Canada just became more popular. New data from Statistics Canada confirms that over 1.6 million non-resident travellers entered the country in March 2026. That is a 4.7 percent increase compared to the same month a year earlier, and it is a strong signal that global confidence in Canada as a destination remains high.

This rise in international visitors to Canada is being driven by visitors from both the United States and countries overseas. And while the numbers themselves are impressive, the story behind them is even more interesting.

US Visitors to Canada Are Coming Back

In March 2026, trips to Canada by United States residents reached 1.3 million, marking a 4.4 percent increase over March 2025. This was the third consecutive year-over-year gain after a period of decline that started in early 2025.

Most American visitors chose to drive across the border, with car arrivals totalling 923,600. More than half of those same-day drivers crossed, completed their visit, and returned home within hours. Air arrivals from the US also rose by 3 percent to 340,900.

This rebound in US visitor numbers is notable given the period of political tension that had dampened cross-border travel earlier. Clearly, Canada’s appeal to its southern neighbour remains strong.

Overseas Arrivals Surge Led by Europe

The other major story in March’s international visitors to Canada data is the strong performance from overseas markets. A total of 349,100 overseas residents arrived in Canada during the month, a 5.6 percent increase from a year earlier. The vast majority of these arrivals, about 89.6 percent, came by air.

Europe was the biggest driver of this increase, with arrivals from the continent rising by 16,100 compared to March 2025. That represents a striking 13.2 percent jump in a single year.

The top three source countries for overseas visitors were the United Kingdom, Mexico, and India. Together, these three countries accounted for 31.1 percent of all overseas arrivals in Canada during the month.

Source: Travel between Canada and other countries

A Shift in How Canadians Are Travelling

Interestingly, while more people are coming into Canada, Canadians themselves are travelling abroad less. In March 2026, Canadian residents returned from 2.6 million trips to the United States. That figure is down 6.4 percent year over year and represents the 15th consecutive month of decline in that direction.

This is a significant shift. For the third consecutive month, the number of Canadians returning from overseas trips actually exceeded those returning from the United States by car. That kind of reversal has only happened three times since digital travel records began in 1972, excluding the pandemic period.

Canadians are increasingly looking beyond the US for travel, and the world is looking increasingly at Canada.

What This Means for Canada’s Tourism Sector

These numbers reflect a healthy and growing tourism economy. Each international visitor who arrives in Canada brings economic activity with them. They spend on accommodation, food, transportation, attractions, and local retail. A sustained increase in international visitors to Canada translates directly into jobs and revenue for Canadian businesses.

For provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces, international tourism is a significant economic contributor. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and smaller destinations across the country all benefit from a rise in global visitor arrivals.

At ImmigCanada, we see this travel data as part of a broader picture of Canada’s global standing. A country that people want to visit is also a country that people want to move to. The rise in international visitors to Canada goes hand in hand with strong demand for Canadian visas, work permits, and permanent residency.

If you are inspired by Canada’s growing appeal and you are thinking about taking the next step from visitor to resident, ImmigCanada can help you explore the immigration pathways that are right for your background and goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About International Visitors to Canada