Charles Esther
Canadian travel to the United States saw a noticeable decline in March 2025, continuing a trend that began in early 2025.
The sharp drop, which includes a decrease in Airbnb bookings and other forms of travel, signals the growing impact of tariff tensions between the two countries.
While Canadians had been traveling to the US more frequently in the first few months of the year, March saw a 12% year-over-year drop in the number of Canadians booking short-term rentals in the US.
Decline in Travel Bookings and Airbnb Stays
According to data from AirDNA, a platform analyzing the short-term rental market, Canadians booked 12.1% fewer nights in US-based Airbnbs in March compared to the previous year.
This follows a broader trend of reduced travel from Canada to the US in recent months, with notable declines in both flight and car bookings.
While the overall short-term rental market in the US remained stable with a slight revenue increase of 1.3%, Canadian travelers represent only a small segment of this market, making up just 2.6% of all US short-term rental bookings last year.
However, despite their smaller share, certain border cities, such as Buffalo, New York, and Bellingham, Washington, as well as snowbird destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have seen higher-than-average numbers of Canadian visitors in the past.
The Role of Tariff Tensions in the Decline
The reduction in Canadian travel comes amid increasing tensions over tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed on Canadian goods starting in January.
These tariffs have caused considerable frustration among Canadians, influencing their travel decisions.
In response to these tensions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously urged Canadians to reconsider traveling to the US and instead support domestic tourism.
The political climate surrounding the tariffs has led some Canadians to express national pride by avoiding the US and choosing to support Canadian businesses.
Many are canceling planned trips and opting for domestic alternatives, reflecting a growing sentiment of patriotism.
Impact on US Hospitality and Travel Industries
The drop in Canadian visitors is being felt in US cities, particularly in areas close to the Canadian border.
For example, in Palm Springs, California, Airbnb host Robert Carlson experienced firsthand the effects of the decline. He reported that a regular Canadian guest canceled a $7,000 reservation and cut their stay short due to the current tensions.
Carlson also expressed concern about future cancellations from other Canadian guests, some of whom had reservations worth tens of thousands of dollars.
This pullback in travel could have significant economic consequences.
According to the US Travel Association, a 10% decrease in Canadian visitors could lead to the loss of 14,000 jobs and a $2.1 billion decline in spending in the US travel sector.
This would be a substantial blow to businesses that rely heavily on Canadian tourists, such as those in border towns and popular vacation spots.
Canadians Expressing National Pride and Solidarity
While some Canadians are choosing to stay home in response to tariff tensions, others have used the situation to embrace a sense of patriotism.
Dylan Lobo, a consultant from Toronto, reported a surge in traffic to his website, Made in CA, an online directory of Canadian-made goods.
Since the announcement of the tariffs in January, site traffic has tripled on certain days, with the largest spike occurring on February 1 when the 25% tariffs were imposed.
Lobo attributed the increase to a growing sense of national pride, with Canadians opting to support homegrown businesses over American ones.
In light of these developments, AirDNA economist Bram Gallagher suggested that some US-based Airbnb hosts may want to market their properties as being particularly welcoming to Canadian travelers.
This could be a strategy for US hosts to show solidarity with their northern neighbors during this time of heightened political tension.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Canadian-US Travel
It remains uncertain whether the decline in Canadian travel to the US will continue into the summer months and beyond.
While some sectors have seen a decrease in Canadian visitors, others, particularly those closer to the border, might not experience the same level of impact.
Regardless, the trend highlights the growing influence of geopolitical tensions on cross-border travel.
As the political climate evolves, it will be interesting to see whether Canadian travel to the US rebounds or continues to decline.
With the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and national pride, Canadian travelers may continue to adjust their travel plans, either out of protest or a renewed focus on supporting local businesses.
Conclusion
The decrease in Canadian travel to the United States in March 2025 reflects the broader impacts of the tariff disputes and a shift in public sentiment.
As Canadian travelers pull back from US destinations, US businesses that rely on Canadian tourism may face significant economic challenges.
In the meantime, many Canadians are choosing to stay closer to home, showing a strong sense of national pride in the face of political adversity.
As this situation unfolds, the future of Canadian-US travel remains uncertain, but it will undoubtedly be influenced by ongoing tensions and evolving diplomatic relations.
