Canada–U.S. Friction Sends Travelers Flocking to Europe and Rediscovering Home

A Surge in Summer Travel Beyond the U.S.

As summer travel picks up across Canada, fresh data and insights from airlines reveal that Canadians are increasingly choosing destinations outside the United States. This trend marks a clear shift in vacation preferences compared to previous years.

Airlines Adapt Routes While Pearson Prepares for Record Crowds

In response to this change, airlines have adjusted their schedules to match rising demand for European and domestic trips. Toronto Pearson International Airport is preparing for one of its busiest seasons ever as more travellers head to European cities and locations across Canada.

“Our summer travel is now in full swing at Toronto Pearson,” said spokesperson Sean Davidson, who noted that demand for European destinations consistently spikes in summer.

Carriers Reduce U.S. Flights and Expand Other Offerings

While airlines make the final decisions on routing, it’s clear they are reacting to passenger demand. WestJet confirmed it has cut back some Canada–U.S.

routes, choosing instead to increase service within Canada, Europe, and popular sun destinations. Porter Airlines has also shifted 80 per cent of its summer capacity to domestic travel, up from 75 per cent last year.

“We expect there to be greater interest in domestic travel this year,” said Robyn van Teunenbroek, Porter’s senior manager of communications.

European Hotspots Top Wish Lists

European cities such as Rome, Paris, London, and Frankfurt are among the most sought-after destinations this year, according to Pearson Airport. Toronto Pearson expects to serve more than 11 million passengers over the summer, translating to over 77,800 flights and about 160,000 passengers on the busiest days.

Air Canada also reported reallocating capacity from U.S. and sun routes to Canadian and international markets, including new flights to Edinburgh, Prague, Rio de Janeiro, Cartagena, and Guadalajara.

Although the airline did not share Toronto-specific passenger numbers, it expects to grow its overall network capacity by up to 3 per cent this year.

Shifting Attitudes Among International Travellers

The changes aren’t limited to Canadian travellers. A Europe Pulse Study conducted for Destination Ontario found that 62 per cent of leisure travellers from the U.K., Germany, and France said the U.S.

political climate makes them less likely to visit. Three-quarters of respondents expressed a sense of solidarity with Canada due to shared experiences with U.S.

tariffs. Overall, the survey suggests that Canada is being seen as culturally distinct from its southern neighbour, with 87 per cent of respondents finding Canada appealing enough to visit on its own.

Among them, over half are considering trips to Ontario in the next two years, many eyeing Toronto as a destination. With airlines reshaping their networks and millions of passengers flocking to major airports, it’s clear that travellers are broadening their horizons like never before.

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