Canada’s tourism story in 2025 tells two distinct tales. On one side, certain cities are pulling in record numbers of American visitors who can’t seem to get enough of the European charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness found just across the northern border. On the other hand, a couple of destinations remain firmly in the shadows despite their own merits.
Let’s be real: not all Canadian cities get equal love from American tourists. Some locations draw millions annually, while others struggle to register on the travel radar at all. Understanding which Canadian cities Americans flock to versus those they skip reveals fascinating patterns about what drives cross-border tourism today.
Vancouver: The West Coast Darling
Vancouver landed at number 7 on the list of best large cities in the world, praised for its “competitive and creative arts scene, rugged natural beauty, and no shortage of things to do.” Famous for its mild climate and beaches, Vancouver sees around 10.3 million visitors each year. Americans are consistently drawn to this Pacific gem where urban sophistication meets untamed wilderness. You can sip artisan coffee in Gastown one moment, then find yourself hiking through coastal rainforest the next.
Demand for cultural experiences in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, coupled with booming interest in outdoor adventures such as hiking in Banff and kayaking in British Columbia, has positioned Canada as the ideal getaway for Americans seeking both adventure and convenience. The city’s Stanley Park, Granville Island markets, and proximity to world-class ski resorts create an irresistible combination. I think Vancouver succeeds because it offers everything a major American city does, but with that distinctly Canadian politeness and stunning natural backdrop.
Montreal: Where Europe Meets North America
Montreal was described by one voter as “one of the best, if not the best, food cities in North America,” and while some may not think to travel there during the winter months, others argue “it’s the most romantic time to visit.” This bilingual metropolis captivates American tourists with its cobblestone streets, vibrant festivals, and culinary scene that rivals any European capital. The city manages to feel both foreign and familiar at once.
Montréal brings Europe to North America, known for its art, culture, and French flair. The city is a hotspot for both leisure and business travellers, and Montréal’s old port, museums, and culinary scene continue to attract millions. From the Jazz Festival to Just for Laughs, Montreal packs its calendar with events that draw crowds from south of the border. Americans appreciate the French language immersion without needing a passport to cross the Atlantic.
Quebec City: The Perennial Champion
Here’s something surprising: no city could unseat the perennial winner, Quebec City, which for the 8th year in a row continues to top the list of readers’ favorite cities in Canada. This fortified gem captures American hearts with its fairytale European atmosphere. Walking through Old Quebec feels like stepping into a medieval storybook with the Château Frontenac looming overhead.
With only 550,000 residents, Québec City is an approachably-sized city, and readers appreciated that intimate feel and its walkability, with one reader commenting, “Wonderful, friendly people, great architecture, art, and food,” while another said, “We loved the cider farms and biking out to Montmorency Falls.” Americans consistently rank Quebec City as their top Canadian destination because it delivers an accessible European experience. The historic architecture, French cuisine, and romantic ambiance create memories that keep visitors returning year after year.
Toronto: The Urban Powerhouse
Toronto, the country’s largest city, remains the main gateway for international tourists, and with its famous skyline, world-class events, and multicultural dining, Toronto’s tourism industry continues to thrive as visitors come for festivals, concerts, and business trips, making it the country’s top travel destination. The CN Tower dominates the skyline while neighborhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District offer diverse experiences within a single metro area.
Toronto succeeds with American tourists because it feels like a cleaner, safer version of major U.S. cities. Toronto’s CN Tower welcomes around 1.5 million visitors annually. The city’s multicultural fabric means exceptional food from virtually every corner of the globe. Americans appreciate that Toronto delivers big-city excitement without some of the challenges found in comparable American metros.
Regina: The Prairie Capital That Struggles
Now we shift to cities Americans actively avoid or simply don’t consider. Regina faces a genuine perception problem among American tourists. When one American came through customs at Regina airport and said tourism was the nature of his visit, he noted what struck him most was the reaction he received. Even locals seem surprised when someone deliberately chooses Regina as a destination.
Regina seemed to undersell itself, with one visitor hoping to bring home coffee mugs or T-shirts for friends who’d heard him talk about this trip for so long, but those kinds of gifts and other advice about the city as a tourist destination were completely lacking, leading him to say “I think you’ve got a great story to tell and I just think you guys need to get better at telling it.” The city possesses genuine attractions, including Wascana Lake and the RCMP Heritage Centre, yet it remains virtually invisible on American travel itineraries. Regina’s harsh winter climate and limited tourism infrastructure contribute to its underdog status.
Winnipeg: The Underappreciated Middle Child
Winnipeg has been dubbed Canada’s middle child, stuck between bigger siblings like Toronto and Vancouver, and doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but like any overlooked middle kid, Winnipeg has a way of surprising you. Manitoba welcomed over 10.6 million visitors, spending approximately $1.89 billion in 2024. However, the vast majority of those visitors are Canadian rather than American.
Americans tend to overlook Winnipeg despite its Canadian Museum for Human Rights, thriving arts scene, and surprisingly excellent food culture. The city’s geographic isolation in the prairies and brutal winter reputation work against it. Honestly, Winnipeg deserves more American attention than it receives, but perception remains reality in tourism. The city lacks the wow factor that draws casual American tourists who have limited vacation time and countless destination options.
What Drives American Tourist Preferences
Canada is witnessing an extraordinary tourism surge from the United States in 2025, with over thirty million Americans expected to visit by year-end – a record-setting figure driven by multiple compelling factors. Americans gravitate toward Canadian cities offering distinct experiences they can’t easily replicate at home. European ambiance, dramatic natural scenery, and cultural uniqueness top the priority list.
Exchange rates have made Canada a more appealing destination for Americans, with the Canadian dollar historically weaker than the U.S. dollar, meaning U.S. visitors find that their money goes further in Canada, and this financial incentive, paired with an increase in seasonal promotions, has encouraged more Americans to choose Canada as their preferred holiday destination in 2025. Cities like Regina and Winnipeg struggle because they’re perceived as too similar to American prairie cities without offering compelling differentiators. Geography matters too, with easier accessibility boosting cities near major American population centers.
What would you choose for your next Canadian adventure? The romantic streets of Quebec City or the unexpected cultural treasures of Winnipeg? Sometimes the cities Americans avoid might just surprise you the most.
