Canadians Already Started Cancelling US Vacations After Trudeau’s Announcement
In a significant shift in travel patterns, Canadians are already cancelling their planned trips to the United States following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s recent announcement encouraging domestic tourism. This trend could have substantial economic implications for both countries, particularly affecting popular U.S. tourist destinations.
The Prime Minister’s Message
Trudeau’s statement emphasized the importance of domestic tourism: “Now is the time to choose Canada…It might mean changing your summer vacation plans to stay here in Canada and explore the many national and provincial parks, historical sites and tourist destinations our great country has to offer.”
The Economic Impact
According to recent data, Canadian visitors contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, with 20.4 million visits recorded in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. A projected 10% reduction in Canadian travel could result in:
- 2.0 million fewer visits
- $2.1 billion in lost spending
- 14,000 job losses
Popular Destinations Feeling the Impact
The five states most frequently visited by Canadians – Florida, California, Nevada, New York, and Texas – are likely to experience the most significant effects. Shopping, being the primary leisure activity for Canadian visitors, means retail sectors in these states could face considerable revenue decreases.
Social Media Response and Alternatives
On social media, Canadians are openly sharing their decisions to cancel U.S. travel plans. As an example, a group of eight have already cancelled trips to Las Vegas, opting for alternative destinations like Dublin, Ireland.
Another traveler said that they have already scrapped their planned visit to Disneyland in Orlando, Florida and choosing Mexico instead.
A winter sports enthusiast commented that their group will redirect their ski trips from U.S. locations to Canadian destinations like Banff and Revelstoke.
Another commenter explained that despite losing on the cancellation of their vacation to California, they still shifted their plans and rebooked a vacation to the Caribbean.
Looking Ahead
This shift in travel patterns could reshape tourism dynamics between the two countries. While the long-term impact remains to be seen, the immediate response from Canadian travelers suggests a significant change in traditional cross-border tourism patterns.
The trend appears to be driven not just by economic considerations but also by a growing sentiment among Canadians to support their domestic tourism industry. As more travelers adjust their plans, both countries’ tourism sectors will need to adapt to these changing preferences and market conditions.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.