Here’s where Canadians are travelling instead of the U.S.

In light of U.S. tariff threats and talk of annexation, Canadians are looking elsewhere for travel.

After Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, many Canadians are looking to avoid spending on U.S. products. A buy Canadian movement has swept the country and it seems to extend to travel.

With March break quickly approaching, Canadian travel experts have noted a softening in U.S. travel bookings, according to a press release from Flight Centre Travel Group Canada.

Travel search aggregator Skyscanner noted a similar trend and recently provided a few alternatives to popular U.S. March break travel destinations.

“As travel preferences shift, Canadians are embracing exciting alternative destinations that satisfy their desire for adventure, value, and connection,” Flight Centre said.

Flight Centre Canada revealed where interest is growing and how travellers can plan their next trip based on preferences.

Family Travel

For the 42 per cent of Canadians who are looking for kid-friendly experiences with a mix of adventure, nature and cultural activities, Flight Centre suggested destinations with fun activities.

Here are some suggestions for family trips:

• Nova Scotia (Cabot Trail and Peggy’s Cove) – Scenic drives and whale watching.
• Portugal (Lisbon and Algarve) – Beaches, castles, and great food at family-friendly prices.
• Costa Rica – Zip-lining, wildlife spotting and beach adventures.
• Thailand (Chiang Mai and Phuket) – Elephant sanctuaries and kid-friendly resorts.
• Mexico (Riviera Maya beyond the resorts) – Cenotes, Mayan ruins and interactive eco-parks.
• Ecuador (Quito and Amazon) – Family-friendly wildlife adventures without breaking the bank.

Adventure Travel

Flight Centre found about 18 per cent of Canadian travellers are looking for hiking, wildlife and outdoor experiences.

Here are some adventure travel ideas:

• Northwest Territories and Yukon – Aurora Borealis and Arctic wilderness adventures.
• Torres del Paine, Patagonia – Multi-day trekking in stunning mountain scenery.
• Vietnam (Ha Giang loop and Sapa trekking) – Motorbike routes and rice terraces.
• Madagascar – Unique wildlife, remote jungles and epic landscapes.
• Norway (Lofoten Islands and Fjords) – Remote, stunning hikes and boat tours.
• Ecuador (Galápagos and Andean Highlands) – Snorkelling with marine life and mountain trekking.

Budget/Value Travel:

About 96 per cent of Canadians who prioritize cost when making their travel decisions.

Flight Centre suggests these spots:

• Vietnam – Incredible food, history, and scenery for low prices.
• Mexico (Oaxaca and Guanajuato) – Affordable culture, food, and day trips.
• Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) – Europe’s best value for food, wine and scenery.
• Turkey (Istanbul and Cappadocia) – Rich history and adventure for less.
• Colombia (Cartagena and Medellín) – Affordable tropical getaway with culture.
• Eastern Europe (Romania, Poland, Hungary) – Fairytale towns and castles for budget travellers.

Luxury travel:

Only about 13 per cent of Canadians prefer exclusive, high-end experiences with top-tier accommodations and service.

Here are some luxury travel ideas:

• Haida Gwaii, BC – High-end eco-lodges and Indigenous cultural immersion.
• Torngat Mountains, Labrador – Helicopter tours and luxury Arctic expeditions.
• Patagonia, Chile and Argentina – Luxury lodges with breathtaking mountain views.
• South Africa (Cape winelands and safari) – Private game reserves and 5-star lodges.
• Bali, Indonesia (luxury villas and wellness retreats) – High-end stays at a fraction of the cost of Europe.
• Maldives (overwater bungalows and private islands) – Ultimate luxury escape.

Lead photo of Lisbon, Portugal: Nextvoyage