Accommodation New Zealand introduces
This shift is part of a broader Canadian travel boycott that has disrupted traditional tourism patterns between the two neighbours. In Vermont’s Jay Peak ski resort, for example, Canadian season pass renewals plunged by 35 per cent for the 2025–26 winter season, significantly impacting revenue from what was once a reliable stream of international guests.
The decline in Canadian travel traces back to escalating trade tensions and political rhetoric between Ottawa and Washington. In early 2025, tariffs on Canadian imports and controversial statements from U.S. leadership about Canada created public backlash, prompting many Canadians to cancel or rethink trips south of the border. Surveys showed that a large share of Canadians actively chose to avoid U.S. travel; one poll found that more than half of travelling Canadians intended to avoid the U.S. in the coming year due to those tensions.
This sentiment shift is part of a larger trend that saw cross‑border travel drop sharply in 2025. For example, visitors crossing from Canada into upstate New York fell by about 21 per cent in the first 11 months of the year compared with 2024. The reduction in travel has had a ripple effect on local economies that depend heavily on Canadian spending.
In addition, broader data show that Canadian tourism to the U.S. fell steadily throughout 2025, with both automobile and air travel down significantly compared to previous years.
Other ski areas across the Northeast and Rocky Mountains have echoed these challenges, with Canadian bookings down roughly 41 per cent compared to U.S. travelers, who saw only a modest decline.
Ski resorts have responded with measures such as discounted rates, accepting Canadian currency at par, and expanded French‑language services to make visits more appealing. Yet many industry analysts warn that restoring confidence and travel intent could take years rather than months.
The fallout isn’t limited to mountain slopes. Travel and tourism businesses in states such as Maine, Washington, New York, and Texas are also grappling with fewer Canadians crossing the border. Hospitality, retail, and service sectors that once catered reliably to Canadian visitors are feeling the pinch of reduced spending.
Tourism officials and local chambers of commerce in affected communities have expressed concern over the visitor shortfall, noting that Canadian travelers historically ranked among the top international visitors to the U.S., contributing billions annually to the tourism economy.
In response, U.S. tourism stakeholders are ramping up efforts to attract back Canadian visitors. Some state tourism boards have launched targeted marketing campaigns in Canadian cities, emphasizing warm hospitality and unique travel experiences. Others are offering extended promotions and loyalty perks to make travel more enticing.
Travel agents and resort operators have increased outreach to Canadian clients, attempting to counter negative perceptions and reassure travelers of safety and welcome. Many have also highlighted that early season snowfall has helped performance slightly at some slopes, enticing a subset of Canadians to reconsider travel plans.
Nevertheless, tourism professionals caution that public trust has been damaged, and overcoming it will require sustained diplomatic and cultural effort beyond seasonal promotions.
While Canadian travelers continue to represent a crucial segment of the international travel market for the United States, their decline is part of a broader trend affecting inbound travel. Data from tourism authorities showed that numerous countries, including Canada, Germany and Mexico, contributed to an overall decline in U.S. international arrivals in 2025.
This decline stands in contrast to global tourism growth overall, suggesting that localized geopolitical tensions can have outsized impacts on travel flows.
For many Canadian visitors, the decision to postpone or cancel travel is deeply personal. Some have cited financial prudence, while others describe discomfort with recent political rhetoric and policy shifts as influencing their choices. Anecdotes from Canadian travelers reveal that for some, the boycott represents an expression of national identity and preference to invest in domestic travel or choose alternative destinations.
Government officials on both sides have monitored these developments closely, with border officials and tourism boards tracking declines and engaging in discussions about how to mend ties and encourage travel once again.
As the 2026 travel season approaches, U.S. destinations that have relied on Canadian tourism are working to rebuild confidence and appeal to a broader international audience. Hospitality leaders emphasize the importance of diversifying international visitor bases and enhancing travel experiences to mitigate future downturns.
Whether Canadian travel to the U.S. rebounds this year will depend on diplomatic relations, political messaging, and economic conditions influencing travelers’ confidence and willingness to cross the border.
