Tourism and Events
Interprovincial travel spending up 5 per cent as Canadians rethink U.S. trips, shows Moneris data
September 16, 2025
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More Canadians are choosing trips within Canada. A Moneris-commissioned Angus Reid survey shows a shift away from U.S. travel plans. In 2025, 26 per cent of respondents changed, postponed or cancelled U.S. trips. Statistics Canada data for June also shows a similar pattern, with trips to the U.S. down roughly 29 per cent year over year.
Where travellers went instead
Among those who adjusted their plans the vast majority chose to keep their tourism dollars in Canada. Forty-four per cent opted to travel within their own province, while 30 per cent ventured to other provinces. These domestic options also beat out international alternatives and even having no plans at all.
Spending data confirms the shift
Moneris domestic tourism data shows the spend behind this trend. For simplicity, these figures focus on interprovincial trips. Comparing the first six months of 2025 with the same period in 2024, interprovincial spending volume rose 5 per cent. Alberta was up 9 per cent. Saskatchewan was up 6 per cent. The Territories were up 10 per cent. More trips and more purchases drove the increase. Transaction counts rose 4 per cent year over year.
Why this matters for your business
Domestic trips keep money closer to home. BMO Chief Economist Douglas Porter underscored the point on the Just Good Business podcast. Spending in Banff or Halifax, instead of Florida or Arizona, re-directs funds to local businesses in a meaningful way.
Scale of the opportunity
The World Travel and Tourism Council projects domestic tourism in Canada at $104 billion in 2025. Growth is set to more than double last year’s rate. Federal support adds momentum. The Canada Strong Pass and the Tourism Growth Program aim to help spur travel within Canada, especially in rural and remote communities, helping local businesses and regional economies.
Tips for businesses
1. Focus your offers on interprovincial visitors
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Build easy weekend packages for drive markets
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Price and promote two-to-three-night stays
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Create small group and family bundles
2. Make booking and paying simple
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Offer fast online booking with clear cancellation policies
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Promote tap and mobile wallet acceptance at all touchpoints
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Reduce checkout friction with clear, all-in pricing
3. Show up where travellers plan
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Refresh Google Business Profile listings with hours, photos and deals
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Target paid search by province and city names near you
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Partner with nearby attractions for shared promos
4. Tailor the experience
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Train staff to welcome out-of-province guests
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Highlight local must-try food, events and trails
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Offer shipping for retail purchases that might be too big for tourists to carry back home
5. Keep the relationship after the trip
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Collect opt-in email and SMS at checkout
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Send a thank-you with a return offer that can be redeemed in off-peak tourism times, helping to potentially extend your busy season
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Invite reviews on platforms your visitors use
6. Use programs and peak periods
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Prepare rural and remote offers built for those incentives
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Add limited-time deals around school breaks and long weekends
Domestic tourism is more than a trend. It is a measurable shift in how Canadians spend their travel dollars. With interprovincial spending up and federal programs supporting local travel, businesses have a clear opportunity to capture this demand. The data shows Canadians are choosing to explore their own country, and that choice is driving billions into local economies.
Power your strategy with data-driven tourism insights—explore Moneris Data Services to learn more.
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