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Canadas Travel Boycott Grows Car Travel To U. S. Drops 37

Canadian Car Visits to the US Plunge 37 Percent: What's Behind the Sharp Decline?

In a striking shift for cross-border travel, the number of Canadian visitors entering the United States by car has plummeted by 37 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. This dramatic drop, highlighted in recent data from border agencies and tourism boards, underscores a broader transformation in North American travel patterns that could have lasting implications for economies on both sides of the border. As the world's longest undefended border sees fewer vehicles crossing, experts are pointing to a confluence of economic pressures, changing consumer behaviors, and lingering effects from global disruptions as key culprits.

To understand the scale of this decline, it's essential to look back at the baseline figures. Before the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped international mobility, millions of Canadians routinely drove south for everything from weekend getaways to extended vacations. Popular destinations like Florida's beaches, New York's bustling streets, and California's theme parks were magnets for Canadian tourists, who often preferred the flexibility and affordability of road trips over flying. In 2019, for instance, car crossings accounted for a significant portion of the over 20 million annual visits from Canada to the US. These trips not only boosted local economies through spending on accommodations, dining, and attractions but also fostered cultural exchanges between the two neighboring nations.

Fast forward to the present, and the landscape has changed dramatically. According to the latest reports from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Statistics Canada, the volume of personal vehicle entries from Canada into the US has fallen sharply. This 37 percent decrease is not just a blip; it's part of a sustained trend observed over the past few years. While air travel between the two countries has shown signs of recovery, reaching near pre-pandemic levels in some corridors, ground transportation lags far behind. Analysts suggest that this disparity highlights how different modes of travel have rebounded unevenly, with car trips bearing the brunt of ongoing hesitations.

Several factors are contributing to this downturn. Economic uncertainty plays a starring role. With inflation rates fluctuating and the Canadian dollar weakening against its U.S. counterpart, the cost of a road trip has become prohibitive for many households. Gasoline prices, which spiked globally in recent years due to supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions, have made long drives across the border less appealing. For a family in Toronto planning a drive to Orlando, for example, the fuel costs alone could add hundreds of dollars to the itinerary, not to mention tolls, accommodations, and meals priced in a stronger currency. This financial squeeze is particularly acute for middle-class Canadians, who were once the backbone of cross-border tourism.

Beyond economics, behavioral shifts induced by the pandemic continue to influence travel decisions. The enforced border closures during the height of COVID-19 disrupted longstanding habits, prompting many Canadians to rediscover domestic destinations. Places like Banff National Park, the Maritimes, or Vancouver Island have seen a surge in local tourism, offering scenic drives and outdoor adventures without the hassle of international borders. This "staycation" mindset has persisted, with surveys indicating that a significant portion of Canadians now prefer exploring their own vast country over venturing abroad. Environmental concerns also factor in; as awareness of carbon footprints grows, some travelers are opting for more sustainable options closer to home, reducing the appeal of gas-guzzling road trips.

Border logistics have added another layer of friction. Enhanced security measures, longer wait times at crossings, and occasional policy changes—such as vaccine requirements or testing protocols that lingered post-pandemic—have deterred spontaneous trips. For instance, the Ambassador Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, to Detroit, Michigan, one of the busiest land crossings, has reported consistent declines in passenger vehicle traffic. Truckers and commercial vehicles maintain steady flows due to trade necessities, but leisure travelers are staying away. This has ripple effects on U.S. border towns and states that rely heavily on Canadian visitors. In Michigan, for example, tourism officials note a dip in revenue from Canadian shoppers and gamblers at places like Detroit's casinos. Similarly, in New York State, Niagara Falls sees fewer Canadian day-trippers, impacting local businesses from hotels to souvenir shops.

The decline isn't uniform across all regions. Western crossings, such as those between British Columbia and Washington State, have fared somewhat better, possibly due to closer proximity and shared outdoor recreation interests like skiing in Whistler or hiking in the Pacific Northwest. In contrast, eastern routes, particularly from Ontario and Quebec into the northeastern US, have experienced steeper drops. This regional variation suggests that proximity and shared cultural ties can mitigate some losses, but overall, the trend points downward.

Looking ahead, what does this mean for the future of Canada-US travel? Industry experts are divided. Some optimists believe that as economic conditions stabilize—perhaps with interest rate cuts and a strengthening loonie—Canadians will return to their road-tripping ways. Marketing campaigns by U.S. tourism boards are already ramping up, targeting Canadian audiences with promotions for drive-friendly destinations. Initiatives like simplified border apps for pre-clearance could reduce wait times and encourage more crossings.

However, pessimists warn that this could be a new normal. The rise of remote work and virtual experiences has lessened the need for physical travel, while younger generations, influenced by social media and sustainability trends, might prioritize international flights to farther-flung locales over neighboring drives. Climate change concerns could further discourage car-dependent tourism, pushing for greener alternatives like high-speed rail, though such infrastructure between Canada and the US remains underdeveloped.

Economically, the stakes are high. Canadian visitors contribute billions annually to the U.S. economy, with car travelers often spending more per trip due to extended stays and impulse purchases. A prolonged decline could force border-dependent communities to diversify, perhaps by attracting more domestic tourists or investing in alternative industries. On the Canadian side, the shift inward bolsters local economies but might limit exposure to U.S. markets and ideas.

In response, policymakers on both sides are exploring solutions. Bilateral talks have emphasized streamlining border processes, while joint marketing efforts aim to revive the allure of cross-border adventures. For now, though, the empty lanes at checkpoints serve as a stark reminder of how quickly travel norms can change. As one tourism analyst put it, "The open road between Canada and the US was once a symbol of seamless friendship; now, it's navigating some serious potholes."

This plunge in car visits isn't just about numbers—it's a narrative of adaptation in a post-pandemic world. Whether it rebounds or reshapes permanently, the story of Canadian road trippers to the US remains a vital chapter in North American connectivity. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/suzannerowankelleher/2025/08/11/canadian-car-visits-us-plunge-37-percent/ ]