B.C. residents' boycott of U.S. travel shows no sign of slowing down

Fall used to be a busy time for British Columbians who enjoy day trips or vacations to the U.S., but recent data show that visits to Washington state from B.C. have continued their steep decline.

The Whatcom Council of Governments’ 2025 Changes in Border Volume data show that in September 2025, the volume of southbound vehicles from B.C. to Washington state dropped by 40 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

It’s the eighth consecutive month of decline, with nearly 100,000 fewer personal vehicles crossing southbound across the border.

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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 can be linked to several U.S. policy changes, including a new Visa Integrity Fee that takes effect this month.

On Oct. 1, the U.S. government introduced the Visa Integrity Fee, which affects non-citizens in Canada who require a visa to travel to the U.S. Under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law. Non-immigrants travelling to the U.S. will have to pay a fee of US$250 or C$348.40. However, it’s up to the Secretary of Homeland Security to determine the final amount.

Canada’s latest advisory update may impact visa holders and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals planning to travel to the U.S. in the near future.

Under the visa section of the notice, the Government of Canada explains that while Canadian visitors can usually stay in the U.S. for six months without a visa, there are some exceptions.

It warns those who need a visa about the heightened scrutiny they may face when they arrive at the U.S. border. Additionally, the travel advisory expands its guidance for the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

“Federal systems in the U.S. are changing to no longer accept markers of gender identity,” it reads.

The Canadian government warns 2SLGBTQ+ individuals that sex assigned at birth may now be requested by federal forms and processes, including visa applications, Nexus applications, passenger manifests, passport applications, and Social Security applications.

Several readers have told Daily Hive that they plan to boycott travel to the United States for the foreseeable future.

“My wife and I used to head south to Seattle a couple times a year and shop in Bellingham about half a dozen times annually, but we’re done,” said PL.* “As far as we’re concerned, the U.S. has become a hostile nation whose respect for human rights and freedom of speech has been rapidly eroding. I will never go to the U.S. ever again.”

“We love the friends we have in [the U.S.], but cannot in good conscience go back,” added GH. “The lack of respect hurts me to my core.

“We usually cross the border a couple of times to shop, sightsee, etc., but not this year. We know it’s hurting businesses, but we just can’t. I hurt for the Americans and for us as well. Very, very sad situation.”

Another Canadian resident told Daily Hive that they had spent many winters in California, but no longer plan to.

“We don’t feel secure in travelling or staying anywhere along our route,” shared GG. “Heightened security, too many States with open gun carry, and the high money exchange rate. Just not a place to go anymore.”

“Let the USA enjoy all that they brought upon themselves.”

Are you actively avoiding travel to Washington or elsewhere in the United States this year? Have you travelled to the U.S. recently and don’t see what all the commotion is about? Let us know in the comments or get in touch at vancouver@dailyhive.com.

*Initials were used to protect identities

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