According to new data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, fewer Ontarians are traveling into the United States. Land border crossings from Ontario into the U.S. have reached their lowest levels since 2020, with around 1,082,182 million travelers crossing in March 2025, down from 1,216,404 in March 2024. Major border crossings like the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor and the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie have seen a decrease in traffic, indicating a significant slowdown in cross-border travel.
In February 2025, the number of crossings from Ontario into the U.S. continued to decline, with 946,527 crossings compared to 1,070,491 during the same period in 2024. The decrease in cross-border travel is part of a broader national trend, with nearly one million fewer travelers entering the U.S. from Canada overall in March 2025 compared to March 2024. This decline may be influenced by factors such as a weaker Canadian dollar, concerns over rising costs, and unease surrounding the economy and job market.
The recent slowdown in cross-border travel also coincides with political uncertainty in the U.S., which may be causing potential travelers to be hesitant. New tariffs, crackdowns on immigration, and major policy shifts in the U.S. may be contributing to the decrease in travel from Canada. While there was a spike in cross-border travel at the end of 2024, early 2025 has marked the third consecutive month of year-over-year declines in travel from Canada into the U.S.
Statistics Canada has reported that travel from other international destinations into Canada has actually increased by nearly nine percent, highlighting a sharp contrast to the decline in U.S.-bound trips. This shift in travel patterns indicates that travelers may be opting for other international destinations instead of heading to the U.S. This could be due to a combination of factors, including economic considerations, political uncertainty, and changing travel trends influenced by global events.
As the decrease in cross-border travel continues, it is important to monitor the impact on both the Canadian and U.S. economies. The tourism industry on both sides of the border may be affected by the decline in travelers, and businesses that rely on cross-border trade and tourism may need to adapt to changing travel patterns. Understanding the reasons behind the decrease in cross-border travel can help policymakers and businesses make informed decisions to support the tourism industry and promote economic growth in the region.
Overall, the data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicates a significant decline in cross-border travel from Ontario into the U.S., reflecting a broader national trend of decreasing travel from Canada. The factors contributing to this slowdown, such as economic concerns, political uncertainty, and changing travel preferences, highlight the need for a closer examination of the impact on the tourism industry and the economy. By addressing the challenges facing cross-border travel, stakeholders can work together to support the tourism sector and promote sustainable growth in the region.
