A growing number of Canadians are refusing to travel to the United States — and the economic fallout is massive. A new U.S. Travel Association report projects a 3.2% drop in international tourism spending for 2025, costing the U.S. US$5.7 billion. The main reason? Canadians staying away since Donald Trump returned to office and reignited a trade war.

Travel From Canada Plunges

Latest figures for October show:

• ✈️ Air travel to the U.S. down 24%

• 🚗 Land travel down 30%

Canadians normally make up 28% of all international visitors to the U.S., so the decline is hitting hard — especially in border states.

Tourism Jobs at Risk

Experts warn the drop will impact hotel workers, local businesses, and tax revenue. The U.S., which usually has a tourism surplus, is now facing a nearly US$70 billion travel deficit.

Why Canadians Are Staying Home

Many are avoiding the U.S. over:

• Trump’s comments calling Canada “the 51st state”

• New tariffs and broken trade talks

• A stricter border environment

• A new rule requiring long-stay Canadian visitors to register, be fingerprinted, and pay US$30

A recent Angus Reid poll found 70% of Canadians feel uncomfortable travelling to the U.S. this winter.

Snowbirds Choosing New Destinations

Even long-time Florida travellers are changing plans. Toronto snowbird Rena Hans, who owns a condo in Florida, says she won’t return until Trump is out of office. Instead, she’s heading to Costa Rica, Turks & Caicos, China and Taiwan.

“I can’t vote in the U.S., but I can vote with my dollars.”

Border Cities Launch Discounts

With Canadian spending dropping as much as 40% in some areas, U.S. border towns like Buffalo, Seattle and Kalispell, Montana, are offering hotel and restaurant discounts to lure Canadians back.