With U.S trips off the table, thousands of Canadians turn to scenic alternatives as Air Canada axes routes; here are stunning places they are choosing instead

Economic Times

02-05-2025

Why are Canadians avoiding the U.S. this year?
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Numerous Canadians are rethinking their holidays to the United States this year, and it's not just due to the expense of air travel.As airlines cut routes and border crossings get more heated, people are finding stunning new holiday destinations. Due to political stress and flight cancellations, increasing numbers of Canadians are forgoing US vacations for scenic, more secure options.From eco-treks in Costa Rica to Indigenous culture holidays in Haida Gwaii, the travel trend is changing how Canadians vacation in 2025. Take a look at these local and foreign travel options, since airlines such as Air Canada have even canceled flights to the United States, as per reports.According to new data from Statistics Canada, Canadian travels to the United States fell sharply this year, despite March normally being a busy travel month for Canadians.March was the worst decline since the pandemic, with almost 32% fewer Canadians driving home from the U.S. than in March 2024. In the meantime, air travel from the United States decreased 13.5% over the previous year.The Canadian government revised its online travel advisory in April to advise citizens visiting the United States to "expect scrutiny" from border patrol officers, including with regard to electronic devices, as per reports.According to the website, Canadians "may be detained while awaiting deportation" if they are refused entrance because U.S. authorities "strictly enforce entry requirements."Many Canadians are opting not to travel to the United States at all due to growing concerns about treatment at the border and threats of tariffs and annexation from U.S. President Donald Trump.According to a recent Abacus study, political tensions were the main reason given by 56% of Canadians who had originally intended to visit the United States this year for scaling back or canceling their plans.If you typically take vacations in Florida, consider visiting Costa Rica for beach excursions, animal viewing, and zip-lining. Mexico, including the Riviera Maya, for venturing outside of the resorts and visiting interactive eco-parks, cenotes, and Mayan ruins.Thailand to see kid-friendly resorts and elephant sanctuaries, including Chiang Mai and Phuket. Ecuador, which includes Quito and the Amazon , provides affordable family-friendly animal experiences.Try these locations if you typically take vacations in warm climates like Arizona:Portugal, notably the Algarve and Lisbon, is known for its beaches, castles, and delicious, reasonably priced family cuisine. Vietnam, featuring the rice terraces and motorbike trails of Sapa Trekking and Ha Giang Loop. Patagonia's Torres del Paine offers multi-day hiking in a mountainous setting. Ecuador, encompassing the Andean Highlands and the Galápagos, for mountain hiking and snorkeling with marine life.If you're more into local getaways, Canada offers no shortage of breathtaking options. Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail, Yukon's northern lights, and Haida Gwaii's immersive Indigenous experiences are all attracting attention. Even Labrador's Torngat Mountains are drawing in thrill-seekers looking for Arctic adventures without crossing borders.Due to political unrest and worries about border security, many people have refrained from visiting the US.Among the most popular options are Yukon, Portugal, Vietnam, Costa Rica, and Nova Scotia.