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Utah Joins Washington, Maine, New York, Texas and More US States Struggling for Tourists as Canadians Ditching Hard, Punishing American Tourism Sector, New Update for This Year
Published on
January 1, 2026
By: Tuhin Sarkar
The U.S. tourism sector is facing a massive setback in 2025 as Utah joins Washington, Maine, New York, Texas, and many other states are struggling to recover from a dramatic drop in Canadian visitors. The Canadian exodus has hit hard, severely punishing the American tourism industry. As more and more Canadians ditch traditional U.S. vacation spots, states that once relied heavily on Canadian tourism are now facing severe economic consequences.
This new update for this year reveals the shocking extent of the decline in Canadian travel, leaving many of the U.S. states that benefited from this steady stream of tourists reeling. Utah, a state known for its national parks and outdoor adventures, is now feeling the sting, joining a long list of states where Canadian visits are dwindling.
The impact on American tourism is undeniable, as these states see a sharp drop in both tourism revenues and overall visitor numbers. As Canadians abandon U.S. destinations, the tourism sector is left grappling with empty hotels, reduced spending, and businesses that rely on international visitors facing an uncertain future. Read on to discover how this alarming trend is reshaping the U.S. tourism landscape.
Canada’s Disastrous Withdrawal: Why 2025 Is The Year Canadian Tourism To The U.S. Took A Nose Dive
In a stunning twist, Canadian tourism to the U.S. has taken a dramatic downturn in 2025. Official data from Statistics Canada and the U.S. Travel Association confirms that Canadian visits to the U.S. are down by 30%, and there’s no sign of recovery in sight. The economic consequences of this decline are already being felt across major tourism hubs, including Washington, Nevada, California, and New Hampshire. But why has this happened? What caused the dramatic fall-off in one of the U.S.’s largest international visitor groups? The answer lies in the political climate, currency exchange issues, and a host of other factors, creating a perfect storm that has left U.S. tourism struggling. This article dives into the root causes of the decline and explores the widespread consequences for U.S. tourism.
Washington State — Border Tourism Slumps Hard
When you think of Washington State, images of Seattle, Mount Rainier, and the Peace Arch likely come to mind. Traditionally, these have been top attractions for Canadian tourists. But 2025 has been a grim year for the state’s tourism industry, as Canadian visitors have dramatically cut back their trips. Official reports from the U.S. Travel Association show a 25% drop in Canadian visitors to the region. This isn’t just a small dip; it’s a catastrophic loss for an area where Canadian tourism is a major contributor to the economy. The Peace Arch — a historic border crossing between the U.S. and Canada — now stands as a symbol of what has been lost. Cross-border traffic has plummeted, leaving local businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and retailers, struggling to make up for the lost revenue.
In Seattle, the story is the same. With a 23% reduction in Canadian flight traffic at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, airline companies and hospitality businesses are starting to feel the pinch.
Maine — Border Town Revenues Hit by Drop in Canadian Trips
Maine is another state grappling with the devastating impact of declining Canadian visits. Border regions like Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, which have historically seen thousands of Canadians each year, are now reporting up to a 30% decrease in visits. Official tourism reports highlight that the lack of Canadian travelers has led to significant economic losses. In Bar Harbor, a traditionally bustling tourist town, hotel occupancy rates have plummeted, and local shops are seeing much lower traffic. The Canadian dollar’s weakness against the U.S. dollar, combined with political tensions, has caused many Canadians to reconsider traveling to the U.S. in 2025. For a state that relies heavily on cross-border visitors, this downturn has been catastrophic. source
New Hampshire and Vermont — Small States, Big Losses
The impact of Canada’s absence is especially apparent in the smaller New England states like New Hampshire and Vermont. These states have long relied on Canadian visitors, particularly during the winter months for skiing and winter vacations. However, tourism reports confirm that Canadian visitors are down by 30% in 2025.
In New Hampshire, this loss is being felt keenly in places like the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee, which typically see a rush of Canadian tourists during the ski season. With fewer Canadians booking ski vacations and staying in local hotels, businesses are struggling. The seasonal economy in these states has been hit hard, and local attractions and restaurants have seen empty tables and quiet lobbies. source
In Vermont, ski resorts and outdoor recreation sectors, traditionally popular with Canadians, are also underperforming. The lack of Canadian bookings is hurting small businesses that rely on the winter tourist season.
California — Major Destination Losing Canadian Arrivals
When you think of Canada’s favorite U.S. destinations, California is always near the top. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Disneyland have long been go-to spots for Canadian tourists looking to escape the cold. Yet, official data from California tourism boards reports a 15% drop in Canadian bookings for 2025.
The news is equally grim for San Francisco and Los Angeles, two of California’s biggest international hubs. Hotels in these cities, traditionally full of Canadian tourists, are seeing a significant decrease in bookings, and local businesses are suffering. With fewer Canadians shopping at luxury malls and visiting theme parks, California’s tourism economy is in crisis. It’s not just the loss of tourism revenue; California’s iconic attractions are now facing the chilling reality of declining international interest. source
Nevada — Las Vegas and Beyond Facing Fewer Canadian Tourists
The gaming capital of the world, Las Vegas, is perhaps feeling the Canadian slump more than anywhere else. Nevada’s casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues have been hit hard by the loss of Canadian tourists in 2025. Official statistics indicate that Canadian air traffic to Las Vegas is down by 23%. This means fewer tourists are visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip, attending concerts, or gambling in the casinos.
In a city where tourism makes up nearly 30% of the state’s revenue, this downturn is devastating. Canadian tourists are major contributors to the Las Vegas economy, and without them, many local businesses are struggling to stay afloat. As the U.S. Travel Association notes, Canadian tourists traditionally contribute billions of dollars in annual tourism revenue for the U.S., and Nevada is feeling this loss sharply. source
Florida — Sunshine State Suffering from Canadian Slump
Florida, another state heavily reliant on Canadian tourism, is also experiencing a sharp decline in Canadian visitors in 2025. The winter months have traditionally been the peak season for Canadians to visit Florida, especially for its beaches and theme parks. However, in 2025, official tourism data reveals that Canadian arrivals have dropped by 40% compared to the previous year.
This drop in visits means Florida’s hotels, restaurants, and theme parks are seeing fewer Canadians enjoying the sunshine. This decline is especially devastating for Orlando’s theme parks, which have historically seen a huge influx of Canadian tourists. With fewer Canadians spending money on tickets, souvenirs, and food, Florida’s tourism industry is bracing for more bad news. source
New York and Texas — Big Markets Feeling Canadian Slowdown
Even New York and Texas, two of the U.S.’s largest and most visited states, are feeling the sting of Canadian travel decline. In New York City, fewer Canadians are visiting iconic spots like Times Square and Broadway, meaning less revenue for restaurants and tour operators. The economic impact is also spreading across Texas, especially in cities like Houston and Austin, where tourism-driven retail and arts venues are seeing fewer Canadian customers. source
Why Canadian Travel Is Still Down: The Gripping Truth
According to official data, the primary reasons for the decline in Canadian tourism include currency issues, political tensions, and rising costs. But it’s also a broader issue with U.S. border policies, which have made Canadian travel less convenient. Canadians are facing higher costs for trips and difficult entry procedures that make a short vacation in the U.S. seem far less appealing.
Federal tourism agencies have warned that if the political climate doesn’t improve, Canadian tourism could remain sluggish for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion: The U.S. Faces a Tourism Crisis
As Canadians continue to stay away in 2025, states that once relied on their visits are now grappling with a tourism crisis. From Las Vegas to Florida, and Washington to California, the loss of Canadian visitors has created a domino effect in the U.S. tourism industry. If the U.S. tourism economy is to recover, a dramatic shift in policies and a major push to attract new visitors from emerging international markets is necessary. It’s a wake-up call for the U.S. tourism industry, and 2026 may be the year that determines its future.
