The Shift in Travel Trends: Canadians Avoiding U.S. Destinations
Canadians have been increasingly avoiding travel to the United States over the past year, and this trend is having a noticeable impact on various U.S. destinations. Places like Hawaii and Florida, which have traditionally attracted Canadian visitors, are feeling the effects of this decline. Some locations are reaching out to Canadians, while others have decided to halt their marketing efforts altogether.
Big Sky, Montana, is one such area that has pulled back from targeting Canadian tourists. Instead, the region is taking a more passive approach, waiting for the situation to improve. In Fort Lauderdale, a similar shift is happening at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa, where the hotel has had to rethink its strategy due to a significant drop in Canadian visitors.
A New Focus on Brazilian Tourists
Fort Lauderdale has long been a popular destination for Canadians, but recent trends show a sharp decline in visits. Some hotels have reported a decrease in Canadian bookings of up to 32%. This drop is attributed to several factors, including comments made by the U.S. President about Canada and the unfavorable exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollars.
The Atlantic Hotel and Spa, which has historically catered to Canadian guests, is now shifting its focus to other markets. Amy Faulkner, the sales director at the hotel, explained that Canadians have been a major part of the hotel’s occupancy over the years. She noted that the hotel has seen a 4.9% drop in Canadian business, which has been a significant loss.
This decline isn’t just a short-term issue. Since January 2025, there has been a consistent drop in Canadian travelers visiting Florida, including snowbirds who used to head to the area but are now choosing other destinations like Mexico.
Faulkner told CBC News that the hotel is now looking to attract visitors from different regions. One of the strategies has been to launch marketing campaigns in Brazil. She even traveled to Brazil to drum up business and may consider trips to Argentina and Colombia as well.
“We are trying to desperately fill the gap, because that’s how much we need that business and miss that business,” she said.
Dealing with the Impact of Lost Canadian Visitors
Canadian stays at the Atlantic Hotel and Spa were typically long, lasting between three and six months. This extended stay pattern meant that the drop in visitors has had a significant impact on the hotel’s revenue. With fewer Canadian guests, the hotel is now facing empty rooms and a financial challenge.
Faulkner expressed her concern, saying, “It breaks my heart.”
Despite these challenges, the hotel has introduced new offers to attract other types of travelers. These deals include discounts for guests planning to stay longer, aiming to encourage more extended stays and fill the gaps left by Canadian visitors.
Special Offers for Extended Stays
The Atlantic Hotel and Spa is offering enticing deals to attract visitors who are willing to stay longer. On its website, the hotel states:
“The Atlantic Hotel & Spa believes beachfront bliss is for everyone. That’s why we’ve put together some unbeatable special packages, each designed to offer discerning travelers savings, serenity and smart travel options in equal measure. Take a look at our special offers, choose the one that’s right for you, and let us help you make some magical South Florida memories.”
These offers range from 15% off to 25% off, with additional discounts for longer stays. Guests booking three or more nights receive 20% off, while those staying seven nights or more can get up to 25% off. However, these promotions are only available for a limited time.
Adjustments by Canadian Airlines
The decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. has also affected major airlines. Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have all adjusted their capacity for travel to the U.S. during the first quarter of 2026.
Air Transat has taken it a step further by canceling all flights to the U.S., including stops in Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. The airline plans to phase out these routes in the spring, with a review of the Florida flight program later in the year. Instead, Air Transat is increasing service to destinations in the Caribbean and South America.
Given the current trends, it’s possible that the actual decline in Canadian visits to the U.S. is even higher than what is being reported. At the Atlantic Hotel and Spa, the drop is estimated at 5%, but the full impact may not yet be fully realized.
As of now, there are no signs that Canadian travelers will increase their visits to the U.S. in the near future.
