Changing Views Towards the US
Historically, Canadians have enjoyed traveling, shopping, and working across the border due to family ties with Americans. However, in the past year, there’s been a shift in how many Canadians view the US overall-even if their feelings towards individual Americans remain unchanged. Polls from Pew Research Center last spring showed that 64% of Canadians had a negative impression of the US in 2025-the highest percentage recorded over two decades by Pew. This marks a reversal from sentiments before Trump’s second term when most Canadians viewed their neighbor favorably. The survey also indicated that around 77% of Canadians lack confidence in Trump as president. Nine out of ten described him as “arrogant,” while three quarters labeled him “dangerous.” Another poll by Angus Reid from October reveals that nearly half (46%) believe their government should treat the US as an “enemy or potential threat.” This sentiment is stronger than for India (24%) or China (34%). Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting to mend relations with both countries following years of tension related to issues like foreign interference allegations. More recently, a Leger poll found that one-third of Canadians think the US might take “direct action” against Canada someday. This opinion followed recent events such as the US capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and Trump’s renewed comments about taking control over Greenland.Decline in Travel South
The United States has traditionally been the top travel destination for Canadians-a fact not surprising given our geographical closeness.Still ranking high on lists for travel destinations but trips taken by Canadians southward have decreased by over 25%, according to recent data from Statistics Canada.
This drop hasn’t gone unnoticed within American tourism circles; they’re projecting a $5.7 billion (£4.3 billion) loss in tourism revenue for 2025 compared to previous years.
Certain regions-like California-are even running promotional campaigns aiming to bring back Canadian tourists.
Nonetheless, many individuals prefer staying local for vacations-with domestic tourism hitting record revenues of C$59 billion ($42 billion) from May through August-a rise of six percent compared to last year according to Destination Canada, our national tourism organization.
Others chose Mexico instead; national figures indicate a twelve percent increase among Canadians visiting Mexican cities this past year.
‘Come hug it out!’ – How a Canadian tourism ad went viral
Increased Support for Local Products
The movement towards buying local products continues due largely due partly because many residents are reacting against U. S.-imposed tariffs impacting their shopping choices.
This shift is especially apparent at liquor stores where several provinces removed American-made alcohol as pushback against Trump’s taxes.
Overall imports of U. S spirits dropped nine percent during Q4 , according tothe Distilled Spirits Council from America.
The worthof U. S liquorimports plummetedfrom $63.1billionin late2024to justover$9.5 billionbytheendof2025. Canadianshavealsostarted buyingmore cars madein Mexico , withvehicleimportsdroppingbelowthosefromthe U. S. forfirsttimeeverasof Julyaccordingto Statistics Canada’sdata. The federalgovernmentiseven encouragingbuy Canadian initiatives , prioritizinglocal suppliers’ contractsaimedathelpingindustriesmostaffectedby Trump’stariffsforsteelandlumberproducts. This includes defence procurementtoo; Canadaaimsto lessenitsdependenceon Americanvendorsasdefencespendinggrowsfurther meeting NATO commitments. </ r ntr rnttitem<hots-forurivernothingtobenchosefreelanceisjustabigthingsand Imakeitupmostofthetime-thefinestthings!</li></ }
