Canadian travelers are facing an unprecedented shift in global tourism in 2025. With Canadian sentiment cooling amid U.S. political rhetoric and policy friction, there are early signs that Canadians are beginning to look further afield, while 42% of Canadian travelers now rank safety and security as a leading determinant in making decisions in selecting overseas travel destinations, with 38% of Canadians drastically reducing long-haul travel.
This comprehensive guide reveals the 25 destinations that will disappoint Canadian tourists most in 2025 – places where overtourism, commercialization, and tourist traps have destroyed the authentic travel experience. From overcrowded beaches to Instagram-ruined paradises, these destinations will leave you frustrated, overcharged, and yearning for your money back.
25. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – The Overcrowded Resort Trap
Ever dreamed of a relaxing beach vacation only to find yourself surrounded by cruise ships and endless crowds? Welcome to Cabo San Lucas in 2025, where tranquility has been replaced by chaos.
Travelers report “massive ships blocking the horizon, panhandlers who would stand in front of you so you couldn’t see the ocean, and hordes of people getting in the way at every snorkeling spot. There were beach chairs packed like sardines.” What was once a charming fishing village has transformed into a bustling tourist factory that leaves visitors feeling more stressed than relaxed.
- Peak Season Crowd Density: Over 15,000 daily visitors during winter months
- Average Daily Cost: $200-400 per person including accommodation
- Cruise Ship Arrivals: Up to 8 ships daily in peak season
- Beach Space: Less than 2 square meters per person at popular beaches
Canadian tourists expecting pristine beaches and peaceful sunsets will find themselves battling for space and paying inflated prices for mediocre experiences. The authentic Mexican culture that once defined this destination has been largely commercialized beyond recognition.
24. Bondi Beach, Australia – The Instagram Illusion
Everyone rushes over to what is “one of the world’s most overrated tourist destinations.” Ok, it’s a nice enough beach, but it’s nothing special and it’s, as locals put it, “a fucking rich c**t hole!”
Even Sydney has better beaches than Bondi! If you’re looking for overcrowding, expensive bars and restaurants, waves that will try to kill you and on top of that a journey that requires a train AND a bus from the CBD, then crack on mate because you’ll find me over at Parsley Bay Beach instead! If there’s one thing I’ve learnt whilst travelling, it’s that the most popular beaches are usually the shittest!
Why Bondi Disappoints:
| Issue | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Beach Quality | Nothing special compared to other Australian beaches |
| Accessibility | Requires train + bus journey from Sydney CBD |
| Crowds | Packed year-round with tourists and influencers |
| Costs | Expensive bars and restaurants targeting tourists |
| Waves | Dangerous for inexperienced swimmers |
23. Costa Rica – The Budget Traveler’s Nightmare
It’s an overrated Instagram-hyped destination full of American tourists on “vacation”. For Canadian travelers looking for authentic Central American experiences, Costa Rica has become disappointingly touristy and expensive.
Costa Rica, long relying on Canadian tourists, will lose massive amounts of over USD 180 million in one year in 2025. Canadian tourists have long contributed massive amounts locally in lodges, tours, restaurants, among others, with local entrepreneurs. This massive drop now pushes the tourism stakeholders of the country to revive market strategies desperately.
- Tourist Price Inflation: 40-60% markup on tourist activities
- Canadian Visitor Decline: Down 45% in 2025
- Budget Accommodation: Now $50-80/night for basic hostels
- Authenticity Factor: Most “local” experiences are manufactured for tourists
Some advice for fellow budget backpackers: guys… give this one a miss. The country that once offered affordable adventure travel has priced itself out of reach for many visitors, while authentic local experiences have become increasingly difficult to find.
22. Phuket, Thailand – Tourist Factory Overload
Phuket’s overcrowding problem has been compounded by its popularity, making it one of the hardest destinations to visit in 2025. The island offers a lot in terms of activities, shopping, and sightseeing, but the sheer number of tourists has turned it into a pressure cooker. With 840,000 visitors per square kilometer, the island’s local infrastructure cannot keep up with the demand.
The summer temperatures of around 27.4°C only add to the discomfort, as tourists crowd around the island’s popular spots. The overwhelming number of visitors leads to longer wait times, limited resources, and a less enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, Phuket may not be the ideal choice in 2025.
Phuket Overcrowding Statistics (2025):
- Visitor Density: 840,000 visitors per km² (highest globally)
- Beach Capacity: Patong Beach exceeds capacity by 300% daily
- Traffic Jams: Average 45 minutes to travel 5km during peak hours
- Restaurant Wait Times: 1-2 hours at popular establishments
- Hotel Occupancy: 95%+ year-round, driving up prices
21. Antalya, Turkey – Ancient Beauty Ruined by Tourist Traps
Antalya, Turkey. This was once a beautiful, ancient city, but it seemed to be ruined by the massive number of tourist traps. During stays in the city, visitors had the constant feeling they were going to be ripped off in shops, cafés, and restaurants.
What should be a magnificent journey through history has become an exhausting battle against aggressive vendors and inflated prices. The charm of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast gets lost in the commercial chaos that surrounds every historical site.
Common Tourist Traps in Antalya:
- Carpet Shop Scams: “Free” tours ending at overpriced carpet stores
- Restaurant Touts: Aggressive street hawkers with inflated menus
- Fake Antiques: Mass-produced “historical” items sold as authentic
- Tour Guide Kickbacks: Guides receiving commissions from shops they recommend
20. Maya Bay, Thailand – The Beach That Closed Due to Overtourism
This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Even though authorities have implemented restrictions, the damage to this once-pristine paradise serves as a sobering reminder of tourism gone wrong.
Maya Bay in Thailand has experienced significant harm due to large numbers of visitors. Canadian tourists seeking the tropical paradise from the movies will find a heavily regulated environment struggling to recover from decades of overtourism.
Maya Bay Recovery Measures (2025):
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Visitor Limit | 300 people maximum per day |
| Boat Anchoring | Completely banned to protect coral |
| Swimming Areas | Designated zones only, no contact with reef |
| Visit Duration | Maximum 1 hour per group |
| Seasonal Closures | Closed June-September for ecosystem recovery |
19. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones Ruins Everything
Dubrovnik was the final stop of a two-week trip through Croatia, and it was by far the most touristy place visited. Previously staying in small towns and rural, less-populated places, ending the trip in a place that was saturated with so many tour agencies and souvenir shops on every single street was a bit sad. It’s still a beautiful place, but it was a bit of a disappointment from the unspoiled city envisioned from the scenes of Game of Thrones.
The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty.
Dubrovnik Overcrowding Issues:
- Daily Cruise Passengers: Up to 10,000 passengers from multiple ships
- City Wall Queues: 2-3 hour wait times during peak season
- Accommodation Prices: 250% higher than pre-Game of Thrones era
- Local Displacement: 40% of Old Town now Airbnb rentals
18. Mount Everest Base Camp – Death Zone Tourism
The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.
Canadian adventurers dreaming of conquering the world’s highest peak will face not only physical challenges but also the grim reality of “traffic jams” in the death zone. The mountain that once symbolized ultimate adventure has become a dangerous tourist attraction where inexperienced climbers put everyone at risk.
Everest Base Camp Problems (2025):
- Daily Trekkers: Over 500 people attempt base camp daily in peak season
- Waste Accumulation: 12 tons of garbage collected annually
- Permit Cost: $11,000 USD per person for summit attempts
- Death Rate: 1.2% fatality rate, highest in recent years
- Queue Time in Death Zone: Up to 3 hours waiting to summit
17. Kyoto, Japan – Geishas Under Siege
Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.
The spiritual heart of Japan has been overwhelmed by selfie-seeking tourists who often show little respect for local customs and sacred spaces. What should be a profound cultural experience has become a frustrating crowd-management exercise.
Kyoto Tourist Impact Statistics:
| Area | Pre-Pandemic Daily Visitors | 2025 Daily Visitors | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gion District | 8,000 | 25,000 | +212% |
| Fushimi Inari | 12,000 | 35,000 | +192% |
| Arashiyama Bamboo | 6,000 | 22,000 | +267% |
| Kiyomizu Temple | 10,000 | 30,000 | +200% |
16. Santorini, Greece – Instagram Paradise Lost
Santorini was pretty disappointing, in opinion. Photos seen online must have been photoshopped. Expected beautiful views but ended up having to crop graffiti and dirty buildings from the backgrounds of pictures. It was also so expensive. The cheapest lunch option found was a small wrap for 11 euros. It really felt like a tourist trap. It would be best to avoid spending much time in Santorini, considering how much more expensive it is than other, equally beautiful Greek islands.
Santorini is famed for its iconic whitewashed buildings, stunning sunsets, and blue-domed churches. However, the growing number of tourists each year has made it one of the most overcrowded spots. With over 2 million visitors annually, this small island can feel more like a bustling city than a peaceful retreat. Its narrow streets, originally designed for a small local population, are now filled with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the picturesque views.
Santorini Cost Breakdown (2025):
- Average Meal Cost: €25-45 for basic lunch
- Hotel Rates: €200-800 per night for decent accommodation
- Sunset Viewing: €15-30 for prime viewing spots
- Ferry Tickets: €80-120 from Athens
- Daily Tourist Density: 15,000+ visitors on 76km² island
15. Venice, Italy – The Sinking City of Tourist Traps
Venice sounds like blasphemy to some people, but visitors found it stinky, dirty, and unnecessarily expensive. People were bored within six hours, and had three days to fill. They ended up traveling out of the city and exploring the lovely surrounding cities and countryside instead of spending time in Venice.
Venice is often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its winding canals, stunning architecture, and historic significance. However, its fragile ecosystem has long been threatened by overtourism. Forbes reported that the problem stems from the sheer number of visitors who flock to the city daily – over 20 million tourists a year for a city with just over 50,000 residents. Massive cruise ships used to dock close to the historic center, disgorging thousands of tourists at a time. Although new regulations have moved these ships further away, the city still struggles under the weight of tourists who visit for just a day, adding to overcrowding but contributing little to the local economy.
Venice Tourism Entry Fee System (2025):
| Season | Day Entry Fee | Peak Hours | Resident Population Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak (Jul-Aug) | €10 | 8am-6pm | 600:1 tourist to resident ratio |
| High (Apr-Jun, Sep) | €5 | 9am-5pm | 400:1 tourist to resident ratio |
| Low (Oct-Mar) | €3 | 10am-4pm | 200:1 tourist to resident ratio |
14. Times Square, New York – Sensory Overload Central
The so-called “crossroads of the world” has devolved into a chaotic mess of chain restaurants, overpriced theaters, and aggressive street performers. Canadian visitors expecting the glamorous New York experience will instead find themselves trapped in a tourist bubble completely disconnected from authentic NYC culture.
The constant noise, flashing lights, and pushy vendors create an overwhelming sensory experience that leaves most visitors exhausted rather than excited. Real New Yorkers actively avoid this area, which should tell you everything you need to know about its authenticity.
Times Square Reality Check:
- Daily Foot Traffic: 330,000+ pedestrians
- Average Meal Cost: $25-50 for chain restaurant food
- Costumed Character Harassment: Aggressive photo solicitations every 30 seconds
- Authentic NYC Experience: 0% – locals actively avoid the area
- Noise Level: 85+ decibels (harmful to hearing)
13. Barcelona, Spain – Overcrowded Architectural Wonders
Barcelona, a city known for its unique architecture by Antoni Gaudí and its lively beach scene, faces the challenge of overtourism. With over 30 million visitors annually, it is one of Europe’s busiest tourist destinations. Popular attractions like La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell are often packed, making it hard to enjoy these architectural wonders without fighting through crowds. The city’s streets are filled with tourists, and noise pollution can make it difficult to appreciate the local culture. While Barcelona’s charm remains, the growing number of visitors is making it harder to find peace in the bustling city.
Las Ramblas promenade in Barcelona, Spain. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is lined with buzzy bars and restaurants, yet has struggled to lose its reputation as the world’s most pick-pocketed street – which might be one reason why it has picked up 826 visitors’ reviews calling it a tourist trap.
Barcelona Anti-Tourism Measures (2025):
- Tourist Tax: €4.50 per night for hotel stays
- Sagrada Familia: Timed entry slots, €26+ tickets
- Beach Capacity: Barceloneta often at 150% capacity
- Local Protests: Monthly demonstrations against overtourism
- Pickpocketing Incidents: 40,000+ reported annually
12. Bali, Indonesia – Paradise Polluted
Bali’s beaches and temples are wildly popular on Instagram, but the island is buckling under the pressure of 6 million yearly visitors. Plastic waste pollutes the coastlines, too much construction drains water supplies, and tourists disrespecting sacred spots frustrates locals. Traffic jams on narrow roads spoil Bali’s peaceful vibe, and new hotel bans aim to slow overdevelopment.
The hubs of Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu are brimming with bustling streets, wild traffic, and locals trying to sell you penis bottle openers to take home to gift ya mum. It’s just not a bad place to visit as a tourist right now. Venture out of these swarms of tourists and ex-pats into nature and local Balinese life.
Bali Environmental Crisis (2025):
| Environmental Issue | Impact Level | Tourist Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Waste on Beaches | Critical | 400 tons daily from tourism |
| Water Shortage | Severe | Hotels use 80% of clean water supply |
| Traffic Congestion | Extreme | Average 2 hours to travel 15km |
| Temple Overcrowding | High | Sacred sites overrun daily |
| Overdevelopment | Critical | New hotel construction banned in 8 districts |
11. Cinque Terre, Italy – Hiking Trails Gone Wrong
Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.
In places like Cinque Terre, it pushes up housing prices, forcing locals to leave because they can’t afford to live there anymore. Local shops and services often start focusing on tourists instead of residents for example, stores in Cinque Terre now sell souvenirs rather than groceries.
Cinque Terre Visitor Management (2025):
- Daily Visitor Cap: 2,500 people maximum during peak season
- Trail Access Fees: €7.50 per person for main hiking trails
- Train Reservations: Mandatory advance booking for regional trains
- Local Business Impact: 60% of shops now sell souvenirs vs. local goods
- Housing Crisis: 80% of rental properties converted to tourist accommodation
10. Dubai, UAE – The Artificial Playground
Dubai. It’s talked up as one of the best tourist destinations in the world, but when visitors were there it felt like an amusement park under construction. People felt like they were constantly being shuttled from one tourist trap to another.
Journey further out and you find the other side of relentless development of mega-cities. Impoverished immigrants live in poor conditions, tempted here by the prospect of riches and rewards, only to end up trapped thousands of miles away from home working in terribly dangerous environments. A playground where the rich try to outdo each other by building a new fuck-off skyscraper, diamond-encrusted Rolex, or gas-guzzling vehicle. All at the expense of the environment and immigrants filled with false hope.
Dubai Tourist Experience Reality:
- Artificial Attractions: 90% of experiences are manufactured for tourists
- Average Daily Cost: $300-500 per person minimum
- Cultural Authenticity: Minimal authentic Emirati culture in tourist areas
- Environmental Impact: Highest per-capita carbon footprint globally
- Labor Conditions: Built on exploitative migrant worker system
9. Waikiki Beach, Hawaii – Paradise Commercialized
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Once you leave Waikiki, there’s so much more of the island to explore, with beautiful beaches, good food, and more authentic culture than what you get in this one tiny area.
What was once a royal playground for Hawaiian monarchy has become a concrete jungle of high-rise hotels and chain restaurants. The beach itself is overcrowded, and the cultural authenticity that makes Hawaii special has been largely commercialized out of existence in this tourist-heavy zone.
Waikiki vs. Authentic Hawaii:
| Aspect | Waikiki Beach | Rest of Oahu |
|---|---|---|
| Beach Quality | Artificial sand, overcrowded | Natural, pristine beaches |
| Cultural Experience | Commercialized hula shows | Authentic Hawaiian traditions |
| Food | Chain restaurants, tourist menus | Local plate lunches, authentic cuisine |
| Costs | $30+ for basic meals | $12-18 for quality local food |
| Crowds | 10,000+ people per day on beach | Peaceful, locals’ beaches |
8. Niagara Falls – Nature’s Wonder Commercialized
While Niagara Falls is visually impressive, the commercial atmosphere surrounding it can detract from the natural beauty. If you dislike tourist traps, the endless gift shops and attractions might feel excessive. Did you know that the area can feel like a theme park? The commercial atmosphere surrounding it can detract from the natural beauty. The endless gift shops and attractions might feel excessive. The area can feel like a theme park.
Canada’s worst reviewed attraction – and the sixth worst reviewed in the world – was none other than Niagara Falls (483 reviews). The natural wonder gets lost amid the tacky attractions, overpriced restaurants, and aggressive souvenir hawkers that surround it on both sides of the border.
Niagara Falls Tourist Trap Elements:
- Gift Shop Density: Over 200 souvenir shops within 1km of falls
- Wax Museums: 6 different wax museums with identical content
- Parking Fees: $20-40 per day for basic parking
- Restaurant Markup: 300-500% markup on food near falls
- Authentic Experience: Natural beauty obscured by commercial development
7. Tulum, Mexico – Instagram Ruins Paradise
Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardian reported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.
Tulum’s Instagram vs. Reality (2025):
| Instagram Promise | 2025 Reality |
|---|---|
| Pristine beaches | Seaweed pollution, overcrowded |
| Eco-luxury resorts | Environmental destruction for development |
| Authentic Mayan culture | Commercialized ruins, tourist performances |
| Affordable paradise | $200-500/night accommodations |
| Peaceful retreat | Traffic jams, construction noise |
6. Puerto Rico – Caribbean Disappointment
Puerto Rico is one place travelers would not choose to go to again. Despite its status as a U.S. territory offering easy access for North Americans, many visitors find the island’s tourist areas overdeveloped and lacking in authentic Caribbean charm.
Infrastructure challenges, persistent poverty despite tourism revenue, and commercialized beaches make this destination feel more like a struggling resort than a tropical paradise. Canadian tourists seeking genuine Caribbean culture will find better experiences on smaller, less touristy islands.
Puerto Rico Tourism Challenges:
- Infrastructure Problems: Frequent power outages, poor road conditions
- Overdevelopment: San Juan beachfront dominated by hotel chains
- Economic Disparity: Stark contrast between resort areas and local communities
- Cultural Dilution: Traditional Puerto Rican culture overshadowed by resort experiences
- Better Alternatives: Lesser Antilles offer more authentic Caribbean experiences
5. Lisbon, Portugal – Disneyland Vibes
Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.
Travelers were completely shocked to travel in Portugal and Spain this fall, and can completely understand why residents are complaining. Even off season or shoulder season is busy. They won’t stop travelling, but will likely return to less often visited cities and countries.
Lisbon Overtourism Impact (2025):
- Airbnb Saturation: 40% of city center properties are short-term rentals
- Local Displacement: 25% population decline in historic neighborhoods
- Public Transport: Trams at 150% capacity during peak tourist season
- Restaurant Authenticity: Traditional tasca being replaced by tourist-focused establishments
- Better Alternatives: Douro Valley, Madeira offer authentic Portuguese experiences
4. Cairo, Egypt – Scammer’s Paradise
Cairo was the worst place ever traveled to. Everyone tried to scam relentlessly, from the airport clerk to the taxi drivers and the pyramids tour guide. People will tell you they recognize you from the day before, and they’ll try to get you to ride their donkey and follow you even when you say multiple times that you’re not interested. It was impossible to walk half a block from the hotel to try to buy water without people constantly stopping trying to get money in some way and some form. It was absolutely exhausting.
Cairo Scam Alert Guide:
| Location | Common Scams | Prevention Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Fake taxi services, visa “fees” | Use official airport transportation only |
| Pyramids | “Free” tours, camel ride traps | Book tours through reputable operators |
| Hotels | Fake tour guides, inflated excursions | Verify credentials, compare prices |
| Streets | “Friendly” locals offering help | Politely decline all unsolicited assistance |
| Shops | Massive markups, fake antiquities | Shop in fixed-price stores only |
3. Paris, France – The City of Light’s Dark Side
For residents of one of the cities in the world that attract the most tourists, the people of Paris do not seem to like outsiders at all. They think they would be perfectly content with only Parisians existing in Paris. The romantic image of Paris clashes harshly with the reality of rude locals, dirty streets, and overwhelming tourist crowds.
Even the Eiffel Tower made the global Top 10, and was ranked ninth overall (with 303 reviews). Even iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower have become victim to overcrowding and commercialization.
Paris Tourism Reality Check (2025):
- Tourist Density: 166,600 visitors per km², with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and charming streets attracting millions every year. Despite its cultural and historical significance, the constant stream of tourists makes popular spots feel overwhelming, particularly during the summer months
- Eiffel Tower Experience: 2-3 hour queues, pickpocket central, €29+ entry fees
- Local Attitude: Notoriously unwelcoming to tourists, especially non-French speakers
- Street Cleanliness: Dog waste, litter problems in tourist areas
- Restaurant Service: Slow, often rude service in tourist zones
2. Iceland – The Overexposed Nordic Gem
Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It’s best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.
Icelandic destinations are tightening controls. Amsterdam plans to halve cruise traffic by 2026, while Bruges has reduced ship numbers due to concerns about turning the city into a tourist trap. Iceland’s Ísafjörður has capped daily cruise visitors at 5,000, citing insufficient infrastructure.
The Land of Fire and Ice has become so popular that its fragile ecosystem and small population simply cannot handle the massive influx of visitors. Canadian tourists who once found solitude in Iceland’s dramatic landscapes now face traffic jams on the Ring Road and overcrowded natural attractions that feel more like theme parks than wilderness experiences.
Iceland Overtourism Statistics (2025):
| Location | Daily Visitors (Peak) | Infrastructure Capacity | Problem Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon | 8,000 | 5,000 | Critical |
| Golden Circle | 15,000 | 8,000 | Severe |
| Diamond Beach | 5,000 | 2,000 | Critical |
| Ring Road Traffic | 12,000 vehicles | 6,000 capacity | Extreme |
1. The United States – The Ultimate Canadian Regret
Here’s the shocking truth that will make Canadian tourists rethink their travel plans: 71% of Canada’s inbound arrivals in 2024 came from the United States, and 52% of outbound travel by Canadians went the same direction. But that deep reliance on one market may be under strain. With Canadian sentiment cooling amid U.S. political rhetoric and policy friction, there are early signs that Canadians are beginning to look further afield. Visitors from the U.S. could see a reduction due to current political differences between the two countries.
The city in Nevada has seen a drastic seven per cent decrease in tourism since the start of the year, largely due to rising travel costs and a Canadian boycott of travel to the United States. After doing gangbuster business in the post-COVID era, Las Vegas is in the midst of a slump, with the number of tourists down sharply as Canadians in particular avoid Sin City amid bilateral bad blood over trade. The total number of visitors is off more than 11 per cent year-over-year, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, one of the most dramatic declines in recent memory outside of the pandemic. Airline figures reveal there’s been an even steeper decline among Canadians going to the desert gambling mecca.
Canadian Tourism Exodus from U.S. (2025):
| Destination | Canadian Visitor Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | -55% (some airlines) | $3.6B loss, 43,000 jobs affected |
| U.S. Overall | -25% (from 20M to 15M visitors) | $22B projected global loss |
| Montana Border | -38% (May 2025) | Tourism revenue down significantly |
| Florida | Varying by region | Some areas -8% to -12% |
As the director of the university’s business and economic research centre, he crunched the numbers and found Canadians contributed $3.6 billion US to the local economy last year. Canadian spending supported some 43,000 jobs in the region, more than those employed in the manufacturing sector. Yet Canadian tourists are choosing to spend their money elsewhere, finding better value and more welcoming destinations around the world.
Where Canadians Are Going Instead (2025):
- Japan: 298,500 Canadian visitors (Jan-Jun), +23% increase
- Portugal: 6.5% increase in Canadian visitors
- Brazil: 57,065 Canadian tourists, +12.9% jump
- Domestic Canada: Airbnb reported nearly 20% increase in domestic travel searches
Why These Destinations Will Leave You Disappointed
The common thread running through these regrettable destinations is clear: overtourism has fundamentally changed the travel experience. Overtourism happens when too many visitors flood a destination, harming the environment, local communities, and the travel experience itself. Overtourism can seriously harm local communities.
Smart Canadian travelers are already adapting their strategies. Non-U.S. international travel to Canada is picking up. Google Trends data shows growing global and local interest in Canada as a travel destination, with a spike in travel related searches in March and April. In April, visits from the United Kingdom rose by 14%, Mexico by 22% and, in May, China saw an 11% gain year-on-year. These visitors still represent a small slice of the total, but the trend is promising, especially as U.S. tensions push tourists to consider Canada as an alternative destination.
2025 Travel Trend Statistics:
- Overtourism Awareness: 73% of surveyed travelers worry about overtourism, while 33% have personally experienced it
- Avoidance Behavior: 53% reported plans to avoid overpopulated hotspots such as France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Peru. Only 16% of travelers still plan to visit Italy, followed by Spain (15%) and France (14%)
- Safety Concerns: 42% of Canadian travelers now rank safety and security as a leading determinant in selecting overseas travel destinations
The destinations that will disappoint you most in 2025 share common characteristics: overcrowding that destroys the authentic experience, commercialization that strips away local character, aggressive tourist traps designed to separate you from your money, and environments where locals have grown resentful of visitors. The smartest Canadian travelers are already looking beyond these overhyped destinations to discover places where their tourism dollars are welcomed and where authentic experiences still exist.
Instead of following the crowds to these disappointing destinations, why not join the growing number of Canadians discovering hidden gems around the world? Your future self will thank you for choosing adventure over disappointment.
