Canadian Travel to US Plummets, Becoming Hard to Ignore
Recent trends indicate a significant decline in Canadian travel to the United States. Statistics Canada data highlights that the number of Canadians returning from the U.S. has decreased sharply, particularly when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
According to Julian Karaguesian, an economics lecturer at McGill University, multiple factors are driving this trend. These include:
- Increased immigration crackdowns.
- Political rhetoric surrounding U.S. trade policies.
- Protests and heightened border enforcement.
Karaguesian noted that these factors have created a sense of unease among Canadian tourists, who are now opting to stay home. This sentiment has been compounded by a notable slip in travel numbers, which saw a staggering 25% drop in returns from the U.S. in November compared to the previous year.
Impact of Domestic Travel
Amidst the decline in trips to the U.S., Canadians are increasingly embracing local tourism. Statistics Canada reported a 10.9% rise in domestic travel during the second quarter of 2025, with over one-third of these trips categorized as leisure or recreational.
Political Influences and Economic Ramifications
Political dynamics, including the former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “Buy Canadian” campaign, have encouraged residents to focus on domestic offerings. This strategy included discouraging travel to the U.S. in favor of local goods.
Karaguesian predicts that the downward trend in Canadian travel could continue due to ongoing political instability and trade tensions. He emphasized that the consequences of reduced Canadian tourism would deeply impact U.S. businesses that depend on these visitors for revenue.
Local Business Challenges
U.S. businesses, particularly those in border regions like Michigan and Vermont, have reported significant challenges due to the decline in Canadian customers. A report from the Democratic members of the Congress Joint Economic Committee highlighted the impact on local economies, with business owners expressing concerns about their viability.
Business Owners Speak Out
- Kyle Daley, owner of Soloman’s Store in New Hampshire, noted that customers are hesitant to cross the border due to political tensions.
- Becca Brown McKnight, a Burlington city councilor, warned that prolonged declines in tourism could threaten local jobs and businesses.
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stated that the economies of Michigan and Canada are intricately linked, highlighting the potential fallout from reduced tourism.
Overall, the declining trend of Canadian travel to the United States is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. The combination of political sentiment and economic realities is reshaping the relationship between these neighboring nations.
