For years, Canada and the United States shared more than just a long border—they shared ideas, values, and millions of travelers crossing back and forth every year. But something’s changed, and it’s more than politics. A new global survey by Ipsos iSay reveals that only 19% of Canadians believe the U.S. will have a positive global influence, a stunning drop from the 52% recorded just a few months ago. What used to be cautious optimism has turned into full-blown skepticism—and it’s changing how Canadians travel, especially LGBTQ folks looking to celebrate Pride.

This isn’t just about one poll or one administration. Canadian trust in America’s role in world affairs has been unraveling steadily over the past decade. In 2015, 67% of Canadians believed America was a global force for good. Since then, that faith has unraveled year by year, sliding through international trade tensions, political whiplash, and Trump-era threats—remember when he called Canada the 51st state? For gay Canadians, who often seek safe, inclusive spaces abroad, that rhetoric is personal.

Now, with Trump stoking trade tensions and tossing around wild ideas like annexation, many Canadians are responding with their wallets—and their Pride plans. Fewer Canadian gay travelers are heading south for U.S. Pride events this year. Instead, they’re turning inward, choosing to stay home, support local Pride festivals, and skip the border altogether. And yes, American cities are going to feel it.

Canadian Confidence in America Hits Rock Bottom

The Ipsos iSay global study gathered responses from more than 22,000 people across 29 countries. While confidence in the United States dropped in nearly all surveyed nations, Canada hit the lowest of the low. At just 19%, Canadians expressed the least trust in America’s ability to make a positive impact on the world stage.

That’s a 33-point plummet since October—by far the steepest decline of any country. And the trend isn’t new. Canadian trust in America has been on a steady decline for a decade, punctuated by major political flashpoints. The Trump years introduced tariffs, insults, and a type of nationalism that doesn’t sit well north of the 49th. The recent surge in authoritarian talk—like Trump joking about annexing Canada—hasn’t helped either.

While other countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Belgium also showed major drops in trust, no one dropped quite as hard or as fast as Canada. This steep decline signals more than a shift in public opinion—it’s a reflection of how deeply Canadians feel disconnected from the U.S.’s current trajectory.

The LGBTQ Travel Fallout: Boycotting U.S. Pride Events

Gay Canadians aren’t just watching from the sidelines—they’re changing their travel plans. With the political climate in the U.S. becoming increasingly hostile, many queer travelers are deciding it’s just not worth the risk. Trump’s rhetoric, anti-LGBTQ laws in conservative states, and the economic fallout from tariffs have all combined to make American Pride feel a lot less welcoming.

Even in progressive cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, Canadian attendance at Pride events is expected to dip this summer. Whether it’s because of rising costs, political uncertainty, or just not wanting to support a country threatening their own, LGBTQ Canadians are pushing pause on U.S. travel. That’s not just anecdotal—tourism boards and Pride event planners are already seeing the difference.

American cities that depend on cross-border tourism during Pride season will feel the pinch. Canadian travelers spend big, stay longer, and contribute significantly to the local economies of their favorite gayborhoods. From hotels and drag brunches to Pride merch and cover charges, their absence won’t go unnoticed.

Canada’s Pride Festivals Are Getting a Boost

What’s bad news for American Pride is shaping up to be a rainbow-colored win for Canada. As more Canadians choose to stay closer to home, local Pride festivals are seeing a surge in interest. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and even smaller destinations like Victoria, Halifax, and Saskatoon are preparing for an influx of domestic queer travelers who, in previous years, may have opted for a trip south of the border.

This trend is reenergizing local celebrations, giving Canadian Pride festivals a shot in the arm. Not only are more locals getting involved, but some Americans—especially those in red states tired of anti-LGBTQ politics—are actually heading north for a different kind of Pride. Canadian Pride events offer safety, inclusivity, and a refreshing change of scenery, especially for travelers who no longer feel at ease in their own country.

In many ways, this domestic redirection is breathing new life into Canada’s Pride scene. It’s encouraging Canadian queer communities to reinvest in their local events, highlight homegrown talent, and celebrate identity without crossing a border that increasingly feels hostile.

Economic Impacts on Both Sides of the Border

This isn’t just about feelings—it’s about dollars. When Canadians choose to skip U.S. travel, especially during Pride season, cities lose out. According to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, LGBTQ travelers contribute billions to the economy each year. A sharp drop in Canadian attendance at U.S. Pride events means fewer hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, Uber rides, and ticket sales.

In turn, Canada’s tourism industry stands to gain. Restaurants, clubs, and hotels in cities across the country are seeing increased bookings and foot traffic during Pride weekends. From Ottawa to St. John’s, event organizers are expanding programming, ramping up sponsorships, and preparing for a bigger crowd.

This shift also creates an opportunity for Canadian tourism boards to lean in. By promoting safe, inclusive, and celebratory spaces for LGBTQ travelers, they can position their cities as the new must-visit Pride destinations—not just for Canadians, but for fed-up Americans too.

How the Political Landscape Shapes LGBTQ Travel

Travel, especially queer travel, is political. When a country’s leadership is hostile to LGBTQ rights—or threatens its neighbors—it makes people think twice about where they spend their money. Trump’s inflammatory remarks about Canada, combined with his anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric, are a toxic mix that’s pushing gay Canadians to say, “No thanks.”

The LGBTQ community often leads by example when it comes to boycotts and travel shifts. We’re hyper-aware of safety, acceptance, and political climates. What’s happening now is a reflection of that instinct: when a place stops feeling safe or supportive, we look elsewhere.

And the ripple effect is real. Cities that once welcomed waves of Canadian partygoers, Pride marchers, and pink-dollar spenders are facing quieter streets this season. Meanwhile, Canada is experiencing a revival of queer celebration at home. It’s a cultural shift that says as much about where we are politically as it does about where we’re going.

What Comes Next for Queer Travel?

While the immediate impact of this survey is clear—Canadian trust in the U.S. is shattered—the long-term effects may be even more profound. If America continues on a path of political aggression, trade bullying, and LGBTQ oppression, Canadian travelers may continue to steer clear. That could mean a lasting boost for Canadian tourism and an ongoing financial hit for U.S. destinations.

The bigger question is whether America will notice—and care—about the loss of trust from its closest ally. Because if even Canada, a country often seen as America’s friendly northern sibling, is turning away, then something deeper is broken. For now, gay Canadian travelers are choosing local over loyal, and who can blame them?

Your Turn: Are You Skipping U.S. Pride This Year?

Are you a Canadian skipping U.S. Pride events this year? Are you an American heading north instead? We want to hear your travel plans and how this shift is showing up in your community. Leave a comment and tell us where you’re celebrating Pride this summer—and why.