Toronto Joins Quebec City, Montreal, Kelowna, Canmore, Regina, and Others in Witnessing Skyrocketing Growth in Domestic Tourism as Canada Ditches the US Hard Last Year: Everything You Need to Know

Toronto, Canada’s largest and most diverse city, experienced remarkable growth in 2025, with 25 million domestic visitors and $9.1 billion in direct spending. As tourism to the U.S. saw a decline, Toronto capitalized on the shifting travel dynamics, emerging as the top destination for Canadian travelers seeking a mix of urban experiences and cultural diversity. The city set a new record with 28.2 million total visitors, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for arts, business, and multicultural experiences. As Americans increasingly opted for domestic travel, Toronto attracted visitors with its world-class museums, iconic CN Tower, vibrant arts scene, and festivals. The city’s accessibility, along with a thriving hospitality industry, made it a prime location for Canadians looking to explore their own country rather than venture south. This shift in preference benefited Toronto’s economy significantly, with retail, dining, and accommodations seeing strong growth. Toronto’s robust tourism infrastructure, along with its cultural and business offerings, positions it as a central player in Canada’s domestic tourism boom, propelling the overall sector forward even as U.S. tourism faltered.

Quebec City: Strong Growth Amid Challenging Times

Quebec City has experienced impressive growth, seeing over 20% growth in domestic bookings in 2025, despite broader challenges in the global tourism landscape. The city’s blend of European charm and rich history has long attracted visitors, but the decline in U.S. tourism opened the door for increased Canadian travelers. Quebec City capitalized on this opportunity, promoting its historical landmarks like Old Quebec and the iconic Château Frontenac, as well as its cultural festivals like Winter Carnival. The city’s distinct European flair, coupled with its accessibility, made it an appealing option for those seeking international experiences without leaving Canada. With U.S. tourism faltering, Quebec City provided a safe, accessible, and culturally rich alternative. As more Canadians opted for domestic trips, Quebec City benefited from their increased interest, offering them an unforgettable getaway filled with old-world charm and modern amenities. The city’s growth is a testament to the strength of Canada’s domestic tourism sector, proving that even amid a decline in U.S. tourism, Canadian cities like Quebec City can thrive, contributing significantly to the country’s tourism economy.

Montreal: A Fusion of Growth and Cultural Appeal

Montreal has become one of Canada’s most vibrant tourism destinations, witnessing a significant 20% growth in domestic bookings in 2025. Known for its European charm and North American energy, the city has successfully positioned itself as a prime location for Canadian tourists, especially as U.S. tourism faced a downturn. Montreal’s rich blend of French and English culture, its renowned culinary scene, and major cultural events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival have made it a must-visit destination. As travel to the U.S. became more uncertain, Canadians turned to Montreal for its unique urban vibe and world-class attractions. The city’s accessibility, combined with its mix of modern and historic sites, made it an ideal choice for those looking to explore closer to home. With rising travel costs and heightened safety concerns deterring some from visiting the U.S., Montreal saw increased interest from Canadians who appreciated its European influence and cultural richness. This rise in domestic tourism has fueled Montreal’s economic growth, benefiting its hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors while further propelling Canada’s domestic tourism industry.

Kelowna: Nature’s Paradise for Domestic Travelers

Kelowna, B.C., emerged as one of the top destinations for domestic tourists in 2025, experiencing a remarkable 61% increase in summer interest. This shift was primarily driven by the decline in U.S. tourism, as Canadians sought to explore their own country. Known for its stunning lakes, vineyards, and outdoor activities, Kelowna has long been a popular getaway for nature lovers. As U.S. travel became less appealing due to rising costs and geopolitical tensions, Kelowna offered a safe, beautiful, and accessible alternative. Tourists flocked to the city for its wine tours, water sports, hiking trails, and serene landscapes. The city’s growth in tourism reflects a broader trend of Canadians choosing local destinations over international travel, benefiting from the region’s unique blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Kelowna’s tourism boom highlights the power of domestic travel in Canada, as more Canadians discover the beauty of their own country. The city’s ability to attract both adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing retreat underscores its growing status in the Canadian tourism landscape, further contributing to the nationwide rise in domestic tourism.

Canmore: A Gateway to the Rockies

Canmore, Alberta, has seen a 61% increase in summer interest in 2025, becoming a top alternative to more crowded national parks in the region. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Canmore offers visitors a less hectic experience compared to nearby Banff, while still providing access to breathtaking mountain views, outdoor adventures, and serene landscapes. As U.S. tourism faced a decline, more Canadians opted for nearby destinations that provided similar natural beauty without the international travel complications. Canmore has capitalized on this trend, attracting those looking for hiking, biking, and wildlife experiences in a quieter, more intimate setting. The town’s growing popularity among domestic travelers reflects a shift in preferences as Canadians seek to explore their own backyard. Canmore’s proximity to Banff National Park has only added to its appeal, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the Rockies without the heavy crowds. This rise in domestic tourism in Canmore highlights the overall growth of Canada’s tourism sector, benefiting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants as more Canadians embrace local exploration.

Regina: Urban Growth Amid Prairie Tourism

Regina, Saskatchewan, experienced a 20% rise in domestic bookings in 2025, benefiting from the broader trend of shifting travel preferences. As U.S. tourism declined, prairie provinces like Saskatchewan saw a surge in domestic interest, with visitors flocking to cities like Regina for cultural experiences, dining, and newly developed hotel offerings. The city’s vibrant arts scene, growing infrastructure, and increasing popularity of prairie tourism have made it a sought-after destination for Canadians. With its mix of urban development and nearby natural attractions, Regina offers a unique blend of experiences for domestic travelers. As international travel became less appealing, Regina’s appeal grew as a welcoming, affordable, and culturally rich option for Canadians. The city’s growth in tourism reflects the broader rise in domestic tourism in Canada, as more Canadians opted to explore destinations within their own borders, benefiting Regina’s economy and contributing to the overall success of Canada’s tourism sector.

Canada Domestic Tourism Performance Overview – 2025

Canada’s 2025 tourism data reveals a decisive pivot toward domestic travel, with both major metropolitan centres and secondary destinations recording substantial gains. Toronto continues to dominate in scale and spending, while Quebec City and Montreal show sustained double-digit booking growth. Atlantic Canada, particularly Halifax and St. John’s, is gaining national prominence. Western destinations such as Kelowna and Canmore lead in seasonal interest, reflecting strong demand for nature-driven experiences. Meanwhile, prairie cities including Regina and Saskatoon demonstrate that urban service expansion is reinforcing regional tourism resilience. Collectively, these figures signal structural strengthening across Canada’s domestic tourism ecosystem rather than isolated regional surges.

Toronto joins Quebec City, Montreal, Kelowna, Canmore, Regina, and others in witnessing skyrocketing growth in domestic tourism as Canada ditches the US hard last year, driven by rising costs and travel uncertainty.

Conclusion

Toronto joins Quebec City, Montreal, Kelowna, Canmore, Regina, and others in witnessing skyrocketing growth in domestic tourism as Canada ditches the US hard last year, a shift driven by rising cross-border costs, currency pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and a renewed national appetite for local exploration. What began as hesitation toward U.S. travel evolved into a decisive redirection of spending within Canada, strengthening urban centres, mountain towns, and prairie capitals alike. This surge in domestic tourism reflects more than a temporary adjustment; it signals structural change in traveller behaviour, with Canadians prioritising accessibility, cultural familiarity, affordability, and stability. As Canada ditches the US hard last year, cities from Toronto to Regina have transformed that shift into economic momentum, reinforcing a resilient, self-sustaining tourism ecosystem that continues witnessing unprecedented domestic growth.

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