Canada is experiencing a decline in American visitors this spring, but Calgary is defying the trend. Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals that 1.3 million U.S. residents traveled to Canada in April, marking an 8.9% decrease from the same period in 2024. Specifically focusing on air travel, StatsCan reported a 6% decrease in U.S. residents arriving at major Canadian airports in April 2025 compared to the previous year. Despite this overall trend, U.S. arrivals at the Calgary International Airport surged by 29%.
Alisha Reynolds, president of Tourism Calgary, highlighted the positive spending trend from the United States in Calgary since the beginning of the year, which has remained robust through April. Mastercard Economics Institute recognized Calgary as an emerging top destination for summer travel for both U.S. and Canadian travelers, making it the only Canadian city on the list.
While overall Canadian airports witnessed stagnant air travel by American residents in February and March compared to 2024, Calgary’s airport stood out with consistent growth, attributing this success to coordinated advertising efforts and a busy convention calendar targeting U.S. travelers.
The Calgary Airport Authority credited the increase in U.S. visitors to Calgary to enhanced air connectivity with U.S. routes, major events in the area, and a favorable currency exchange rate for American tourists. The airport anticipates a continued uptick in passenger traffic through the peak summer season.
Rob Filby, managing partner of the Rose and Crown in Canmore, noted the rise in American tourists visiting the Canadian Rockies, attracted by the region’s natural beauty. Filby observed that American tourists are staying longer and spending more due to the strength of the U.S. dollar.
One traveler, Jack Jiang, expressed his positive experience exploring Banff and emphasized the allure of the destination’s landscapes and hiking opportunities. Despite recent tensions in U.S.-Canada relations, Jiang and his wife enjoyed their trip and hoped for continued friendly relations between the two nations.
Although there was a decrease in U.S. residents visiting Canada in April, they still accounted for the majority of non-resident trips to the country. Overseas arrivals also saw a slight decline in April, with 408,200 overseas residents entering Canada, according to StatsCan data.