Canadians Say 'No' to U.S. Travel

In a surprising turn of events, Canadians are drastically reducing their trips to the United States, opting for more welcoming destinations. Take Diana and Rick Bellamy from Calgary, for example. They scrapped their plans for a Caribbean cruise that would start in Houston, choosing to bask in the sun along Mexico's Pacific coast instead. Why? The escalating tensions between Canada and the U.S., fueled by President Trump’s controversial comments and an unfriendly border policy, have left many Canadians feeling uneasy about visiting their southern neighbor.

Political Tensions Drive Canadians Abroad

Diana Bellamy expressed her disbelief, stating she never thought she would feel safer traveling to Mexico than to the U.S. As feelings of animosity surge, many Canadians are canceling their trips south. This trend isn’t just a matter of personal preference; it’s impacting politics back home. The increasing frustration with U.S. policies seems to be boosting support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party ahead of Canada's upcoming elections.

A Steep Decline in U.S. Visits

The numbers are staggering. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canadian visits to the U.S. have plummeted. Last month alone saw over 910,000 fewer border crossings from Canada into the U.S., marking a whopping 22 percent drop compared to March 2024. Air travel also reflects this trend, with a 10 percent decline in Canada-U.S. flight bookings from April to September.

Concerns About Safety and Border Policies

Security issues at the border are causing a significant chill among potential travelers. Reports of Canadians being detained for weeks by U.S. immigration have raised alarms. The case of Jasmine Mooney, who faced 12 days of detention, is just one terrifying example.

These border fears have led the Canadian Association of University Teachers to caution their members against nonessential travel to the U.S., especially for those with critical views on the Trump administration.

A Growing Fear Among Canadians

As former Quebec Premier Jean Charest noted, many are apprehensive about crossing the border. Concerns range from unpredictable border checks to the possibility of having personal items, such as cell phones, scrutinized.

Mike Sauer, a Vancouver resident, expressed his anxiety over potential issues with marijuana purchases that are legal in Canada but illicit under U.S. federal law. This sentiment was echoed by fellow Canadians who simply no longer feel welcome.

Industry Impact: A Financial Blow to U.S. Tourism

The drop in Canadian tourists is prompting state officials to act. California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a campaign aimed at wooing Canadians back, as February alone saw a startling 12 percent decrease in guests. Travel agencies in Canada are also feeling the pinch, with bookings to the U.S. plummeting, and some clients even forfeiting money to cancel trips.

The travel landscape is changing, and as Canadians opt for friendlier destinations, the United States may find itself grappling with the fallout of its diplomatic relations.