Lifestyle Trend: B.C. residents vow to boycott U.S. as cross-border travel craters You Should Know

The number of British Columbians travelling to the United States has dropped for the 12th month in a row, and many B.C. residents vow to keep up a boycott of visits to the south.

The Whatcom Council of Governments’ 2025 Changes in Border Volume data show that in January 2026, the volume of southbound vehicles from B.C. to Washington state dropped by 32 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.

There were nearly 50,000 fewer personal vehicles crossing southbound across the Canada-U.S. border compared to last January, continuing a travel trend that has lasted for a year.

The Whatcom Council of Governments’ data comprises vehicle volume from the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden, and Sumas ports of entry.

The slowdown of travel from B.C. to Washington state began in February 2025, with overall 36 per cent fewer vehicle crossings made between the Pacific Northwest neighbours in 2025.

We asked our readers to contact us if they’ve changed their United States travel plans, and received several responses that show many locals are staying away for the foreseeable future.

“No more since the attacks on Canada”

RB* from Tsawwassen shared that they have boycotted travelling to the U.S. for about half a year.

“I used to travel to Point Roberts for gas once in a while, and go to Vegas occasionally, but no more since the attacks on Canada,” said RB. “I’m glad to see how many Canadians are boycotting as well, especially snowbirds.

“Now with forced social media intrusion and photos taken, I’m doubly against going south. I really fear what they will do with three more years in power. The world will be a different place for certain, and I don’t know if Canada will be the same as today.”

The Bold Bureau/Shutterstock

“We need to push back with our wallets”

Richmond resident PH also shared that they have no plans to visit America anytime soon.

“America is totally unrecognizable,” said PH. “I am now more convinced than ever that Canadians need to boycott travel to America as a matter of national principle.

“I am disgusted, and we need to pushback with our wallets. And we shouldn’t be sorry.”

The sentiment is shared by respondents of a recent poll by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute.

It found that 79 per cent of Canadians were more fearful than hopeful about the year ahead, and the anxiety was caused by the “chaotic” nature of the Canada-U.S. relationship.

“Part of this elevated concern in Canada may rely on the ongoing and persistent jabs from Trump toward Carney, and the former’s propensity for musing about absorbing Canada into the American union,” said Angus Reid in its report.

Willy Matheisl/Shutterstock

“Bypass everything U.S.-made”

Another Daily Hive reader shared that they want to see loved ones who live in America, but are holding off on U.S. travel until further notice.

“We miss our relatives and many friends stateside, but with this unhinged administration, we will bypass everything U.S.-made, any destination travel, etc., until they have come to their senses,” added JSH. “Their rhetoric is not friendly.”

Are you avoiding travel to Washington or the U.S. this year? Let us know in the comments or get in touch at vancouver@dailyhive.com.

*Initials were used to protect identities

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