Haruto Yamamoto: The Great Canadian Boycott – “51st State” Taunts Reshaped North American Travel

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In the wake of heightened political tensions, a quieter but equally potent form of protest has emerged from the north.

Canadians, renowned for their politeness and diplomacy, are making their voices heard not through words, but through actions—or inactions, to be precise. The result: a noticeable decline in Canadian tourism to certain areas of the United States, as citizens bear the weight of controversial tariffs and offhand comments insinuating Canada as the “51st state.”

For decades, Canadians have been among the most significant contributors to the American tourism industry, flocking southwards to escape the harsh northern winters or to enjoy cultural indulgences in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Yet, recent data suggests a shift in travel patterns, with some regions experiencing a particular downturn in Canadian visitors.

The catalyst? A potent mix of steep U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and inflammatory rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who repeatedly referred to Canada as the “51st state” while mocking its sovereignty. Fueled by anger and national pride, Canadians launched a widespread travel boycott, reshaping the tourism landscape across the United States. From snow-dusted border towns to sun-soaked southern escapes, the absence of Canadian visitors left an unmistakable void.

The Spark of Defiance

The trouble began in late 2024, when Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, targeting industries like automobiles and steel. The economic blow was compounded by his near-daily taunts, calling Canada’s Prime Minister a “governor” and suggesting annexation as a solution to trade disputes. Canadians, fiercely protective of their identity, recoiled. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #BoycottUSATravel and #Never51st, galvanizing a movement to shun American destinations.

By April 2025, the boycott had gained momentum. A CTV News report noted that Canadians were canceling business trips, withdrawing from U.S. conferences, and avoiding future bookings. The U.S. Travel Association estimated that the 20 million annual Canadian visitors, who typically spent over $20 billion, were dwindling rapidly. The impact was not uniform, however—certain regions felt the chill more acutely than others.

The Frozen North: New York’s North Country

In New York’s North Country, a region hugging the Canadian border, the boycott hit hard. Represented by Rep. Elise Stefanik, this area relied heavily on Canadian day-trippers and seasonal visitors. The Politico reported a sharp decline in tourist traffic, with local businesses in towns like Plattsburgh and Watertown reeling. Canadian shoppers, once a mainstay at malls and outlet stores, vanished, deterred by tariffs and border detentions. Restaurants and hotels, expecting bustling spring weekends, stood eerily quiet.

“It’s like the border became a wall overnight,” said Maria Thompson, a diner owner in Champlain, New York. “Canadians used to pour in for lunch, but now? They’re staying home, and I can’t blame them.” The region’s economy, already strained by Trump’s trade war, faced a projected loss of millions, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warning of long-term damage.

In Bangor, Maine, restaurant owner Derek Williams could pinpoint exactly when the change began. His establishment, once a popular stopover for Canadians heading to coastal attractions, had seen its summer revenue drop by nearly 30%.

“They used to fill our parking lot with those Quebec and Ontario plates,” he said, gesturing to the half-empty restaurant during what should have been peak season. “Now we’re lucky if we see one Canadian family a day.”

The Sunbelt’s Shiver: Florida and Arizona

Further south, the absence of Canadian “snowbirds”—retirees who flock to warm U.S. states for winter—was keenly felt. Florida, a perennial favorite, saw a steep drop in Canadian visitors. The Washington Post reported canceled airline bookings and scaled-back flight schedules by Canadian carriers. In cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, condos and resorts that once hosted thousands of Canadians stood underoccupied. The U.S. Travel Association highlighted a $20 billion hole in spending, with Florida bearing a significant share.

Arizona, another snowbird haven, faced similar woes. CNN Business noted that Canadians were reconsidering vacation homes in Phoenix and Tucson, with some listing properties for sale. “It’s not just the tariffs,” explained retiree Jeanette Dubois from Vancouver. “It’s the disrespect. Why spend our dollars where we’re mocked as a province?” Golf courses and spas, once packed with Canadian accents, reported bookings down by nearly 30%.

California’s Coachella Valley: A Liberal Oasis Tested

In California’s Coachella Valley, particularly Palm Springs, the boycott took on a symbolic edge. An estimated 300,000 Canadians visited annually, drawn to the desert’s warm winters and vibrant culture. But Trump’s tariffs and “51st state” rhetoric sparked outrage, amplified by local protests against his policies. The Guardian reported thousands rallying in Palm Springs, some picketing Tesla showrooms in solidarity with Canada.

Local businesses felt the pinch. Hotelier Sarah Nguyen lamented, “Our Canadian guests are like family, but this year, bookings are down 40%. They’re angry, and they’re staying away.” The region’s tourism board scrambled to mitigate losses, but the boycott’s momentum proved unstoppable. Canadians, once loyal visitors, redirected their dollars to domestic destinations like British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley or international spots like Mexico.

The Ripple Effect

The boycott’s impact extended beyond economics. In border states like Vermont and Michigan, cultural exchanges—hockey tournaments, music festivals, and cross-border friendships—faded. A Globe and Mail opinion piece suggested that the tariffs and rhetoric were “poisoning” U.S.-Canada relations, with small businesses like Virginia’s Catoctin Creek Distillery losing Canadian contracts. Even in cities less reliant on Canadian tourism, like Las Vegas or New York City, hoteliers noted a dip in group bookings from Canadian conventions.

Yet, not all Canadians joined the boycott. A CBC News report highlighted a small but vocal minority—about 10% according to Angus Reid polling—who supported joining the U.S. as the 51st state, citing economic benefits. In Alberta, some formed groups like the “Party of the Canadian Constitutionalists,” but their influence remained marginal, drowned out by widespread patriotic fervor.

A New Path Forward

By spring 2025, the boycott had reshaped travel patterns and strained a once-unshakeable alliance. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, responding to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement, vowed retaliatory measures to protect Canadian workers. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly rallied international support, declaring, “We’ll never be your 51st state.”

For Americans in affected regions, the boycott was a wake-up call. In Florida, tourism boards launched campaigns to lure Canadians back, emphasizing shared history. In New York’s North Country, community leaders called for tariff relief, echoing Senate votes where even some Republicans rebuked Trump’s policies.

As summer approached, the empty hotel rooms and quiet border crossings told a story of defiance. Canadians, united by pride and principle, had redrawn the map of North American travel. Whether the boycott would thaw relations or deepen the divide remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: the “51st state” taunt had awakened a sleeping giant.

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