Canadians are beginning to soften their stance toward American travelers, despite ongoing tensions stemming from President Donald Trump's comments about Canada being the "51st state" and the trade disputes that followed. While many Canadians have maintained a travel boycott to the U.S. for nearly eight months, a growing number are now extending a warm welcome to American visitors.

The shift in sentiment comes as some Canadians express a desire to move past the political friction. Destination Canada Chief Marketing Officer Gloria Loree emphasized the importance of friendship between the two nations. "We really are good friends and good neighbors, and we're family and our feelings got pretty hurt," she said. Loree noted that Canadians are increasingly confident in their leadership and are ready to host American tourists again.

Despite this welcoming attitude, many Americans still feel uncertain about traveling to Canada. Some have reported feeling "embarrassed" or unsure if they would be welcomed, according to Toni Kearney, owner of Moratorium Tours & Retreats in Newfoundland. Kearney mentioned that during the peak booking season, discussions about tariffs and trade tensions dampened American interest in visiting. "The few conversations we did have revealed an uncomfortable theme," she said, highlighting the hesitation among potential American guests.

Travel data reflects this mixed sentiment. Statistics Canada reported a 3% decline in trips by U.S. residents to Canada in July, marking the sixth consecutive month of decrease. In contrast, the number of Canadians traveling to the U.S. has also dropped significantly, indicating that the travel boycott remains strong. In July 2025, for the first time since June 2006, more Americans visited Canada than Canadians traveled to the U.S., with 1.8 million U.S. automobile trips into Canada compared to 1.7 million Canadian visits to the U.S.

While some Canadians are eager to welcome Americans, the overall trend shows that many are opting for domestic travel instead. Following Trump's remarks, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau encouraged Canadians to explore their own country. This call to action has resulted in a notable increase in domestic travel, with the World Travel and Tourism Council reporting over 10% growth in the first half of the year. Provinces like Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador have seen year-over-year growth exceeding 20%.

Despite the ongoing boycott, Canadian snowbirds continue to travel to warmer U.S. states like Florida and Arizona, albeit at a higher cost. Glenn Williamson, CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council, noted that while overall tourism may decline, snowbird activity remains strong due to their deep ties to the U.S.

As the relationship between Canada and the U.S. evolves, the question remains whether American travelers will respond positively to the invitation from Canadians. While some Canadians are ready to forgive and welcome their neighbors, the travel dynamics suggest a complex and cautious approach on both sides of the border.