Rising fuel prices and broader economic pressures are changing how Canadians plan their summer travel. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, 66 per cent of Canadian drivers say high gas prices could force them to cancel or limit road trips, with fuel costs approaching $2 per litre in some parts of the country.

At the same time, a recent CIBC poll found that 67 per cent of Canadians are prioritizing saving over spending this summer, with many households focused on managing everyday expenses such as groceries and gas amid ongoing inflation concerns.

Cross-border travel is also taking a hit. Multiple recent surveys and reports suggest Canadians are increasingly avoiding trips to the United States due to political tensions, safety concerns, and the weaker Canadian dollar. An Angus Reid survey found that 70 per cent of Canadians would feel uncomfortable travelling to the U.S. this winter, while other industry surveys show most motorists now prefer domestic road trips instead.

Despite the pullback on major travel plans, local tourism could still see a boost. A Tire and Rubber Association of Canada survey found that more than 80 per cent of Canadians still plan to take smaller day trips or overnight getaways within Canada this summer, with many choosing destinations closer to home.

For Ontario tourism operators, the trend could create new opportunities as travellers look for affordable escapes closer to home. While high fuel prices and economic uncertainty are discouraging long-distance travel, many Canadians still appear eager to get outdoors and explore regional destinations, even if those trips are shorter and more budget-conscious than in previous years.