By Elke Porter | WBN News Vancouver | May 1, 2025

Tariffs have led to economic uncertainty on both sides of the border, which continues to affect travel patterns. As a result, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to explore their own country this summer. With rising costs and a weaker Canadian dollar making U.S. travel less appealing, domestic tourism is emerging as a vital component of the Canadian economy.

On top of everything else, a projected North American recession looms, exacerbating uncertainty in the travel industry. Around 40–50% of Canadians are likely going to stay home due to economic pressures, which includes the aforementioned recession, rising inflation and reduced consumer confidence. This threatens to dampen travel spending, casting a shadow over the traditionally robust summer season.

But the good news is, if Prime Minister Mark Carney keeps his election promises, starting this summer, national parks, historic sites, art galleries, museums, and hiking trails across Canada will give free access to residents. This initiative is designed to support the tourism sector by attracting Canadians to local and national destinations, especially as international travel becomes more expensive.

A significant drop in Canadian travel to the U.S. has been observed in 2025, with fewer Canadians making the journey south due to increasing costs associated with the weakened dollar and the impact of tariffs. In contrast, Canada’s tourism industry is seeing a resurgence in inbound travel, particularly from U.S. visitors. Vancouver’s cruise sector, for example, is expected to handle 1.2 million passengers in 2025, showing a robust recovery.

With fewer Canadians choosing to travel abroad, this new initiative is an opportunity for the tourism industry to pivot towards attracting local travellers. The hope is that by making national parks and cultural sites more accessible, Canadians will rediscover the vast natural beauty and historical landmarks within their own borders, providing a boost to local economies and communities that rely on tourism.

This move to offer free entry aligns with broader economic efforts to stimulate tourism in Canada, especially in light of challenges in cross-border travel. As the summer season kicks off, these measures provide an incentive for Canadians to enjoy and appreciate the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage their country has to offer.

#ExploreCanada #TourismRecovery #CanadianTravel #NationalParks #ExploreLocal #TravelTrends2025 #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

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