Continued Canadian Boycott of US Travel Persists Amid Political Tensions

Fri Nov 14 2025 13:19:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As political and trade tensions persist, Canadians are increasingly refraining from traveling to the US. This article explores the implications of this boycott and its impact on tourism in both countries.

A significant decline in Canadian travelers to the US in response to political tensions, tariffs, and attitudes from the Trump administration has been reported. This marked the tenth consecutive month of decline in visits, leading to a notable economic impact on American tourism while boosting domestic travel in Canada.

Kristy Gammon, a long-time traveler to the US from Nova Scotia, has halted her trips across the border as a protest against the policies of President Trump. Once frequent visitors, many Canadians have opted out of traveling to the US in response to tariffs and perceived slights against their country.

Data extracted from Canada's statistics office shows a staggering 24% drop in air travel and over 30% reduction in car travel from Canada to the US. This boycott reflects broader frustrations among Canadians regarding the Trump administration's handling of international relations and trade agreements, particularly given the new tariffs imposed earlier this year.

The decrease in Canadian tourism, traditionally a substantial contributor to US travel revenue, has led to a national economic drop in tourist spending by 3.2%. In the previous years, Canadians represented a significant portion of international visitors to the US, contributing over $20 billion annually.

Potential avenues for change are not lost, as some US tourist destinations are launching initiatives like the Canadian Welcome Pass to encourage cross-border visits. Meanwhile, Canadian tourism has seen a surprising surge, raking in record revenues of C$59 billion as Canadians shift focus to exploring local travel options.

This shift is particularly evident among Canadian snowbirds who traditionally flock to southern states such as Florida for winter warmth but are now reconsidering their travel plans due to growing tensions.

As Ms. Gammon articulates, while her personal plans remain fixed for the time being, the long-term commitment of Canadians to boycott US travel remains in question, contingent upon significant improvements in diplomatic relations.