Canadian boycott of US travel shows no sign of slowing

November 14, 2025

Canadian travel to the United States has declined for ten consecutive months, with October data showing a nearly 24% drop in air travel and over 30% decrease in car travel compared to the previous year. Many Canadians, like Nova Scotia resident Kristy Gammon, are deliberately boycotting US visits to protest President Trump's policies, particularly the 35% tariffs he imposed on Canadian goods and his controversial comments about making Canada the "51st state. " This trend has significantly impacted American tourism, as Canadians traditionally represent about a quarter of international US visitors and spend over $20 billion annually.

Who is affected

American tourism industry and local businesses in US tourist destinations
Canadian travelers who previously visited the US regularly, particularly "snowbirds" (Canadian retirees who winter in states like Florida)
US Travel Association (nonprofit representing American travel industry)
Tourist destinations including Lake Placid, New York; Baltimore, Maryland; Kalispell, Montana; and Glacier National Park
Canadian domestic tourism sector and businesses
Kristy Gammon and her friends from Nova Scotia
Canadian car and steel manufacturing industries facing tariffs

What action is being taken

Canadians are boycotting travel to the United States, with October marking the 10th consecutive month of decline
Kalispell, Montana officials are offering a "Canadian Welcome Pass" with deals and discounts to entice Canadian travelers
Some Canadian snowbirds are selling their winter homes in Florida
Canadians are traveling domestically instead of to the US
President Trump is imposing 35% tariffs on Canadian goods (with most exempt under existing free trade agreements)

Why it matters

This boycott represents a significant economic and diplomatic impact on US-Canada relations, affecting billions of dollars in tourism revenue. The decline demonstrates how trade disputes and political tensions between allied nations can have tangible consequences beyond government policy, influencing individual consumer behavior and everyday cross-border interactions. Since Canadians have historically comprised about a quarter of all international visitors to the US and spend over $20 billion annually, their absence creates substantial economic losses for American tourism-dependent businesses and communities. The situation also illustrates how political rhetoric and policy decisions can fundamentally alter long-standing cultural and economic relationships between neighboring countries.

What's next

Major events scheduled in the US, including the FIFA 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, could help drive visitors from other places to replace missing Canadian tourists. However, no explicit resolution timeline or specific policy changes are mentioned. Ms Gammon stated significant changes would need to occur for her to reconsider her boycott over the remaining three years of the Trump administration, though she acknowledged uncertainty about what could change.

Read full article from source: BBC