Florida Joins California, Colorado, North Dakota, Montana, Iowa and Other U.S. States in Wooing Back Canadian Tourists After a 22 % Drop: Everything You Need to Know

In 2025, Canadian tourism to the United States saw a steep decline of approximately 22%, a drop that has sent ripples through the tourism sector across multiple states. From Florida’s sunny beaches to Montana’s scenic landscapes, destinations that have long relied on Canadian visitors are now racing to rebuild confidence and attract travelers from the north.

With Canada historically being one of the largest sources of international tourists for the U.S., this decline has prompted a wave of new marketing strategies, travel deals, and outreach programs aimed at re-establishing cross-border tourism in 2026.

Why Canadian Tourism Dropped

Several factors contributed to the significant fall in Canadian visitors:

Economic Pressures: The Canadian dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar, making travel more expensive for Canadians. This directly impacted hotel stays, dining, and entertainment budgets.

Travel Costs and Policies: Rising airfare and border regulations caused hesitation among Canadian tourists, particularly families planning road trips or flights to popular destinations.

Shifting Vacation Trends: Canadians increasingly opted for destinations like Mexico, the Caribbean, or Europe, where vacations offered both affordability and perceived novelty.

This combination of factors resulted in a noticeable decline in traffic to states that previously enjoyed steady or increasing numbers of Canadian visitors.

Florida: Leading the Comeback

Florida, historically a top destination for Canadian snowbirds and families, has responded with innovative campaigns to lure visitors back.

Key strategies include:

Sports-Centric Travel Packages: Florida is promoting experiences around major sporting events such as MLB spring training, NHL games, and Formula 1 racing in Miami, which appeal to Canadian interests.

Exclusive Canadian Deals: Hotels, resorts, and cruise operators are offering special rates and bundled packages specifically for Canadian travelers.

Targeted Marketing: Florida’s tourism board has launched campaigns directly targeting Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, emphasizing the state’s sunny beaches, vibrant cities, and safe travel experiences.

Travel Agent Partnerships: By collaborating with Canadian travel agents, Florida ensures personalized recommendations for families, couples, and retirees, rebuilding trust and awareness.

These initiatives highlight Florida’s commitment to restoring Canadian tourism numbers while enhancing the overall travel experience.

California: Luxury, Entertainment, and Experiences

California has also been affected by the decline and is taking a premium approach to attract Canadians.

Campaigns focus on:

High-End Travel Packages: Targeting Canadians seeking luxury experiences in resorts, fine dining, and spa retreats.

Entertainment and Culture: Promoting iconic attractions like Hollywood, theme parks, and cultural festivals.

Tailored Vacation Deals: Packages combining entertainment, accommodation, and experiences to create hassle-free trips for families and solo travelers.

California’s strategy emphasizes memorable experiences, offering Canadians both entertainment and cultural enrichment, which can outweigh cost concerns.

Midwestern and Mountain States: Niche and Experiential Marketing

States such as Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and Iowa are pursuing a more localized approach. Their strategies highlight the unique landscapes, cultural events, and value-driven travel opportunities:

Colorado: Celebrating its 150th anniversary, Colorado promotes festivals, outdoor adventures, and scenic attractions while offering travel incentives for Canadians.

Montana and North Dakota: These states provide “Red Carpet” initiatives with special discounts, welcoming signage, and locally curated experiences for Canadian visitors.

Iowa: By emphasizing its small-town charm and accessible attractions, Iowa encourages longer stays from travelers passing through on road trips.

These states aim to position themselves as must-visit destinations off the beaten path, appealing to Canadians seeking adventure or quieter experiences.

The Importance of Canadian Tourism

Canadian visitors have long been crucial to U.S. tourism revenue. Snowbirds, families, and leisure travelers contribute billions annually to lodging, dining, entertainment, and retail sectors.

For states like Florida and California, Canadian tourism is not just about short-term gains but also about long-term relationships, as returning visitors often become loyal repeat travelers. Midwestern and Mountain states, while attracting fewer tourists overall, benefit from high-value, experience-focused visits that boost local economies.

Strategies to Win Back Canadian Travelers

Across all states, tourism boards are employing similar core strategies:

Tailored Promotions: Packages, discounts, and special offers that resonate with Canadian preferences.

Digital Marketing and Social Media: Targeted campaigns showcasing safety, accessibility, and entertainment value.

Engagement with Travel Agents: Building trust and personalized recommendations for Canadians planning trips.

Event and Festival Marketing: Leveraging local events to create compelling reasons to visit.

Cross-Border Collaboration: Partnering with Canadian organizations to reinforce goodwill and ease travel logistics.

These combined efforts are designed to address both practical concerns and emotional motivations for Canadian travelers.

Looking Ahead

Tourism boards are optimistic that 2026 will mark the start of a rebound. By addressing economic concerns, providing attractive offers, and emphasizing unique experiences, states hope to reignite the Canadian travel market.

While Florida and California target high-volume and high-spending travelers, midwestern and mountain states focus on experiential tourism, ensuring that Canadians have diverse options across the United States.

The ultimate goal is long-term stability in Canadian tourism, ensuring that cross-border travel continues to support local economies and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Conclusion

The 22% decline in Canadian tourism in 2025 has prompted a strategic and coordinated response across multiple U.S. states. From Florida’s sun and sports promotions to Montana’s scenic adventures and Iowa’s small-town charm, each state is innovating to attract Canadian travelers back.

For Canadians planning vacations in 2026, this means more options, better deals, and curated experiences than ever before. The renewed focus on cross-border tourism promises to benefit both travelers and U.S. destinations, marking a new chapter in Canadian-American travel relations.

By investing in creative campaigns, tailored offers, and cross-border partnerships, states hope to restore visitor confidence, increase arrivals, and ensure that Canadian tourists once again feel welcomed and valued across the United States.