Canadians Stay Home as US Travel Declines Amid Tensions

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

For decades, Kristy Gammon, a 62-year-old from Nova Scotia, regularly crossed the US border for leisure trips. From skiing at Lake Placid in New York to attending Baltimore Orioles games with her husband, US travel was a routine part of her life. But since President Donald Trump took office, Ms Gammon has, like many Canadians, stopped traveling to the United States entirely. Even passing through the US en route to Ontario—a shortcut for an otherwise 18-hour drive—is now off-limits.

The reason, she says, is simple: protest. Ms Gammon and her peers are boycotting the US in response to policies and trade actions implemented under the Trump administration. “There are so many things that we just feel aghast about in terms of how [the administration] is acting internationally, behaving toward their own citizens, and how they’re treating allies and neighbours, i.e. Canada,” she explained.

Data shows this boycott is far from anecdotal. October marked the tenth consecutive month of decline in Canadian travel to the US. Air travel from Canada fell nearly 24%, while car travel dropped more than 30% compared to the same period last year, according to Canada’s statistics office. The US Travel Association, a nonprofit representing the American travel industry, reports a 3.2% drop in overall international spending in the US, largely driven by fewer Canadian visitors.

Historically, Canadians have been crucial to US tourism, accounting for roughly a quarter of international visitors and spending over $20 billion annually. But following Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods earlier this year, including car and steel products, many Canadians have reduced or completely halted their US travel. These tariffs were part of Trump’s wider effort to reduce the US trade deficit and to pressure Canada on issues such as illegal fentanyl flows across the border.

Trade tensions escalated further last month when Trump reacted angrily to an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan, sponsored by Ontario, and made repeated controversial comments about making Canada the “51st state.” The combination of these policies and statements has left many Canadians resolute in their decision to avoid the US.

Some US destinations, however, are trying to reverse the trend. Kalispell, Montana, home to Glacier National Park, launched a “Canadian Welcome Pass” offering discounts and deals for cross-border travelers. “For the last several months, our countries have been going through some things. But there’s one thing we know, and it’s this – we miss you,” the pass’s promotional website reads.

Despite these efforts, major events like the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are expected to attract international tourists, potentially offsetting the loss of Canadian visitors. Meanwhile, Canada’s own tourism industry has benefited. Domestic travel has surged, with Destination Canada reporting record-breaking revenue of C$59 billion from May to August 2025, a 6% increase from the same period last year. Many Canadians are choosing to explore their own country, contributing to the boom.

Even snowbirds—retirees who traditionally spend winters in warmer US states like Florida—are changing their plans. A survey by the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada found that only 10% of Canadian retirees plan US trips this year, a 66% drop compared to last year. Some, like Ms Gammon’s friends, have even sold their winter homes in Florida in response to the strained relations and frustrations with the US administration. “They’ve completely changed their snowbird plans. You can feel there’s a shift,” Ms Gammon noted.

Looking ahead, Ms Gammon is uncertain whether the boycott will last the entire remainder of Trump’s term. “Who knows what could change between now and three years,” she said. “But it would have to be pretty significant changes for us personally to change our minds.” For now, the message from many Canadians is clear: cross-border travel is off the table as a form of political protest, reflecting the deep unease many feel over current US policies and actions.

While US tourism officials are hopeful that other international visitors and major sporting events may help fill the gap, the Canadian boycott underscores the far-reaching effects of trade and political tensions on travel patterns and the economy. It also highlights a growing trend of consumers using personal choices—like vacation destinations—to express political and economic concerns.

For communities reliant on Canadian tourism, the impact is tangible. From small towns near national parks to major metropolitan areas hosting sporting events, the absence of Canadian travelers represents a substantial loss of revenue. Yet, in Canada, the trend has proven to be a boon for local tourism, as more residents explore their own country, spending on accommodations, attractions, and local businesses.

In sum, the ongoing Canadian boycott of US travel exemplifies the intersection of politics, trade policy, and personal choice. As long as tensions remain high, and tariffs and controversial statements continue, it is likely that the number of Canadians avoiding the US will persist. For many, like Ms Gammon, avoiding travel to the US is both a personal statement and a reflection of broader international and domestic concerns, illustrating the power of tourism as a tool for political expression.