The number of Canadian travelers to the U.S. is dropping significantly. Many tourists are canceling their plans due to former President Donald Trump’s controversial policies and statements.
Why Are Canadians Avoiding Travel to the U.S.?
Peter Mulholland, a Vancouver resident, used to travel to Seattle every year to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play.
However, this year, he and his wife decided to stay in Canada.
The main reason for their decision is Trump’s policies. Mulholland is particularly concerned about:
- Tariffs on Canadian goods, which could harm both economies.
- The idea of annexing Canada as the 51st state, which many Canadians find offensive.
- Trump’s characterization of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator”, sparking political controversy.
Declining Canadian Travel to the U.S.
Mulholland is not alone—many other Canadian tourists are also canceling their U.S. vacations.
McKenzie McMillan, a travel consultant at Vancouver-based Travel Group, stated:
“In the past two weeks, I haven’t received any new travel requests for the U.S.”
The Canadian dollar is weaker compared to the U.S. dollar, but politics remains the primary reason for the decline in travel.
According to the U.S. Travel Association:
- In 2024, Canada contributed 20.4 million visitors to the U.S., generating $20.5 billion in revenue.
- A 10% drop in Canadian travel could result in 2.1 billion dollars in lost revenue and 14,000 job losses.
Impact on U.S. Airlines and Tourism
Major Canadian airlines are also monitoring this trend.
- Air Canada has not yet seen a significant drop but anticipates a slowdown.
- WestJet reported a 25% decrease in U.S. travel demand in early 2025.
The cruise industry is also feeling the impact. More Canadian tourists are now choosing Mexico, Europe, Iceland, and Asia over trips departing from the U.S.
Conclusion
Political tensions are having a major impact on travel between these two neighboring countries.
If this trend continues, the U.S. could lose a significant number of Canadian visitors, affecting its economy and job market.