Canadians Remain Hesitant About US Travel Amid Lingering Trump Tensions

Snowbird destinations in the US are feeling the impact as Canadians opt for domestic or international trips instead.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Canadians are staying away from their usual snowbird destinations in the US, with many opting for domestic trips or looking towards Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe instead. This trend is largely driven by lingering unhappiness with former President Donald Trump and concerns over economic policies and tariffs. Destinations like California and Florida that rely heavily on Canadian tourists have seen significant declines in visitor numbers from their northern neighbor.

Why it matters

The reluctance of Canadian travelers to visit the US is having a major impact on key tourism hubs that have traditionally relied on Canadian snowbirds. This shift in travel patterns reflects the ongoing political tensions between the two countries and the lasting effects of Trump-era policies that alienated many Canadians.

The details

According to a recent survey, only 55% of Canadian travelers intend to visit the US within the next 12 months, a figure that remains mostly unchanged from the previous year. Among those who do plan to travel to the US, only 9% have already made bookings. In 2025, the US saw 4 million fewer Canadian visitors, a 22% drop compared to the previous year. Factors cited by Canadian respondents include economic policies, tariffs, and a perception that the US does not value or welcome international travelers.

  • In 2025, there was a noticeable travel chill from Canada following President Donald Trump's comments and the levying of tariffs.
  • In 2025, California's Governor Gavin Newsom began trying to convince Canadians with targeted video campaigns that California welcomes them.
  • In 2025, the number of Canadian visitors to California fell by over 18% compared to the previous year, slipping to 1.4 million.
  • In 2025, Visit Florida saw a 15% year-over-year drop in Canadian visitors, with only 2.9 million travelers from Canada.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose policies and rhetoric are cited as a key factor in the decline of Canadian travel to the US.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who has launched campaigns to try to convince Canadian travelers to visit the state despite the political tensions.

Longwoods International

A tourism industry market research company that conducted a survey of over 1,000 Canadian prospective travelers, revealing their hesitance to visit the US.

Air Transat

A Canadian airline that is suspending all or some flights from Canada to the US this summer.

WestJet

A Canadian airline that is also suspending all or some flights from Canada to the US this summer due to a decline in transborder travel demand.

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What they’re saying

“Sure, you-know-who is trying to stir things up back in DC, but don't let that ruin your beach plans. California is the ultimate playground — over 2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Los Angeles Times)

“We saw a notable decline in transborder travel demand throughout 2025. As a result, we made timely decisions to modify our network to stay aligned with where Canadians want to go.”

— Julia Kaiser, Media Relations Advisor, WestJet (Global News)

What’s next

As of February 17, 2026, China has opened up visa-free entry for all Canadian citizens, allowing up to 30 days of travel for business, tourism, family visits, or transit. This could provide an alternative destination for Canadian travelers looking to avoid the US.

The takeaway

The lingering tensions between Canada and the US, stemming from the Trump administration's policies, have had a significant impact on the travel industry. Destinations that have traditionally relied on Canadian visitors are now facing a decline in tourism, forcing them to adapt and find new ways to attract travelers. This situation highlights the broader implications of political discord on the economic well-being of communities.