Canadians are increasingly choosing domestic flights over travel to the United States, according to recent travel data and airport reports.
This shift suggests a growing preference for local tourism despite a significant financial premium for vacationing within Canada. The trend indicates a change in consumer behavior that could impact the long-term regional economy and the aviation sector.
Ottawa International Airport recorded more than 289,000 travellers [1] in March 2026. This figure represents a five-year high for the month of March [1]. The surge in passenger totals aligns with a broader national trend of avoiding travel to the U.S. in favor of domestic destinations.
Financial data indicates that Canadians are paying 56% more [2] to vacation at home than they would if they traveled to the United States. Despite this cost increase, the preference for domestic travel persists.
In other local news, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe participated in celebrations for Giant Tiger in the ByWard Market. The company celebrated its 65th anniversary [1] and was honored with a proclaimed Giant Tiger Day [1].
“Ottawa airport recorded a five-year March high in passenger numbers.”
The willingness of Canadian travelers to absorb a 56% cost premium to avoid U.S. travel suggests that factors beyond price—such as convenience, political sentiment, or a desire to support local businesses—are now driving tourism decisions. This shift provides a significant boost to domestic infrastructure, as evidenced by the record-breaking passenger numbers at the Ottawa International Airport.
