Published on: January 20, 2026, 06:47h.

Updated on: January 20, 2026, 06:47h.

• Survey reveals that one-third of participants would have a lower opinion of family and friends who visit the U.S.
• Las Vegas faces significant challenges due to reduced Canadian tourism.

Numerous surveys have indicated a decline in Canadian travel to the U.S., particularly to major destinations like Las Vegas. However, a recent Abacus survey highlights that a notable 33% of respondents would view their family and friends in a less favorable light for choosing to travel there.

The survey indicates that travel decisions are being moralized, reflecting deeper values and identities. Among younger Canadians, the sentiment is particularly strong; nearly half of those aged 18 to 29 would think less of someone they know for opting for a vacation in the U.S. This perspective shifts among older demographics, showing less judgment in the 30 to 44 age range and even less in those aged 45-59.

Statistics Canada reports that Canadian return trips from the U.S. plummeted by 26.3% in October compared to the previous year, with Canadians making 2.3 million trips via air and road.

Judgment is Strongest Among Younger Canadians

The Abacus survey was conducted from January 9 to 14 and involved 1,850 Canadian adults nationwide.

In recent developments, U.S.-Canadian relations deteriorated when U.S. President Donald Trump shared a controversial image on his Truth Social account, depicting a map of North America with Canadian lands overlaid by an American flag.

Social media across Canada has exploded with discussions about an “existential crisis,” culminating in a speech by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos addressing a new world order. Canada’s leading newspaper, the Globe and Mail, featured a front-page article speculating on a potential U.S. invasion of Canada and its consequences.

Growing Discontent Among Canadians

If there were already indications of a boycott against U.S. travel from some Canadians, the recent events likely intensified these sentiments.

Travel agencies on the ground are experiencing the impact firsthand, particularly in recent days.

“The mood has definitely shifted recently with ongoing comments from the White House that challenge Canadian sovereignty,” stated Christopher Whyte from Freestone Travel, located just east of Toronto. “Inquiries about U.S. travel continue to decline. Currently, all my business is focused on other regions such as Europe and the Caribbean. I haven’t had any inquiries for U.S. travel in months, nor any bookings.”

Las Vegas Faces Significant Challenges

Las Vegas is feeling the repercussions acutely. In November, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reported a 7.2% decrease in visitors, totaling 35.5 million—a drop of 2.8 million from the same period in 2024. Air traffic to Harry Reid International Airport saw a decline of 450,000 passengers in November compared to the previous year, representing a 9.6% drop.

Canada, typically a key source of visitors to Las Vegas, has seen a substantial decrease. Air Canada reported a 40% year-over-year drop in November, with Porter Airlines down 33.9%, WestJet by 29.7%, and Flair Airlines experiencing an 87% decrease.

As Whyte mentioned, the U.S. travel sector has “significantly ramped up” its advertising targeting Canadians, particularly for destinations like Las Vegas, Florida, Arizona, and California, but it’s too early to gauge any meaningful impact.