Canadian travelers are opting to explore their own country instead of heading to the U.S., canceling long-planned vacations due to political concerns and economic factors. Many cite U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and controversial statements from former President Donald Trump as reasons for redirecting their travel budgets to Canadian destinations.
Michelle Gardner, a B.C. resident, canceled her family’s long-anticipated U.S. road trip in favor of an Alberta getaway. “With everything going on in the United States, it doesn’t sit well with me to put our hard-earned money into their economy,” she told CBC News. She and her family will now visit Elk Island National Park and Marmot Basin ski resort.
Nova Scotia is among the provinces seizing this opportunity, launching domestic tourism campaigns to attract Canadians looking to spend their vacations within the country. Saskatchewan’s Tourism CEO, Jonathan Potts, noted a surge in interest, attributing it to increased national pride and a desire to keep tourism dollars in Canada.
Brian Gallaugher, 66, canceled a Kentucky bus trip after finding Trump’s comments about Canada “offensive.” Instead, he and his wife will travel through Ontario and Quebec. Travel Alberta, meanwhile, is focusing on promoting lesser-known attractions like the white bison herd at Métis Crossing.
Tourism businesses are responding to the shift. Airlines are adding domestic routes, cities are introducing travel incentives, and Canadian hotels are booking up quickly. Travel agents report a sharp decline in U.S. travel bookings, with data showing a 23% drop in Canadian car trips to the U.S.
For travelers like Barbara Mazzega, 60, the decision to cancel a five-day Alaska cruise was about principle. She and her husband redirected their plans to Newfoundland and Labrador. “We just didn’t want to give a U.S. cruise line our money,” she said, encouraging Canadians to discover their own country’s hidden gems.
As domestic tourism gains momentum, Canada’s travel industry is poised for a strong season, fueled by a newfound enthusiasm for homegrown adventures.
Source: Swifteradio.com
