Travel from Canada to the United States has plummeted in April 2025, marking a significant downturn that is alarming tourism boards across various states.
A detailed analysis reveals that North Carolina and Oregon have joined Florida, New York, Nevada, Arizona, California, and Alaska in experiencing a steep decline in Canadian visitors.
The major factors contributing to this decline include political tensions, growing disillusionment among Canadian travelers regarding the U.S. political climate, and cultural discomfort.
With concerns over safety and dissatisfaction with immigration experiences on the rise, Canadians are increasingly opting for alternative travel destinations.
Official data indicates that land travel from Canada to the U.S. has dropped by 35.2% in April compared to the previous year, while air travel has fallen by 19.9%.
Tourism analysts predict a potential 20% decline in overall Canadian visits to the U.S. throughout this year, signaling deeper issues that transcend a mere dip in tourism numbers.
**Oregon** has felt the impact acutely, particularly in Portland, where there is an estimated 20% drop in Canadian visitors this spring.
Tour guide Shannon Krahel has observed that a majority of the Canadians currently visiting are primarily here for conventions, many admitting they wouldn’t have traveled otherwise.
Marcus Hibden, the Vice President of Communications and International Tourism for Travel Portland, acknowledges the shift in trends, noting how Canadians are increasingly considering other options for travel.
In response, Oregon has initiated outreach programs alongside the Vancouver Chamber of Commerce to rekindle interest among Canadian travelers.
They are also launching campaigns aimed at attracting Canadian influencers and media back to Portland.
**North Carolina**, particularly Asheville, has witnessed a dramatic collapse in Canadian tourism, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Despite the downtown area suffering no physical damage, negative media coverage has led to a significant drop in interest from potential Canadian visitors.
Jennifer Lauzon, co-owner of LaZoom Tours, reported a staggering 45% decline in business compared to pre-storm levels, further compounded by decreased hotel occupancy, which dropped to 64%, a notable 7% decline from the previous year.
Tourism officials in Asheville are now heavily investing in campaigns to counter negative perceptions and reassure potential visitors that the area is safe and open for tourism.
In **Florida**, the decline in Canadian travel has been particularly severe, with OAG reporting a staggering 76% drop in airline bookings from Canada in April.
Last year, Florida welcomed over 3.3 million Canadian tourists, but resorts and hotels across locations like Fort Lauderdale and Naples are now facing unprecedented booking cancellations and record-low occupancy rates.
Some hospitality operators warn that April 2025 saw more cancellations than any previous month during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the state grappling with significant losses in tourism-driven income.
**Maine** is also feeling the effects, with a reported 38% decrease in Canadian border crossings, particularly in areas like Calais and Houlton.
Local businesses that thrive on weekend traffic from New Brunswick and Quebec are facing historic lows in customer turnout, leaving entire communities severely affected.
Despite efforts such as promotional discounts and local media campaigns, the outreach has failed to sufficiently attract back cross-border travelers.
In **New York**, the region saw a 22% drop in Canadian border crossings, and projections for New York City suggest a potential loss of over 400,000 Canadian tourists in 2025.
Tourism analysts warn that the anticipated financial impact could be as high as $4 billion in lost tourism revenue across the state.
This decline affects a wide array of entities, from Broadway theaters to small retail outlets, as well as local restaurants that thrive on Canadian tourism.
Several factors contribute to this downturn, including visa delays and a strengthened U.S. dollar, prompting tourism officials to seek federal action to help recover cross-border tourism.
In **California**, a wave of cancellations from Canadian travelers highlights a growing sense of discomfort and unease regarding the political climate in the U.S.
Reports suggest that some travelers forfeited deposits rather than risk traveling to the country.
From San Diego to San Francisco, hoteliers are experiencing lighter bookings and shorter stays as many Canadian visitors reconsider their travel plans.
The economic impact is palpable across urban centers and smaller destinations, particularly in wine country, with operators worried about the long-term implications of this disconnection from Canadian tourists.
Meanwhile, **Nevada** is seeing a noticeable reduction in Canadian tourism, especially in Las Vegas, where convention attendance and mid-tier casino visits have dropped substantially.
While domestic visitors continue to frequent the Strip, operators report diminished group bookings from Canada and fewer weekday hotel stays.
The decline is also affecting consumer spending patterns, resulting in lower bar tabs and shorter guest durations at casinos and show venues.
Experts warn that the downturn is more profound than expected and will necessitate targeted international marketing strategies for resurgence.
In **Arizona**, traditionally a favored destination for Canadian snowbirds, the trend is shifting dramatically.
Longtime visitors who usually spend their winters in Phoenix and Scottsdale are either cutting their stays short or opting to forgo the trip altogether, with some even selling their vacation homes due to unease about the U.S. political situation.
This decline has reverberated through local economies, impacting RV parks, golf resorts, and seasonal rentals, leaving a noticeable gap that is hard to fill without the Canadian presence.
Lastly, **Alaska** is experiencing a quieter season as towns like Haines and Tok, which typically throng with Canadian travelers during spring and summer, report fewer visitors this year.
The lack of traffic from Alberta and British Columbia is striking, with local tourism operators recording lower reservations and less visitor center foot traffic.
Small businesses dependent on Canadian travelers, especially those catering to RV and adventure tourism, are feeling the pinch this season, potentially facing significant losses with no viable replacements in sight.
The collective drop in Canadian travel to the U.S. paints a concerning picture that extends beyond mere statistics, revealing deeper sentiments against the backdrop of political, economic, and social issues.
Across these nine affected states, tangible signs of decline are unmistakable: hotels are less occupied, tour operators are cutting back on services, and local economies are beginning to feel the repercussions.
Without a shift in how Canadians perceive the United States and perhaps changes in political leadership, experts fear the recovery may be slow and fraught with uncertainty.
While the historical ties between the two countries remain strong, the reality at the ground level—seen in cities, towns, and border crossings—reveals a fragile relationship that is under increasing strain.
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