This year, Canadians have decided to keep their tourism dollars in their own backyard, and local businesses have reaped the benefits nationwide. Moneris, Canada’s leading commerce provider, looked at interprovincial spend data. The data shows that within the same period in 2024, spending amongst visitors from other provinces was up five per cent from January through June 2025.
According to Moneris:
- The Territories led the way, registering a +10% increase in spending volume; closely followed by Alberta (+9%); and Saskatchewan (+6%).
This may be a result of Canadians changing their travel plans. An Angus Reid survey commissioned by Moneris found that:
- More than a quarter (26%) of Canadians changed, postponed or cancelled US travel plans in 2025.
- Of those who changed their plans, 30% opted to travel to other Canadian provinces, while 44% stayed within their own province.
This increase in interprovincial spend volume across Canada was largely driven by an increase in the number of transactions made, which was up four per cent year-over-year, said the company.
BMO’s Chief Economist, Douglas Porter, on Moneris’ Just Good Business podcast, highlighted the positive impact domestic tourism can have, “Where it really matters is if you travel in say, Banff or Halifax, versus Florida or Arizona. That can be a difference of thousands of dollars. And that’s where Canadians can make a really big difference.”
Sean McCormick, Director, Business Development – Data Services and LAKA Sales Leadership at Moneris, said: “Canadians are clearly rethinking how and where they travel. With roughly a quarter of Canadians changing their US travel plans, we’re seeing a strong pivot toward domestic destinations. Whether it’s exploring new provinces or staying closer to home, this shift is creating real momentum for local tourism and local businesses.”
“What Canadians are saying is showing up in how they’re spending. Moneris’ data reveals a five per cent increase year-over-year in interprovincial spending. It’s a sign that Canadians are rediscovering their own huge, diverse backyard and investing in it as well by supporting businesses across the country.”
“While our latest report only looks at the first half of the year, domestic tourism isn’t just a seasonal trend, it’s a key contributor to the Canadian economy. As Canadians continue to invest their time and money within the country, this trend highlights the enduring value of local travel for businesses and supporting economic resilience.”
Moneris data: Year-over-year change in inter-provincial spending
| Merchant Province | Transaction Volume Change | Transaction Count Change |
| British Columbia | 3% | 3% |
| Ontario | 5% | 5% |
| Quebec | 3% | 0% |
| Alberta | 9% | 8% |
| Saskatchewan | 6% | 5% |
| Manitoba | 4% | 4% |
| Atlantic Canada | 5% | 1% |
| Territories | 10% | 12% |
| All of Canada | 5% | 4% |
Angus Reid data: Have you done any of the following in 2025?
| Option | Response |
| Changed, cancelled or postponed US travel plans (including booked or anticipated trips, or other adjustments) | 26% |
| Maintained or proceeded with US travel plans as expected (including booked or anticipated trips, or made no changes) | 74% |
Angus Reid data: What did you do as a result of changing your US trips?
| Option | Response |
| Travelled within the Province | 44% |
| Travelled to other Canadian Provinces | 30% |
| Travelled to Mexico/Caribbean/South America | 13% |
| Traveled to other destinations (Europe, etc.) | 20% |
| None of these | 28% |
| Not sure | 3% |
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