Empty Hotels, Fewer Flights: Canadians Turn Away from U.S. Travel

Canadian travel to the United States has entered a steep decline, reshaping tourism patterns across North America. Once a reliable stream of visitors filling hotels and flights, Canadians are now turning away from U.S. destinations in large numbers. The trend, visible since late 2025, has accelerated into 2026, leaving border towns and major hubs grappling with empty rooms and reduced airline schedules.

The downturn is most evident in border crossings. Official figures show that December 2025 recorded only 1.3 million return car trips from Canada to the United States, a drop of more than 30 percent compared to the previous year. This contraction is not a seasonal fluctuation but a sustained retreat, reflecting deeper political and economic currents.

Airlines have responded by cutting capacity. Carriers that once relied on steady Canadian demand for U.S. routes are now trimming schedules, consolidating flights, and in some cases withdrawing entirely from smaller airports. The reduction in service has created a feedback loop: fewer flights discourage travelers, and declining demand justifies further cuts.

Hotels in U.S. border towns and tourist centers are experiencing similar pain. Properties that once depended on Canadian visitors for steady occupancy now report vacancy rates that threaten profitability. The ripple effect extends to restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment venues, many of which relied on cross‑border tourism as a lifeline.

Several factors underpin this retreat. Trade tensions between Washington and Ottawa have soured public sentiment, with tariffs and political disputes spilling into consumer behavior. New border requirements, including expanded biometric photo collection and stricter compliance checks, have added friction to travel, making the journey less appealing.

Environmental disruptions have compounded the problem. Severe flooding and mudslides in California, a popular destination for Canadian tourists, have created uncertainty and discouraged bookings. Climate‑related instability adds another layer of risk to travel planning, reinforcing the shift toward alternative destinations.

Analysts describe the phenomenon as a “travel boycott,” though it is less an organized campaign than a collective response to frustration. Canadians, faced with higher costs, stricter rules, and political antagonism, are redirecting their travel budgets toward Europe, Asia, and domestic tourism. This diversification is reshaping global travel flows, with Canada emerging as both a stronger outbound market for other regions and a more self‑contained tourism economy.

The economic consequences for the United States are significant. Border towns that once thrived on Canadian shoppers and vacationers now face revenue shortfalls. Airlines must reallocate aircraft to more profitable routes, while hotel chains reconsider their investment strategies in regions that no longer guarantee steady Canadian traffic.

For policymakers, the decline raises questions about the resilience of cross‑border ties. The U.S. and Canada share one of the world’s longest and most integrated borders, yet the erosion of leisure travel highlights how quickly political and regulatory shifts can disrupt even the most established flows. The downturn is not merely about tourism; it signals a weakening of cultural and economic exchange.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of Canadian travel to the United States will depend on whether political tensions ease and border processes become more welcoming. Without adjustments, the current retreat could solidify into a long‑term realignment, leaving empty hotels and fewer flights as enduring symbols of a fractured North American relationship.