It’s good that Canadians are traveling to the U.S. less, but it’s not enough
#Canada-US relations#Canadian tourism#Political protest#Diplomatic tensions#Travel boycott#North American relations
📌 Key Takeaways
Canadian John C. Keating criticized fellow Canadians still traveling to the US for vacations
Only 18% reduction in Canadian visits to the US despite political tensions
Author compared American president to Hitler in terms of international leadership
Keating called for Canadian unity and willingness to endure inconvenience as protest
📖 Full Retelling
Canadian citizen John C. Keating of Halifax published a critical letter in the Los Angeles Times on February 21, 2026, condemning fellow Canadians who continue vacationing in the United States despite political tensions with the American administration. The letter, responding to a previous article about Canadian 'snowbirds' reducing their visits to Palm Springs by only 18%, expresses shame toward Canadians who proceed with US vacation plans despite what the author perceives as hostile actions from the American president and his administration. Keating draws parallels between the current American leadership and historical figures, stating 'it is not the fault of all Americans that you have a president who is the most unfit leader to occupy the international stage since Adolf Hitler.' While acknowledging the majority of Canadians share his views, the writer calls for unified action, suggesting Canadians should be willing to 'suffer personal discomfort and inconvenience' as a form of protest against perceived diplomatic slights. Despite the strong criticism, Keating concludes by affirming Canada's historical role as 'a great ally, a friendly neighbor and a proud member of the North American community of people,' suggesting that Canada deserves better treatment from its southern neighbor.
🏷️ Themes
Diplomatic Relations, Tourism Impact, Political Protest
Public expression of objection, typically political
A protest (also called a demonstration, remonstration, or remonstrance) is a public act of objection, disapproval or dissent against political advantage. Protests can be thought of as acts of cooperation in which numerous people cooperate by attending, and share the potential costs and risks of doin...
The letter highlights a 18% drop in Canadian tourist visits to the US, reflecting growing political tension and its economic ripple effects on both countries' tourism sectors.
Context & Background
Canada-United States travel trends
Political tensions over US leadership
Economic impact on tourism
Public sentiment towards US policies
Historical Canada-US relations
What Happens Next
Canadian officials may review travel advisories and encourage domestic tourism, while US tourism boards could adjust marketing strategies to retain Canadian visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Canadians traveling less to the US?
Political disagreements and concerns over US policies have made many Canadians hesitant to visit.
What impact does the reduced travel have?
It could lower revenue for US hotels, restaurants, and attractions that rely on Canadian tourists.
Will Canada impose travel restrictions?
There is no current plan for formal restrictions, but Canada may issue advisories if tensions rise further.
Original Source
Feb. 21, 2026 7 AM PT 2 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X LinkedIn Threads Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . p]:text-cms-story-body-color-text clearfix mb-10 md:max-w-170 md:mx-auto" data-subscriber-content> To the editor : I am very proud of the Canadians who have changed their plans to visit the United States of America for vacations. However, a reduction of only 18% in visits is deplorable ( “Canadian snowbirds are still unhappy with Trump. And Palm Springs is feeling the chill,” Feb. 18). I am so ashamed of the Canadians who are going ahead with vacation plans to the United States after all that the American president has said and done to our country and our people. This with the complicity of members of his Cabinet and the Republican members of Congress and the Senate. I, along with the majority of other Canadians, recognize that it is not the fault of all Americans that you have a president who is the most unfit leader to occupy the international stage since Adolf Hitler. Advertisement But Canadians must stand together, united and determined to confront this abomination. If that means suffering personal discomfort and inconvenience, so be it. I can only imagine how Americans would react if treated in a similar manner. God bless Americans for what you are going through and will continue to go through in the coming months and years. However, please understand that Canada has been a great ally, a friendly neighbor and a proud member of the North American community of people for many, many years. We deserve better than this. John C. Keating, Halifax, Canada More to Read Voices Letters to the Editor: We need to do a better job of holding students accountable for bad behavior Feb. 20, 2026
