Travel to the United States has significantly declined since President Donald Trump initiated trade disputes and tariffs on Canadian goods, including steel, softwood, and automobiles. In response, Canadian consumers have redirected their travel spending away from the U.S., opting for domestic destinations or other international locations. One travel agent summarized the sentiment as 'Anywhere but the U.S.' after the once-friendly relationship soured last year.
Decline in Cross-Border Travel
Statistics Canada reported that cross-border passenger traffic fell for the 14th consecutive month in March, with a seven percent drop compared to March 2025, totaling approximately 1.2 million screened passengers. Major U.S. destinations such as Hawaii, California, and Florida have been heavily impacted, and Las Vegas is no exception.
Canadian Visitor Numbers Drop
According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reported by KLAS TV, Canadian travel to Las Vegas decreased by 17.4 percent in 2025, falling to about 1.2 million visitors from roughly 1.45 million the previous year. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Las Vegas typically hosted between 1.4 million and 1.8 million Canadian visitors annually. Despite this decline, Canadians remain the largest group of international visitors to the city.
Resorts Offer Dollar-at-Par Promotion
To counter the downturn, three Las Vegas resorts—Circa Resort & Casino, the D Las Vegas, and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino—began offering Canadian visitors a deal where their dollars are accepted at par with the U.S. dollar. The promotion, launched earlier this year, has proven highly successful. Within three months, it attracted over 50,000 Canadian visitors, generated more than 5,100 hotel room bookings, and produced over $10 million in slot play, according to the ownership group.
The resorts have extended the promotion through August 31 and added free concerts by Canadian artists, including Tiga on May 15 and Finger Eleven on June 27. The at-par program applies to gaming, drinks, and entertainment offerings and does not require guests to stay at the hotels.
BarCanada Celebrates Canadian Culture
The D Las Vegas features BarCanada, a drinking establishment that celebrates Canadian sports and culture, complete with hockey on television and maple leaf designs on the bar stools. Derek Stevens, owner and CEO of the three resorts, expressed gratitude for Canadian loyalty and noted the tremendous response to the at-par program.
Signs of Recovery
LVCVA data for early 2026 shows a two percent increase in overall visitors compared to the same period in 2025, suggesting that targeted promotions may be helping to reverse the slump. While monthly reports do not break down visitor numbers by country, the at-par deals appear to be a contributing factor in attracting Canadians back to Las Vegas.
