Opinion: Why Are Canadians Avoiding the US?

Even if you've been living under a rock for the past month or so, you've probably heard Canadian rumblings about travelling to the U.S.

Our neighbour has long been the major recipient of Canadian tourist dollars, to the tune of $20.5 billion USD generated in spending in 2024, reports the U.S. Travel Association.

For 2025, that seems likely to change. Canadians are reportedly bypassing the United States, cancelling trips and opting to stay in Canada for leisure travel. A Leger poll released on Feb. 11, 2025 reports that nearly half of Canadian travellers (48%) say they are less likely to visit the U.S. in 2025 compared to last year. 

So what are some of the top concerns keeping people out of the U.S.?

The exchange rate: The buying power of the loonie transcends political stripe. For even the most strident pro-American, swallowing an exchange rate that means spending almost $1.50 for every U.S. dollar is a bitter pill. With inflation driving prices ever higher, Canadians need to consider every penny. And that means looking at places where our dollar goes further.  

Patriotic protectionism: The boos that have been drowning out the American anthem at sports events lately are a tangible example of the animosity a lot of Canadians are feeling towards all things American these days. Threatened trade tariffs and the repeated assertion that our shared border is porous to fentanyl and human beings who would like to settle in the U.S. is getting our defensive feelings up. The repeated suggestion that we become the 51st state does not sit well with Canadians, contributing to the "Buy Canadian" movement and the travel boycott. An Angus Reid poll reported fewer than one in 10 respondents looked at the idea favourably. Even in Alberta, where pro-American sentiment was highest, only 18% of those surveyed were supportive of becoming the next state. 

Safety concerns: Some people are choosing not to travel transborder because they are worried about their well-being. Raids by ICE of people suspected of not having proper documentation have become a concern. People who have an "X" gender designation on their passport are worried it may be difficult to enter the U.S. in light of the executive order decreeing only two genders are recognized. The Government of Canada travel advisory for the United States notes that firearm possession is high and that mass shootings resulting in casualties occur, linking to active shooter situation instructions. Gun violence is not a new development but can give travellers pause. 

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Allyship: Even if a person is not a member of a group more likely to experience hassle or discrimination because of U.S. government policies, knowing that other people are is enough to keep some travellers away. 

Professionally, I'll continue to report news out of the U.S. that affects Canadian travellers for TravelPulse. I don't believe any good is served by blacking out information. As someone who also covers "soft news" travel, I'll admit the line isn't always clear-cut. I don't think a hotel review or destination guide can be complete without having experienced it, which necessitates a visit. But I feel the same way a lot of people I've spoken with do, which is iffy.

(Photo Credit: Threads)

In my other role as a freelance travel writer, I have heard that some publications are cutting back on their American coverage. Readers and viewers aren't interested or are even actively pushing back on stories about U.S. travel, so those stories are not in demand right now. If neither readers nor publications want U.S. stories, I won't need to travel to the U.S. for research, which I suppose makes having to make a decision a moot point.

Personally, I struggle with the decision of whether to travel Stateside. I am strongly opposed to the politics and feel sick at the thought of supporting a system that punches down and targets the most vulnerable people. As a white, cis-woman I have a recognizable privilege. But not everyone can cross the border and travel with the same kind of ease I do, and that makes me think I should avoid the U.S. out of solidarity with people that don't have that privilege.

On the other hand, every time I've crossed the border, I've met amazing, compassionate Americans. They are the people who are distraught over what is happening in their country. Maybe living in Alberta, as I do, has given me empathy for people who live under a government that is diametrically opposite to practically every opinion and moral standing they hold. There are plenty of Americans I like and want to support with my tourism dollars and with my work. 

I haven't come to a conclusion about what I'm going to do. I understand why people don't want to go to the U.S.A. and I realise a lot of people have compelling reasons to go. I will watch with interest what the numbers tell us over the next four years, and I'll continue to share the important news, no matter where it comes from. 

 

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