Sunday, May 11, 2025
Travel Advisors and Tour Operators of New York join forces with Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan to woo Canadian travelers back to the US. Travel Advisors and Tour Operators of New York understand the urgency and now partner with Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan to woo Canadians with bold offers. As travel sentiment shifts, Travel Advisors and Tour Operators of New York collaborate actively with Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan to woo the Canadian market. Canadian travelers have long favored Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan, and now, Travel Advisors and Tour Operators of New York are leading the charge to woo them back to the US.
The mission is clear—Travel Advisors and Tour Operators of New York, alongside tourism boards from Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan, unite with one purpose: to woo Canadians. Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan stand beside New York to craft packages that directly woo Canadian travelers. From cultural tours in New York to sun-kissed beaches in Hawaii and Miami, and from desert escapes in Arizona and Nevada to lush getaways in Washington and Michigan, these states are aligned to woo Canadian travelers in every way possible. As economic and political concerns ease, Travel Advisors and Tour Operators of New York and allies in Miami, California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Hawaii, and Michigan waste no time to woo the Canadian traveler with urgency and warmth.
The Canadian boycott of U.S. travel is no longer symbolic—it’s measurable. In Upstate New York, tourism has entered crisis mode as border towns, inns, and tour operators face a dramatic plunge in cross-border visitors due to ongoing trade tensions and political backlash tied to former President Donald Trump’s policies.
In communities just miles from Canada, where locals once thrived on the economic heartbeat of cross-border tourism, empty lodges and idle marinas now signal a new reality. Canadian travelers, once loyal, are staying away in protest. And the ripple effects are tearing through the economy faster than anyone predicted.
Tourism Boycott Turns Real—And Painful
George Daniels, who has run the Keene Valley Lodge near Lake Placid since 1999, is watching his summer booking calendar fall apart. Canadians once made up nearly 20% of his guests. This year, just two have booked. The rest have canceled.
Even after slashing rates by 25% for Canadian guests, Daniels isn’t seeing the return. His gesture, he says, is more about solidarity than strategy. But the consequences are economic and immediate.
Across the region, it’s the same story. From family-run bed and breakfasts to outdoor adventure companies, the retreat of Canadian tourists is creating a chilling effect on Upstate New York’s warm-weather economy.
A Political Fallout That Feels Personal
The boycott stems from widespread Canadian outrage over Donald Trump’s trade war, tariff threats, and annexation rhetoric. It’s a form of resistance that speaks louder than protests—a quiet economic stand that directly impacts U.S. communities near the border.
But here’s the nuance: these towns aren’t Trump’s America. They are small, tourism-dependent enclaves that often disagree with Washington’s divisive policies. Yet they’re paying the price for political decisions far beyond their control.
Tourism operators are responding with heartfelt outreach. Some, like Doug Haney of Bike Adirondacks in Saranac Lake, are offering discounts to Canadian cyclists. Others are launching full-scale campaigns to express empathy, distance themselves from D.C., and win back the trust of their northern neighbors.
Traffic Collapse at Border Crossings
The numbers tell the full story. Vehicle crossings at the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge between Ontario and New York plunged 31% in April. At the Champlain-St. Bernard de Lacolle crossing from Quebec into New York, car traffic was also down 31% in March.
The message is loud and clear: Canadians are choosing not to cross. They’re skipping Upstate escapes. They’re bypassing weekend getaways. And they’re doing it in large numbers.
Officials from the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority say the impact is immediate and severe. Tourism spending is down. Retail traffic has dropped. Even gas stations and grocery stores near the border are reporting fewer Canadian customers.
Regional Leaders Sound the Alarm
In response, tourism boards like the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) in Lake Placid are taking action. Last week, ROOST emailed a heartfelt message to Canadian subscribers, thanking them for past visits and pledging a warm welcome when they’re ready to return.
In Plattsburgh—often called “Montreal’s southern suburb”—local leaders are openly condemning Trump-era tariffs and appealing directly to Canadians. Town Supervisor Michael Cashman has emphasized the importance of keeping friendships strong, even as politics divide. His biggest concern? The loss of business for marinas, campgrounds, hotels, and small eateries that rely on summer tourism dollars.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses along the border, is amplifying those efforts. It has launched an “intensified hospitality campaign” and aired a new TV ad in Canada featuring a Québécois woman who says she’s still traveling to the U.S.—just to places that understand and welcome Canadians.
Local Sentiment Turns to Action
Business owners across Upstate New York are also making their voices heard. Nearly all surveyed by the Chamber expressed concern about the economic consequences of tariffs and visitor loss. Many are proactively sending letters to state officials and Washington policymakers, pleading for a course correction.
Their unified message is simple: don’t punish us for policies we don’t support. They are fighting for their livelihoods—and for the return of visitors who once made summer seasons successful.
The stakes are high. In regions like the Adirondack Coast, tourism isn’t just a seasonal boost. It’s the backbone of the local economy. Every lost booking, every empty table, every vacant campsite takes a toll not just on business—but on entire communities.
Healing Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the politics and press releases, there’s a deeper emotional undercurrent. The absence of Canadian travelers isn’t just about lost revenue. It’s about broken relationships. For decades, the bond between Upstate New York and its Canadian neighbors has been about more than commerce. It’s been about shared experiences, traditions, and trust.
That’s why this boycott cuts deep. It’s personal. Locals are mourning not just empty rooms, but the friendships that filled them.
And yet, the response has been marked by resilience and empathy. Tourism businesses are choosing diplomacy over division. They’re offering discounts not as bait—but as bridges. They’re using hospitality as protest—and as healing.
Destination Guide: The Best Places in US That Canadians Love to Visit
For Canadian travelers, the allure of the United States is timeless. Whether escaping winter, planning road trips, or seeking adventure and culture, the U.S. remains one of the most loved international destinations for Canadians. Despite political headwinds or economic shifts, cross-border bonds endure through shared interests, family ties, and the unbeatable convenience of U.S. travel. Here’s a humanized, detailed guide to the best places in the U.S. that Canadians love to visit.
1. Florida: The Snowbird Paradise
When winter sets in across Canada, thousands of snowbirds head south—and Florida is their sanctuary. From the white sands of Naples to the vibrant culture of Miami, the Sunshine State is the top destination for Canadian retirees, families, and sunseekers.
Orlando remains a must for families, thanks to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But beyond the theme parks, Canadians are drawn to the Gulf Coast’s quieter charms, like Clearwater and Sarasota. In Fort Lauderdale, many Canadians even buy second homes, making the region feel like an extension of Southern Ontario.
Whether it’s a beach, golf course, or nature reserve, Florida offers sun, comfort, and community—often in both official languages.
2. New York State: Close, Comfortable, and Culturally Rich
Just across the border lies a familiar favorite—New York State. From Niagara Falls to Lake Placid, and from Buffalo outlet malls to the cultural powerhouse of New York City, Canadians feel right at home here.
The Big Apple offers endless entertainment: Broadway shows, world-class museums, Michelin-star dining, and iconic landmarks. But it’s not just about NYC. Upstate towns like Saratoga Springs and the Finger Lakes region provide scenic getaways full of wine trails, historic inns, and peaceful hiking.
Cross-border shopping, fall foliage drives, and quick weekend getaways make New York one of the most accessible and beloved U.S. destinations for Canadians.
3. California: Coastlines, Culture, and Cinematic Escapes
California holds a special place in the hearts of Canadian travelers. With direct flights from major cities like Vancouver and Toronto, it’s easy to reach—and impossible to forget.
Los Angeles draws in movie lovers and beachgoers alike. San Francisco, with its hilly charm and iconic Golden Gate Bridge, appeals to foodies and tech enthusiasts. Wine lovers head straight for Napa and Sonoma, while road trippers cruise the Pacific Coast Highway for epic coastal views.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe offer thrilling alpine escapes, especially for Canadians looking to trade Rockies for Sierras.
4. Arizona: The Warm, Dry Winter Retreat
Arizona has become a winter haven for Canadians—especially retirees seeking sunshine without the humidity. Scottsdale and Phoenix offer resort living, golf galore, and stunning desert landscapes. Sedona’s red rock trails provide a spiritual escape, while Flagstaff offers cool relief and forest hikes in summer.
Beyond its natural beauty, Arizona’s affordability, safety, and welcoming communities make it a practical and peaceful retreat for long-term stays.
5. Nevada: More Than Just Las Vegas
Canadians love Las Vegas—not just for the entertainment, but for its value. With quick flights from across Canada, Vegas is a go-to destination for milestone celebrations, quick vacations, and even work conferences.
But Nevada isn’t just The Strip. Lake Tahoe’s Nevada side offers outdoor adventure, while the Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon provide unforgettable hikes and photo ops. Canadians craving adrenaline, luxury, or serenity can find all three here.
6. Washington State: Cross-Border Comfort for Western Canadians
For residents of British Columbia, Washington State is practically a backyard adventure. Canadians regularly drive down to Seattle for shopping, concerts, sports, or cruises. The city’s laid-back vibe, iconic Pike Place Market, and waterfront charm keep visitors coming back.
Smaller towns like Bellingham and Leavenworth are perfect for weekend getaways, while Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park cater to nature lovers. For Western Canadians, Washington delivers Pacific Northwest beauty with U.S. affordability.
7. Hawaii: The Ultimate Island Escape
Hawaii is paradise—for honeymooners, families, and snowbirds. Canadians travel thousands of kilometers to reach its pristine shores, and for good reason.
Oahu offers Waikiki’s buzz and Pearl Harbor’s history. Maui delivers upscale resort life and the legendary Road to Hana. The Big Island amazes with volcanoes and black sand beaches. Kauai enchants with quiet beauty and lush rainforests.
Though it’s a longer flight, Canadians say Hawaii is worth every hour in the air. The aloha spirit, breathtaking scenery, and consistent warmth make it a top repeat destination.
8. Michigan: Great Lakes, Great Value
Canadians from Ontario frequently visit Michigan for its friendly towns, outlet malls, and gorgeous lakefronts. Detroit is enjoying a revival, with art, sports, and food that surprise first-timers.
Mackinac Island charms with horse-drawn carriages and fudge shops, while Traverse City attracts wine lovers and beachgoers alike. Michigan’s proximity to Canada, lower costs, and family-friendly attractions keep it on every road trip radar.
9. South Carolina: Southern Hospitality and Coastal Charm
South Carolina is a rising favorite among Canadian families and retirees. Myrtle Beach delivers budget-friendly seaside vacations with golf, amusements, and condos near the sand. Charleston offers a blend of rich history, architecture, and food that rivals larger cities.
For those seeking warmth without Florida crowds, South Carolina feels just right.
10. Massachusetts: Culture, History, and Coastal Gems
Massachusetts appeals to Canadian travelers who want culture and charm. Boston’s walkability, history, and sports culture make it a favorite city escape. Beyond the capital, Cape Cod offers beachside calm, while Salem fascinates with witch trial history.
Canadians from Quebec especially enjoy Massachusetts for its Francophone-friendly atmosphere and educational attractions.
The Road Ahead
Whether the boycott will ease remains to be seen. Much depends on political developments, currency fluctuations, and continued efforts by local communities to rebuild relationships. But one thing is certain: Upstate New York isn’t giving up.
Through intensified hospitality campaigns, public apologies, and symbolic discounts, the region is offering a powerful example of how to respond to political crisis with compassion, humility, and hope.
This isn’t just about attracting visitors. It’s about mending what’s been broken. One bike tour, one marina slip, one discounted bed at a time.
