Latest US Travel Blow: Sharp Drop in Canadian Visits Hammers Ski Resorts, Border Towns and Northern Tourism

US ski resorts and border tourism economies are experiencing a surprising downturn as Canadian travelers significantly reduce trips to the United States. The trend marks an unprecedented shift in cross‑border travel dynamics, largely tied to political tensions, tariffs, and deteriorating sentiment between the two nations, and it’s hitting popular travel destinations — especially ski resorts in Vermont, Maine, and beyond — with sharp declines in Canadian bookings.

This shift is part of a broader Canadian travel boycott that has disrupted traditional tourism patterns between the two neighbours. In Vermont’s Jay Peak ski resort, for example, Canadian season pass renewals plunged by 35 per cent for the 2025–26 winter season, significantly impacting revenue from what was once a reliable stream of international guests.

Experts and resort owners say this reduction is tied not just to travel trends — it reflects worsening bilateral relations and growing reluctance among Canadians to spend on U.S. travel in light of political and economic disputes that emerged in 2025.

Why Canadian Travel to the U.S. Is Declining: Politics, Tariffs and Sentiment

The decline in Canadian travel traces back to escalating trade tensions and political rhetoric between Ottawa and Washington. In early 2025, tariffs on Canadian imports and controversial statements from U.S. leadership about Canada created public backlash, prompting many Canadians to cancel or rethink trips south of the border. Surveys showed that a large share of Canadians actively chose to avoid U.S. travel; one poll found that more than half of travelling Canadians intended to avoid the U.S. in the coming year due to those tensions.

This sentiment shift is part of a larger trend that saw cross‑border travel drop sharply in 2025. For example, visitors crossing from Canada into upstate New York fell by about 21 per cent in the first 11 months of the year compared with 2024. The reduction in travel has had a ripple effect on local economies that depend heavily on Canadian spending.

In addition, broader data show that Canadian tourism to the U.S. fell steadily throughout 2025, with both automobile and air travel down significantly compared to previous years.

Ski Resorts Face Steep Losses as Canadian Guests Stay Home

American ski resorts — especially those near the Canadian border — traditionally rely on Canadian snow enthusiasts. But this winter season, cancellations have been widespread.

At Jay Peak, a mountain resort located just minutes from the Quebec border, management reported a dramatic fall in Canadian season‑pass renewals, leading to price incentives and outreach efforts to try to retain guests. The resort’s leadership even personally reached out to former pass holders to understand why they weren’t returning this year — with some expressing emotional hesitation rooted in national loyalty and political sentiment.

Other ski areas across the Northeast and Rocky Mountains have echoed these challenges, with Canadian bookings down roughly 41 per cent compared to U.S. travelers, who saw only a modest decline.

Ski resorts have responded with measures such as discounted rates, accepting Canadian currency at par, and expanded French‑language services to make visits more appealing. Yet many industry analysts warn that restoring confidence and travel intent could take years rather than months.

The Economic Toll on Border Towns and Hospitality Markets

The fallout isn’t limited to mountain slopes. Travel and tourism businesses in states such as Maine, Washington, New York, and Texas are also grappling with fewer Canadians crossing the border. Hospitality, retail, and service sectors that once catered reliably to Canadian visitors are feeling the pinch of reduced spending.

For example, various states along the northern U.S. border reported retail and tourism declines — restaurants, hotels, and duty‑free shops are seeing fewer Canadian patrons and less cross‑border spending.

Tourism officials and local chambers of commerce in affected communities have expressed concern over the visitor shortfall, noting that Canadian travelers historically ranked among the top international visitors to the U.S., contributing billions annually to the tourism economy.

Travel Industry Reacts: Discounting and Outreach Efforts

In response, U.S. tourism stakeholders are ramping up efforts to attract back Canadian visitors. Some state tourism boards have launched targeted marketing campaigns in Canadian cities, emphasizing warm hospitality and unique travel experiences. Others are offering extended promotions and loyalty perks to make travel more enticing.

Travel agents and resort operators have increased outreach to Canadian clients, attempting to counter negative perceptions and reassure travelers of safety and welcome. Many have also highlighted that early season snowfall has helped performance slightly at some slopes, enticing a subset of Canadians to reconsider travel plans.

Nevertheless, tourism professionals caution that public trust has been damaged, and overcoming it will require sustained diplomatic and cultural effort beyond seasonal promotions.

Broader Travel Trends and the Canadian Market

While Canadian travelers continue to represent a crucial segment of the international travel market for the United States, their decline is part of a broader trend affecting inbound travel. Data from tourism authorities showed that numerous countries, including Canada, Germany and Mexico, contributed to an overall decline in U.S. international arrivals in 2025.

This decline stands in contrast to global tourism growth overall, suggesting that localized geopolitical tensions can have outsized impacts on travel flows.

Many Canadians who have opted out of U.S. travel are instead exploring destinations within Canada, boosting domestic tourism and spending. Provinces have launched promotional campaigns to encourage residents to “stay local,” capitalizing on natural attractions and domestic leisure options.

Travelers’ Voices: The Personal Side of the Boycott

For many Canadian visitors, the decision to postpone or cancel travel is deeply personal. Some have cited financial prudence, while others describe discomfort with recent political rhetoric and policy shifts as influencing their choices. Anecdotes from Canadian travelers reveal that for some, the boycott represents an expression of national identity and preference to invest in domestic travel or choose alternative destinations.

Government officials on both sides have monitored these developments closely, with border officials and tourism boards tracking declines and engaging in discussions about how to mend ties and encourage travel once again.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for U.S.–Canada Travel in 2026

As the 2026 travel season approaches, U.S. destinations that have relied on Canadian tourism are working to rebuild confidence and appeal to a broader international audience. Hospitality leaders emphasize the importance of diversifying international visitor bases and enhancing travel experiences to mitigate future downturns.

Whether Canadian travel to the U.S. rebounds this year will depend on diplomatic relations, political messaging, and economic conditions influencing travelers’ confidence and willingness to cross the border.

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