Montréal also noted a shift in booking behaviour. Travellers are now reserving trips about 50 days in advance, compared to roughly 90 days in previous years, reflecting ongoing economic and geopolitical volatility.

Tourism Spending Holds Steady

Tourism spending in Montréal remained stable at $5.8 billion in 2025, on par with 2024 levels.

Visitors continued to spend primarily on food and accommodations, which together account for nearly 75% of total tourism revenue. 

Hotels Rebound After Slow Start

After a softer first quarter, hotel occupancy improved steadily through the year. A strong final quarter helped offset earlier weakness, bringing overall performance in line with 2024.

More than 90 days recorded occupancy rates above 80%, a 7% increase compared with the previous year, despite a 4% rise in hotel capacity in 2025. 

Tourisme Montréal’s website, mtl.org, recorded 11.8 million visits in 2025, up 14.5% year over year. 

2026: Major Events on the Horizon

• UCI Road World Championships: More than 10 days of competition from September 20 to 27. This will be Montréal's largest international sporting event since the 1976 Olympic Games.
• Formula 1 Grand Prix: Moved to May this year, the event aims to recapture the strong attendance typically seen in June.
• Festival season: Montréal's festival scene will see renewed energy, with a rich and ambitious lineup that solidifies the city's reputation as North America's festival capital.

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