The Most Popular International Destinations, When Canadians Travel, What It Costs — and Why Some Canadians Are Rethinking the United States
Canadians love to travel.
After spending months dealing with snow, freezing temperatures, short days and the high cost of simply living in Canada, millions of Canadians eventually start thinking about getting away.
For some, that means a week at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Caribbean.
For others, it means a road trip through the United States, a visit to Disney World, a European adventure through Italy and France, or perhaps a long-awaited trip to Japan, Australia or somewhere else on the other side of the world.
Click a destination on the map or in the ranking below the map to jump directly to that destination’s section.
And increasingly, Canadians are asking another question:
Where should we spend our vacation dollars?
That question has become particularly interesting since 2025.
The United States has traditionally dominated Canadian international travel because of geography, convenience and the enormous variety of destinations available south of the border. But Canadian travel patterns changed dramatically during 2025.
Political tensions between Canada and the United States, trade disputes, tariff threats, border concerns and repeated comments from U.S. President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state all contributed to a noticeable deterioration in Canadian sentiment toward travelling to the United States.
The numbers tell the story.
In 2025, Canadian-resident return trips from the United States fell 25.4%, to approximately 29.1 million trips.
At the same time, Canadian trips returning from overseas destinations increased 9.2%, reaching approximately 14.2 million.
Statistics Canada also found that Canadian trips involving a visit to the United States totalled 23.1 million in 2025, down 23.5% from 2024, while Canadian visits to overseas countries reached 14.3 million, up 10.2%.
Canadians haven’t stopped travelling.
They’re increasingly looking elsewhere.
A Map of Where Canadians Travel
The map above illustrates just how widespread Canadian international travel has become.
The United States remains the largest destination by a huge margin, but Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Portugal, Cuba, China and Spain all attract hundreds of thousands of Canadian visitors.
And these figures don’t tell the entire story.
They include international travel for vacations, visiting family and friends, business and other purposes.
For Canadians planning an actual vacation, however, the patterns are very revealing.
Where Are Canadians Going?
According to the Government of Canada’s 2024–2025 Annual Consular Data Report, Canadians over the age of 18 made almost 42 million visits outside Canada during the fiscal year.
The ten most frequently visited international destinations were:
| Rank | Country | Canadian visits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 26.884 million |
| 2 | Mexico | 2.081 million |
| 3 | Dominican Republic | 883,000 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 793,000 |
| 5 | Italy | 710,000 |
| 6 | France | 655,000 |
| 7 | Portugal | 578,000 |
| 8 | Cuba | 539,000 |
| 9 | China | 461,000 |
| 10 | Spain | 457,000 |
These figures cover the fiscal year from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025.
The next year’s data already show that the travel picture is changing.
1. United States
Still Canada’s Largest International Destination — But Things Have Changed
It is impossible to discuss Canadian international travel without starting with the United States.
For generations, Americans and Canadians have crossed the world’s longest international border for vacations, shopping, sporting events, family visits and business.
Popular destinations for Canadians include:
- Florida
- New York
- Michigan
- California
- Arizona
- Nevada
- Washington
- Hawaii
- Texas
- Orlando
- Las Vegas
- New York City
Florida has traditionally been particularly important.
Canadian snowbirds regularly spend several weeks or even several months in Florida, Arizona and other southern states during the winter.
Families travel to Orlando.
Couples visit New York.
Golfers head south.
Sports fans cross the border for NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA games.
And millions of Canadians simply drive across the border for a day or weekend.
But 2025 Changed the Picture
The relationship between Canada and the United States became considerably more strained following Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Trump repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, while also threatening tariffs and making other comments that many Canadians considered insulting or disrespectful toward Canadian sovereignty.
Canada’s political response was overwhelmingly clear:
Canada is a sovereign country and Canadians want it to remain that way.
The political dispute coincided with a significant decline in Canadian travel to the United States.
Statistics Canada reports that Canadian-resident trips to the United States fell 23.5% in 2025, while return trips from the United States fell 25.4%.
Travel agencies and tourism businesses also reported Canadians reconsidering American vacations.
The decline was not caused by one factor alone.
Higher costs, exchange rates, border concerns, tariffs, political tensions and changing consumer preferences all played roles.
But the 51st-state comments became a very visible symbol of the deterioration in Canada-U.S. relations, and for some Canadians they became one more reason to spend their vacation money somewhere else.
And Canadians have plenty of alternatives.
What Does a Week in Florida Cost?
For a couple travelling from Toronto, a rough seven-day budget might look like this:
| Expense | Approximate cost for two |
| Return airfare | $700–$1,300 |
| Hotel, 7 nights | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Food | $600–$1,000 |
| Rental vehicle and fuel | $400–$700 |
| Attractions | $300–$1,000+ |
| Travel insurance | $100–$200 |
| Estimated total | $3,100–$6,000+ |
A family vacation involving Disney World, Universal Orlando or other major attractions can easily exceed this.
2. Mexico
Canada’s Favourite Non-U.S. Vacation Destination
Mexico is arguably the biggest beneficiary of Canada’s changing vacation habits.
It combines relatively short flight times with warm weather, beaches, excellent resorts and an enormous range of accommodation.
Popular destinations include:
- Cancún
- Riviera Maya
- Playa del Carmen
- Puerto Vallarta
- Los Cabos
- Mazatlán
- Huatulco
- Mexico City
For many Canadians, Mexico represents the perfect winter vacation.
You leave Canada wearing a winter coat.
A few hours later, you’re walking along a beach in shorts.
The Seven-Day Mexico Vacation
For two adults:
| Expense | Approximate cost |
| Return airfare | $800–$1,800 |
| Seven-night hotel | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Food and drinks | $600–$1,000 |
| Transportation | $150–$300 |
| Excursions | $200–$500 |
| Insurance | $100–$200 |
| Estimated total | $3,050–$6,300 |
An all-inclusive package can simplify the budget considerably.
A couple may pay approximately $3,000–$5,000 total for a good seven-night all-inclusive vacation, depending on resort, room category and travel dates.
Luxury resorts can cost considerably more.
3. Dominican Republic
Punta Cana Has Become a Canadian Vacation Favourite
The Dominican Republic is one of the strongest destinations for Canadians looking for sunshine, beaches and an all-inclusive vacation.
Punta Cana is the major tourism centre, but travellers can also visit:
- Puerto Plata
- La Romana
- Samaná
- Santo Domingo
- Bávaro
- Cap Cana
The Dominican Republic recorded approximately 883,000 Canadian visits during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
And I have personal experience with this destination.
My Experience at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana
I have personally stayed at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and my experience was excellent.
I was there for a wedding, which made the experience even more memorable.
The resort provided a great setting for the wedding, but what really stood out was the service.
The staff were friendly, welcoming and very accommodating to Canadians.
The food was delicious, the resort atmosphere was enjoyable, and the staff did an excellent job keeping the wedding celebration going.
It was one of those occasions where the resort staff weren’t simply providing a room and meals.
They helped create the experience.
The wedding was fun, the service was attentive, and the atmosphere made it easy for everyone to relax and enjoy themselves.
The resort is located on Macao Beach and is currently part of the World of Hyatt portfolio.
Dreams describes its Unlimited-Luxury concept as including restaurants, drinks, activities, entertainment, room service, Wi-Fi and other amenities.
For me, however, the most memorable part was the people.
The friendliness of the staff and the way they treated Canadian guests made a lasting impression.
My Experience at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina, St. Lucia
I have also stayed at Marigot Bay Resort & Marina in St. Lucia.
The property is now marketed as Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia, but my experience was at the resort when it was known as Marigot Bay Resort & Marina.
Once again, the people were a major part of the experience.
The staff were extremely friendly toward Canadians and the service was excellent.
The food was delicious, and the setting around Marigot Bay was spectacular.
But one of my favourite memories was the catamaran tour.
Getting out on the water, seeing the island from a different perspective and enjoying the Caribbean atmosphere was exactly what a vacation should be about.
It wasn’t simply sitting beside a pool.
It was an experience.
And that is something I think travellers increasingly want.
What Does a Week in the Dominican Republic Cost?
A couple travelling from Canada might reasonably budget:
| Expense | Approximate cost for two |
| Seven-night all-inclusive package | $2,800–$4,500 |
| Airport transfers | $100–$200 |
| Travel insurance | $100–$200 |
| Excursions | $200–$500 |
| Additional spending/tips | $150–$400 |
| Estimated total | $3,350–$5,800 |
Premium resorts, Preferred Club rooms, swim-out suites and luxury properties can push the total substantially higher.
4. Cuba
A Long-Time Canadian Favourite
Cuba has traditionally been popular with Canadians looking for an affordable Caribbean vacation.
Popular destinations include:
- Varadero
- Havana
- Cayo Coco
- Cayo Santa Maria
- Holguín
- Cayo Guillermo
Cuba recorded approximately 539,000 Canadian visits during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
The major attraction is price.
Cuba can offer some of the lowest-priced Caribbean all-inclusive vacations available to Canadians.
A seven-day vacation for two might cost approximately:
$2,700–$4,500 total, depending upon the resort, flights and travel dates.
Travellers should nevertheless research their specific resort carefully, because the quality and availability of food, amenities and services can vary considerably between properties.
5. United Kingdom
History, Culture and Family Connections
The United Kingdom is Canada’s most visited European destination.
London is the obvious attraction, but Canadians also travel throughout:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Many Canadians have British ancestry or family connections, making the United Kingdom particularly attractive.
Others travel there for:
- History
- Museums
- Theatre
- Football
- Architecture
- Royal attractions
- Shopping
- Food
Approximately 793,000 Canadian visits were recorded during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
Seven-day London vacation for two
| Expense | Approximate cost |
| Airfare | $1,200–$2,200 |
| Hotel | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Food | $700–$1,200 |
| Transportation | $150–$250 |
| Attractions | $250–$500 |
| Insurance | $100–$200 |
| Total | $3,900–$6,850 |
Travelling during spring or early autumn can significantly reduce the cost.
6. Italy
Food, History and Incredible Scenery
Italy is one of the world’s great vacation destinations.
Canadians travel there for:
- Rome
- Venice
- Florence
- Milan
- Tuscany
- Naples
- Amalfi Coast
- Sicily
- Sardinia
Approximately 710,000 Canadian visits were recorded during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
Italy is particularly well suited to travellers who don’t want to sit at a resort for an entire week.
A seven-day Italian vacation might include:
Rome → Florence → Venice
or:
Rome → Naples → Amalfi Coast
Approximate cost for two
$4,300–$7,000
Luxury accommodation and the Amalfi Coast during peak summer can push this considerably higher.
7. France
Paris and Beyond
France attracted approximately 655,000 Canadian visits during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
Paris remains the primary attraction, but France offers much more:
- French Riviera
- Normandy
- Provence
- Bordeaux
- Loire Valley
- French Alps
- Brittany
Seven days in France for two
Approximately $4,000–$6,500
Spring and autumn can provide better value than July and August.
8. Portugal
One of Europe’s Best Values
Portugal has become increasingly popular with Canadian travellers.
It offers:
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Algarve beaches
- Wine regions
- Historic villages
- Excellent seafood
- Warm weather
- Relatively affordable accommodation
Approximately 578,000 Canadian visits were recorded during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
A couple can reasonably expect to spend approximately:
$3,800–$5,800 for seven days
depending on airfare, hotel and activities.
Portugal can be particularly attractive to Canadians who want European culture without paying Paris or London prices.
9. Spain
Spain combines European history with a tremendous beach culture.
Popular destinations include:
- Barcelona
- Madrid
- Málaga
- Costa del Sol
- Mallorca
- Alicante
- Valencia
- Canary Islands
Spain recorded approximately 457,000 Canadian visits during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
A seven-day trip for two might cost:
$4,000–$6,500
10. China and the Growth of Long-Haul Travel
China ranked ninth among Canada’s most frequently visited international destinations in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, with approximately 461,000 Canadian visits.
But China isn’t alone.
Canadians are increasingly travelling farther afield.
Popular long-haul destinations include:
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- India
- South Africa
- Costa Rica
- Brazil
- Peru
Japan has become particularly interesting.
Its combination of ancient culture, modern technology, food, safety, public transportation and spectacular scenery makes it an increasingly attractive destination.
When Do Canadians Travel?
Canadian travel is strongly seasonal.
And the reason is obvious.
Canada has winter.
Lots of it.
November to April
This is the great Canadian winter escape.
Popular destinations include:
- Mexico
- Dominican Republic
- Cuba
- Florida
- Caribbean
- Costa Rica
- Hawaii
These months are particularly attractive for Canadians wanting sunshine.
December to March
This is the heart of snowbird season.
Retirees and long-term travellers often spend weeks or months in:
- Florida
- Arizona
- Texas
- California
- Mexico
For these travellers, the vacation isn’t seven days.
It can be three or four months.
May and June
This is an excellent time for Europe.
The weather is usually comfortable, summer crowds haven’t reached their peak and prices can be lower than July and August.
Popular destinations include:
- Portugal
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- United Kingdom
- Greece
July and August
These are the traditional family vacation months.
Children are out of school, making July and August extremely popular for international travel.
Unfortunately, they’re also among the most expensive months.
Airfares increase.
Hotels increase.
Rental cars increase.
Popular attractions become crowded.
A European vacation that costs $5,000 in September can easily cost considerably more in July.
September and October
For travellers with flexible schedules, this may be one of the best times of the year to travel.
The weather can remain excellent while the largest summer crowds begin disappearing.
This is especially attractive for:
- Retirees
- Couples
- Empty nesters
- Travellers without school-age children
What Does a One-Week International Vacation Really Cost?
Here is a rough comparison for two adults.
| Destination | Approximate 7-day cost for two |
| Cuba | $2,700–$4,500 |
| Mexico | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Dominican Republic | $3,350–$5,800 |
| Florida | $3,100–$6,000+ |
| Portugal | $3,800–$5,800 |
| Spain | $4,000–$6,500 |
| France | $4,000–$6,500 |
| Italy | $4,300–$7,000 |
| United Kingdom | $3,900–$6,850 |
These are planning estimates, not guaranteed prices.
Airfares and resort rates can change dramatically based on:
- Departure city
- Travel dates
- School holidays
- Room category
- Resort rating
- Booking time
- Exchange rates
- Airline
- Baggage
- Excursions
The All-Inclusive Vacation Has a Major Advantage
One of the reasons Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean are so popular is simple:
You know roughly what you’re going to spend before you leave home.
Consider a typical all-inclusive vacation.
Your package may include:
- Airfare
- Resort
- Meals
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Entertainment
- Pools
- Beach
- Resort activities
- Non-motorized water sports
- Sometimes airport transfers
Compare that with a European vacation where every meal, train ticket, taxi ride and attraction is another expense.
For families, the difference can be substantial.
Why the United States May Be Losing Some Canadian Vacation Dollars
The United States isn’t going to disappear from the Canadian travel market.
Geography alone makes that impossible.
But Canadian consumers have demonstrated that they can change their travel habits quickly.
In 2025:
Canadian trips to the United States fell 23.5%.
Canadian trips to overseas destinations increased 10.2%.
And Canadian spending on U.S. trips fell by approximately $3.3 billion, reaching $18.8 billion.
The political climate clearly became part of the travel conversation.
The repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state was especially controversial in Canada.
For many Canadians, vacation spending is discretionary.
If someone feels uncomfortable supporting a destination, they have alternatives.
They can spend their money in:
- Mexico
- Dominican Republic
- Cuba
- Portugal
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Japan
- Costa Rica
- Caribbean islands
- Or right here in Canada
That doesn’t mean every Canadian has decided to boycott the United States.
Millions still travel there.
But the numbers show that some Canadian vacation dollars have moved elsewhere.
My Advice to Canadians Planning an International Vacation
Before booking, look at the entire cost.
Don’t simply look at the advertised airfare.
Calculate:
Airfare + baggage + hotel + meals + transportation + attractions + insurance + exchange rate + airport parking + tips.
An inexpensive flight can become expensive once everything else is added.
Likewise, an all-inclusive package that initially appears more expensive may actually be the better value.
Travel Insurance Is Not Optional – If you want Peace of Mind
One expense Canadians should never try to eliminate is travel medical insurance.
Canadian provincial health plans generally do not cover the full cost of medical treatment outside Canada.
A medical emergency in another country can become extraordinarily expensive.
Before travelling, Canadians should understand:
- What their policy covers
- Maximum coverage
- Pre-existing condition rules
- Medical evacuation coverage
- Hospital coverage
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- Lost baggage
A few dollars saved by travelling without insurance isn’t worth the risk.
My Personal Resort Experience
Having stayed at both Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana and Marigot Bay Resort & Marina in St. Lucia, I can say that both gave me experiences that remain memorable.
At Dreams Macao, the wedding made the trip particularly special.
The staff kept the party going, provided excellent service and helped create an atmosphere where everyone could relax and have fun.
At Marigot Bay, the setting itself was spectacular.
The staff were friendly, the food was delicious and the catamaran tour was one of the highlights.
Both experiences reinforced something that statistics cannot measure:
The people can make the vacation.
A beautiful resort is wonderful.
A beautiful resort with great food, friendly staff and excellent service is something else entirely.
A Message to Travel Companies and Resorts
Want Canadian Travellers to Experience Your Resort?
This article is about where Canadians spend their vacation dollars.
That makes it particularly relevant to:
- All-inclusive resorts
- Hotels
- Resort chains
- Tourism boards
- Airlines
- Cruise companies
- Tour operators
- Destination marketing organizations
- Travel agencies
And if a resort or travel company wants Canadian Country Life to experience what it has to offer, I’m open to discussing it. I can use a vacation.
If a qualified travel or resort company would like to provide a complimentary all-inclusive vacation package for two, I would be interested in visiting the property and experiencing the resort firsthand. Who doesn’t like a free vacation and giving the body a break from work?
In return, Canadian Country Life could publish a detailed review covering the actual guest experience, including:
- Arrival
- Check-in
- Room
- Resort grounds
- Beach
- Pools
- Restaurants
- Food quality
- Drinks
- Entertainment
- Staff service
- Activities
- Excursions
- Cleanliness
- Overall atmosphere
- Value
- What I liked
- What could be improved
- Whether I would recommend the resort to other Canadians
I believe the best travel reviews come from actually being there.
And I would approach any review professionally and honestly.
If a company provides a complimentary stay, that relationship would be clearly disclosed to readers.
The purpose wouldn’t be to publish a guaranteed positive review.
The purpose would be to give Canadian travellers an authentic first-hand account of what they can expect.
After all, Canadians are spending thousands of dollars on their vacations.
They deserve to know what they’re actually buying.
Travel and resort companies interested in working with Canadian Country Life are welcome to get in touch.
The Future of Canadian Travel
The Canadian travel market is changing.
The United States remains the largest destination by a tremendous margin, but Canadians have demonstrated that they are willing to look elsewhere.
Mexico and the Caribbean remain extremely strong.
Europe continues to attract Canadians looking for culture, history and food.
Japan and other long-haul destinations are becoming increasingly attractive.
And Canadians are becoming more conscious of where their vacation dollars are being spent.
The 2025 decline in U.S. travel is an important example.
Political tensions, economic concerns, tariffs, border issues and the repeated 51st-state comments all contributed to a relationship that became considerably more complicated.
But the bigger story isn’t necessarily about where Canadians stopped going.
It’s about where they started going instead.
Canadians still want sunshine.
They still want beaches.
They still want adventure.
They still want great food.
They still want friendly people and excellent service.
They still want to create memories.
And they’re willing to travel around the world to find it.
Final Thoughts
There is no single perfect vacation for every Canadian.
For a family with young children, an all-inclusive resort in Mexico or the Dominican Republic might be ideal.
For a couple celebrating an anniversary, St. Lucia, Italy or France might be more appropriate.
For a retiree escaping winter, Florida or Mexico may make the most sense.
For an adventurous traveller, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia could provide an unforgettable experience.
And for Canadians who have traditionally spent their vacation dollars in the United States, 2025 demonstrated that there are plenty of alternatives.
Personally, my experiences at Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana and Marigot Bay in St. Lucia showed me why Caribbean vacations remain so popular.
Friendly people. Great service. Delicious food. Beautiful surroundings. And experiences you remember long after you’ve returned home.
Sometimes, that’s exactly what a vacation is supposed to be.
Sources
Statistics Canada — National Travel Survey and international travel statistics.
Government of Canada — Annual Consular Data Report 2024–2025.
Government of Canada — Travel Advice and Advisories.
Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana / World of Hyatt.
Saint Lucia Tourism Authority.
Statistics Canada — Canadian-resident travel to the United States: A year in review.
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