Published on: November 18, 2025, 03:25h.

Updated on: November 18, 2025, 03:25h.

• Air travel by Canadians to the U.S. experienced a 23.9% year-on-year decrease in October
• 70% of Canadians polled expressed discomfort with winter travel to the U.S.
• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority unveils Cyber Week offers for Las Vegas resorts

October saw a 12.6% decline in total international arrivals to Canada—counting both returning Canadian citizens and non-residents by air and road—totaling 4.6 million. This marks the ninth consecutive month of falling numbers, as indicated by Statistics Canada. A significant factor in this trend appears to be Canadians’ hesitation to travel south to the U.S.

Canadians returning from international trips totaled 1.4 million by air in October, reflecting a 5.2% decrease year-on-year. In contrast, returns from overseas journeys rose by 6.8% compared to October 2024, reaching 964,200. Meanwhile, flights from the U.S. to Canada saw a drastic decline of 23.9%, totaling 437,000 in October 2025 compared to the previous year.

What is causing Canadians to avoid U.S. travel? Recent studies highlight concerns over delays and lengthy waits at U.S. border checkpoints. For instance, I experienced a wait exceeding an hour at U.S. customs at Toronto Pearson Airport while heading to Las Vegas, arriving at the airport over two hours early yet barely making my flight. The takeaway for Canadian travelers is clear: aim to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior.

Significant 23.9% Decrease in U.S. Travel in October

A study released by Angus Reid in early November disclosed that 70% of Canadians feel uneasy about traveling to the U.S. this winter. Additionally, two-thirds (65%) of participants consider new border policies for long-term visitors—such as fingerprinting and a $60 registration fee—to be intrusive.

Moreover, 77% of Canadians now hold a more negative perception of the U.S. as a travel destination than in previous years. Clearly, the frequency of Canadians making multiple trips to the U.S. is dwindling.

Comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state, in addition to current U.S. tariff policies, have fueled Canadian resentment toward the U.S. In the Angus Reid survey, 69% of those reportedly cutting back on U.S. travel indicated they wish to “stand up for Canada”.

Canadians’ Negative View of the U.S. as a Travel Destination

The unfavorable exchange rate also contributes to the increased costs for Canadians visiting the U.S., alongside rising safety concerns in various U.S. cities.

While visiting Niagara Falls in October with family, during the boat ride to the Falls, we noticed Americans on the opposite shore. A few friendly waves were exchanged, subtly symbolizing the growing divide between our two nations.

Nearly half of respondents in another Angus Reid survey expressed that Canada should regard the U.S. as a rival or potential threat, a sentiment reflected in the declining tourism figures.

Las Vegas Promotions to Combat Declining Canadian Tourism

As per the latest data from Harry Reid International Airport, Air Canada brought in 21,673 passengers to Las Vegas in September, a drop from 26,278 in the same month the previous year. This trend was mirrored by WestJet, which saw arrivals fall from 37,207 to 20,838, and Flair Airlines, which went from 2,019 to just 859.

In response to these statistics, Las Vegas tourism officials are actively addressing the downturn, particularly concerning the decline in Canadian visitors to the city.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority stated recently that casino promotions are available for Cyber Week, including limited-time hotel deals from Caesars Entertainment, such as a $300 package for a two-night stay at selected resorts, which includes a $200 food and beverage credit, or a $400 package good for a three-night stay with a $250 credit.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas is offering 20% off rates plus waiving resort fees for all bookings made between November 26 and December 3. MGM Resorts is providing 30% off room rates, along with food and beverage credits worth up to $150 at properties like Bellagio Resort & Casino, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

It remains to be seen whether such promotions will sway Canadian perceptions of travel to the U.S.