Seattle Joins Detroit, Cincinnati, Nashville, Jacksonville, Denver, and More in Facing a Historic Plunge in Travel as Canada Continues Hammering US Tourism in 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Published on November 30, 2025

Seattle joins Detroit, Cincinnati, Nashville, Jacksonville, Denver, and more in facing a historic plunge in travel as Canada continues hammering US tourism in 2025. Economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns have sharply reduced cross-border visits, leading to significant declines in Canadian tourists across major US cities. Cities like Seattle, which has seen a 26.9% drop in Canadian visitors, are particularly hard-hit. This downturn, attributed to various factors including changing travel habits and competition from other destinations, is putting pressure on the tourism sector. Local economies reliant on Canadian travelers are working hard to find strategies to reverse this troubling trend.

Seattle, WA: A Sharp Drop in Canadian Visitors

Seattle saw a significant decline in Canadian visitors, with a staggering 26.9% year-over-year drop. A whopping 99.1% of this decline can be attributed to reduced traffic from Canada, indicating a sharp pullback in cross-border travel. This dip is a concern for Seattle’s tourism industry, which relies heavily on Canadian tourists for its vibrant local economy. The city’s iconic attractions and proximity to Canadian borders have historically made it a favorite destination, but various global and regional challenges have contributed to the diminishing numbers. Local businesses are keenly aware of the impact, and the tourism sector is eager to find strategies to reverse this trend.

Detroit, MI: Canadian Visitors See Major Decline

Detroit experienced a 17.3% drop in Canadian visitors, with 92.1% of that loss linked to a reduction in Canadian travel. The city, which thrives on cross-border connections, particularly with Windsor, Ontario, has felt the strain from this downturn. Detroit’s hospitality, retail, and cultural industries depend significantly on tourists from Canada, and this decline has affected both the city’s economy and tourism-based events. The shift in travel patterns may be tied to factors like currency fluctuations, travel restrictions, or alternative destinations, but Detroit remains focused on efforts to revive Canadian tourism with targeted marketing campaigns.

Cincinnati, OH: Cross-Border Travel Declines by 10.9%

Cincinnati experienced a 10.9% decrease in Canadian visitors, with 91.5% of the drop coming from Canada. As a city known for its rich cultural heritage, sports, and thriving food scene, Cincinnati is typically a welcoming stop for Canadian travelers. The city’s close ties to Canadian tourism are now tested as the decline reflects broader challenges, including the shifting travel preferences and economic conditions in both countries. Efforts to rejuvenate the local tourism market are underway, focusing on restoring the cross-border connections that once made Cincinnati a popular choice for Canadian visitors.

Nashville, TN: Canadian Arrivals Hit Hard

Nashville, the home of country music and Southern charm, saw a 14.1% drop in Canadian arrivals, with a notable 83.6% of that decline due to decreased visits from Canada. Known for its music festivals, live performances, and southern hospitality, Nashville has been a favorite for Canadian tourists seeking an authentic cultural experience. This sharp decrease is a setback for the tourism sector, which sees Canadian visitors as a key demographic. Local businesses are feeling the effects, especially in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Nashville’s tourism board is looking at ways to entice Canadian travelers back to the Music City.

Jacksonville, FL: Decline in Canadian Visitors Persists

Jacksonville, a coastal gem in Florida, experienced a significant 11.5% decline in Canadian visitors, with 87.4% of the drop traced back to Canada. The city, known for its pristine beaches, arts scene, and natural parks, has historically been a top destination for Canadians looking to escape the cold. However, the economic and travel disruptions from the past few years have caused many to reconsider their travel plans. Jacksonville’s tourism industry is working on new strategies to attract Canadian visitors, including enhanced flight routes, special promotions, and targeted marketing campaigns to reignite interest in the city.

Denver, CO: A Substantial Dip in Canadian Arrivals

Denver, the Mile-High City, saw a 10.5% drop in Canadian visitors, with 72.8% of this decline due to a decrease in traffic from Canada. Known for its stunning mountain views, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture, Denver has long been a favorite for Canadian tourists, especially those seeking adventure and winter sports. However, with shifting travel habits and concerns about border crossings, the city has experienced a downturn. The drop in Canadian visitation has prompted Denver’s tourism sector to rethink its strategies, aiming to rebuild these valuable international connections and offer Canadian tourists a reason to return to the iconic city.

Seattle joins Detroit, Cincinnati, Nashville, Jacksonville, Denver, and more in facing a historic plunge in travel as Canada continues hammering US tourism in 2025. Economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns have sharply reduced cross-border visits.

Conclusion

Seattle joins Detroit, Cincinnati, Nashville, Jacksonville, Denver, and more in facing a historic plunge in travel as Canada continues hammering US tourism in 2025. As Per Oxford Economics the significant drop in Canadian visitors across these cities is driven by economic uncertainty and shifting travel patterns, which have sharply reduced cross-border visits. As these cities grapple with the impact of this decline, the tourism industry is focused on adapting to changing travel preferences and finding ways to attract back Canadian tourists. The challenge remains substantial, but efforts are underway to revive international tourism and minimize the effects on local economies.