Canadians Rethink U.S. Travel Plans Amid Political Discontent

Canadians are significantly altering their travel plans to the United States, driven by dissatisfaction with U.S. political rhetoric and policies. A growing number of Canadians, like Dennis Murphy, express their discontent by choosing to limit spending during their visits. Murphy and his wife recently opted for a brief stop in Florida before embarking on a Caribbean cruise, stating, “We kind of plan on spending as little of our money in the U.S., based on everything that happened.”

This shift is reflected in the numbers, with Canadian visitation to Florida dropping over 18 percent in the first half of 2025. Other popular destinations, including Louisiana, California, and Nevada, are also reporting significant declines in Canadian tourists. Reports indicate that the trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, alongside controversial remarks from President Donald Trump, have contributed to this downturn.

Murphy and his wife initially intended to visit Las Vegas, but their decision changed after witnessing a contentious meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The couple felt that the treatment of Zelenskyy, which included public criticism from Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, was unacceptable. “When we saw that, we said, ‘There’s no way that we’re going to put any of our money into their economy,’” Murphy explained.

Data from Statistics Canada corroborates the anecdotal evidence, revealing a 36 percent decrease in Canadian road trips to the U.S. in July 2025 compared to the previous year. Air travel has also seen a decline, with flights to the U.S. down by more than 16 percent. Specific locations, such as Washington state, have experienced notable drops in traffic, with personal vehicle entries falling from 322,024 in September 2024 to 228,580 in September 2025, a decrease of 29 percent.

U.S. States Feel the Impact of Reduced Canadian Tourism

The impact of reduced Canadian tourism has been pronounced in several U.S. states. Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, acknowledged that Canada is the largest international market for his state, and he has noticed a significant drop in visitors. “It’s more than just the tourism. I really enjoy the friendships. Canadians are much like Louisianans,” Nungesser remarked, emphasizing the cultural connections that stretch beyond economic considerations.

Nungesser recently traveled to Canada to promote tourism, meeting with travel agents and distributing local delicacies to encourage future visits. He shared that many Canadians expressed reluctance to travel to the U.S. until Trump either apologizes for his comments or leaves office. “I don’t want the comments — the stupid comments — of a president and the tariffs to destroy those friendships,” Nungesser stated.

In Las Vegas, the downturn in Canadian visitors has been striking. Data from Harry Reid International Airport revealed a nearly 33 percent drop in passengers from Air Canada and WestJet in June compared to the same month in 2024. Meanwhile, Flair Airlines reported a staggering 62 percent decline in Canadian travelers to the city. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley indicated that the drop-off has reduced a once-bustling tourist market to a mere trickle, saying, “It’s gone from, you know, a faucet to a drip.”

California Also Sees Declining Visitor Numbers

California, another prime destination for Canadian tourists, anticipates a 19 percent decline in Canadian visitation in 2025, according to Visit California. The organization attributes this downturn to various factors, including economic conditions and an unfavorable exchange rate. Geopolitical tensions, particularly during the winter and spring seasons, have also played a role in deterring Canadian tourists.

In towns across California, the signs of reduced tourism are evident. Businesses that rely on visitors, such as souvenir shops and sightseeing tours, are reporting fewer patrons. In popular second-home locations like Palm Springs, the number of Canadian visitors has dropped, although local leaders, such as Mayor Ron deHarte, noted that domestic tourism has helped mitigate some of the losses.

The implications of this trend are significant. The relationship between the U.S. and Canada, historically strong and intertwined, is being tested by current political climates. As many Canadians express their sentiments through their travel choices, U.S. tourism-dependent economies face the challenge of rebuilding connections that have been strained. The hope remains that these tensions will ease, allowing for a resurgence in cross-border travel.