As Canadians continue their boycott of traveling to the U.S. in protest of recent decisions by the Trump administration, some American businesses are still trying to lure them back in with exclusive deals. In fact, one U.S. state recently offered free access, exclusively for Canadians, at several trails, and even temporarily renamed one of its streets Rue Canada St.
This all comes after U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to Canada as America’s 51st state and imposed hefty tariffs on the country, which the Canadian Government has also done in return for American imports. Needless to say, many Canadians have not been happy about the sentiment and have retaliated by refusing to visit the U.S. as tourists. The U.S. Travel Association has even predicted that the United States could potentially lose $2.1 billion in lost tourism revenue from the fallout of Canadians’ travel boycott.
For July 2025, Statistics Canada reported a 36.9% decrease in the number of Canadians making return trips to Canada by motor vehicle from the U.S., compared to the same period in 2024. It also reported a 24.2% decrease in air travel in May.
However, while some U.S. states have outright given up on Canadian tourists’ return, other states are attempting to lure them back with special perks, some of which, after a major decrease in Canadian visitors throughout the summer, are also extending into the fall. Although some states have resorted to practically begging Canadians to come back, a few states are instead sweetening the pot even after the summer ends. So, what are American businesses in these states doing to reel Canadians back in?
American Businesses Offering Special Deals To Canadians
Several hotels and tourism-centred businesses in the U.S. have created special deals in attempts to persuade Canadians to reconsider the boycott. Some hotels are even offering discounts of up to 30% exclusively for Canadian tourists.
Hotels Offering Discounts to Canadians
Kennebunkport Resort Collection in Maine launched an O Canada deal, where visitors can save up to 15% and even get chocolate-covered blueberries. The deal applies to all nine of the hotel’s resort. It is valid until December 31st.
In addition to the savings on the standard daily rate, it offers “bottles of bubbles” upon arrival, a 12 PM late checkout and chocolate-covered Maine blueberries upon arrival until September 1st.
“We’re thrilled to welcome our Canadian friends to the beautiful coastal town of Kennebunkport with an exclusive, limited-time offer. Discover the perfect blend of seaside charm and luxury,” it said.
Sofitel New York has a Bienvenue Neighbor package which gives Canadians 15% off their stay and a late checkout, if they spend two nights or more there.
“Explore Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and 5th Avenue shopping. Nous sommes heureux de vous recevoir bientôt! – we look forward to welcoming you,” Sofitel said.
But it noted that the deal does not apply to group bookings and is only applicable to new bookings. There is no listed end date for this deal.
Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston is offering a Bonjour Boston package for Canadians, which sees them given 30% off the best available rate of the date, along with a free amenity. This deal runs up to September 1st and requires a minimum of a two-night stay. On its website, it calls Canadians America’s neighbors and friends from the north.
“We believe hospitality knows no borders. From our walkable historic neighborhoods to world-class dining and shopping, there’s so much to explore, and we’re making it easier than ever to say bonjour to Boston,” Fairmont said.
Meanwhile, the state of California launched a massive Canadian-exclusive set of deals ranging from 15% to 25% across the entire state. The initiative is called “Californians love Canada” and applies to at least 950 different hotels. More information can be found on the Visit California website.
“These are among several hotels offering incentives and discounts to help regain Canadian customers, especially as 70% of America’s tourists are Canadians,” the website says.
These are some of several different deals across various states attempting to get back on Canadians’ good side. This is viewed by many travel and tourism officials, as well as tourism-centered businesses, as especially important; approximately 26% of America’s tourists are Canadians. Still, many Canadians have taken to social media to react to these pleas.
Given that emotions have been high, there has been a wide range of reactions to the exclusive discounts offered by many U.S. states and businesses. Some Canadians have called the USA’s Canada-only deals and advertising manipulation, while others have called it desperation.
One Reddit user wrote, “Thanks, I’d rather spend my vacation doing something other than getting hassled by the ICE goons.”
Another said even if hotels offered Canadians free stays, they would not return to America. Some just couldn’t believe what they were reading, either.
“Even with all the discounts, I’m not going. I can’t stand the contempt and manipulation. The world’s a big place!” another Reddit user said.
An X user said they were practically watching the U.S. beg Canadians to come back, adding that they felt proud Canadians were not budging.
Meanwhile, another fellow X user said winter is about to be very “telling” with regard to Canada/U.S. travel.
“They’re scared of what’s happening and potentially what’s coming,” the user wrote on X.
On Instagram, one user felt inclined to explain that Canadians don’t actually care about saving money in this situation.
“Dear USA: It’s not that we can’t afford to come, it’s that we don’t want to come. Maybe ever again. Human rights matter to us. Sincerely, Canada,” the user wrote.
Some also said Canadian summers are great, and they have no interest in spending that period in America, or any time, for that matter. And several comments across all platforms suggested the hotels and their operators speak to “their leader” who is the “real problem.”
Many of the Canada-exclusive deals have been running for months over the summer, some of which will continue until the end of the year, so U.S. hoteliers don’t appear to be too fazed by the negative feedback from many Canadians. Only time will tell whether the focus on attracting Canadians back to the United States with special perks and deals helps re-inject life into America’s tourism sector.
