Tourism from Canada to the United States, once a consistent and lucrative revenue stream, is experiencing a sharp decline due to rising political tensions, economic pressures, and an emerging boycott movement. The longstanding trend of over 20 million Canadians visiting the U.S. annually—generating approximately US$20.5 billion and supporting around 140,000 jobs—is now faltering. This downturn is largely driven by growing dissatisfaction with an “America First” administration, whose policies and rhetoric have contributed to a cooling relationship between the two countries.
A Shift in Canadian Travel Habits
For decades, the U.S. has been the top international destination for Canadian travelers. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canada accounted for 20.4 million visits last year, a figure that translated into significant economic benefits for the U.S. tourism industry. However, a combination of political developments, economic shifts, and social concerns is leading many Canadians to reconsider their trips south of the border.
At the heart of this shift is the political climate under the current administration. The U.S. president has frequently used tariffs as a bargaining tool and has made controversial remarks about Canada, including floating the idea of annexing the country. These statements have not only strained diplomatic relations but have also led to a growing sense of unease among Canadian travelers.
Additionally, newly implemented U.S. visitor registration rules have added a layer of complexity to cross-border travel. These changes come amid broader concerns over immigration policies, including reports of foreign nationals—Canadians among them—being detained by U.S. authorities over travel visa issues. Such incidents have heightened anxieties, making travel to the U.S. feel less welcoming than before.
The Role of Social and Economic Factors
Beyond political friction, social issues have also played a role in shaping Canadian travel patterns. The Trump administration’s rollback of transgender rights has sparked international backlash, with several European nations issuing travel advisories in response. In Canada, where progressive social policies are widely embraced, such moves have fueled a growing reluctance to support U.S. tourism.
Economic factors are compounding the decline. The strength of the U.S. dollar has made American travel more expensive for Canadians, reducing their purchasing power and making alternative destinations more attractive. This has been particularly evident in border towns, which have long relied on Canadian visitors for a significant portion of their tourism revenue.
For instance, Whitefish, Montana, a town located just 60 miles from the British Columbia border, has seen a 14% drop in Canadian visitor spending in January compared to the same period last year. According to Brian Schott, a communications specialist for the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau, this decline signals a troubling trend that could worsen if current conditions persist.
Canadian Tourism Decline Hits Major U.S. Destinations
The impact of Canada’s retreat from U.S. tourism is already evident in key American cities. Data from February indicates that Canadian arrivals in Las Vegas dropped by 9.4%, while visits to Newark and New York airports fell by 11% compared to the previous year. These figures suggest that once-popular destinations for Canadian tourists are now experiencing significant downturns.
However, the decline is not uniform across the U.S. Some locations, such as Phoenix, Arizona, have bucked the trend, experiencing a 15% increase in Canadian visitors over the same period. The reasons behind Phoenix’s resilience could include its warm climate, direct flight availability, and appeal as a winter escape for Canadian snowbirds.
Even so, the overall pattern suggests a broader retreat from U.S. travel, driven by a combination of political and economic concerns. The longer these factors remain in place, the more likely it is that this downturn will continue to accelerate.
The Growing Boycott Movement
In addition to individual decisions to forgo U.S. travel, an organized boycott movement is gaining traction among Canadians. Online forums, social media campaigns, and advocacy groups have been calling on Canadians to spend their tourism dollars elsewhere, citing both economic and ethical reasons.
Many travelers are opting for domestic alternatives within Canada, such as Banff, Whistler, and Prince Edward Island, which offer world-class travel experiences without the complications associated with U.S. border crossings. Others are exploring international destinations in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, where political tensions are less pronounced.
The combination of these factors is leading many analysts to warn that the U.S. could see a prolonged and significant decline in Canadian tourism, with long-term consequences for businesses and communities that depend on cross-border travel.
Economic Fallout and Future Outlook
If the current decline in Canadian tourism continues, the economic consequences for the U.S. could be severe. The US$20.5 billion that Canadian visitors contribute annually supports a range of industries, from hospitality and entertainment to retail and transportation. A sustained drop in Canadian spending would not only impact businesses in border regions but also have ripple effects across the broader U.S. economy.
Industry experts are closely watching how these trends develop. If the political climate shifts or if the U.S. dollar weakens, there is potential for a rebound in Canadian tourism. However, if tariffs, immigration policies, and social tensions persist, the downward trend may accelerate, reshaping the future of North American travel.
At the moment, indicators suggest that this is not a temporary dip but a fundamental shift. With current conditions deepening, analysts predict that Canadian travel to the U.S. will continue to decline in the months ahead.
For American businesses, tourism officials, and policymakers, this presents a pressing challenge: how to rebuild trust and attract Canadian visitors back before long-term damage is done.
