As the May long weekend approaches, traditionally the start of Canada’s summer travel season, charter buses to Buffalo, New York, sit idle in Toronto parking lots. Hotel occupancy rates across northern border states have plummeted by 31% since March, according to hospitality analytics firm STR Global.
“I’ve never seen anything like this in my 28 years operating cross-border tours,” says Eleanor Fitzgerald, owner of GTA Getaways in Ontario. “Last year, we ran three daily shuttles to American outlet malls. Today, we’ve canceled all U.S. routes through September.”
The widespread Canadian travel boycott of the United States, sparked by escalating trade tensions between the longtime allies, has evolved from social media hashtags to measurable economic impact. What began as grassroots consumer protest has morphed into a coordinated movement with significant economic consequences.
Data from Statistics Canada reveals Canadian visits to the U.S. dropped 43% in April compared to the same period last year. This represents approximately 1.2 million fewer border crossings and an estimated $780 million in lost U.S. tourism revenue, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
The tensions erupted after Washington imposed surprise 18% tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel in February, claiming national security concerns. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural products and manufactured goods followed swiftly. When diplomatic channels failed to resolve the dispute by April, Canadian consumers began taking matters into their own hands.
“This isn’t just about economics or politics — it’s personal for many Canadians,” explains Dr. Valerie Innis, professor of international relations at McGill University. “The rhetoric from Washington portraying Canada as a security threat struck a nerve in a country that has always viewed itself as America’s closest ally.”
The boycott gained momentum through social media campaigns like #KeepItCanadian and #StayHomeSpendHome, which have received endorsements from Canadian celebrities and business leaders.
In border communities like Windsor, Ontario, the impact radiates beyond tourism. Restaurant owner Mei Chen has watched her American customer base evaporate. “Half our weekend business came from Michigan families. Now it’s gone, but I support the boycott. This isn’t right between neighbors.”
The economic fallout has been particularly severe in U.S. border states. New York, Michigan, Washington and Maine have reported combined losses exceeding $1.2 billion in Canadian tourism and retail spending since March, according to the Conference Board of Canada.
Kate Williams operates a water sports rental business in Niagara Falls, New York. “Canadian visitors are our lifeblood,” she says, gesturing to her empty parking lot. “Last summer we employed 31 seasonal workers. This year, I’ve hired eight.”
The travel boycott has been bolstered by shifts in Canadian corporate travel policies. Major firms including Rogers Communications, Manulife Financial, and Bombardier have implemented new guidelines restricting non-essential business travel to the U.S., according to internal memos obtained by the Globe and Mail.
Surprisingly, Canadian domestic tourism has surged as a result. Destinations from Prince Edward Island to British Columbia report increased bookings from domestic travelers. “We’re seeing a 22% increase in advanced summer bookings compared to 2024,” confirms Josée Vaillancourt, CEO of Tourism Québec.
The Biden administration initially dismissed the boycott as temporary consumer sentiment, but Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen acknowledged the economic impacts during a press conference last week. “We’re monitoring the situation closely and remain open to resolving these trade issues through established channels,” Yellen stated.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has walked a careful line, neither officially endorsing nor discouraging the consumer movement. “Canadians
