A growing boycott of U.S. travel by Canadians is beginning to have serious economic consequences, particularly in border states and tourism-dependent regions.
Recent data shows a 13% drop in Canadian air travel to the U.S. and a 23% decrease in land border crossings, signaling a sharp decline in one of America’s most consistent sources of tourism revenue.
The downturn is attributed to multiple factors, including political tensions, stricter travel policies, and economic challenges.
Canadian travelers are reacting to policy shifts under the Trump administration, including new visitor registration requirements and heightened border security measures. Additionally, economic conditions, such as the strong U.S. dollar, have made American vacations less affordable for Canadians.
“We didn’t ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said at his acceptance upon ascending to the role.
This decline has significant financial implications. Border towns and popular destinations like Florida, Arizona, and Michigan rely heavily on Canadian visitors, who typically contribute billions to the U.S. economy. Michigan alone has reported a 10% drop in Canadian tourism, hitting small businesses, hotels, and restaurants particularly hard.
The trend is further fueled by the “Buy Canadian” movement, which encourages residents to travel domestically and support homegrown businesses instead of spending money in the U.S.
Industry experts warn that if the boycott continues, thousands of American hospitality, retail, and tourism jobs could be at risk. While officials on both sides of the border monitor the situation, the economic toll on American businesses is already being felt.