Minnesota has now joined Florida, California, New York, Nevada, Arizona, Maine, Washington, Montana, Colorado, New Hampshire, Oregon, Alaska, Illinois, Texas, and Massachusetts in facing a sharp collapse in Canadian tourism, as rising political tensions, aggressive U.S. rhetoric, trade disputes, and mounting border concerns have pushed many Canadians to boycott or avoid travel to the U.S. altogether. What was once a steady flow of cross-border visits—from snowbirds in Florida and Arizona to summer tourists in Minnesota and Maine—is now rapidly declining, with Canadians choosing alternative destinations or staying home amid fears over immigration treatment, nationalistic policies, and the erosion of trust between the two countries.

Tourism Slumps in Minnesota’s Northern Gateways

In the northeastern corner of Minnesota, Grand Marais has long served as a gateway for outdoor adventure and cultural events that draw visitors from across the U.S. and Canada. One of its signature events, Le Grand Du Nord gravel bike race, usually attracts around 50 Canadian cyclists each year. In 2025, that number dropped to just 33. Although the race still drew about 600 participants overall, the missing Canadian presence was noticeable to event organizers and longtime attendees.

Jeremy Kershaw, the race’s organizer, noted that many Canadian riders who normally return each year chose not to attend. Some declined out of political conviction, citing recent tensions between Canadian citizens and U.S. authorities. Others voiced unease about traveling across the border at a time when the relationship between the two countries appears increasingly strained.

Cook County, where Grand Marais is located, depends heavily on tourism—about 80% of its economy relies on seasonal visitors. In previous years, Canadians flocked to the area for biking, hiking, canoeing, and cultural events. However, tourism officials report a clear drop in visits from the north. Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County, noted that the region’s most remote and scenic crossings into Minnesota have seen less traffic this spring. Many Canadians are opting instead for domestic travel within provinces like Saskatchewan or heading further south to destinations like Mexico, bypassing the U.S. entirely.

Florida Faces Historic Declines from Its Largest Winter Market

Florida, long considered the top destination for Canadian snowbirds, is witnessing one of its sharpest tourism declines in decades. Data from the state’s tourism authority shows a significant decrease in Canadian arrivals throughout the first half of 2025. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Orlando International Airport each recorded drops of approximately 20% and 12% respectively in Canadian traffic. Fort Myers and Palm Beach saw even more dramatic reductions in arrivals, down 30% and 43% from their projected schedules at the start of the year.

These losses are compounded by seasonal declines in long-term Canadian visitors. Condo associations and property managers in parts of South Florida have reported more vacant units than in recent years, as Canadian owners either sell their winter homes or delay travel plans due to uncertainty.

Arizona Sees Withdrawal from Snowbird Communities

Arizona’s winter communities, particularly those around Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson, are also seeing the effects of the Canadian retreat. Real estate agents report a surge in Canadian-owned properties being listed for sale. Seasonal tourism businesses that rely on Canadian retirees—from golf resorts to RV parks—have noted lower bookings and quieter months.

In years past, Arizona attracted hundreds of thousands of Canadians each winter. But 2025 has brought an atmosphere of reconsideration. Travel costs, discomfort with immigration policies, and general political disillusionment are all contributing to the shift. Local chambers of commerce have attempted to reach out to Canadian markets with targeted promotions, but the response has so far been tepid.

West Coast and Border States Losing Their Canadian Lifeline

California has not been spared. Palm Springs, San Diego, and other cities that traditionally draw a large number of Canadian visitors have all seen significant reductions in bookings. In Southern California, hotel managers and tour operators report fewer Canadian guests, even during spring break and Easter periods when travel typically surges. Airlines such as WestJet and Air Canada have trimmed service into the region due to softening demand.

Nevada, particularly Las Vegas, is experiencing a similar drop. Airlines have scaled back flights, and casinos have reported a noticeable absence of Canadian gamblers and leisure travelers. With fewer cross-border guests coming to fill rooms, attend shows, or dine in restaurants, the impact has spread across sectors.

In Alaska, which shares a long land border with Canada, seasonal adventure tourism has seen a downturn. Canadian bookings for cruise extensions, hiking expeditions, and wildlife viewing tours are lower than in previous years. Tour guides, charter operators, and outdoor gear shops are all adjusting expectations heading into the summer.

Washington, another border state that usually sees strong Canadian day-tripper traffic, has been particularly affected in towns like Blaine, Bellingham, and Port Angeles. Gas stations, outlet malls, and ferry services have reported steep declines in Canadian customers.

Maine, which draws tourists from nearby Québec and the Maritime provinces, is also seeing weaker performance. Coastal destinations like Bar Harbor, Camden, and Old Orchard Beach have seen fewer Canadian visitors since the start of the year. Local businesses, especially seasonal operations that rely heavily on cross-border traffic, are reporting slower starts to their peak season.

Montana, a gateway to outdoor parks like Glacier National Park, has seen its tourism numbers slip as well. Canadian RV travelers and wilderness tourists—once a key demographic—have pulled back significantly. Reports from local hospitality associations point to a 25% decline in Canadian reservations compared to the previous year.

Northeast and Midwest States Share the Burden

New York, especially regions close to the Canadian border such as Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and the Adirondacks, has noted fewer cars with Ontario and Québec plates this spring. Border wait times, usually extended on weekends due to high travel volumes, have been shorter than usual.

Colorado has experienced reductions as well, particularly in its ski towns and national parks. Canadian tourists, once a strong winter presence in areas like Aspen and Breckenridge, are traveling less frequently due to high exchange rates, increased airfare, and changing perceptions of U.S. hospitality.

New Hampshire and Oregon have also joined the list of impacted states. In New Hampshire, ski resorts and outlet stores in towns like North Conway have felt the reduction in cross-border shoppers. Oregon’s coastal towns and cities like Portland have reported fewer Canadian leisure travelers, especially in March and April.

Illinois, particularly Chicago, has seen softer numbers from Canada. Museums, concerts, and shopping destinations that once drew strong Canadian traffic are reporting thinner crowds and weaker spending patterns.

Texas has been affected as well. Cities like Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio, along with Gulf Coast resort areas, are experiencing lower hotel occupancy rates among Canadian visitors. Local businesses are also noting a slowdown in Canadian credit card transactions.

Massachusetts, home to Boston and Cape Cod, has seen fewer Canadian tourists this spring. Travel bookings from Montréal and Toronto have slowed, and visitor numbers from eastern Canada have not matched previous years.

Underlying Factors Driving the Decline

At the heart of the tourism drop is a series of political and cultural rifts that have unsettled Canadian travelers. President Donald Trump’s recent statements referring to Canada as “America’s 51st state” and calls for potential annexation have alarmed many Canadians. The reintroduction of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, particularly automobiles, has added another layer of tension. The March detainment of Canadian actor Jasmine Mooney in a San Diego immigration facility for nearly 12 days has become a national story in Canada, symbolizing the rising risks associated with U.S. travel.

In May, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited the White House to attempt a diplomatic reset. Accompanied by a trade delegation, the goal was to reestablish trust and cooperation. Yet the gestures have not fully reached the broader public, where travel anxieties remain.

Goldy Hyder, president of the Business Council of Canada, noted that these incidents have forced Canadians to rethink their reliance on the U.S. as a primary travel and economic partner. He said that the events of 2025 have awakened a new sense of caution across Canadian society.

Economic Impact and Summer Uncertainty

According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canada remains the largest international market for U.S. tourism, contributing over 20 million visits in 2024 alone. Even a 10% drop in that figure would translate to more than $2.1 billion in lost tourism revenue and an estimated 14,000 job losses across states.

In April 2025, Canadian land arrivals to the U.S. fell by 35%, while air arrivals were down nearly 20%. The numbers reflect a broader shift in Canadian travel preferences, with destinations in Europe, Mexico, and even domestic provincial spots gaining momentum at the expense of U.S. cities and landmarks.

Across Minnesota and the fifteen other states most affected, the question going into summer is not just whether Canadians will return—but how long the recovery will take, and whether some of the damage to the cross-border relationship might be permanent.

The post Minnesota Joins Florida, California, New York, Washington, Montana, Colorado, Illinois, Texas, and More as Canadian Tourism to the US Plummets Amid Friction, Fear, and Fallout appeared first on Travel And Tour World.