Published on February 4, 2026
As March Break 2026 approaches, Canadians are rethinking their travel plans, with fewer travelers heading to traditional U.S. hotspots like Florida, Miami, Orlando, and Sarasota. Data from recent bookings highlights a noticeable decline in interest for these popular destinations, a trend that reflects broader shifts in Canadian travel preferences. While Florida has long been a favorite for those seeking sun and relaxation, many Canadians are now exploring other options, both domestically and internationally, for their March Break vacations. As travel habits evolve, it’s clear that the U.S. is no longer the automatic destination of choice for Canadian travelers.
Recent data from Cirium, a prominent aviation-data provider, highlights a 23.34% drop in forward bookings for flights from Canadian cities to key Florida destinations such as Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Palm Beach (PBI), Orlando (MCO), Miami (MIA), Sarasota (SRQ), Tampa (TPA), and Southwest Florida (RSW) for March 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. This decline spans across all airlines and fare classes, signaling a marked shift in the vacation choices of Canadian travelers.

This trend, identified by analyzing bookings made between October 7, 2025, and January 31, 2026, shows a continued pattern of decreased interest in Florida. The dip in travel to the U.S. is not limited to Florida alone, as Cirium’s data also reveals a broader 15.16% decline in bookings from eight major Canadian airports — including Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR), Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Ottawa (YOW), Winnipeg (YWG), and St. John’s (YYR) — to U.S. destinations. This broader shift is a clear indication that Canadian vacationers are looking beyond their southern neighbor for their March Break getaways.
The data underscores a transformation in travel behavior that has been unfolding over the past year. While the U.S. was once the go-to destination for Canadian spring break vacations, a confluence of factors, including rising travel costs, shifting economic conditions, and ongoing concerns about international travel, has led many Canadians to rethink their plans. The changing political landscape and fluctuating exchange rates have also played a role in influencing this shift. Many Canadians, once drawn to the convenience and affordability of U.S. destinations, are now seeking alternatives that offer similar experiences without the associated challenges.

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This shift in Canadian travel preferences aligns with broader industry trends. The Walt Disney Company, for example, has cited difficulties in attracting international visitors, including Canadians, to its U.S. theme parks. As a result, the company has adjusted its marketing strategy to target more domestic visitors. U.S.-based airlines and tourism authorities are also recalibrating their offerings in response to the decline in international visitors, particularly from Canada.
Interestingly, as Florida and other U.S. destinations become less appealing, Canadian travelers are increasingly turning to other vacation options, both within Canada and abroad. Domestic travel has gained considerable traction, with Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa seeing an uptick in bookings as more Canadians choose to explore their own country. For those seeking warm weather, other international destinations such as the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America are becoming more popular alternatives.

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This shift in preferences is not merely a reaction to external factors; it reflects changing attitudes toward travel. Many Canadians are now prioritizing convenience, affordability, and the ability to avoid long-haul international flights. As international travel continues to evolve in the post-pandemic world, there is a growing desire to explore less conventional destinations and to minimize the complexities of cross-border travel.
With these changes in mind, the travel industry must adapt to cater to the shifting needs of Canadian travelers. Airlines, travel agencies, and tourism boards will need to reassess their strategies and find new ways to attract Canadian visitors. While Florida and other U.S. destinations have long been mainstays of Canadian travel, these regions must now compete with a wider array of options. The growing trend of domestic and international diversification opens up new opportunities for the tourism industry, but also presents a challenge for destinations that once enjoyed a dominant position in the Canadian travel market.

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This trend may also signal a shift in the future of travel, with Canadians choosing more sustainable options, exploring lesser-known destinations, and opting for experiences that offer greater flexibility. Whether it’s a scenic staycation in Canada or an adventure in the Caribbean or Europe, Canadians are no longer bound by the traditional appeal of the United States. As the travel landscape evolves, Canadian vacationers are embracing new options that reflect their changing priorities and travel aspirations.
The upcoming March Break season is set to be a turning point for Canadian travel, where the U.S. may no longer hold the same magnetic pull it once did. While U.S. destinations will always remain an important part of the travel conversation, this shift suggests a growing diversification in where Canadians choose to travel. As Canadians explore new destinations both near and far, it’s clear that the future of travel lies in greater variety, flexibility, and a willingness to seek out experiences beyond traditional favorites. This trend reflects the broader shifts in how Canadians are redefining their travel experiences, embracing fresh opportunities, and navigating a world of ever-changing possibilities.

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Tags: Canada, Miami, Travel Destination, Travel News, US

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