Canadians Boycott the U.S., but What About American Travelers in Canada?

The vineyard-studded Eastern Townships area in southern Quebec has a welcoming message for Americans: come embrace it.

On May 26, the local tourism board launched a promotional clip showing an English-speaking visitor who reveals they are actually American but gets warmly embraced by a French-speaking front desk clerk at a hotel.

It forms part of a CAD$150,000 (USD$109,000) advertising initiative scheduled for the beginning of the peak summer travel period, targeting American holidaymakers.

Isabelle Charlebois, who leads Tourism Eastern Townships as their general director, stated that the purpose of the video is to assure American tourists that "not only are they anticipated this summer, but genuinely welcomed."

Also read

Where Has Melania Gone? Speculations Circulate About the First Lady’s Disappearance — and Her Identity

"Concealed" Gospel Unveils Enigmatic Message From Jesus

Should travelers seek such assurance, it might stem from doubts about whether this is the appropriate moment for them to explore Canada.

“When our administration starts talking about making Canada the 51st state, I could understand if Canadian border patrol might be giving extra scrutiny to Americans,” said Brian Kirchhoff of Middlebury, Vermont, to CNN .

Even though he intends to participate in the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal next month, Kirchhoff worries that intensifying statements from the White House could lead to awkward situations internationally.

"I simply can't predict how attitudes will evolve as this situation progresses," he stated.

Travelling Reluctances Stemming from Politics

Melissa Curtin McDavitt, a Fora Travel adviser in Los Angeles, was surprised when clients canceled a planned girls’ getaway to Quebec City—one of the safest cities in Canada—citing political concerns.

“I was shocked,” she said. “Like, ‘Are you sure?’”

Other American travelers have taken to social media forums to ask Canadians directly. “We don’t want to stir up trouble,” wrote one Reddit user. “Is it appropriate for us to visit?”

Andrew Siegwart, who serves as both the president and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), has verified that those operating within the tourism sector are experiencing comparable worries.

"Our members throughout the province are encountering queries such as: 'Will crossing the border be smooth? Will we truly feel welcomed?' " Siegwart stated.

From 'Elbows Up' to ' Arms Wide Open'

The financial implications are significant. During the third quarter of last year, almost 79% of international tourists visiting Canada were from the United States. According to Statistics Canada, these American travelers contributed $6.6 billion over that time frame.

"The U.S. market plays a crucial role in our economy," Siegwart highlighted.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that visits from the US to Canada decreased in both February and March — this was the first yearly decline observed since 2021. Approximately one-third of TIAO members have seen a reduction in summer reservations made by Americans when compared to the corresponding timeframe in 2024.

"We're worried about how the trade disagreement might affect the travel arrangements made by our American friends," he stated.

To combat this, Ontario’s tourism collaborators are offering warm welcomes. "We genuinely have 'arms open' for everyone, including our US guests," Siegwart stated—referring to the "elbows up" motto used against US tariffs in Canada.

In Western Canada, a collective of grizzly bear tour operators is initiating a "Hey, Neighbor!" campaign this month. The advertisement showcases local entrepreneurs speaking directly to American visitors.

We've been listening to your questions from way up here in British Columbia," the video starts. "You're wondering if you're still welcomed." "Please come up; you are always welcome.

But What About Regular Canadians?

Skeptics might note that tourism officials have a clear reason to roll out the welcome mat. Ad campaigns don’t always reflect public sentiment.

A recent YouGov survey revealed that almost two-thirds of Canadians currently see the US as either "unfriendly" or an "enemy" country—with 61% stating they have stopped buying American goods.

At NHL and NBA matches, Canadian supporters have been known to Boo the US national anthem.

Nevertheless, numerous Canadians maintain that political tension does not equate to animosity towards people as individuals.

"We embrace Americans provided they respect our sovereignty and culture. Our stance isn't against America; rather, it's in favor of Canada," stated Jessica Langer Kapalka, who co-owns Toronto's highly patriotic Grizzly Bar, featuring proud displays of portraits ranging from Canadian celebrities like Celine Dion to environmentalist David Suzuki.

Plenty of friendly overtures have been made as well. Earlier this year, Canadian TikToker Tod Maffin issued an open invite to Americans, inviting them to explore his hometown of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

On April 26, around 500 individuals accepted his invitation, converging at Maffeo Sutton Park to greet the mayor and taste Nanaimo bars.

It filled my heart," Maffin stated. "Regarding ordinary Americans, the bond and affection as well as the sense of family that Canadians have for the people south of their border remains unchanged.

Reactions to U.S.-based social media posts have mostly agreed with that viewpoint. A Redditor commented: "Stop making jokes about becoming the 51st state, and you'll be welcomed with open arms. Enjoy yourself and soak up the beauty of this wonderful nation."

Blake Smith from Kitchener, Ontario, concurs. He stated, "Canadians who are annoyed by US politics still don't have an issue with Americans as individuals."

He suggests that travelers approach a Canadian getaway as an opportunity to hit pause on the turmoil of present events. "Shed your worries before you come," he remarked. "Switch off the part of your mind that constantly scrolls through bad news." He added, "Most folks around here simply wish to coexist peacefully."

Also read

Massive Explosion at Chinese Chemical Plant — Shockwaves Felt Miles Away

Iranian Judge Assassinated on His Way to Work

"Florida Man" Utilizes Drone in Unexpected Maritime Rescue

FBI Resumes Investigation Into White House Cocaine Scandal