Fredericton-based landscape artist Bruce Newman, who used to frequently travel to the United States for leisure and artistic pursuits, has halted his visits since the onset of a trade conflict initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump against Canada. The notion of Canada potentially becoming the 51st state of the U.S. also contributed to Newman’s decision to boycott U.S. travel. Recent events in Minnesota involving clashes between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and protesters have solidified Newman’s stance against visiting the country.
Newman’s sentiments are shared by many Canadians, leading to a significant decline in Canadian travel to the U.S., with a 25% decrease in trips by air and land in 2025. This trend has persisted, with March witnessing a 32% drop in Canadian return trips compared to the pre-boycott period of March 2024.
The impact of the boycott is notable, as reflected in a $8.5 billion decrease in international tourism spending in the U.S. last year. The declining numbers highlight the ongoing repercussions for the U.S. tourism industry, with Canadians exploring alternative travel destinations both domestically and overseas.
While Canadian travel to the U.S. has dwindled, overseas trips have increased by nine percent in 2025. Newman, for instance, opted for a trip to London instead of New York City for his wife’s birthday, signaling a shift towards exploring new locales. The rise in domestic tourism by 2.5% in 2025 further demonstrates Canadians’ inclination towards exploring local destinations.
The decline in Canadian tourists has notably impacted popular U.S. destinations like Las Vegas, which witnessed an 18% drop in Canadian visitors last year. Despite efforts to attract Canadian tourists back through promotional offers like at-par pricing, some individuals, including Newman, remain hesitant to visit the U.S. while certain political conditions persist. Las Vegas tourism officials are actively engaging with Canadian travel partners to encourage a resurgence in Canadian visitation to the city.
The evolving travel patterns of Canadians underscore a broader shift in how they allocate their vacation expenditures, with a potential long-term impact on the U.S. tourism sector. Higher jet fuel prices resulting from geopolitical tensions are also influencing travel decisions, potentially leading to more localized travel experiences among Canadians.
