Philadelphia, PA – Despite recent calls from Canadian officials and citizens to boycott U.S. travel in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and provocative rhetoric, the highways tell a contrasting tale.
This week, Interstate 95 (I-95) from Pennsylvania to Florida has been bustling with vehicles sporting Quebec license plates, hinting that many Canadians are still flocking to southern U.S. destinations like Florida, seemingly undeterred by the political tensions.
In late February, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged citizens to reconsider travel to the U.S. and opt for domestic vacations instead, framing it as a patriotic stand against Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and his quips about annexing Canada as the “51st state.”
Travel agencies reported a surge in cancellations of U.S.-bound trips, with some Canadians rerouting to Mexico, Cuba, or even Europe. Quebecers, in particular, have been vocal about boycotting, with schools and families publicly scrapping plans for New York and Florida vacations.
Yet, as spring break season ramps up, eyewitness accounts and traffic data suggest the boycott may not be as widespread as advertised.
“I was driving down I-95 from Philly to Richmond this week, and it was packed with Quebec plates—more than I’ve seen in years,” said Mark Hensley, a Pennsylvania truck driver. “They’re clearly headed south, probably to Florida or the Carolinas.”
Similar observations have surfaced from posts on X, with users noting crowded stores and traffic jams filled with Canadian vehicles in Florida as recently as March 6.
Florida, a perennial favorite for Canadian “snowbirds” escaping harsh northern winters, appears to be a key destination undermining the boycott narrative. In 2024, over 3.2 million Canadians visited the Sunshine State, making up 27% of its international tourists, according to Visit Florida.
The state’s warm weather, beaches, and established Canadian enclaves—like Hollywood, Florida’s “Little Quebec”—continue to draw crowds.
Richard Clavet, a motel owner in Hollywood, told CBC on February 23 that while some Quebecers canceled bookings over tariff fears, “the places are being filled up with Americans. I just wish I had more Canadians.”
Data from the U.S. Travel Association underscores the stakes: Canadians spent $20.5 billion in the U.S. in 2024, with Florida, California, and New York among the top beneficiaries. A 10% drop in Canadian tourism could cost the U.S. $2.1 billion and 14,000 jobs, the association warns. Yet, this week’s I-95 traffic suggests that economic predictions and political posturing might not fully capture the behavior of individual travelers.
Experts point to several factors explaining why Quebecers and other Canadians are still hitting the road. “For many, especially retirees, Florida isn’t just a vacation—it’s a lifestyle,” said Stephen Fine, president of Snowbird Advisor. “Forty percent of snowbirds own property there, and 70% drive down. Changing that habit isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.” The weak Canadian dollar and high insurance costs have deterred some, but the allure of familiar haunts and pre-paid plans may outweigh ideological objections.