A recent survey revealed that Canadians are wary of travelling to U.S. in 2025.
Canada and the United States have long shared a close relationship, with millions of Canadians crossing the border annually for tourism, shopping, and family visits.
However, a Leger survey conducted for the Association for Canadian Studies, released on May 6, 2025, reveals a significant shift in Canadian sentiment.
As of May 2025, a majority of Canadians no longer feel safe or welcome traveling to the U.S., driven by political tensions, tariff threats, and increased border scrutiny under U.S. President Donald Trump.
British Columbia (B.C.) stands out as the most cautious province, while Alberta shows the least concern.
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The Leger Survey: A Snapshot of Canadian Sentiment
The Leger survey, conducted between May 1 and May 3, 2025, involved 1,626 Canadian respondents.
It examined perceptions of safety and welcome in the U.S. amid heightened tensions. Key findings include:
Safety Concerns: 52% of Canadians agreed with the statement, “It is no longer safe for all Canadians travelling to the U.S.,” while 29% disagreed, and 19% were unsure.
Feeling Unwelcome: 54% of respondents felt they “no longer feel welcome in the U.S.,” with 27% disagreeing and 19% uncertain.
Regional Variations: B.C. led with 57% of respondents feeling unsafe, followed by Atlantic Canada (55%), Ontario (53%), Manitoba/Saskatchewan (51%), and Quebec (50%). Alberta was the least concerned, with 47% feeling unsafe.
Welcome Perceptions by Region: Atlantic Canada felt the most unwelcome (64%), followed by Quebec (58%), B.C. (56%), Manitoba/Saskatchewan (53%), and Ontario (51%).
Alberta again showed the least concern, with 48% feeling unwelcome.
These sentiments come against the backdrop of Trump’s repeated calls for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state and his imposition of tariffs, which have strained bilateral relations.
The survey coincides with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first in-person meeting with Trump at the White House on May 6, 2025, where Carney firmly stated, “It’s not for sale, won’t be for sale ever.”
Why B.C. Is the Wariest Province
While Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has been vocal in opposing Trump’s tariffs and annexation rhetoric, B.C. emerged as the most concerned province.
Several factors may contribute to this:
Proximity to the Border: B.C. residents, particularly in Vancouver, frequently cross into Washington state for shopping and leisure.
Increased border scrutiny, such as outbound searches reported on I-5, may heighten anxiety.
Political Climate Awareness: B.C. residents may be more attuned to U.S. political developments, given their proximity and media exposure.
Trump’s “Trump 2024” billboards near Ferndale, as noted by a Vancouver resident, serve as a visible reminder of ongoing tensions.
Economic Impact: Trump’s tariffs have affected industries like forestry, which is significant in B.C., potentially amplifying feelings of hostility.
In contrast, Alberta’s lower concern (47% feeling unsafe, 48% feeling unwelcome) may reflect a more conservative political alignment, with some residents possibly sympathizing with Trump’s policies.
Alberta’s economy, heavily tied to oil and gas, may also feel less directly impacted by U.S. tariffs compared to B.C.’s trade-sensitive sectors.
Personal Stories: A Vancouver Resident’s Experience
The survey’s findings resonate with personal accounts, such as that of Rachel, a 30-something freelance graphic artist from Vancouver.
Rachel recently traveled to Bellingham, Washington, out of necessity to purchase an item unavailable in Canada.
Her experience, shared with Daily Hive, underscores the broader unease:
Border Crossing Challenges: Rachel noted unusually thorough inspections at the Nexus lane, with officers checking back seats and trunks, causing delays.
She avoided switching lanes to prevent secondary inspections, reflecting heightened anxiety about border interactions.
Feeling Unwelcome: Despite friendly interactions with Bellingham residents, Rachel felt “deeply uncomfortable” due to Trump’s annexation threats and tariffs, which she said have harmed Canadian livelihoods.
A “Trump 2024” billboard on I-5 near Ferndale further reinforced her unease.
Reduced Canadian Presence: At Trader Joe’s and Costco, Rachel observed fewer B.C. license plates, corroborating reports of declining Canadian visits.
Bellingham residents have also noted quieter downtown areas, missing the usual Canadian traffic.
Rachel’s hesitation to return—“I will not risk getting myself or my family detained or harassed by CBP”—mirrors the survey’s findings and highlights the real-world impact of political rhetoric on individual travel decisions.
Broader Trends: Declining Cross-Border Travel
The survey aligns with broader trends of reduced Canadian travel to the U.S. in 2025:
Flight Bookings Drop: According to OAG, a global air travel data provider, Canadian flight bookings to U.S. destinations for April to September 2025 were 70% lower than in March 2024.
Border Anxiety: Stories of increased border checks, including outbound searches by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), have fueled anxiety.
A CBP spokesperson confirmed that such inspections are routine for national security, aimed at apprehending wanted individuals and seizing contraband.
Sentiment on Social Media: Posts on X reflect similar concerns, with users warning against U.S. travel due to detentions and urging Canadians to explore domestic or European destinations instead.
Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the Association for Canadian Studies, noted that the level of anxiety is “not healthy” for Canada-U.S. relations, suggesting that the trend of declining travel “may get worse before it gets better.”
Implications for Canada-U.S. Relations
The growing wariness among Canadians has significant implications:
Economic Impact: The U.S. Travel Association reports that Canada contributed 20.4 million visitors in 2024, supporting 140,000 American jobs and generating $20.5 billion.
A sustained decline in Canadian visitors could hurt U.S. border towns like Bellingham, as evidenced by quieter downtowns and reduced traffic at stores like Costco.
Diplomatic Challenges: The survey underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust.
Prime Minister Carney’s firm rejection of annexation during his meeting with Trump signals Canada’s resolve, but ongoing tariff disputes and border policies remain contentious.
Domestic Travel Boost: As Canadians shy away from the U.S., many are redirecting their travel plans within Canada or to Europe, potentially boosting domestic tourism in provinces like Quebec, Nova Scotia, and B.C.
What’s Next for Canadian Travelers?
For Canadians considering U.S. travel, the current climate suggests caution:
Prepare for Border Scrutiny: Travelers should expect thorough inspections and potential delays, as reported by Rachel and confirmed by CBP’s statements on outbound searches.
Explore Alternatives: Domestic destinations like B.C., Quebec, and Atlantic Canada offer safe and welcoming alternatives, as highlighted by social media sentiments urging Canadians to redirect their travel dollars.
Stay Informed: Monitoring political developments and border policies can help travelers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected challenges.
A Call for Improved Relations
The Leger survey paints a stark picture of Canadian sentiment toward U.S. travel in 2025, with B.C. leading the way in expressing safety and welcome concerns.
Political tensions, tariff threats, and increased border scrutiny have eroded the once-seamless relationship between the two nations.
While personal stories like Rachel’s highlight the human impact, the broader decline in cross-border travel signals a need for diplomatic efforts to restore trust.
As Canadians navigate this new reality, redirecting travel plans within Canada or abroad may offer a safer, more welcoming alternative until relations improve.
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