Many Canadians are boycotting the US, so this is where they're travelling instead

Prior to Donald Trump's re-election, Kent Truscott and his family from London, Ontario, had made multiple trips to the United States, including to California and New York in 2023. However, since late 2024, they have decided to boycott the US. This boycott has led Truscott and his family to spend money in Canada instead, opting for destinations like Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

More than a year after Trump's return to the White House, many Canadians are still boycotting travel to the US. The boycott has resulted in an estimated loss of C$3.3bn ($2.35bn; £1.75bn) in travel revenue for the US last year, which Canadians have instead used to spend overseas or explore their own country. American cities and states have urged Canadians to return through targeted advertisements and special deals, but many are adamant about keeping their boycott.

Kent Truscott and his wife, for example, embraced the idea of discovering their own country and spent time in Atlantic Canada, hiking scenic trails and staying at a women-run resort. They are unsure when they will return to the US, citing Trump's policies and rhetoric as reasons for their decision. Lynda Rousseau, who previously lived in Texas, also boycotted the US after Trump began referring to Canada as the 51st state.

The couple cancelled a cruise that was due to depart from New York and instead opted for a different cruise through Rome and Barcelona. Rousseau now avoids spending money in the US, only crossing the border occasionally to pick up mail. Nick Smith, a Vancouver retiree, has also avoided US road trips since Trump's election in 2016 and is reluctant to return, even if he believes Trump leaves office.

Smith said he would need to see reconciliation with Canada before returning. Christie Mitchell, who has made countless trips to the US, has also been affected by the boycott, as she had planned to hike national parks and attend American football games. Mitchell has had to cancel trips to destinations such as Yellowstone National Park and Denver due to the boycott.