More tariffs, fewer trips: Canadians put U.S. vacations on hold amid trade war

Travel agents are seeing a drop in bookings to the United States this March Break. CTV’s Kimberley Fowler reports.

March Break isn’t off to the best start for Pat Blanchette and his family travelling out of Ottawa International Airport (YOW). Their flight to Florida was canceled this morning, but they’ve managed to get onto another flight.

The family booked their trip a year ago before the start of the trade war with the United States and say they may have chosen a different destination if they were booking another trip for next year.

“You know, I’d put in new considerations for sure,” said Blanchette. “It’s just the relationship right now. It’s out of our control in terms of what is going on.”

Despite that, Blanchette plans to leave a little bit of “Canadian kindness” behind for the staff at the hotel he’s staying at.

“I’ve got Canadian gear and maple cookies from Farm Boy to leave for the service workers,” said Blanchette.

Barbara Tavares has to go to the U.S. for work, but like many Canadians she’s now rethinking her personal travel plans with family.

“I would opt to go somewhere else. 100 per cent,” said Tavares. “I don’t think I would want to travel to the states for leisure with everything that’s happening. I also feel this is just kind of an attack on American’s Nicest Neighbours.”

Amra Durakovic, head of communications for Flight Centre Travel Group, says Canadians are shifting their travel options to other destinations as bookings to the United States have plummeted this year.

“We saw a 20 per cent increase in cancelations on pre-existing bookings to the U.S., and specifically from February 2025 compared to February 2024 we have seen a 40 per cent drop in bookings from Canada to the U.S.,” said Durakovic.

The Canadian dollar has also hit a 22-year low. That’s also lead Canadians to opt for destinations like Japan and Australia where the dollar can go further.

“Our dollar holds so strong against the Yen right now,” said Durakovic. “If you ask around everyone seems to be going to Japan this year and Australia seems to be picking up as well because we’re pretty much dollar for dollar (with them). So, when you’re exchanging your accommodation or budgeting for restaurants, you’re not going to have that sticker shock.”

“We thought about going to Florida over the Easter Weekend,” said Robert Lendvai who is travelling with his wife. “But we changed our plans. We’re headed to the Caribbean today. I’m not sure the U.S. versus Canada (tariffs) was a big determinant in making that decision, but I do have to admit that I do think about travel to the U.S. and buying Canadian things has definitely had an influence on me.”

After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encouraged Canadians to travel and vacation in Canada, some travelers, like Sheldon Hagerman whose flight back to Vancouver has been delayed, are choosing to avoid going to the U.S. all together.

“I wasn’t too keen on it in the past just because of the travel insurance, but now, for (the) next four years, I’m definitely not going,” said Hagerman.