Nearly 900,000 fewer people traveled from Canada to the U.S. in March

A truck with vehicles crosses the Blue Water Bridge border crossing into the United States from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada on April 3, 2025. The number of people crossing into the U.S. has dropped significantly since last year

Nearly 900,000 fewer people crossed the U.S.–Canada border in March 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, marking one of the most significant declines in cross-border movement outside of the COVID-19 pandemic era. According to figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a total of 4,105,516 travelers made the journey between the two countries last month, down from 4,970,360 in March 2024 — a drop of approximately 17 percent.

The decline in travel follows escalating diplomatic tensions and policy shifts under President Donald Trump’s administration, including hardline immigration policies, renewed tariffs, and provocative statements suggesting Canada could become the "51st state." These developments appear to have negatively influenced tourism and travel sentiment among Canadians.

Historically, March is a high-traffic month for border crossings, with Canadian travelers flocking to warmer U.S. destinations during spring break. Yet even in March 2022, when COVID-19 travel restrictions were still active, more Canadians crossed the border than in the same month this year.

The economic impact of declining Canadian tourism is significant. Canadians spent approximately $20.5 billion in the U.S. last year, supporting around 140,000 American jobs, according to the U.S. Travel Association. That economic input is now under threat, especially in states that heavily depend on Canadian tourism.

The number of pedestrians crossing the border also declined sharply, dropping by roughly 26 percent—from 163,000 in March 2024 to just 121,000 in March 2025.

In response to the drop, California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched an ad campaign aimed at reassuring Canadian visitors. In a video released this week, he addressed Canadians directly, saying, “You know who’s trying to stir things up back in D.C., but don’t let that ruin your beach plans. Here in California, we’ve got plenty of sunshine and a whole lot of love for our neighbors up north.”

Caroline Beteta, President and CEO of Visit California, echoed those sentiments, acknowledging that while the state has no control over federal policy, it remains committed to welcoming Canadian travelers. “You're valued, and we’re frustrated too,” Beteta said. She described the effects of Trump’s rhetoric on Californian tourism as “devastating,” noting that the state is expecting far fewer than the 1.8 million Canadian visitors it welcomed last year.

Beteta, who described herself as a “hybrid Canadian,” said the impact has been deeply personal. “I'm hurting for what's going on in your country, and I'm hurt being here in California.”

Palm Springs, a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds, has also felt the strain. Mayor Ron deHarte pointed out that Canadian tourists last year outnumbered local residents ten to one, and that they own approximately seven percent of homes in the city. “The Trump administration is sending messages that just don't feel very American. This is not the way we treat our neighbors, and we certainly don't treat friends like this,” deHarte said. “It's hurting people, and it's causing harm. We understand that this hits close to home to everybody in Canada.”