Northern travel to Michigan dips following Trump’s tariffs, threats to annex Canada
Canadians have boycotted American products and travel in response to Trump’s actions and threats.
As summer approaches, Michigan’s beaches, parks, and businesses will soon be filled with tourists exploring the Great Lakes State. But visits from Michigan’s neighbors in Canada have significantly declined since President Donald Trump began his second term in January.
Trump has strained the relationship with America’s once-close ally since assuming office. He threatened to ignite a trade war by imposing across-the-board 25% tariffs on Canada, as well as additional product-specific levies on aluminum and steel. Canadian officials have retaliated against the United States with their own set of tariffs. As of May 8, American and Canadian officials remained in trade negotiations.
Trump has also alarmed Canadians with repeated comments about turning the independent nation into the United States’ 51st state. At a White House meeting on May 6, newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to Trump’s remarks about annexing the country: “Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign in the last several months, it’s not for sale. Won’t be for sale, ever.”
Outraged Canadians have chosen to boycott American products and cancel travel to the U.S. in response to Trump’s actions, which is likely to negatively affect the U.S. economy, especially in northern states like Michigan.
In February, Trump’s first full month as president, the number of Canadian visitors entering the U.S. was about 3.5 million, a roughly 700,000 drop from the month prior and an approximately 500,000 decline from the same time last year, according to federal data.
This trend is especially apparent in Michigan: Approximately 887,000 people crossed the northern border into Michigan in February, a 16% drop from the month before. The last time Michigan experienced such a lull in Canadian tourism was in February 2023, when the U.S. was still enforcing restrictions on international visits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The disruption poses a threat to Michigan’s travel economy, which supported about 346,000 jobs and generated $29.3 billion in direct visitor spending and roughly $3.5 billion in state and local revenue in 2023, according to the latest data from the Michigan Office of Tourism.
Michigan profited $237.8 million from 714,900 Canadian visitors in 2023, according to state tourism officials.
“We are closely monitoring traveler sentiment and trends in Canadian travel to the U.S. and will continue to evaluate Canada as a potential market for the Pure Michigan campaign,” reads a statement from Kelly Wolgamott, the vice president of Pure Michigan, the state’s official tourism advertising arm. “As the summer travel season approaches, we remain focused on showcasing the amazing communities, destinations, and attractions found across Michigan’s two peninsulas, and to emphasize that all are welcome in Pure Michigan.”
Border cities like Port Huron, Sault Ste. Marie and Detroit are likely to feel the economic loss from a decline in traffic more than others.
The Port Huron-based Blue Water Convention and Visitors Bureau represents cities in Michigan’s Thumbcoast along Lake Huron, including Algonac, Port Austin and St. Clair. The group’s strategic plan for advertising and tourism programs for the next five years, released in March, includes potential tourists from Canada among its targeted markets. The Blue Water CVB didn’t respond to requests for comment for this story.
According to Visit Detroit, the tourism bureau for Michigan’s largest city, it’s difficult to quantify the effects of a decline in Canadian tourism on Detroit’s economy right now, but it is something it is monitoring.
“We deeply value our Canadian visitors and are committed to facilitating seamless cross-border travel and ensuring exceptional experiences for our Canadian friends,” said Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit, in an emailed statement. “Long-term trade tariffs will create unnecessary barriers, impacting both tourism and trade. Maintaining a strong, cooperative relationship with Canada is essential to the economic and cultural vitality of our region.”
