Amidst ongoing changes, landscape artist Bruce Newman from Fredericton has drastically reduced his visits to the United States. Previously, Newman frequented the country to relax, connect with fellow artists, and immortalize scenic views on canvas. However, his trips ceased abruptly after U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a trade dispute with Canada and proposed incorporating the nation as the 51st state.
Recent occurrences in Minnesota, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers clashed with demonstrators, further solidified Newman’s decision. Expressing concerns about the current state of affairs in the U.S., Newman emphasized his disagreement with the situation and his reluctance to support it financially by traveling there.
Following Newman’s sentiments, many Canadians have refrained from visiting the U.S., leading to a notable impact. Statistics reveal a 25% decline in Canadian return trips to the U.S. by air and land in 2025, showcasing the collective influence of these boycotts.
Continuing this trend, March witnessed a significant 32% drop in Canadian return trips to the U.S. compared to March 2024, marking the 14th consecutive month of substantial decreases. Amir Eylon, president of Longwoods International, highlighted the enduring nature of the issue, debunking any assumptions that Canadian travelers would swiftly “get over it.”
The diminishing Canadian travelers have contributed to an $8.5 billion reduction in international tourism spending in the U.S. last year, as reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council. This decline underscores the far-reaching consequences of the travel boycott initiated by concerned Canadians.
As Canadians explore alternative travel destinations, the shift in travel patterns may become permanent if the U.S. travel boycott persists. RBC economist Abbey Xu noted a rise in domestic and overseas travel among Canadians, emphasizing a significant reevaluation of where vacation expenditures are allocated.
While Canadian travel to the U.S. declined notably in 2025, overseas trips saw a 9% increase. Reflecting this trend, Newman opted for a trip to London instead of New York City for his wife’s birthday celebration, indicating a shift towards exploring different international locales such as Scotland and Gaspé, Que., for artistic inspiration.
The impact of the U.S. travel boycott has led to a surge in domestic tourism, with a 2.5% rise observed in 2025. Amid concerns about escalating jet fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions, Canadians may further embrace local travel over long-distance journeys, adapting their travel habits to accommodate changing circumstances.
As Canadian tourists diminish in popular U.S. destinations like Las Vegas, the city is strategizing to win back their patronage. Las Vegas tourism officials are actively engaging with Canadian travel entities to communicate a welcoming atmosphere, offering incentives like at-par pricing on accommodations and entertainment to entice Canadian visitors.
Despite these efforts, for individuals like Newman, the reluctance to cross the border persists, emphasizing the need for fundamental changes in the U.S. before considering a return to American soil.