Canadians Boycott US Over Tariffs and Trump Policies, Spurning Atlantic Destinations

Many Canadians have had enough of traveling to the United States, citing reasons ranging from US President Donald Trump's re-election and tariffs to a declining Canadian dollar.

Alternative Destinations

Instead, they're exploring Canada's Atlantic provinces, which offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Kent Truscott, a London, Ontario resident, is one such traveler. He recently cancelled a planned trip to Texas and opted for a family vacation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island instead.

Truscott's decision was motivated by the US tariffs and Trump's comments about annexing Canada. 'My family and I have completely decided to boycott the United States,' he told BBC.

Truscott and his wife spent their planned trip budget of thousands of dollars exploring the Atlantic provinces, where they enjoyed fresh seafood, colourful homes, and small boats.

The boycott has resulted in a significant loss of travel revenue for the US, with Canadians choosing to spend their money overseas or within Canada instead. This financial void has been felt by American cities and states, who have launched targeted advertisements and special deals to lure back Canadian tourists.

Not everyone is driven solely by Trump's treatment of Canada, however. Some note that the declining Canadian dollar has also made the US less affordable.

The impact of the boycott can be seen in national data, which shows a significant decline in road trips to the US compared to pre-Trump era. In April, Canadians made 800,000 fewer trips to the US than they did during the same time period in 2024, before Trump was elected.

The financial loss for the US is substantial, with an estimated C$3.3bn ($2.35bn; £1.75bn) lost in travel revenue last year alone. This has had a ripple effect on American cities and states, who are now offering discounts and promotions to attract back Canadian tourists.

Despite the challenges posed by Trump's presidency, many Canadians remain committed to their boycott of the US. As one traveler noted, 'We're not going to be intimidated or deterred from our decision.'