'It's insulting.' Why some Canadians are avoiding the US
Canadian travel to the U.S. has dropped by up to 42% due to political rhetoric, immigration policies, and perceived insults like the '51st state' comment, with detentions and Trump-era policies cited as key factors. A Toronto University study and Statistics Canada data show a sharp decline in cross-border travel, pushing Canadians toward Europe and Mexico instead.
Canadian travel to the U.S. has fallen sharply, with political tensions and immigration concerns driving the shift. According to Statistics Canada, 1.1 million Canadians returned from the U.S. in February 2026, a 13.25% drop from 2025 and a 28.2% decline from 2024. A Toronto University study found an even steeper 42% median decrease in cross-border visits between April 2025 and March 2026 compared to the prior year. Many Canadians, like Vancouver lawyer Paul Doroshenko, now avoid the U.S. due to policies they find offensive. Doroshenko, who last visited in 2017, cited concerns over Trump’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as reports of Canadians being detained or facing rhetoric about Greenland and Canada becoming a U.S. territory. He called such comments 'insulting and offensive,' stating they undermine neighborly relations. The decline began in early 2025, with travelers opting for destinations like Europe and Mexico instead. While some still visit for business or personal reasons, broader political and economic factors have reshaped travel patterns. A weakening Canadian dollar and rising travel costs have further discouraged cross-border trips, pushing Canadians toward alternatives they perceive as safer and more welcoming. Doroshenko, who sees U.S. and Canadian success as interconnected, said he will not return until there is a 'significant shift' in policies. The trend reflects growing disillusionment among Canadians, who once made up the largest group of U.S. visitors. Data from Statistics Canada and academic research confirm the decline, marking a notable change in cross-border dynamics.
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