For many Canadians, a trip south of the border was once a common and cherished travel experience. However, a sentiment of discontent with the current U.S. administration has led some to alter their travel plans, choosing international destinations over familiar American locales.
Christie Mitchell, a 50-year-old mother of two from Powell River, British Columbia, recalls a time when crossing into the U.S. required no passport and the two countries felt like one entity. "I just always felt welcome," she said. This feeling has shifted, prompting her to withhold her tourism dollars from the U.S. as a form of protest.
Instead of a planned trip to Las Vegas to celebrate her birthday, Mitchell embarked on a 490-mile hike along the Camino Francés route in Spain. She found the experience enriching, particularly the conversations with fellow travelers from diverse backgrounds who were also navigating personal transitions. Mitchell expressed openness to visiting the U.S. again should a different president be in office and relations with Canada improve.
This shift in travel choices reflects a broader trend among some Canadians who are seeking alternative vacation spots. Rather than exploring U.S. national parks, attending sporting events, or taking road trips, they are opting for destinations like Spain and Morocco. This boycott is a deliberate message sent through their purchasing power, demonstrating a desire to align their spending with their political views. While specific numbers on the extent of this boycott are not detailed, individual accounts like Mitchell's highlight a personal and principled stand against supporting the current U.S. political climate through tourism.