From airports to gas stations Canada strikes back: Americans feel the heat as tourists ditch U.S. trips in trade war fallout

The ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States is now taking a new turn—Canadians are canceling their trips to the U.S. in large numbers. As tensions escalate over tariffs, a significant shift in travel behavior is being observed, with estimates suggesting that this boycott could cost the American economy $2.1 billion and 14,000 jobs, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Why are Canadians boycotting U.S. travel?

The trade conflict, fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal of a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, has led to economic uncertainty in Canada. The Canadian dollar initially fell to a two-decade low before recovering slightly. Many Canadians see these tariffs as a direct threat to their economy and have decided to retaliate by avoiding travel to the U.S.

Carlo Tarini, a Montreal resident, exemplifies this sentiment. He canceled his family’s planned trip to New York City in April, opting for the Bahamas instead. “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore,” he told The Post, adding that his family would avoid U.S. travel for the next four years.


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How are schools and businesses reacting?

The impact of this travel boycott extends beyond individuals. Schools and businesses are also altering their plans:

Quebec’s Minister of Education, Bernard Drainville, has urged 10th graders to reconsider their annual trips to New York.

Schools in Quebec and Manitoba have shifted planned excursions from the U.S. to domestic destinations like Toronto.

Maple Leaf Tours, a travel company selling packaged trips, reports a 40% drop in U.S. bookings, leading to losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Nancy Paquet, general secretary of the Monts-et-Marées school service center, addressed parents in a letter, highlighting concerns that the tariffs could negatively impact their jobs, making U.S. trips a financial burden.

Which U.S. states are feeling the impact the most?

Among the hardest-hit states is Florida, a longtime favorite for Canadian “snowbirds” escaping winter. Typically, between 1.3 and 1.5 million Canadians visit Florida each year, spending nearly $975 million.

Stacy Ritter, CEO of Visit Lauderdale, has already received emails from Canadian regulars explaining why they won’t return this year. “It felt like a gut punch,” she told The Post. “It makes me want to cry.”

What do the travel numbers reveal?

Statistical data confirms this decline in U.S.-bound Canadian travelers:

WestJet, a major Canadian airline, reports a 25% drop in demand for flights to the U.S.

In January, 15,000 fewer Canadians returned from the U.S. by car—the first recorded drop since the pandemic, according to Statistics Canada.

In contrast, U.S. travel to Canada is rising. In January, 707,000 Americans entered Canada by car, a 23% increase compared to the previous year.

Are Americans boycotting Canada?

Interestingly, the travel boycott appears to be one-sided. While Canadians are cutting back on U.S. visits, Americans continue to visit Canada in growing numbers. Despite tensions over tariffs, the number of Americans crossing into Canada has significantly increased.

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What’s next for U.S.-Canada travel relations?

As the trade dispute continues, the trend of Canadians avoiding U.S. travel is expected to persist. If more Canadians opt for alternative destinations, the economic impact on American tourism-heavy states could deepen. The travel industry, particularly in regions like Florida and New York, is bracing for more losses in the coming months.

FAQs:

Why are Canadians canceling U.S. trips?
Canadians are boycotting U.S. travel due to proposed American tariffs that threaten Canada’s economy, leading to a decline in the Canadian dollar and financial uncertainty.

Which U.S. state is affected the most by Canada’s travel boycott?
Florida is among the hardest-hit states, with Canadian visitor numbers dropping significantly, impacting local businesses and tourism revenue.