2025 vacation plans: Quebecers turning their backs on the U.S. this summer

Press release
Published on June 4, 2025

The results of the 16th annual survey on Quebecers’ summer vacation plans1 are in, and they confirm that fewer people will be visiting our southern neighbours this year, with Quebecers preferring instead to travel to other Canadian provinces or fly to the tropics. It’s no surprise that the current political climate is influencing holiday plans, but people are also thinking of their wallets as inflation and cost of living add up to heavy baggage for many vacationers.

The vast majority of people (54%) will be staying in Quebec this summer: 15% will stay at home, while 39% will hit the road within the province during their holidays. For others, exploring other Canadian provinces seems to be a better option. In fact, Canada will attract 16% of vacationers compared to 10% last year, while only 4% intend to travel to the U.S., a drop of 8 points from 2024. While Mexico and the Caribbean are normally less popular in summer, 4% of travellers intend to visit these destinations in the coming months (2% in 2024). Europe’s place in the rankings remains stable, appearing on the itinerary of 11% of Quebecers (9% in 2024). 

“These annual results confirm the trends our travel counsellors have been seeing for the past few months. The current situation is changing the game for our Quebec travellers, but the summer holidays remain a sacred time for many Quebecers.”

Philippe BlainVice President, Travel Services​

Vacationing in a time of political tensions and economic instability

As vacation and tourism season approaches, many are wondering whether the political climate is influencing the decisions of people planning to take a well-deserved vacation in the coming weeks. The answer is clear: 45% say that the conflict between the Canadian and U.S. governments has consequences for their vacation planning. This proportion increases to 61% among travellers who are choosing to visit other Canadian provinces. 

In a sign that the economic situation may upset plans, 56% say inflation is having an impact on their holiday planning. In addition, among those whose mortgage is set to be renewed in 2025, 43% cite this as having an impact on what they plan to do this summer. Despite this, the average family holiday budget remains relatively stable at $2,095, compared to last year’s $1,968.  

Travel insurance: Do travellers know their coverage? 

As was the case during the pandemic, many vacationers will choose not to cross the U.S. border this year, and instead travel to our Canadian neighbours in the east and west. Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia top the list of provinces visited, with a surprisingly large drop for British Columbia. 

In view of this bump in travel within the country, CAA-Quebec remains very concerned about the lack of knowledge of our public health insurance plan. Indeed, only 22% of Quebecers know that the RAMQ does not cover all medical expenses for care received outside of Quebec.  

“We unfortunately hear many stories of vacationers who thought they were covered, but instead wound up receiving a hefty bill for care. It’s important to check your insurance coverage before each trip, even if you’re not travelling very far.”

Suzanne MichaudVice President, Insurance​

Snapshot of results 

Destinations in Quebec (top 5): 

  • Québec (city and region): 21% 

  • Gaspé Peninsula: 18% 

  • Charlevoix: 16% 

  • Eastern Townships: 14% 

  • Bas-Saint-Laurent: 13% 

Destinations in Canada (top 5): 

  • Ontario: 43% 

  • New Brunswick: 29% 

  • Nova Scotia: 22% 

  • Prince Edward Island: 12% 

  • Alberta: 11% 

Vacation length: 

  • A few days: 10% 

  • One week: 19% 

  • Two weeks: 38% 

  • Three weeks or more: 31% 

Vacation period: 

  • June: 19% 

  • July (before the construction holiday): 34% 

  • During the construction holiday: 30% (highest in 10 years) 

  • August (after the construction holiday): 40% 

  • September: 14% 

Main activities at destination: 

  • Sightseeing: 41% 

  • Rest, do nothing: 39% 

  • Visit friends or family: 30% 

  • Go to the beach: 31% 

  • Hike or trek: 22% 

  • Take a road trip: 20% 

  • Attend one or more cultural events: 17% 

Type of accommodations: 

  • Traditional (hotel, motel, hostel, B&B, etc.): 34% 

  • Tourist residence (house, villa, cottage, apartment, or condo rental): 21% 

  • Stay with friends or family: 16% 

  • Campground: 13% 

  • Resort (beachfront, cruise, etc.): 6% 

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety. 

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