A new Leger poll conducted for the Association for Canadian Studies (ACS) reveals that a growing number of Canadians are uneasy about traveling to the United States. The survey, released just ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, shows that 52% of respondents believe it is “no longer safe for all Canadians” to travel south of the border. Slightly more — 54% — said they no longer feel welcome when visiting the U.S.
Majority of Canadians feel unwelcome and unsafe travelling to United States
5/20/2025
By contrast, only 29% disagreed with the idea that travel to the U.S. is unsafe, and 27% said they still feel welcome. In both questions, 19% of respondents were unsure.
Tensions between Canada and the U.S. have been rising due to ongoing trade disputes, Trump’s provocative suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state, and heightened security along the southern U.S. border. According to Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the ACS, these factors are fueling Canadian anxiety.
“When Canadians express strong concern like this, it can impact how we travel, how we engage with Americans, and how we relate to the U.S. overall,” Jedwab told Postmedia. “This is something Prime Minister Carney needs to convey clearly to President Trump.”
Jedwab also expressed concern that American leadership may be underestimating the seriousness of Canadian public sentiment.
“There are real economic consequences when Canadians no longer feel safe or welcome in the United States — a country we generally view as a key ally,” he said.
The survey showed that older Canadians, particularly those 55 and above, were most likely to feel unsafe (59%) and unwelcome (60%). Regional differences also stood out — majorities in Atlantic Canada (55%) and British Columbia (57%) said they don’t think it's safe to travel to the U.S., and 64% of Atlantic Canadians and 58% of Quebecers said they don’t feel welcome.
The unease appears to be affecting travel behavior. According to data from global aviation analytics firm OAG, Canadian bookings for U.S.-bound flights between April and September 2025 have dropped by 70% compared to the same period in 2024.
Jedwab attributed part of the concern to troubling stories emerging from border crossings.
“These incidents are contributing to a broader sense of anxiety, and that’s clearly being reflected in the polling numbers,” he said.
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