Impact of Canadian Boycott: Palm Springs Sees Drop in Visitors Due to Political Tensions with US

Palm Springs, California, a favorite winter destination for Canadian snowbirds, is experiencing a significant decline in visitor numbers in 2026 as Canadians continue to boycott travel to the U.S. under President Trump’s administration. Despite the region’s typical appeal—sunny skies, golf courses, and the famed poolside martinis—a significant shift in Canadian travel habits has left local businesses grappling with fewer visitors this winter.

The travel boycott, which began more than a year ago in response to Trump’s immigration policies and political tensions between Canada and the United States, continues to impact Palm Springs and other U.S. destinations. Lois Chapman, a longtime visitor from Ontario, noted that her flight from Toronto in early February 2026 was mostly empty, with many Canadians choosing to stay home rather than travel to the U.S.

Chapman, who was volunteering at Modernism Week in Palm Springs, mentioned that the Canadian boycott was driven by frustrations with Trump’s rhetoric and immigration policies. “Canada feels hurt by the situation,” Chapman explained, noting that the political climate in the U.S. was a primary factor in her decision to shorten her usual trip to Palm Springs.

Palm Springs Faces Decline in Canadian Visitors as Travel Boycott Continues

The impact of the Canadian boycott is tangible for Palm Springs‘ tourism sector. Kenny Cassady, Director of Business Development for Acme House Co., a company managing vacation rental properties in the area, described the situation as increasingly uncertain. Normally, Canadian snowbirds would make long-term bookings well in advance, providing a measure of stability for hotels and Airbnb owners. However, this year, many of those visitors have either canceled or reduced their stay length, opting for more spontaneous domestic travel instead.

“Canadians have always been a reliable source of tourism dollars for us, and now, with fewer long stays, we’re all feeling the pressure,” Cassady said. “It’s been a lot of last-minute bookings, primarily from domestic travelers.”

This tourism slump is not just a seasonal inconvenience; it’s creating long-term challenges for local businesses. As snowbirds account for a significant portion of Palm Springs’ visitor base during the winter months, their absence leaves a noticeable gap in the local economy. Retailers, restaurants, and other tourism-dependent businesses are struggling to adjust to this sudden change.

How the U.S.-Canada Tensions Are Affecting Palm Springs’ Tourism

The strained U.S.-Canada relationship has led many Canadians to reevaluate their travel plans to the U.S. Trump’s statements, which have included mocking Canada and even threatening to annex the country, have led to a polarized response from Canadian residents. As McKenzie McMillan, a travel advisor based in Vancouver, pointed out, Canadians have changed their travel behavior, with many opting for Mexico and the Caribbean instead of traditional U.S. destinations.

McMillan explained that demand for leisure trips to the U.S. is now “very low,” especially for Canadians looking to avoid extra scrutiny at the border and navigating the risks of Trump’s immigration policies. For many Canadians, the decision to avoid the U.S. has become a form of protest—one that has left Palm Springs and other U.S. tourist destinations struggling with lower-than-expected visitor numbers.

Canadian Snowbirds Reluctant to Travel to the U.S.: What It Means for the Economy

In Palm Springs, where Canadians have traditionally played a huge role in supporting the local economy, the effects of this boycott are becoming increasingly visible. McKenzie McMillan noted that many of her clients, while still interested in U.S. destinations, are hesitant to make the trip due to political and safety concerns. “I’ve never seen Canadians so determined to stay home or go elsewhere,” he said, adding that the growing resolve to avoid the U.S. is reshaping how Canadians approach international travel.

This ongoing trend has had a devastating impact on tourist-dependent regions like Palm Springs. Not only are hotels and vacation rental companies facing cancellations, but local businesses that have long relied on the spending power of Canadian tourists are now adjusting to the new reality of fewer cross-border visits. For restaurants and tourist attractions in Palm Springs, this decline in Canadian travelers means less business and fewer opportunities for growth during the typically busy winter months.

Will Political Tensions Continue to Affect Canadian Tourism in the U.S.?

While the Canadian boycott is still ongoing, it remains uncertain how long it will last. U.S. travel officials have attempted to counter this trend with marketing campaigns targeting Canadian tourists, including efforts by Visit California to assure travelers that California is “more than 2,000 miles” from Washington D.C. However, many Canadians remain unconvinced, especially those living in areas like Vancouver, where the U.S. influence feels particularly close. The campaign’s success has been limited, and the reluctance to visit the U.S. is still deeply entrenched.

Palm Springs Councilman Ron DeHarte emphasized that the region must remain committed to welcoming Canadian visitors while also working to maintain its allure in the face of these challenges. Despite these efforts, Canada-U.S. relations are still a key issue for tourism in regions like Palm Springs.

Conclusion: What the Future Holds for Canadian Tourism in Palm Springs

For Palm Springs, the absence of Canadian snowbirds marks a significant moment in the region’s tourism history. The decline in Canadian visitors, driven by political tensions and immigration concerns, has altered the dynamics of one of the city’s most important visitor demographics. While some businesses are adapting, it’s clear that the ongoing boycott is having long-lasting effects on the local economy.

For Palm Springs, the future of Canadian tourism is uncertain, and it will require careful attention to local marketing and economic resilience in the months and years to come. Until then, many Canadians will continue to look elsewhere, with Mexico and the Caribbean seeing a significant uptick in bookings.

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