by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Fri February 13, 2026
A national YouGov survey commissioned by Flight Centre Canada found that 62% of Canadians say they are less likely to visit the U.S. in 2026 than last year.
Just eight percent say they are more likely to travel south of the border.
Canadian travel to the U.S. continued to decline in January, as overall international travel rose 11.1%, according to new data from Statistics Canada.
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The drop builds on a 28% decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. in 2025 and coincides with new research from Flight Centre Canada suggesting the shift may extend into 2026.
“What hasn’t changed is Canadians’ desire to travel, only how they are deciding where to go,” the Flight Centre report notes.
“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. If sustained, this could permanently reshape where Canadian travel dollars flow.”
U.S. Travel Comfort Declines
The survey findings suggest the U.S. is no longer the default choice for many Canadians.
Six in 10 respondents (62%) say they are less likely to visit in 2026 compared to 2025.
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The top factors influencing that decision include political and cultural climate (57%), border hassles and travel restrictions (53%), safety and security concerns (46%) and cost or exchange rate (44%).
Canada and Europe Gain Ground
Canada ranks as the top destination of the year, with 37% of Canadians placing it first on their travel wish lists.
Europe also saw increased interest, with one in four Canadians (25%) naming it their top choice for 2026.
Mexico and Asia each received 9% of the vote.
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The report points to specific destinations gaining traction, including Banff and Lake Louise at home, as well as Croatia, the Azores and Italy’s Sardegna and Umbria regions abroad.
Asia ranks as the top destination of the year for 15% of Gen Z respondents.
Value Drives Decisions
For 86% of Canadians, travel “feels different” this year.
Nearly six in 10 (58%) say cost will ultimately determine where they travel. At the same time, 20% say they are willing to pay more to travel within Canada to support local jobs.
The report concludes that these shifts reflect a broader change in mindset, one focused on purpose, ease and value.
Canada Strong: A National Travel Mindset for 2026 and Beyond is based on a YouGov survey of more than 1,000 Canadians and was commissioned by Flight Centre Canada.
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