October marked the tenth month in a row that fewer Canadians travelled to the United States. New data from Canada’s statistics agency shows that air travel to the US dropped nearly 24%, while car travel fell more than 30% compared to the same time last year.
Overall, the US has seen a 3.2% drop in international spending, mainly because fewer Canadians are visiting, according to the US Travel Association, a nonprofit representing the travel industry.
Relations between the two countries have been tense, largely due to new tariffs introduced by President Trump. Many Canadians appear to be avoiding travel to the US because of this tension.
In the past, Canadians made up about one-quarter of all international visitors to the US and spent more than $20 billion a year. But after Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods earlier this year—saying he wanted to reduce the trade deficit and curb the flow of illegal fentanyl—Canadian travel began to drop.
Canada now faces tariffs of up to 35% on some products, along with special taxes aimed at industries such as steel and auto manufacturing. Trade talks were also disrupted last month after Trump became upset over an anti-tariff ad from Ontario that featured Ronald Reagan. He has also upset many Canadians by suggesting their country could become the “51st state.”
Some US tourist spots are trying to win back Canadian visitors. In Kalispell, Montana, near Glacier National Park, officials are offering a “Canadian Welcome Pass” with discounts at local businesses. Their message to Canadians: “We miss you.”
Major upcoming events in the US—like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—may help bring in more international visitors and make up for the decline in Canadian tourists.
Meanwhile, Canada’s own tourism industry is benefiting. From May to August 2025, Canadians spent a record C$59 billion on domestic travel, up 6% from last year, according to Destination Canada. Many people are choosing to stay closer to home, including “snowbirds,” retirees who usually spend winters in warm US states. A recent survey found only 10% of these older travellers plan to visit the US this year, a 66% drop from last year.
