Canadian visits to the United States are dropping sharply as travelers north of the border rethink cross-border trips in response to new tariffs, tougher border security, and America’s heated political climate. This shift could cost the U.S. billions of dollars, threaten thousands of jobs, and reshape tourism flows across North America.
From Open Doors to Cold Shoulders: Why Canadians Are Saying No to U.S. Trips
The mood among Canadians has changed. Border crossings that once bustled with shoppers and vacationers are noticeably quieter, with many families opting to stay home or seek adventures abroad in friendlier destinations. Growing resentment over U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian goods is a major factor, amplifying frustration and turning travel decisions into acts of protest for some households. Many see these tariffs as punitive and unnecessary, casting a chill over a relationship once defined by ease and goodwill.
On top of economic tensions, Canadians are uneasy about political polarization and rising border scrutiny in the U.S., making what were once simple getaways now fraught with anxiety and second thoughts. Media coverage and social conversation frequently reflect this shift—American vacations are no longer enthusiastically promoted, with many travelers now openly preferring alternatives.
Airlines Adjust as Demand Fades
Canadian airlines are responding quickly. Air Canada, WestJet, Porter, Flair, Air Transat, and Sunwing have all reduced or axed flights to U.S. cities, rerouting planes to Canadian destinations or popular international locales instead. Flair Airlines ended its Nashville service, Air Canada and Air Transat trimmed their U.S. schedules, and Sunwing dropped all American routes. According to Porter Airlines, the focus is now on serving what travelers want—more Canadian and global options, less cross-border hassle.
Border Towns and Sunbelt States Feel the Pain
The economic ripple is hitting hardest in small American towns along the border, where Canadian shoppers once sustained local businesses. Many report customer drops as steep as 43 percent. In sunny states like Florida, popular with Canadian snowbirds and families, vacation rental owners are reporting a wave of last-minute cancellations. Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas—traditionally top U.S. draws for Canadians—are all feeling the decline.
Canadians accounted for the largest group of international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, spending $20.5 billion and supporting about 140,000 jobs. Just a 10 percent dip could cut $2.1 billion from U.S. tourism revenue and cost 14,000 jobs, warns the U.S. Travel Association.
Where Are Canadians Traveling Instead?
With sentiment souring on U.S. travel, Canadians are looking elsewhere. Expedia’s data shows rising interest in European cities, Japan, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. At home, there’s renewed pride in exploring Canada’s own mountains, beaches, and vibrant cities. Top searches now include Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, and trending nature destinations like Tofino, St. John’s, Nanaimo, and Gaspésie. The message is clear: Canadian travelers want to feel welcome and valued.
- More Canadians are booking flights and road trips within their own country.
- Popular destinations include British Columbia’s Rockies and Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast.
- Interest in overseas travel, especially to Europe and Asia, is rising as alternatives to U.S. vacations.
The Outlook: Lasting Change or Temporary Trend?
Industry experts say this drop in U.S.-bound travel isn’t just a temporary reaction. As long as border scrutiny, tariffs, and political polarization persist, Canadians are likely to keep exploring other options—at home and abroad. For the United States, that could mean a prolonged loss of billions in tourism dollars and thousands of local jobs unless the climate changes.
