Key Takeaways:
- Canadian tourists are canceling trips to the U.S. due to Trump’s policies and tariffs.
- 56% of Canadians have changed or canceled U.S. travel plans, according to a recent survey.
- Many are choosing to stay in Canada or visit other countries instead.
- The U.S. could lose billions of dollars as Canadian tourism drops sharply.
Canadians Ditch U.S. Vacations Over Trump Policies
For 25 years, Rosalie Cote and her family spent their summers vacationing in Maine, a beautiful U.S. state known for its stunning coastline. But this year, they’re staying home. The reason? They’re upset with former President Donald Trump’s policies, including his threats of tariffs and even annexation.
The U.S. has always been the top travel destination for Canadians. Last year alone, 20.4 million Canadians visited the U.S., spending around $20.5 billion and supporting 140,000 jobs. But this year, that number is expected to drop dramatically. Many Canadians like Rosalie feel that supporting the U.S. economy goes against their values.
Why Are Canadians Boycotting the U.S.?
Romane Gauvreau, another Canadian, canceled her mountain biking trip to Vermont and a family vacation to Maine. “We don’t want to go to a place where democracy is in danger,” she explained. “It feels like people are suffering injustices, and we don’t want to support that.”
The anger toward the U.S. has grown since Trump returned to office in January 2023. His policies, including tariffs on Canadian goods and controversial political actions, have made many Canadians feel unwelcome.
Andre Laurent, a retired civil servant, spent half of each year in Florida for 22 years to escape Canada’s cold winters. But now, he’s selling his Florida home. “I no longer feel welcome, and I even feel like I’m betraying my country,” he said. Five of the six Canadians in his gated community have also decided to leave the U.S. for good.
‘Choose Canada’ Becomes a Movement
former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encouraged Canadians to vacation at home instead of traveling to the U.S. “Choose Canada” videos quickly went viral on social media, showcasing beautiful Canadian destinations like the Rocky Mountains and Prince Edward Island, famous for inspiring the novel Anne of Green Gables.
Travel agencies have jumped on the trend. One company, Nuance du monde, has stopped promoting trips to the U.S. “We’re boycotting them because of the current situation,” said director Samy Hammadache. He believes the loss of Canadian tourists will have a big impact on the U.S. tourism industry.
Flair Airlines, a Canadian airline, has also noticed the shift. They’re now offering more flights to destinations like Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, as demand for U.S. flights drops. “These decisions are based on what people want,” said Kim Bowie, the airline’s communications director.
Domestic Tourism on the Rise
Michel Archambault, a tourism professor, predicts that Canadian domestic tourism will hit record levels this year. A recent survey found that six out of ten Canadians plan to stay in Canada for their vacations. This is a big change from previous years.
The weaker Canadian dollar has also made traveling to the U.S. more expensive, giving Canadians even more reason to stay home. But for people like Rosalie Cote, it’s not just about money. “We need to stand up for Canada,” she said. “We should spend our money here instead of supporting a country that treats us unfairly.”
The Future of Canadian Travel
The drop in Canadian tourism to the U.S. could have long-term effects. If Canadians continue to choose destinations closer to home or in other countries, the U.S. economy could lose billions of dollars. Meanwhile, Canada’s tourism industry is gearing up for a boom.
For now, Canadians are sending a clear message: They will not support a country they feel is treating them poorly. And as they explore their own country or visit other destinations, they’re proving that there’s no shortage of amazing places to discover.