Canadians Shun US Travel Amid Political Tensions, Immigration Fears

Decline in Canadian visitors to the US sparks economic concerns for border states

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:57am

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping, smooth gradients and towering, streamlined forms that evoke the grand scale and romance of travel, without any literal depictions of people or text.The decline in Canadian tourism to the US has sparked economic concerns, as businesses in border regions grapple with the loss of a vital customer base.Burlington Today

Recent data shows a significant drop in the number of Canadians visiting the United States, with travel to the US down by about 25% compared to the previous year. Experts cite political tensions, aggressive immigration policies, and the idea of Canada becoming the '51st state' as key factors driving this trend. Meanwhile, domestic travel within Canada is booming, suggesting Canadians are choosing to vacation at home rather than cross the border.

Why it matters

The decline in Canadian travel to the US is having real economic consequences, particularly for businesses in border states like Michigan and Vermont that rely heavily on Canadian customers. There are concerns that this shift in consumer behavior could lead to business closures and job losses if the trend continues long-term.

The details

The pandemic initially caused a sharp drop in cross-border travel, but the numbers never fully rebounded. By early 2025, Canadian visits to the US had plummeted by about a quarter compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, US residents traveling to Canada haven't seen as steep a decline, suggesting the issue is uniquely one-sided. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly discouraged Canadians from traveling to the US during the trade war, urging them to 'choose to not go on vacation in Florida or Old Orchard Beach' and promoting the 'Buy Canadian' movement.

  • By November 2025, figures showed a significant drop in the number of Canadians visiting the US compared to previous years.
  • In the second quarter of 2025, domestic travel within Canada saw a 10.9% increase.

The players

Julian Karaguesian

An economist and former special advisor in Canada's Department of Finance, who points to political tensions and aggressive immigration policies as key factors driving the decline in Canadian travel to the US.

Justin Trudeau

The former Prime Minister of Canada, who openly discouraged Canadians from traveling to the US during the trade war and promoted the 'Buy Canadian' movement.

Kyle Daley

The owner of Soloman's Store in New Hampshire, who shared in a Congressional report that Canadian customers told him they're hesitant to cross the border due to political tension and anxiety over tariffs.

Becca Brown McKnight

A city councilor in Burlington, Vermont, who warned of long-term ramifications for businesses if the decline in Canadian travel continues, stating that 'Businesses will close, and people will lose their jobs.'

US Travel Association

An organization that highlights Canada as the primary driver behind the 3.2% drop in international inbound travel spending from 2024 to 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The increased ICE activity and talk of deploying the National Guard in cities have created an atmosphere of fear, deterring many Canadian tourists.”

— Julian Karaguesian, Economist and former special advisor in Canada's Department of Finance

“Canadian customers told us they're hesitant to cross the border due to political tension and anxiety over tariffs.”

— Kyle Daley, Owner of Soloman's Store in New Hampshire

“Businesses will close, and people will lose their jobs. This isn't just about tourism—it's about livelihoods.”

— Becca Brown McKnight, City councilor in Burlington, Vermont

What’s next

The US Travel Association and government officials in border states will likely continue to monitor the situation and explore ways to address the decline in Canadian travel, such as through diplomatic efforts or targeted marketing campaigns.

The takeaway

The decline in Canadian travel to the US is a complex issue driven by a mix of political, economic, and social factors. While the immediate impact is being felt by businesses in border regions, the long-term implications could be far-reaching if the trend persists, underscoring the need for a nuanced, collaborative approach between the two nations.