Canadian travel boycott against the U.S. intensifies, significantly impacting tourism

Canada is currently witnessing a significant decline in its residents' travel to the United States, particularly noted in May 2025 when Statistics Canada reported a 38% reduction in road trips from Canada compared to the same time last year. This downturn further extended to a 24% decrease in air travel, marking it as the fifth straight month of decline in Canadian visitors to the U.S. The consequences of this trend pose a substantial economic threat to the American tourism industry, with projections estimating potential losses up to $12.5 billion in a year where tourism was expected to recover considerably. Several reasons have been identified behind this travel boycott. U.S.-Canada relations have become strained, prompting a sense of skepticism among Canadians about visiting their southern neighbor. Many Canadians feel unsure about how welcome they would be in the U.S. given the geopolitical climate. The weak Canadian dollar further exacerbates concerns, as traveling south has become relatively more expensive for Canadian tourists. As a result, they are choosing to vacation domestically, with a notable rise in those planning summer trips within Canada this year. Despite the boycott, not all Canadians are deterred from traveling to the United States. Some individuals who have nurtured long-standing ties and traditions continue to visit, believing that the experiences and the welcome they receive overshadow current uncertainties. For example, some Canadians still travel to attend baseball games or family celebrations despite the ongoing trends and media narratives suggesting a broader lack of interest in U.S. travel. However, tourism experts agree that overall, the sentiment towards international travel has shifted significantly, with many Canadians opting for local adventures over trips to the U.S. If the current trajectory continues, the American tourism sector is bracing for an even more profound decline as various factors contribute to dwindling numbers. The situation calls for urgent attention from stakeholders in the tourism industry to address these concerns and adapt to the changing travel preferences of Canadian tourists, who are not only reconsidering their travel plans but also how far they will go for leisure during uncertain times.