Canadian visits to U.S. drop 25% despite new tourism campaigns

Canadian travel to the United States has fallen sharply amid President Donald Trump’s remarks about making Canada the 51st state, worsening diplomatic relations and a trade conflict involving tariffs. Canadians made 25% fewer return border crossings and spent about $2.4 billion less on U.S. travel in 2025 than the previous year, according to Statistics Canada. U.S. states, cities and tourism groups are responding with discounts and targeted campaigns, including New York’s “NY Loves Canada” promotion, favorable currency rates at some Las Vegas hotels and Brand USA’s first Travel Week event in Canada. Some Canadian travelers remain unconvinced, saying the political climate outweighs the incentives and choosing destinations such as Mexico instead.