U.S. Tourism Industry Offers Canadians Big Discounts Amid Travel Decline

As Canadian travel to America drops sharply, U.S. tourism operators are ramping up exclusive deals in a bid to win back their northern visitors—just in time for summer.

Business owners in border towns like Plattsburgh, N.Y. are reporting steep declines in Canadian traffic. At Bluff Point Golf Resort, owner Paul Dame says business is down 30% this spring, and the reason is clear: Canadian customers are choosing to stay home.

“They don’t like being picked on,” Dame told CBC, referring to Donald Trump’s trade war and his recent comments about annexing Canada. “It’s disheartening.”

Canadians Are Staying Away

Canada has long been the top source of international tourism for the U.S., spending over $20.5 billion in 2024. But after Trump returned to office in January 2025, visits from Canadians dropped dramatically. According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canadian land travel was down 35.2% in April, while air travel dropped 19.9%.

For many Canadians, political tensions are playing a role in their decision to stay home. Outside the CN Tower in Toronto, several told CBC News that Trump’s policies on trade, gender rights, and immigration have made them uncomfortable with traveling to the U.S.

“I don’t really like anything that he’s doing down there,” said Toronto resident Laura Livlik. “It makes me nervous.”

U.S. Businesses Roll Out the Red Carpet

In response, American tourism groups are getting creative. Many are now offering targeted discounts just for Canadians, hoping to offset both the political chill and the low Canadian dollar.

In Plattsburgh, the local Chamber of Commerce launched a TV ad campaign across Quebec and Ottawa and is rolling out a new webpage featuring Canadian-exclusive discounts, including:

20% off rooms at the Best Western
Free one-day bike rental at Adirondack ElliptiGO
Custom golf ball gift sets with Canadian symbols at Bluff Point Golf Resort

“We understand there were feelings hurt,” said Kristy Kennedy, VP of marketing for the chamber. “But we value Canadians and want to keep that relationship strong.”

California and Seattle Join In

It’s not just upstate New York. Visit California is also wooing Canadians with a new website offering deals on over 1,000 hotels and attractions, including:

20% off at the Little Italy Hotel in San Diego
15% off massages in San Francisco

The campaign, launched with Expedia, reflects how much Canadian travelers matter to the state’s economy. “There had to be something real,” said Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta, referencing the current exchange rate, with the Canadian dollar sitting at 72 cents USD.

In Seattle, the “Open Arms for Canada” campaign gave Canadians 30% discounts at 40 businesses during the Toronto Blue Jays vs. Mariners weekend. Over three days, businesses recorded more than 1,000 redemptions from Canadians.

“We wanted to send a message,” said organizer Howard Wright. “Love you guys—come on down.”

Will Deals Be Enough?

While some Canadians like Maggie Hill say a good deal might convince them to cross the border again, others remain firm.

“Discounts are just a temporary bandage,” said Nilay Shah. “The trade war needs to end first.”

Meanwhile, some Canadian organizations have started moving conferences north to avoid new U.S. border measures, including device searches and heightened scrutiny for professionals attending events.

For now, U.S. tourism operators hope gestures of goodwill—and discounted hotel rates—might soften the divide.

Would a good deal be enough to get you to travel to the U.S. this summer?

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