THUNDER BAY – Many Canadians are expressing concerns over former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, sparking discussions of boycotting travel to the United States. However, beyond politics, another major factor is making Americans vacations less appealing—the soaring cost of the U.S. dollar for Canadians.
The exchange rate is in effect a tariff on Canadians already and there is little we can do about it.
A Costly Exchange Rate for Canadians
As of now, it takes $144 CAD to buy $100 USD, meaning Canadian travelers are paying nearly 44% more for every dollar spent in the U.S. This exchange rate affects everything, from hotel stays and shopping to dining and entertainment.
For example:
- A $200 USD hotel room costs $288 CAD before taxes and fees.
- A $50 USD restaurant bill translates to $72 CAD.
- A $30 USD tank of gas costs about $43 CAD.
The additional financial burden is leading many Canadians to rethink their usual cross-border trips.
Tariffs and Travel Boycotts: Political and Economic Concerns
Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods have sparked frustration among Canadian consumers and businesses alike. Many are choosing to protest by avoiding U.S. travel altogether, opting instead for domestic vacations or trips to more affordable international destinations.
The combination of high tariffs and a weak loonie means even regular cross-border shopping trips—once a favorite pastime for many living near the U.S. border—are now significantly more expensive.
Alternative Travel Options
With the cost of U.S. travel skyrocketing, many Canadians are looking at other options:
✅ Exploring Canada – Cities like Banff, Montreal, and Thunder Bay offer world-class travel experiences without the exchange rate hit.
✅ Seeking Alternative Destinations – Countries with more favorable exchange rates, such as Mexico, Portugal, or Thailand, offer better value for Canadian travelers.
✅ Waiting for a Stronger Dollar – Some are postponing U.S. travel in hopes of a more favorable exchange rate in the future.
Final Thoughts: Is U.S. Travel Still Worth It?
For Canadians, traveling to the U.S. is now significantly more expensive than in previous years. Between potential trade disputes, high exchange rates, and growing political tensions, many are questioning whether it’s still worth the trip.
For those still planning to visit, careful budgeting and strategic spending will be essential to make the most of their money.
Would you reconsider a trip to the U.S. given these financial factors?
