Decrease in Tourism from the U.S.

Decrease in Tourism from the U.S.

The summer of 2025 has seen a 7% decline in American tourists visiting Montreal, a trend primarily attributed to the ongoing US-Canada trade war and related tensions[1]. This drop is especially noticeable in land travel from the U.S., while air travel numbers remain steady[3].

Economic considerations such as inflation and airfare prices are also impacting travel plans, though these factors are less directly linked to Montreal specifically[2]. However, a strengthened U.S. dollar in the spring of 2025 has boosted visitor spending capacity in Montreal, partially offsetting the economic impact[3].

Despite the reduced number of American tourists, major events like the Osheaga Music Festival, Canadian Grand Prix, and International Jazz Festival continue to attract significant crowds, helping to stabilize overall tourism numbers[3]. Quebec City, too, has reported a comparable hotel occupancy rate, partly due to last-minute bookings from within Quebec and Ontario[4].

Montreal has welcomed 15% more visitors from the Atlantic provinces this year compared to last year, providing a partial offset to the decline in American tourists[5]. However, about half of American tourists visiting Montreal come by land, and their absence is not fully compensated for by the increase in Quebec and Canadian tourists[6].

Statistics Canada reported a 36.9% decrease in return car trips made by Canadian residents from the United States in July, marking the 7th consecutive month of decline over 12 months[7]. The initial forecast for growth in Quebec tourism for the year was 2.9%, but this will not be met due to the drop in tourist arrivals[8].

Tourism Montreal predicts a "stable" summer due to an increase in Canadian tourists[9]. Despite the challenges, the CEO of Tourism Montreal, Yves Lalumière, is relatively content with the results of the summer season, despite it not being the best year[10]. Destination Quebec City is also optimistic about the summer season, with a comparable hotel occupancy rate to last year[4].

In summary, the factors contributing to the 7% decline are:

• Trade war tensions and tariff disputes between the U.S. and Canada causing fear among American tourists of being unwelcome in Montreal[1][3].
• Economic considerations such as inflation and airfare impacting travel plans in a general sense[2].
• Shift in travel mode, with less land border crossing by Americans, likely influenced by these tensions, though air travel numbers are steady[3].
• Ongoing geopolitical climate and shifts in international traveler sentiment related to broader U.S. policy measures and trade disputes[4].

These elements combined have contributed to the modest decline in American tourists visiting Montreal in summer 2025, even as the city records increased Canadian traveler numbers and stable overall tourism performance[1][3]. The city remains popular among international tourists, with August and September being particularly popular months[8]. Culture, urban well-being, and gastronomy are the three main reasons that bring travelers to Montreal, and restaurants with Michelin stars are particularly popular among both local and tourist gourmets[11].

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