Canadian Travel to the U.S. Plummets as Boycott Grows

Canadian travel to the United States has seen a significant decline in 2025, driven by a growing boycott movement. Data from Statistics Canada reveals a 38% drop in road travel to the U.S. in May 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting a broader trend of reduced cross-border visits.

This shift is attributed to several factors, including increased visa delays and challenging border interrogations. Additionally, discontent with certain U.S. political ideologies and specific threats, such as former President Donald Trump’s remarks about annexing Canada, have contributed to Canadians feeling unwelcome, prompting them to reconsider their travel plans.

The economic impact is substantial. In 2024, Canadian tourists spent approximately $20.5 billion in the U.S., with 20.4 million visitors. Recent polling shows significant cancellations, particularly in Quebec, where 45% of planned trips were scrapped, potentially costing the U.S. economy $3 billion.

Canadians are increasingly opting for domestic or alternative international destinations, signaling a shift in consumer behavior. This boycott reflects not only political dissatisfaction but also a conscious choice to support economies perceived as more welcoming, part of a broader global trend affecting U.S. tourism.

Economic Fallout and Shifting Travel Patterns

The decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. has sent shockwaves through the American economy, particularly in border states and popular tourist destinations. Industries reliant on Canadian visitors, such as hotels, retail, and tourism services, are experiencing significant losses. The drop in cross-border travel has resulted in quieter border crossings and a noticeable decline in tourism-related business activity.

While the U.S. economy is feeling the pinch, Canadian travelers are exploring alternative destinations. Many are choosing to vacation within Canada, boosting domestic tourism and supporting local businesses. Others are turning to international destinations perceived as more politically neutral or welcoming, such as Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. This shift underscores a broader trend of consumers using their spending power to express political and social sentiments.

The boycott’s impact extends beyond North America. Global tourism to the U.S. has also been affected by similar concerns, with international visitors expressing unease over certain U.S. policies and political rhetoric. This broader decline in global tourism adds further economic pressure on the U.S. hospitality and retail sectors, compounding the losses already incurred from the Canadian boycott.

Surveys conducted in early 2025 reveal the depth of the boycott’s influence. By mid-February, 48% of Canadians surveyed had either canceled or were likely to cancel their U.S. travel plans. This sentiment was particularly strong in Quebec, where 45% of residents with plans to visit the U.S. opted to cancel, translating to an estimated $3 billion CAD in lost revenue for the U.S. economy.

The data also shows a sharp decline in air travel bookings to the U.S., with a 40% drop in February 2025 compared to the previous year. While return air trips saw only a modest decline, land crossings fell significantly, dropping from 1.5 million in February 2024 to 1.2 million in February 2025. These numbers highlight the broader trend of Canadians reconsidering their travel choices in response to political and logistical challenges.

Of the 32% of Canadians who initially planned to visit the U.S. in 2025, 56% ultimately canceled or changed their destination. Another 26% were still weighing their options, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty and dissatisfaction with U.S. policies. This shift in travel behavior not only highlights the economic implications of the boycott but also underscores the broader cultural and political tensions shaping cross-border relations.

In summary, the sharp decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. in 2025 reflects a complex interplay of political dissatisfaction, logistical challenges, and consumer choice. As Canadians redirect their travel dollars to more welcoming destinations, the U.S. economy faces billions in lost revenue, while Canada’s domestic and alternative international tourism sectors stand to benefit. This trend is part of a larger global shift, with international travelers increasingly scrutinizing their choices based on political and social considerations.

Conclusion

The significant decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. in 2025 underscores a complex interplay of political dissatisfaction, logistical challenges, and shifting consumer preferences. With a 38% drop in road travel and billions in lost revenue, the economic impact on the U.S. is undeniable. Canadians are increasingly choosing domestic or alternative international destinations, reflecting a broader global trend where travelers are using their spending power to express political and social sentiments. As cross-border relations evolve, this boycott highlights the profound influence of consumer behavior on international economies and diplomacy.

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