- Nearly 500,000 fewer Canadians crossed into the U.S. in February 2025 compared to the previous year.
- Trump’s trade war and rhetoric, including 51st state taunts, have fueled a steep decline in travel.
- Businesses near the border, including duty-free shops, are struggling due to the downturn.
Canadian travel to the U.S. has plummeted to levels not seen since the pandemic, with a 23% drop in automobile crossings. Experts point to escalating trade tensions, tariffs, and President Trump’s rhetoric as key factors behind this shift.
The economic impact is being felt in border towns and businesses that rely on Canadian shoppers. With retail and duty-free sales down by as much as 80% compared to pre-2020 figures, business owners warn of long-term damage if tensions persist.
U.S.-Canada Border Sees Historic Drop in Travel Over Trade Disputes
Canadian travelers are staying away from the U.S. in record numbers, with land border crossings dropping to post-COVID lows. The shift comes as President Trump’s tariffs and aggressive rhetoric create growing unease among Canadian visitors. Retailers, gas stations, and other businesses in U.S. border towns are seeing a drastic decline in Canadian customers.
Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer in Blaine, Washington, says the drop in Canadian visitors is evident everywhere—from empty Costco parking lots to reduced traffic at Trader Joe’s. Canadians appear to be “voting with their wallets,” avoiding U.S. travel due to economic and political concerns.
Beyond consumer sentiment, economic factors are at play. The weak Canadian dollar, worsened by Trump’s trade policies, has made cross-border shopping less appealing. Additionally, reports of Canadian travelers facing detainment by U.S. authorities have fueled concerns about safety and treatment at the border.
Air travel, which typically remains stable despite economic shifts, has also taken a hit. While total passenger numbers increased slightly year-over-year, bookings in recent months suggest a growing hesitancy among Canadians to visit the U.S. amid political uncertainty.
With tensions rising between Canada and the U.S., cross-border travel may continue to decline unless relations improve. If these trends persist, they could have lasting consequences for businesses and tourism on both sides of the border.
“Canadians are voting with their wallets right now.” – Len Saunders, immigration lawyer
