Canada-only deals are gaining popularity in the U.S.
American states are offering exclusive deals for Canadians in an effort to win back tourists who have stayed away this year. Tensions flared after President Trump’s claim about making Canada the 51st state, and further escalated with ongoing tariff negotiations, leading to boycotts and canceled trips. Now, U.S. states are feeling the impact, and many hotels and resorts are sweetening their offers for Canadian visitors.
U.S. businesses are eager for Canadians to return as the rift between the two countries deepens. In May, Visit California released an advertisement expressing appreciation and affection for Canadians. The message: “California wouldn’t be California without Canada.” The North Country Chamber of Commerce, representing businesses in New York state and southern Quebec, urged members to offer exclusive discounts and deals to Canadians. The chamber’s website now features Cross Border Specials with discounts on hotels, activities, and food. Seattle ran the Open Arms for Canada campaign in May, when many businesses offered discounts to Canadians and accepted Canadian dollars for a weekend.
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Northern U.S. states are seeing real consequences from the decline in Canadian visitors. If the boycotts continue, the U.S. economy could be at risk. Last year, Canadians spent $20.5 billion in the U.S. One estimate projects losses could reach $2.1 billion if this trend persists. Overall, international travel to the United States has declined due to travel advisories, concerns about anti-LGBTQ+ policies, and mass deportations. In the worst-case scenario, losses could total $90 billion, including boycotts of U.S. products and travel.
Related: These U.S. States Could Be Hardest Hit by Canada’s Travel Boycott
Canada’s Pivot
At the start of the year, Canada’s former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged national unity and encouraged Canadians to explore their own country. Canadians responded by boycotting American goods and canceling trips to the United States. Cross-border travel has declined, and airlines have cut flights due to low demand.
To support domestic tourism, Canada has introduced the Canada Strong Pass, offering free or discounted admission to parks, museums and VIA Rail from June 20 to September 2, 2025.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and the minister responsible for official languages, announced the pass as a celebration of unity. “We’ve seen an incredible show of unity from Canadians since the beginning of the year. Our Canada Strong Pass aims to make it even easier for families to choose Canada—to discover the beauty of our country, connect with nature, and enjoy our culture all summer long.”
The pass offers a variety of benefits: free admission to all national parks and sites managed by Parks Canada; 25% discounts on camping and accommodations at those parks; free admission for children 17 and under and 50% discounts for ages 18-24 at national museums and galleries; and free travel for children and 25% discounts for passengers aged 18-24 on all VIA Rail routes in economy class. Discounts may be used an unlimited number of times during the summer. No physical pass is required, but travelers should check participating websites and plan ahead.
