Why some Canadians are avoiding the US
A growing number of Canadians, including lawyer Paul Doroshenko, are avoiding U.S. travel due to political concerns, including immigration policies and rhetoric about Canada. Data shows a 13.25% drop in Canadian cross-border travel in early 2026 and a 42% decline in U.S. visits over the past year, with Canadians shifting spending to domestic and European destinations instead.
Paul Doroshenko, a Vancouver-based lawyer, hasn’t visited the U.S. for more than a day since 2017, citing concerns over political rhetoric and policies under Donald Trump’s administration. He points to detentions of Canadians, discussions about annexing Greenland or making Canada the '51st state,' and broader shifts on diversity as reasons for avoiding trips like Florida vacations or Disneyland visits. Instead, he and his family have chosen destinations like the Dominican Republic, Europe, and Mexico, while exploring more of British Columbia. Statistics Canada reports a 13.25% decline in Canadian cross-border travel in February 2026, with returns dropping from 1.41 million in 2024 to 1.1 million in 2026. A University of Toronto study found a median 42% decrease in Canadian visits to the U.S. between April 2024–2025 and April 2025–2026, based on cell phone activity data. The shift reflects broader disillusionment with U.S. policies, though some Canadians still travel there. With travel costs rising, many Canadians are prioritizing domestic destinations like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, according to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook. European cities such as Paris, London, and Rome remain top alternatives for international trips. The U.S. Travel Association notes a 5.5% drop in foreign visitation to the U.S. in 2025, driven largely by fewer Canadian travelers, who spend three times more than Americans on U.S. trips. Doroshenko’s family canceled a Disneyland trip in favor of Europe, and he skipped U.S. conferences, opting for events in Mexico. The trend highlights a broader realignment of Canadian travel preferences, with safety, political alignment, and cost playing key roles. While the U.S. remains a major destination for some, its appeal has waned for a significant portion of Canadians in recent years.
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