Published on February 13, 2026
In 2023, Los Angeles joined San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego, Oakland, Long Beach, and other major cities in California in experiencing a significant decline in tourist arrivals from Canada. The downturn in Canadian visitation can be attributed to a combination of factors, including rising travel costs, the fluctuating strength of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, and ongoing economic uncertainty. While California has long been a top destination for Canadian tourists due to its sunny weather, iconic attractions, and vibrant cities, many Canadians are now opting for more affordable and accessible travel options, both within North America and abroad. Additionally, the lingering effects of the pandemic have altered travel patterns, with many Canadian travelers favoring closer or domestic destinations. This decline is not just a temporary blip but a sign of changing travel habits, prompting California cities to rethink their tourism strategies and better cater to Canadian visitors. To regain lost ground, California cities will need to offer more cost-effective travel options, unique experiences, and targeted marketing to draw Canadian tourists back.

Los Angeles: A Hollywood Fade in Canadian Tourism

Los Angeles, a city that has long been synonymous with entertainment, celebrities, and iconic attractions, saw an 8.3% decline in Canadian tourist arrivals last year. The global uncertainty and rising travel costs have had a direct impact on Canada’s traditionally strong presence in LA’s tourism. Canadians, who typically flock to the city’s movie studios, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, are now opting for more affordable or closer destinations. Additionally, the cost of international travel has surged due to the fluctuating value of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar, making trips to LA more expensive for Canadian tourists. Another factor is the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, which has altered travel patterns globally. Canadians, especially those from provinces like British Columbia, may now prefer nearby destinations within their own country or other locations within North America with lower expenses. The entertainment capital, while still attracting many international tourists, must adapt to these changing patterns by offering more value-driven experiences and targeting Canadian travelers through tailored promotions to reverse the declining trend.

San Francisco: The Golden Gate’s Dimming Appeal for Canadians

San Francisco, home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and diverse neighborhoods, experienced a 4.6% drop in Canadian tourist arrivals last year. Despite its rich cultural and historical offerings, the city faces increasing competition from other global destinations and rising costs for Canadian travelers. The combination of higher airfare prices and a strong U.S. dollar has made San Francisco less accessible for many Canadians, particularly those from smaller cities or towns. Additionally, the city’s reputation for being a premium destination has become a deterrent as Canadians seek more cost-effective vacation options, either within the U.S. or closer to home in Canada. San Francisco’s appeal, which once attracted tourists with its unique mix of history, technology, and art, is now being overshadowed by other popular American destinations, such as New York or California’s coastal cities, that offer similar experiences but at a lower cost. In order to regain Canadian interest, San Francisco needs to focus on offering more value-driven packages and explore niche tourism markets that highlight the city’s unique offerings.

Palm Springs: A Desert Oasis Feeling the Cold Winds of Decline

Palm Springs, a popular desert oasis known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and relaxing retreats, saw a 22% decline in Canadian tourists last year. Once a go-to destination for Canadians seeking sunshine and relaxation, this decrease in arrivals highlights how travel priorities have shifted. The rising costs of international travel, along with a preference for domestic or more affordable destinations, has led many Canadians to rethink their vacation plans. Palm Springs’ appeal, which relies heavily on seasonal tourists from colder climates, is now facing competition from other California destinations that offer similar experiences without the high price tag. Additionally, Palm Springs, while historically popular with older generations, may not be attracting younger Canadian travelers, who are seeking more dynamic or adventurous vacation options. To rebound, Palm Springs may need to diversify its offerings by emphasizing wellness, adventure tourism, or eco-tourism, catering to both younger and older Canadian demographics. Additionally, improving flight accessibility and offering special deals for Canadian visitors could help rejuvenate tourism to this once-vibrant destination.

San Diego: Sun, Sea, and a Dip in Canadian Visitors

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San Diego, with its stunning coastline, world-famous zoos, and laid-back vibe, experienced a 24.1% decline in Canadian tourist arrivals last year. This decline reflects a larger trend of Canadians seeking more affordable travel options due to rising travel costs and economic pressures. While San Diego has always been a favored vacation spot for Canadians, particularly for its family-friendly attractions, it now faces increased competition from domestic destinations, other California cities, and even more affordable international locations. The weakening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar has further discouraged cross-border travel, making San Diego’s beach resorts and family attractions less accessible. Additionally, with the impact of the pandemic still lingering, many Canadian travelers are opting for destinations closer to home or within North America, reducing the need for long-haul travel to San Diego. To reverse this trend, San Diego may need to target Canadian families specifically with special promotions, discounted airfare packages, and marketing campaigns that highlight its affordable and family-friendly offerings.

Oakland: A Decline in Canada’s Interest in the Bay Area

Oakland, a city that has long been overshadowed by its larger neighbor San Francisco, saw a staggering 40% drop in Canadian tourist arrivals last year. Despite its rich history, cultural diversity, and proximity to the Bay Area’s major attractions, Oakland struggles to capture the attention of international travelers, especially Canadians. The city’s relatively lower profile compared to San Francisco, combined with rising travel costs, has made it less appealing to Canadian tourists. Furthermore, many Canadians who once considered Oakland as an affordable alternative to San Francisco now opt for destinations with a more pronounced tourism infrastructure. The recent dip in tourism could also be linked to the uncertainty surrounding air travel, economic pressures, and a greater preference for domestic or closer international vacation spots. To attract more Canadian visitors, Oakland must invest in tourism promotion, highlighting its unique offerings such as cultural festivals, affordable accommodations, and access to the rich diversity of the Bay Area without the high price tag of its neighboring city.

Long Beach: A Hard Hit in Canadian Tourism

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Long Beach, known for its charming waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and proximity to Los Angeles, saw a dramatic 100% drop in Canadian tourist arrivals last year. While Long Beach offers many of the same attractions as its neighboring cities, its location, relatively lower profile, and lack of targeted marketing to international visitors have contributed to its decline in popularity. The pandemic’s lingering effects on travel, combined with the rising cost of airfare, made international travel less feasible for many Canadians. Long Beach, despite its beautiful coastline and relaxed atmosphere, hasn’t been able to distinguish itself from other major California cities that offer similar experiences. This lack of visibility in the competitive tourism market has led to an almost complete loss of Canadian visitors. Long Beach will need to rebuild its reputation and emphasize unique attractions, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and waterfront festivals, in order to entice Canadian travelers back. Offering package deals and improving flight access could also help revitalize this city’s tourism sector.

Decline in Canadian Tourism: A Decrease of 11.4%

The most recent data shows a significant decline in Canadian tourism, with total originating tourist arrivals dropping to 801,708, reflecting an 11.4% decrease compared to previous years. This decline points to a trend of reduced outbound travel from Canada, which could be attributed to several factors, including rising travel costs, the continued economic uncertainty, and lingering travel concerns post-pandemic. Additionally, with the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and inflation, international trips may have become less affordable for many Canadians. Many potential travelers might also be opting for domestic destinations or closer, more affordable international options. This reduction in Canadian tourism may have considerable impacts on countries and regions that traditionally rely on Canadian visitors, requiring them to adapt their strategies to re-engage this market. To reverse this trend, more tailored marketing strategies, cost-effective travel packages, and improved accessibility will be essential in attracting Canadian tourists back to popular international destinations.
Los Angeles, along with San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego, Oakland, Long Beach, and other California cities, saw a significant decline in tourist arrivals from Canada. Rising travel costs, a stronger U.S. dollar, and shifting travel preferences are driving this change.

Conclusion

Los Angeles, along with San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Diego, Oakland, Long Beach, and other California cities, is facing a significant decline in tourist arrivals from Canada. This drop is primarily due to rising travel costs, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and changing travel preferences, with many Canadians opting for more affordable or accessible destinations. The ongoing economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of the pandemic have further shifted Canadian travel habits, prompting them to explore other options. To reverse this trend, cities across California will need to re-evaluate their strategies, offering more value-driven experiences, enhancing accessibility, and targeting Canadian tourists with tailored promotions and packages. By doing so, these iconic cities can regain their appeal and attract Canadian travelers back.

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Tags: California Cities, California tourism, Canadian tourism decline, US travel trends

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Friday, February 13, 2026
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