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Canadians shift travel spending to domestic destinations, Moneris data shows
Canadians are redirecting their travel dollars to destinations closer to home, fuelling a rise in interprovincial spending and boosting local economies, according to new data from Moneris.
The payment processor reports spending by visitors from other provinces climbed five per cent in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. The increase was driven largely by a four per cent rise in the number of transactions.
The Territories recorded the strongest growth, with a 10 per cent increase in spending. Alberta followed at nine per cent and Saskatchewan at six per cent.
An Angus Reid survey commissioned by Moneris found that more than a quarter of Canadians, 26 per cent, changed, postponed or cancelled trips to the United States this year. Of those travellers, 30 per cent chose to visit other provinces and 44 per cent stayed within their home province.
Sean McCormick, director of business development and data services at Moneris, says the findings show a significant shift in how Canadians are thinking about travel.
“Canadians are clearly rethinking how and where they travel. With roughly a quarter of Canadians changing their US travel plans, we are seeing a strong pivot toward domestic destinations,” McCormick explains. “Whether it is exploring new provinces or staying closer to home, this shift is creating real momentum for local tourism and local businesses.”
He said spending patterns are reinforcing the trend.
“What Canadians are saying is showing up in how they are spending. Moneris’ data reveals a five per cent increase year-over-year in interprovincial spending. It is a sign that Canadians are rediscovering their own huge, diverse backyard and investing in it as well by supporting businesses across the country,” McCormick says.
Economist Douglas Porter, speaking on Moneris’ Just Good Business podcast, noted the broader economic impact when Canadians choose local destinations.
“Where it really matters is if you travel in say, Banff or Halifax, versus Florida or Arizona. That can be a difference of thousands of dollars. And that is where Canadians can make a really big difference,” Porter said.
McCormick says the numbers suggest the trend is not temporary.
“While our latest report only looks at the first half of the year, domestic tourism is not just a seasonal trend, it is a key contributor to the Canadian economy,” he says. “As Canadians continue to invest their time and money within the country, this trend highlights the enduring value of local travel for businesses and supporting economic resilience.”
