VANCOUVER, Canada — A wave of apprehension is sweeping through Canadian travelers as a growing number abandon plans to visit the United States, citing heightened fears stemming from political tensions and immigration policies under President Donald Trump. Many Canadians who once flocked to their neighboring country are now seeking vacation alternatives further afield, with destinations like Mexico gaining traction.
Diana and Rick Bellamy, a couple from Calgary, recently found themselves reconsidering their travel plans. They had initially aimed for a Caribbean cruise starting in Houston before continuing on to Laurel, Mississippi, to visit a filming location from their favorite HGTV show, “Home Town.” Instead, they opted for a trip along Mexico’s Pacific coast, largely influenced by a series of negative experiences surrounding border crossings and fiery rhetoric from U.S. officials. “It’s ironic to feel safer traveling to Mexico than the U.S.,” Diana Bellamy noted, reflecting on the unexpected turn in their travel preferences.
As President Trump’s rhetoric about Canada has escalated — including assertions that Canada could become the U.S.’s 51st state — many Canadians are responding with visible discontent. The U.S. Travel Association reported that in 2022, Canadians made 20.4 million visits to the United States, contributing $20.5 billion to the American economy. However, recent data has revealed a significant decline in these numbers, with over 910,000 fewer Canadians crossing the land border last month compared to a year prior, marking a 22 percent decrease. This drop has been reflected in flight bookings from Canada to the U.S., which are down approximately 10 percent for the upcoming months.
Concerns about crossing the U.S. border are becoming increasingly prevalent among Canadians. Reports of tourists facing detentions, like that of Canadian actress Jasmine Mooney, who was held for 12 days in San Diego, have fueled anxiety. British Columbia Premier David Eby voiced his apprehensions, stating that such incidents exacerbate the uncertainty many Canadians feel toward traveling to the U.S.
Given the current political climate, associations such as the Canadian Association of University Teachers are advising their members to limit non-essential travel to the U.S., especially for those who have publicly criticized the Trump administration. Leaders like former Quebec Premier Jean Charest openly express concerns as well, questioning the mindset of American officials amidst these changing dynamics.
For many, the lure of U.S. tourist attractions has been overshadowed by fears regarding increased scrutiny at border checkpoints. Mike Sauer, who manages a community policing center in Vancouver, cited worries that a border agent might access personal information on his phone, particularly as he has purchased legal cannabis in Canada. “It depends on the border guard’s mood,” he remarked, underscoring the unpredictable nature of his potential travel experiences.
Dietra and Ben Wilson, local shop owners in Windsor, Ontario, echoed similar sentiments, expressing reluctance to visit Detroit, a destination they once frequented. With fears heightened due to shifting U.S. policies, they have opted to curtail their travel plans. “Why risk it?” Ben Wilson stated resignedly, voicing concerns about potential complications, even over routine communication on their devices.
The decline in cross-border tourism has caught the attention of U.S. officials. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced initiatives to entice Canadians back to the Golden State, citing troubling statistics that showed a 12 percent year-on-year drop in visitor numbers from Canada.
Travel agencies in Canada have reported stark declines in U.S.-bound bookings. McKenzie McMillan of The Travel Group noted a staggering 90 percent drop in their business since February, while Lesley Keyter, CEO of the Travel Lady agency, mentioned that clients are even willing to forfeit money to cancel U.S. trips, prioritizing peace of mind over travel plans.
As Canadians navigate these turbulent waters, the ripple effects of political tension continue to reshape their travel habits, prompting many to seek adventures beyond their southern neighbor.