Canadians are boycotting American vacations

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Canadians have long been the top international travelers to the U.S. Now, they are staying home.

After President Trump said he would impose tariffs on Canada, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encouraged Canadians to change their vacation plans to focus on exploring sites within the country. It worked. Canadian residents returned from 13% fewer trips by air to the U.S.

in February than they did a year ago, according to preliminary data from Statistics Canada. Land border crossings fell, too, with Statistics Canada reporting February’s Canadian-resident return trips from the U.S. dropped 23% from a year earlier.

More than the tariff threats, Canadians say President Trump’s threats of annexation have infuriated and scared them, so much so that they won’t cross the border to spend time or money. Recent news about lengthy detentions for tourists and green-card holders has further deterred would-be travelers. A boycott by the top international visitor threatens to upend local economies across the U.S.

Canadians made about 20.2 million visits to the U.S. in 2024. Even a 10% reduction in Canadian travel could mean $2 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses, according to the U.S.

Travel Association trade group. The administration has held firm on its messaging. “Canadians will no longer have to worry about the inconveniences of international travel when they become American citizens as residents of our cherished 51st state," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in an email.