Trudeau Urges Canadians to Vacation at Home, Boycott US Travel Amid Trump’s Trade War

President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods has sparked a wave of protest among Canadian travelers, many canceling their trips to the United States. 

This growing backlash could severely impact the American tourism industry, particularly in states that rely heavily on Canadian visitors. 

Canada remains the top source of international visitors to the United States, with 20.4 million Canadians traveling south in 2024. 

Their visits generated $20.5 billion in spending and supported 140,000 American jobs, according to the U.S. Travel Association. A mere 10% decline in Canadian travel could result in 2 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost revenue, and 14,000 job losses. 

The five states most frequented by Canadians—California, Florida, Nevada, New York, and Texas—are particularly vulnerable to this downturn. With shopping being a top leisure activity for Canadian tourists, the retail and hospitality sectors in these states are expected to feel the sting of reduced foot traffic. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has encouraged Canadians to redirect their travel plans within their own country. “This is the time to choose Canada,” he said at a press conference following the tariff announcement. He urged citizens to explore national and provincial parks, historical sites and domestic tourist attractions instead. 

Shifting Travel Trends and Economic Patriotism 

Meanwhile Trump claimed Trudeau is leveraging the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade dispute to bolster his political standing, following what he described as a "somewhat friendly" phone call last week. 

In a social media post, Trump questioned Trudeau’s political motives, suggesting the Canadian leader was using the trade tensions as a strategy to remain in power. 

“He was unable to tell me when the Canadian election is taking place, which made me curious—like, what’s going on here?” Trump wrote. “I then realized he is trying to use this issue to stay in power.” 

The remarks add another layer of friction to the already strained relations between Washington and Ottawa, as tariffs and retaliatory measures fuel economic uncertainty on both sides of the border. 

Many Canadians appear to be following Trudeau’s advice. Quebec resident Harold White, who canceled his annual trip to Maine, expressed his frustration: “I feel like Canadians have been slapped across the face by Trump.”

Airlines are also reporting a shift. Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of Canadian airline WestJet, noted an increase in bookings to Mexico, the Caribbean, and other non-U.S. destinations. “Canadians are starting to pivot away and avoid the U.S.,” he told a media outlet. 

Air Canada Vice President Mark Galardo echoed similar concerns, stating that the airline is bracing for a slowdown in U.S.-bound travel. The impact is already visible in border states. 

Hotel bookings have dropped 8% in Niagara Falls, New York, and 12% in Washington’s Bellingham area, a key entry point for Canadian tourists. 

The trend extends beyond Canada, with more international travelers opting for destinations such as Mexico, Portugal, and Antigua instead of the United States, according to Flight Centre. 

Adding to the shift, the weakening Canadian dollar is making U.S. travel increasingly expensive. “We’re making choices to travel to destinations that align more with our values,” said Amra Durakovic, spokesperson for Flight Centre. 

The travel agency reported a 40% drop in leisure bookings to U.S. cities in February compared to the previous year, with one in five customers canceling their U.S. trips altogether. 

Real estate listings from Canadians in Florida are also on the rise, as the strong U.S. dollar drives up the cost of living for snowbirds. 

“It becomes very daunting, and that’s why we’re going to lose a bunch of them,” said Martin Firestone, president of Toronto-based insurance firm Travel Secure Inc.