Canadians are opting out of American vacations
Canadians have historically ranked as the foremost international travelers to the United States. Currently, they are remaining at home. Following President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canada, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to reconsider their travel arrangements, advocating for domestic tourism and the exploration of local attractions. The outcome was successful.
In February, Canadian residents undertook 13% fewer air trips to the U.S. compared to the same month last year, as indicated by preliminary data from Statistics Canada. Land border crossings also experienced a decline, as Statistics Canada indicated that Canadian-resident return trips from the U.S. in February decreased by 23% compared to the previous year. Beyond the implications of tariff threats, Canadians express that President Trump’s threats of annexation have provoked significant anger and fear, to the extent that they are deterred from crossing the border to engage in leisure or expenditure. The recent reports concerning extended detentions of tourists and green-card holders have contributed to a notable decline in the willingness of potential travelers to embark on their journeys.
The withdrawal of premier international tourists poses a significant risk to the stability of local economies throughout the United States. In 2024, Canadians recorded approximately 20.2 million visits to the United States. A mere 10% decline in Canadian travel could result in a $2 billion decrease in consumer expenditure and the potential loss of 14,000 jobs, as reported by the U.S. Travel Association trade group. The administration has maintained a consistent stance in its communications. “Canadians will find relief from the challenges associated with international travel upon acquiring American citizenship as residents of our esteemed 51st state,” stated White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly in an email.
Craig Treulieb, a 34-year-old senior software developer hailing from Ontario, along with his wife, has strategically planned a trip to Arizona in May to commemorate her successful transition in her career. The total expenditure for flights, accommodations, an Airbnb rental, and a vehicle was approximately $3,500, with an intention to allocate additional funds for dining and activities throughout the nearly two-week journey. In 2023, Craig Treulieb and his spouse made a trip to Washington, D.C. On February 8, following Trudeau’s remarks to business leaders regarding the potential seriousness of Trump’s intentions to annex Canada, the trip was subsequently canceled. Their expenditures on hotels amounted to a loss of approximately $500; however, they successfully secured credits or refunds for their other purchases and will redirect their travel plans to British Columbia. “I find it difficult to justify my expenditures in the U.S.,” he remarks, highlighting that the annexation threats from Trump are perceived as quite significant by Canadians.
The comprehensive implications may not manifest for several months. Although a portion of travelers has opted to cancel their bookings in the United States, a significant number report that they had not previously made arrangements for domestic travel and have subsequently selected alternative destinations. Krunal Patel, a 40-year-old art educator based in Vancouver, intended to embark on a trip to Las Vegas with a group of seven friends this October. The individuals had not yet secured airline tickets or accommodations; however, they were in the process of finalizing the dates for their journey when Trump intensified his rhetoric regarding tariffs and annexation. The report regarding the detention of a Canadian actress has reinforced their choice to seek alternative travel destinations, he states. “We considered the possibility that upon our return, we might encounter discrepancies that could result in our temporary detention.” We experienced a sense of discomfort. The cohort is now preparing to embark on a journey to Spain.
Canadian airlines have decreased their seat capacity to the U.S. by an average of 6.1% for the months of April, May, and June, relative to their schedules as of January 31, as reported by Cirium, a firm specializing in aviation analytics. WestJet, headquartered in Calgary, has noted a transition in booking patterns among Canadian travelers, with a discernible movement away from the U.S. towards alternative sun destinations, including Mexico and the Caribbean. Flair Airlines, headquartered in Edmonton, will cease operations from Vancouver, Edmonton, and Calgary to Phoenix next month and will not reinstate its seasonal route from Toronto to Nashville this year. In February, there was a notable decline of 9.4% in Canadian arrivals to Las Vegas compared to the previous year, according to federal air-travel data. Similarly, Newark and the New York airports experienced an 11% drop in arrivals. However, the decrease was not widespread. There was a 15% increase in arrivals to Phoenix compared to the previous year.
The robustness of the U.S. dollar, which diminishes the purchasing power of Canadians, is influencing their reconsideration of various economic choices. In Whitefish, Montana, located a mere 60 miles from the British Columbia border, Canadian spending experienced a decline of 14% in January relative to the previous year, according to Brian Schott, a communications contractor for the Whitefish Convention & Visitors Bureau. In recent weeks, Canadians have attributed their decision to cancel to the rhetoric emanating from Washington. Consumers have increasingly adopted a preference for domestic products in their grocery and retail purchases. The reduction in expenditure in the U.S. has significant implications for day trips, which are vital for regions such as Buffalo, N.Y.
According to Patrick Kaler, chief executive of Visit Buffalo Niagara, bridge traffic for the four bridges linking Erie and Niagara County has decreased by 14% in February compared to the same month last year. The decline in Canadian traffic to the destination’s website has reached 52% since the initiation of tariff discussions. Individuals from Canada constitute between 35% and 40% of the total annual visitors to Buffalo. The city anticipates the reinstatement of its “Buffalo Loves Canada” marketing initiative when conditions are favorable, according to Kaler. “We aim to acknowledge the circumstances and convey our understanding,” he stated.
Benoit Demeule, aged 53, serves as a branch manager for a sealing company and resides approximately one hour from the U.S. border, situated on the southern shore of Montréal. He frequently journeyed to Vermont, Maine, and New York, and has extensively traversed the United States on his motorcycle. He indicates that a return in the near future is unlikely. He has decided to forgo his plans to travel from Boston to New Brunswick this summer, largely due to a perceived breach of trust, security, and fundamental values. Demeule asserts that his shift does not pertain to tariffs. “It feels akin to being unexpectedly betrayed by a trusted ally, leaving us questioning the rationale behind such an action,” he states.
