New travel data from Statistics Canada show that the number of trips to Canada by U.S. residents increased in October compared with the same month last year, marking the first rise in inbound travel from the United States in about eight months. This rebound suggests a modest improvement in American visitor interest in Canada, even as broader cross-border travel trends remain unsettled. In October, U.S. residents made roughly 1.8 million trips to Canada, about 3 per cent more than in October of the previous year, according to preliminary figures.

Despite this uptick on the inbound side, Canadian travel patterns continue to diverge. Canadian residents’ return trips from the United States remained substantially lower than a year earlier, reflecting ongoing weakness in travel south of the border. Many Canadians are choosing alternative destinations or opting for vacations closer to home, contributing to a prolonged drop in outbound trips to the U.S. that has persisted through much of the year.

Other travel data for October show mixed results for international tourism overall. While U.S. arrivals rose modestly, travel to Canada from other overseas markets also strengthened, with visitors from Europe and Asia showing increased numbers compared with a year ago. These broader gains help support Canada’s tourism sector as it seeks to diversify its visitor base beyond the United States.

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The combination of stronger inbound U.S. travel and diminished Canadian visits to the U.S. reflects a shifting landscape for cross-border tourism. Economic factors such as exchange rates and the relative cost of travel may be influencing Canadians’ reluctance to travel south, while Canada’s natural attractions and major city destinations continue to appeal to international visitors.

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For the tourism industry, the rise in U.S. visitor trips is a welcome sign, even if overall international travel volumes remain uneven. Airports, hotels, and tourism operators will be watching whether this trend continues into the winter season and into 2026. Meanwhile, destinations in Canada that attract both American and overseas visitors could benefit from sustained interest if travel momentum persists.