Kristy Gammon, a Nova Scotia resident, used to travel to the United States regularly, enjoying ski trips in Lake Placid, New York, and attending Baltimore Orioles baseball games with her husband. However, those trips have come to an abrupt halt. This year, Gammon avoided even passing through the US on her way to Ontario, opting for a longer 18-hour drive instead. Her decision reflects a growing trend among Canadians, who are increasingly boycotting the US in protest of President Donald Trump’s policies and trade actions targeting Canada. Gammon, 62, is not alone. Many of her Canadian friends have also stopped visiting the US, citing concerns over the administration’s international behavior, treatment of citizens, and strained relations with allies like Canada. This sentiment has translated into a significant decline in Canadian travel to the US. October marked the 10th consecutive month of reduced visits, with air travel dropping nearly 24% and car travel falling over 30% compared to the same period last year, according to Canada’s statistics office. The US Travel Association reported a 3.2% overall decline in international spending, driven largely by fewer Canadian visitors. Historically, Canadians accounted for about a quarter of all international visitors to the US, spending over $20 billion annually. However, Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 35% levy on certain products, has fueled tensions and prompted Canadians to rethink their travel plans. Trade talks between the two nations were further derailed last month after Trump expressed anger over an anti-tariff advertisement featuring Ronald Reagan, sponsored by Ontario. Meanwhile, his public remarks about making Canada the “51st state” have only deepened Canadian frustrations. Some US tourist destinations, like Kalispell, Montana, have attempted to lure Canadians back with initiatives like the “Canadian Welcome Pass,” offering discounts and deals. However, these efforts have yet to reverse the trend. On the flip side, Canada’s domestic tourism industry has benefited, with record-breaking revenues of C$59 billion from May to August 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year. Even Canadian snowbirds—retirees who traditionally winter in warmer US states like Florida—are staying home, with only 10% planning US trips this year, a 66% drop from last year. Gammon and her friends have even sold their Florida winter homes, signaling a profound shift in attitudes. While Gammon misses her US travels, she remains committed to her boycott for the remainder of Trump’s presidency, unless significant changes occur. ‘Who knows what could change between now and three years,’ she said. ‘But it would have to be pretty significant changes for us personally to change our minds.’
