Canadians Rethink U.S. Travel: Why the Gateway Region is the Perfect Alternative
As 2025 unfolds, Canadians are making a statement with their travel plans. Many are cancelling trips to the United States, citing deepening frustrations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s continued disrespect toward Canada. Instead of heading south, it’s time to invest in our own economy. Tourism agencies like Destination North and Tourism North Bay have a golden opportunity to refocus on stay vacations, keeping Canadian dollars in our communities while attracting visitors from across the country to explore the Gateway Region.
The Shift Away from U.S. Travel
Recent surveys show that a growing number of Canadians are rethinking their cross-border vacations. While affordability, the exchange rate, and long border wait times have always been factors, this year’s biggest deterrent is political. Trump’s rhetoric and policies have left many Canadians questioning whether their tourism dollars should support a country that fails to show respect to its closest ally. Even the US Travel Association is warning their own members of an economic tourism disaster as thousands of Canadian tourists have cancelled travel plans in protest.
Consider this: 8% of international tourists heading to Florida are Canadians. In Texas, Canadians spent a staggering $403.3 million in 2023 and remain the second-largest international visitor market for the state. Why keep fueling their economy when we have so much to offer right here in Canada? Keep cancelling those trips, Canada, let’s spend our money at home.
A Northern Getaway Worth Exploring
North Bay, nestled between the pristine shores of Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, offers an unforgettable mix of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, North Bay has something to offer in all four seasons.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Visitors can begin their journey at Duchesnay Falls, where scenic trails lead to stunning waterfalls, providing the perfect backdrop for a morning hike. The Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Nipissing, ideal for photographers and nature lovers alike. Take a cruise on the historic Chief Commanda to explore Lake Nipissing that First Nations and explorers like Champlain and Thompson travelled two centuries before.
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For those who enjoy paddling, Trout Lake and the Mattawa River offer some of the best canoeing and kayaking in Ontario. Rent a kayak and explore the region’s interconnected waterways, which have been historically significant to Indigenous communities and early explorers.
Winter visitors will find plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. The North Bay Snowmobile Club maintains an extensive trail system that attracts riders from across the province.
Rich Indigenous and Local Culture
For those interested in cultural experiences, North Bay’s Indigenous heritage is deeply woven into the region’s identity. The Nipissing First Nation hosts annual powwows and cultural events that provide meaningful insights into Anishinaabe traditions and history.
Art lovers can visit the Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander, which showcases regional artists, or take in a performance at the historic Capitol Centre, a cultural hub in downtown North Bay.
Why Choose the Gateway to the North?
By choosing North Bay, aka Gateway Region over a U.S. vacation, Canadians can invest in their own communities, explore breathtaking landscapes, and celebrate the rich culture and history of Northern Ontario. Let’s make 2025 the year of stay vacations. Destination North and Tourism North Bay are ready and await you!