Decline in Canadian Travel to the United States Persists
Canadian travel to the United States has experienced a continuous decline for the tenth consecutive month. This trend reflects reduced cross-border movement, with both air and car travel decreasing significantly compared to the previous year.
Travel Statistics
Data from Canada's statistics office indicates that air travel from Canada to the US decreased by nearly 24%, and car travel fell by over 30% during the same period last year. Overall, the United States has observed a 3.2% reduction in international spending within the country, primarily driven by fewer visitors from Canada, according to the US Travel Association. Historically, Canadians have constituted approximately a quarter of all international visitors to the US, contributing over $20 billion annually.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
The reduction in travel coincides with various policy disagreements and trade actions initiated earlier in the year. These include the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods by the US administration, aimed at addressing the trade deficit. Tariffs of 35% have been applied to certain Canadian goods, with specific levies targeting industries such as car and steel manufacturing, though many remain exempt under existing trade agreements. Additionally, concerns regarding the flow of illegal fentanyl into the US from Canada were raised by the US administration. Diplomatic tensions have also been noted, including the derailment of trade talks following an anti-tariff advertisement in the US sponsored by the province of Ontario, and public comments by the US President regarding Canada.
Many Canadian residents have stated they are avoiding travel to the US as a form of protest against perceived international and domestic policies of the US administration, as well as its conduct towards allies like Canada.
Efforts to Revive Tourism
In response to the decrease in Canadian visitors, some US tourist destinations have implemented initiatives to encourage cross-border travel. For example, Kalispell, Montana, has introduced a 'Canadian Welcome Pass' offering discounts at local businesses.
The US Travel Association suggests that major upcoming events, such as the FIFA 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, could potentially attract visitors from other nations and help offset the reduction in Canadian tourism in the coming years.