Travel Trends 2026: Canadians Look for Magic Outside the United States
For nearly two decades, Catherine Norris and her family made an annual pilgrimage from their home near Toronto to Walt Disney World in Florida. Like countless Canadian families, they associated Mickey Mouse with childhood wonder, fireworks, and togetherness.
But this year, the Norris family is charting a different course. Instead of Orlando, they have booked a Disney vacation in Europe and back-to-back cruises departing from Singapore. Their reason is not financial or logistical—it is political.
“We’re huge Disney lovers, but given the current political climate, we’re not traveling to anywhere in the US,” said Norris, 57. “It will probably be at least five to ten years before we will travel to the US again.”
A Sharp Turn North of the Border
Norris is not alone. Across Canada, travel agents report a significant shift in booking patterns. Christine Fiorelli, owner of the Canadian agency Fairytale Dreams & Destinations, estimates that 30 percent of her clients who typically book American Disney vacations are now opting for Disneyland Paris instead.
“Many travelers are still eager for that magical Disney experience but prefer to avoid supporting US-based parks at this time,” Fiorelli explained. “It still holds a place in their heart, but not now.”
The numbers tell a striking story. Through November 2025, foreign travel to the United States fell 5.4 percent compared to the previous year. Canadian visits alone dropped by 22 percent—representing 4 million fewer travelers. This decline comes despite robust global tourism growth of nearly 7 percent worldwide.
Beyond Disney: National Parks and Luxury Travel Feel the Pinch
The impact extends far beyond theme parks. Intrepid Travel, an Australia-based company offering more than 300 US national park tours, reports that bookings for 2026 have fallen 42 percent. The decline is especially sharp among Canadian clients, where bookings have plummeted 93 percent.
British luxury travel agency Cazenove+Loyd has abandoned plans for tailor-made American itineraries centered on parks in Montana, Washington, and California. “It might not be quite the time to launch something that is dedicated to the States,” said co-owner Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell.
Hotel operators are also feeling the strain. Hilton Worldwide’s full-year results showed per-room revenue and occupancy rates declining in the United States during 2025, even as both metrics rose in every other global region. At a recent industry conference, Marriott International’s chief executive acknowledged efforts to encourage government officials to adopt a more welcoming posture toward international visitors.
The Causes: Trade, Rhetoric, and Perception
Travel agents point to a constellation of factors steering foreign visitors away. President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade disputes with Canada and other nations have soured sentiment. Threats to seize Greenland and aggressive immigration enforcement measures have contributed to a perception that the United States is less hospitable than in years past.
A White House proposal to require millions of travelers to submit social media data has added to the uncertainty. Erik Hansen, head of government relations for the US Travel Association, acknowledged that immigration enforcement efforts have fostered a perception—whether accurate or not—that entering the United States has become more difficult.
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly offered a different interpretation. “President Trump has done more for American tourism than anyone,” she said. “His America First agenda has restored our country’s place as the leader of the free world once again—making it the best place to live or visit.”
Disney Shifts Focus
Walt Disney Company executives acknowledged on their latest earnings call that international bookings have become less predictable. The company has responded by shifting marketing and sales efforts toward domestic travelers.
Visit Orlando, which recorded a record 1.2 million Canadian visitors in 2024, has not yet released figures for 2025. The city’s tourism officials are likely hoping that this summer’s World Cup soccer tournament will help reverse the trend.
A Long Road Back
For many Canadian travelers, the shift away from the United States feels less like a fleeting protest and more like a lasting realignment. Catherine Norris speaks of a five-to-ten-year horizon before she considers returning. Travel agencies are adapting, building expertise in European and Asian destinations to meet evolving client demand.
The magic of Disney has not faded. It has simply crossed the Atlantic. And for a growing number of Canadian travelers, the journey to find it no longer passes through Florida.
Also Read:
2,300 Miles for Peace: Buddhist Monks Finish Historic Walk to Washington
Why 94 Million People Still Can’t Access Cataract Treatment Worldwide
