Full Breakdown
Canadian Travel Boycott Hits U.S. Tourism Amid Trump-Era Tensions
4/27/2026, 11:51:20 AM
The Decline in Cross-Border Travel
Canadian outbound trips to the United States have fallen sharply since President Donald Trump resumed office, with March marking the 14th consecutive month of decline and visits down 32 % from pre-boycott levels. Year-over-year data for 2025 show a double-digit drop while overseas trips rose 9 %.
Roots of the Boycott
The downturn follows Trump’s trade dispute with Canada, his suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state, and a recent ICE-protester clash in Minnesota that many Canadians cite as evidence of a hostile environment.
Quantifying the Shift
The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates the decline cost the United States $8.5 billion in international tourism spending last year, a 4.6 % contraction. Domestic Canadian tourism grew 2.5 % in 2025, while Las Vegas saw an 18 % drop in Canadian arrivals.
Economic Ripple Effects
Reduced Canadian patronage has pressured U.S. hospitality operators to add fuel surcharges and launch discount campaigns. At the same time, Canadian artists, retailers, and service providers have reported higher demand as travelers redirect spending within Canada.
Industry and Government Responses
Longwoods International noted the boycott “has not waned” and that expectations Canadians would “get over it” have proved unfounded. Las Vegas casino owner Derek Stevens announced a Canada-wide outreach tour, offering new incentives and a “welcome mat” for visitors. The World Travel and Tourism Council’s figures underscore the broader fiscal impact on U.S. tourism revenue.
Voices of Dissent
Fredericton painter Bruce Newman stopped traveling to the United States after the trade war began, calling the U.S. “a scary place” and refusing to spend money there. His boycott reflects a broader Canadian sentiment that the political climate is incompatible with leisure travel.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Newman has shifted his artistic focus to Canadian scenery, completing a waterfall painting outside Fredericton and planning trips to Scotland and Gaspé, Quebec. He acknowledges losing the “freedom” to paint U.S. landscapes but sees ample opportunities at home.
Conflicting Signals
Las Vegas officials claim recent discount deals have sparked a “spike” in Canadian visitors, contrasting with aggregate data showing a sustained decline.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just don't agree with any of it. And I don't want to spend money there to support that type of thing.” — Bruce Newman, Fredericton landscape painter
- “Clearly, the issue has not waned,” — Amir Eylon, President, Longwoods International
- “Clearly, we've missed our Canadian friends,” — Derek Stevens, Las Vegas casino owner
- “Definitely while Trump's in office, we're not interested in going to the States at all.” — Bruce Newman, Fredericton landscape painter
Outlook
If U.S. political rhetoric softens, travel agencies anticipate a gradual rebound, but analysts warn that entrenched consumer habits and added costs could sustain higher domestic tourism rates in Canada for the foreseeable future.
