Artist Bruce Newman, known for his landscapes in Fredericton, used to frequently travel to the United States for leisure and artistic inspiration. However, his visits came to a halt last year following President Donald Trump’s trade disputes with Canada and his suggestion that Canada should join as the 51st state. Recent events in Minnesota, involving clashes between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and protesters, have solidified Newman’s decision to avoid traveling to the U.S., citing concerns over the country’s current direction.
Many Canadians, echoing Newman’s sentiments, have also opted to boycott U.S. travel, leading to a significant impact. Statistics show a 25% decrease in Canadian return trips to the U.S. by air and land in 2025. This decline has persisted, with a 32% drop in Canadian visits compared to the period before the boycott in March 2024.
The prolonged trend of reduced Canadian travel to the U.S. has not gone unnoticed by industry experts like Amir Eylon, president of travel research consultancy Longwoods International. The decline in Canadian travelers has contributed to an $8.5 billion decrease in international tourism spending in the U.S. last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
With Canadians exploring alternative travel destinations, the domestic tourism sector in Canada has seen a 2.5% increase in 2025. Rising fuel costs due to geopolitical tensions may further shift travel patterns, leading to more local and short-distance trips among Canadians.
Las Vegas, a popular destination for Canadian tourists, has experienced an 18% decline in Canadian visitors. To attract back Canadian travelers, Las Vegas tourism officials are offering at-par pricing deals and extending a warm welcome to encourage their return. However, individuals like Newman remain resolute in their stance against U.S. travel, emphasizing the need for significant changes in the country before they consider visiting again.