In brief
When Donald Trump returned to the White House, Canadian residents began a broad boycott of U.S. tourism, saying the tariffs and rhetoric affect their domestic travel choices. Teen journalists Neville Truscott and his family redirected a planned Texas trip toward Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, spending the money on local adventure. Similar shifts appear across the country: some Canadians now avoid cross‑border flights and cruises to the U.S., opting for trips to Morocco, Spain, and other international spots instead. The boycott cut Canadian spending on U.S. tourism by roughly C$3.3 billion, prompting U.S. tourism boards to offer discounts to lure Canadian visitors back. While a few remain hopeful of a future return, most say any shift would require a significant change in U.S.–Canada relations.
Prior to Donald Trump’s re‑election, many Canadians, including Kent Truscott from London, Ontario, frequently crossed the U.S. border for trips to California and New York. Since late 2024, the family has decided to boycott U.S. travel, citing tariffs and Trump’s statements that Canada is a “51st state.”
The boycott cost U.S. tourism about C$3.3 billion, prompting cities such as New York to offer 30 % discounts on Broadway tickets and hotels to Canadian visitors. Some travelers are seeking destinations less tied to the U.S., like Morocco and Spain. South‑bound trips have shifted: a retiree from Vancouver now plans a road‑trip to Morocco instead of Seattle, while a Canadian couple has abandoned a cruise to the Panama Canal for a Mediterranean voyage.
Trading Texas for Atlantic Canada
Truscott and his wife rented a vehicle, hiked the Cabot Trail, and stayed at a women‑run resort on the Atlantic Ocean. The family enjoyed fresh seafood, including halibut caught that very morning, and has yet to set a clear return date to the U.S., citing a “fundamental break” caused by Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
A Cancelled Cruise Through the Panama Canal
They have declined to use U.S. border crossings except for occasional mail pickups, and estimate the boycott has increased their pride in Canada.
City Hopping in Morocco During Ramadan
A veteran Vancouver retiree, Nick Smith, abandoned a Seattle road‑trip and instead visited Morocco, experiencing Ramadan for the first time and noting a cultural depth absent in Canada.
A Bucket‑List Hike Fulfilled
Christie Mitchell, a Powell River resident, cut a U.S. vacation to Las Vegas out of her plan to hike the 490‑mile Camino Francés in Spain, stating that the experience gave her new possibilities and conversations with strangers. She would reconsider visiting the U.S. only if a new president and restored diplomatic relations were in place.
