As March Break approaches, many Canadians eagerly anticipate the week off as an opportunity to escape the still chilly temperatures and take advantage of the break as a time to explore new destinations.
According to a recent survey by the Retail Council of Canada, approximately 20% of Canadians typically engage in special activities or travel during March Break.
Based on data from Virtuoso, a global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, the top destinations for Canadians during Spring Break are domestic destinations like British Columbia, Mt Tremblant in Quebec, and Banff in Alberta.
Those who do venture to other parts of the world tend towards:
- United States (most notably Florida and Hawaii)
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
Outside of the most popular destinations, the countries experiencing the most significant growth in Canadian bookings include:
- Dominican Republic (230.7% increase)
- Ecuador (194.1% increase)
- Netherlands (93.2% increase)
- Switzerland (92.8% increase)
- Argentina (86.5% increase)
These statistics highlight a growing interest among Canadians in diverse global destinations, ranging from tropical locales to European cultural hubs. But does all that stand to change this year?
Recent geopolitical developments, including proposed tariffs by the U.S. administration and fluctuations in the Canadian dollar, are poised to influence Canadian travel behaviors. The U.S. has threatened to impose steep tariffs on Canadian exports, leading to economic uncertainties.
These potential tariffs could result in higher prices for goods within Canada, encouraging consumers to buy domestic products but also straining household budgets.
Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar makes international travel more expensive, which may deter Canadians from traveling abroad.
The tourism industry in the U.S. is also concerned about a potential decline in Canadian visitors. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. A 10% reduction in Canadian travel could mean 2.0 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending, and 14,000 job losses.
In response to these factors, Canadians may opt for domestic travel during March Break, exploring destinations within Canada to mitigate the financial impact of unfavourable exchange rates and potential tariffs. This shift could benefit local tourism industries, as more Canadians choose to discover the diverse experiences their own country has to offer.
