Additional Coverage:
- The data is in: Many Canadians are still avoiding travel to the US (businessinsider.com)
Canadians Continue to Snub U.S. Travel
For the seventh consecutive month, Canadians have been opting to stay north of the border, rather than venturing south for visits to the United States. Preliminary data from Statistics Canada reveals a significant drop in car travel across the border in July, down almost 37% compared to July 2024.
Air travel also saw a decline, with trips from the U.S. down nearly 26% year over year. This trend contrasts sharply with increased travel from Canada to overseas destinations.
This sustained travel slump appears rooted in ongoing tensions stemming from U.S. trade policies. Previous reporting indicated that many Canadians began boycotting American travel and goods in response to tariff disputes initiated by the Trump administration.
The situation was further exacerbated by a tariff hike on certain Canadian goods in August, implemented despite the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized that most trade remains unaffected by tariffs, differing statistics on the impact of the USMCA continue to fuel the debate.
The sustained boycott appears to be driven by a mixture of political protest and a surge of national pride among Canadians. Travel companies have noted a shift in Canadian vacation preferences, with increased interest in destinations like Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
This sentiment is corroborated by a recent survey from Longwoods International, which revealed that a significant majority of Canadian respondents (63%) are deterred from U.S. travel due to American government policies. While many Canadians still acknowledge the attractions offered by the U.S., the survey also highlights concerns about the perceived welcoming nature of the country for diverse travelers.
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- The data is in: Many Canadians are still avoiding travel to the US (businessinsider.com)