Maple News reports a sharp decline in Canadian travel to the United States, with road crossings and air travel down significantly in the first half of 2025. According to Statistics Canada, road travel to the U.S. dropped by 38% in May compared to the same time last year, while air travel declined by 24%. This marks the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year declines, sending ripples through the American tourism industry.
The downturn is linked to a combination of political fallout, stricter border enforcement, and evolving traveler preferences. Tensions have escalated following President Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and proposed tariffs, which prompted former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to urge citizens to avoid travel south of the border. A mid-May poll by Leger revealed that over half of Canadians who had planned U.S. trips cancelled or changed their plans due to political concerns.
Increased scrutiny at the border is also deterring travel. Canadians report longer wait times, deeper questioning, and inspections of personal electronic devices by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Legal experts now advise Canadian travelers to carry all required documents, limit political expression during visits, and prepare for invasive screening.
Despite the fall in U.S. travel, the appetite for vacations remains strong. Over 55% of Canadians say they still plan to take a leisure trip this summer—up from 47% last year—but only 10% are heading to the U.S., down sharply from 23%. Instead, domestic destinations like Banff, Gaspésie, and Tofino are rising in popularity. Internationally, Canadians are favouring alternatives such as Mexico, Portugal, and Thailand, citing affordability and a safer, more welcoming atmosphere.
The economic effect on the U.S. has been significant. The U.S. Travel Association warns that even minor declines can have outsized consequences. A 10% drop in Canadian tourism could equate to $2.1 billion in lost spending and up to 140,000 jobs. With current declines far surpassing that figure, the American tourism sector may face losses exceeding $8 billion.
Long-term visitors, including Canada’s snowbirds—retirees who typically spend winters in southern U.S. states—are also reconsidering their habits. Although Canadians remain visa-exempt for stays up to six months, the stricter environment, including the introduction of the I-94 form for visits over 30 days, has led many to seek alternatives abroad. Countries such as Portugal and Mexico are increasingly becoming seasonal havens.
Travel experts continue to urge caution for Canadians still planning U.S. trips. Travelers are reminded to carry proper documents, including an I-94 form when needed, and to avoid political expression that could draw attention at the border. While legal entry to the U.S. is still technically accessible for Canadian citizens, the current climate makes such visits more unpredictable and potentially stressful.
As U.S.-Canada travel patterns shift, it’s clear that broader diplomatic and security trends are influencing where Canadians choose to spend their tourism dollars. For now, Maple News observes, Canadians are increasingly opting to explore closer to home or look overseas for their leisure escapes.