Why Did Canadians Stop Travelling to the United States?

For many Canadians, the decision to stop visiting the United States is deeply rooted in personal experiences and historical events. This article explores the reasons behind the decline in Canadian travel to the U.S., focusing on factors ranging from the 9/11 aftermath to political climates post-2016.

The Early Turnaround: Pandemic and Border Closures

The global pandemic and subsequent border closures provided a significant trigger for the reduction in travel between Canada and the United States. As travel restrictions and safety concerns surged, many Canadians naturally decided to stay home, opting for domestic vacations or parallel experiences like online travel.

However, this factor alone doesn’t fully explain the complete cessation of travel for some. As the world started returning to a pre-pandemic lifestyle, Canadians expressed a mixture of frustration and concern over the situation south of the border.

Personal Experiences: Maher Arar and the Human Rights Landscape

The Maher Arar case, a chilling example of human rights violations, played a pivotal role in Canadians viewing the U.S. with suspicion. Arar, a Syrian-born Canadian citizen, was detained, interrogated, and subjected to torture by U.S. forces, highlighting the potential risks of travel and the uncertainty of immigration policies.

This case is just one of many that influenced a generation of Canadians. Fear of arbitrary detention and mistreatment leads many to simply choose other travel options, often more familiar ones within their own countries.

Cost and Healthcare Concerns

Healthcare and financial costs have long been major deterrents for Canadian travel to the United States. The American healthcare system, while robust, carries heavy costs that can be prohibitive for tourists. For instance, seeing a doctor for a minor issue can end up being extremely expensive, as seen in the author’s personal experience of a 5-minute visit costing $400 just to clean impacted earwax.

Additionally, the post-9/11 security measures, such as the requirement for passports and the introduction of fees for temporary boating passes, increased the financial burden of travel, further detracting from a positive travel experience.

Political Climate and Societal Divisions

The election of Donald Trump and the rise of the MAGA movement significantly altered the landscape for Canadian travel. The hostile and divisive political environment, marked by lies and misinformation, created an atmosphere of fear and tension.

Logical reasoning raises questions about the stability of the U.S. as a travel destination. The author mentions the growing trend of school shootings and the culture of gun worship, both of which pose significant safety concerns for tourists. Moreover, there have been calls for the elimination of liberals, signaling a toxic and potentially dangerous environment.

The conservative evangelical mindset in the U.S., which includes anti-abortion and anti-social assistance stances, further adds to the discomfort of many Canadians. This contrast with the global liberal sensibilities of the developed world raises ethical and moral concerns and prompts a reevaluation of travel decisions.

Conclusion: While the U.S. remains a popular destination for many, the experiences of Canadians like the author suggest that various factors have combined to create hesitance. Whether the reasons are rooted in human rights concerns, financial barriers, or political instability, the future of Canadian travel to the United States appears uncertain until these issues are resolved.

Key Takeaways

Human Rights Violations: The Maher Arar case is a major factor in deterring Canadian travel to the U.S. Healthcare Costs: The high costs of healthcare in the U.S. for non-residents can be a significant deterrent. Political Climate and Societal Divisions: The post-2016 political landscape in the U.S., characterized by authoritarian rhetoric and societal divisions, impacts travel decisions.

Keywords: Canadian travel to the US, Maher Arar case, post-pandemic travel