Published on November 1, 2025
Canada is extending a warm invitation to U.S. tourists, signaling a shift toward reconciliation and improved diplomatic relations. After years of political tension and controversial remarks, many Canadians are eager to welcome back American visitors, offering a gesture of goodwill and hospitality. However, despite these efforts, the travel boycott that began in response to the strained U.S.-Canada relationship continues to impact travel patterns. Many Canadians remain hesitant to travel south, and this reluctance is reflected in the ongoing decline of Canadian visits to the U.S. While American tourists are slowly returning to Canada, the effects of the boycott linger, shaping the future of cross-border tourism and making it clear that full reconciliation between the two nations may take more time.

Canada Reaches Out: A Warm Invitation for American Tourists

Despite the political rifts, Canada’s tourism industry is sending a clear message: Americans are welcome. Destination Canada, the national tourism body, recently hosted the GoMedia Canada Summit 2025, where tourism representatives from across the country emphasized that Canadians are eager to move past political disagreements and invite American travelers back.

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In Quebec, tourism campaigns specifically targeting Americans have become more common, with a focus on rebuilding the relationship and showcasing the welcoming nature of Canadians. While such campaigns received mixed responses initially, as tensions between the two nations remained high, the passage of time seems to have softened the tone. Canadians, it appears, are ready to extend an olive branch.

American Travelers Hesitant to Return

While Canada is eager to reconcile, many American travelers remain unsure about visiting. For some, the fear of negative judgment due to their country’s political climate is still a barrier. The perception of being unwelcome in Canada continues to affect their travel decisions, with some even resorting to pretending to be Canadian while abroad.

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U.S. PR agencies have reported that the concern about being perceived negatively in Canada remains one of the top barriers preventing Americans from visiting. Despite reassurance from Canadian tourism bodies, many Americans still hesitate to return, uncertain about how they will be received by Canadians.

The Numbers: Mixed Travel Trends

Recent statistics offer a glimpse into the current state of travel between the two countries. According to Statistics Canada, U.S. visits to Canada showed a slight decline in the summer of 2025, continuing a trend from previous months. However, the number of American visitors surpassed the number of Canadian visitors to the U.S. for the first time since 2006. This indicates that, despite lingering fears, some American tourists are heeding Canada’s invitation and returning.

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On the other hand, Canadian visits to the U.S. remain on the decline. In September 2025, the number of Canadians traveling south dropped 35% compared to the previous year. The ongoing reluctance among Canadians to visit the U.S. suggests that while Canada may be ready to forgive, some Canadians are not yet ready to fully embrace the idea of traveling south.

Snowbirds and Domestic Travel: A Different Story

While most Canadians are still hesitant to visit the U.S., the snowbird community continues to make their way south to states like Florida and Arizona for the winter months. These travelers have long-standing ties to the U.S. and are less influenced by political tensions. As a result, Canadian snowbirds remain an important part of the U.S. tourism economy, even as the broader Canadian public continues to boycott cross-border travel.
At the same time, domestic tourism within Canada is on the rise. Canadians, prompted by both political tensions and government encouragement, are choosing to explore their own country more than ever. In 2025, domestic travel surged by more than 10%, with provinces like Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland seeing notable increases in tourist visits. This trend reflects a shift towards supporting local economies and opting for Canadian destinations in place of U.S. vacations.

Financial Impact: Who’s Losing More?

The decline in cross-border travel has had significant financial consequences for both nations. According to the U.S. Travel Association, the decline in Canadian visitors is expected to contribute to a 3.2% drop in inbound U.S. tourism in 2025. Canada, which is the U.S.’s largest source of international visitors, accounted for $20.5 billion in revenue from tourism in 2024.
In contrast, Americans contributed around $11 billion to Canada’s tourism sector in 2024, making the U.S. the largest foreign market for Canadian tourism. While both countries are losing out due to the decline in tourism, Canada’s reliance on American visitors makes the situation particularly dire for its tourism industry.

Looking to the Future: Will Travel Habits Return to Normal?

As the political landscape between the U.S. and Canada evolves, the question remains whether these shifts in sentiment will lead to an increase in travel. While Canada is making efforts to rebuild bridges, many American tourists are still hesitant to visit. On the Canadian side, the reluctance to travel to the U.S. continues to persist, as many Canadians are not yet ready to fully forgive and forget.
Over the coming months, we will see if these changing attitudes translate into an uptick in cross-border tourism. Will Americans take Canada up on its offer of reconciliation, and will Canadians soften their stance on U.S. travel? Time will tell whether these shifts in sentiment will lead to a full return of tourism between the two nations.

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Tags: Canada, Lingering Travel Boycott, Tourism news, travel trends, US

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