Pride travel has always been about more than parades and parties. It’s about visibility, safety, and the freedom to explore the world without fear. In 2025, those freedoms are being tested across North America. For decades, gay men from Canada and abroad looked to the United States as the ultimate playground of Pride festivals, queer nightlife, and LGBTQ destinations. But this year, political shifts, economic pressures, and new immigration enforcement tactics have changed the landscape.

The result? A dramatic downturn in U.S. tourism and Pride attendance, and a corresponding rise in Canada as the safer, more vibrant alternative. From Toronto’s world-class Pride parade to the intimate cultural celebrations in Thunder Bay, Canadian Pride events are flourishing while U.S. festivals struggle with declining international participation. For gay men deciding where to take their rainbow flags this season, the choice has never been clearer.

Fear at the Border: ICE Raids and Phone Searches

For many queer travelers, the stress of visiting the U.S. now begins long before stepping foot on American soil. Aggressive immigration tactics, including workplace and nightlife raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), have left immigrant and LGBTQ communities living in fear. Reports of increased raids have been widely covered in American media, contributing to a climate of anxiety.

At the same time, the number of Canadians subjected to invasive phone and device searches at U.S. border crossings has surged. CityNews Vancouver reported warnings from Canadian immigration lawyer Len Saunders: “be very careful… if there’s anything on social media or your cell phone that you think would be harmful to your entry.” Even minor political posts, sex-positive content, or dating app profiles have been flagged by border agents.

This anxiety is especially acute for gay men, whose phones often hold intimate photos, queer dating apps, and conversations that should never be subject to state scrutiny. What was once an easy weekend trip to New York City Pride or a desert escape to Palm Springs has become a gamble—one that many are no longer willing to take.

Tourism Collapse: Canadian Boycott of U.S. Travel

Travel numbers confirm what communities have been feeling for months: Canadians are voting with their passports. Statistics Canada found Canadian car returns from the U.S. dropped 35 percent in April, while air returns fell nearly 20 percent. Overall trips to the U.S. are down between 20 and 30 percent. Even more striking is the collapse in leisure travel bookings, which The Washington Post reported had plummeted by nearly 90 percent.

Several factors drive this unprecedented boycott. The Trump administration’s new tariffs on Canadian goods have soured public opinion. Rising anti-LGBTQ legislation at the state level has made queer travelers feel unwelcome. Add in the psychological impact of border phone searches and ICE raids, and the result is clear: fewer Canadians are choosing the U.S. for Pride or any kind of leisure travel.

This trend has been visible on the ground at Pride festivals across America. Organizers in New York, San Francisco, and Miami all reported smaller international contingents in their marches this year. The colorful clusters of Canadian flags and maple leaf Pride banners that once lined the parade routes were noticeably absent. For global-minded events that thrive on international participation, the loss of Canadian visitors represents both a symbolic and economic blow.

U.S. Travel Trends: Las Vegas and Beyond

The tourism slump isn’t limited to border statistics—it’s hitting major U.S. destinations in visible ways. Associated Press reported that Las Vegas visitor volume fell by 11 percent in June compared to the year prior, international arrivals dropped 13 percent, and hotel occupancy slipped nearly 15 percent. Local union leaders and city officials are pointing squarely at Trump-era tariffs, ICE enforcement, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric as key reasons for the decline.

The downturn is not confined to Nevada. Destinations across the U.S. that once courted gay men with Pride events, nightlife, and rainbow-wrapped marketing campaigns are reporting similar struggles. From Miami Beach to New Orleans, the “Trump slump” in tourism is real. And unlike past downturns tied to recessions or natural disasters, this slump is directly tied to politics—leaving little room for optimism about a quick rebound.

For international travelers, especially gay men from Canada and Europe, the message is clear: the U.S. no longer feels like a safe, carefree place to celebrate Pride.

Canada Becomes the Safer, Welcoming Alternative

While the U.S. contends with falling tourism, Canada is writing a very different story. According to Statistics Canada, in June 2025 more Americans visited Canada than Canadians traveled south of the border—the first time that’s happened since 2006. Despite global travel challenges, Canada’s inbound tourism numbers remain steady, while domestic travel is booming as Canadians keep their Pride dollars at home.

Canada’s appeal isn’t just about safety from raids or border searches. It’s about a country that has enshrined LGBTQ protections in law, nurtured vibrant queer communities, and embraced Pride as a national celebration of inclusivity. For American gay men looking north, Canada represents both a safer destination and an exciting cultural landscape. The combination of legal certainty, visible queer culture, and international accessibility makes Canada the standout Pride destination of 2025

Canadian Destinations Leading the Charge

What sets Canada apart is the sheer range of Pride experiences available coast to coast. This year, HomoCulture has highlighted several Canadian Pride events and destinations that showcase the country’s diversity and inclusivity:

• Toronto Pride: Canada’s largest Pride event, drawing millions to Yonge Street for one of the biggest parades in the world.
• Vancouver Pride: A West Coast jewel that blends big-city nightlife with mountain and ocean backdrops.
• Montreal Pride: Infused with French-Canadian flair, Montreal hosts one of the largest Pride festivals in North America.
• Thunder Bay Pride: Featured on the HomoCulture Tour this year, Thunder Bay offers a northern Pride experience paired with stunning waterfalls and cultural landmarks.
• Osoyoos Pride Arts Festival: Set in the Okanagan desert wine country, this festival blends queer culture with luxury, wine, and beach life.
• Tofino Pride: Canada’s surf town hosted a Pride unlike any other, with Indigenous-led cultural experiences and Hotel Zed’s playful queer hospitality.

These destinations reflect a Canada where Pride isn’t confined to the urban core. Whether it’s big-city parades or boutique festivals in unexpected places, Canada offers a spectrum of experiences that feel both inclusive and adventurous.

Why Gay Men Are Choosing Canada in 2025

For gay men weighing their travel options, the contrast between Canada and the U.S. is stark. In the U.S., Pride feels increasingly politicized, surveilled, and constrained by anti-LGBTQ legislation. In Canada, Pride still feels like a party—and one that openly welcomes international visitors.

The combination of safety, inclusivity, and variety makes Canada the obvious choice. Pride travelers can start in Toronto for a world-class parade, fly west to Vancouver for nightlife by the ocean, then finish the trip in Osoyoos or Tofino for boutique Pride experiences that feel like insider secrets. Canada offers both the marquee events and the hidden gems that adventurous gay travelers crave.

Tips for Planning a Safe Pride Trip in Canada

• Book early: Hotels in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal fill up months in advance during Pride season.
• Explore smaller destinations: Don’t limit yourself to the big cities. Prides in Thunder Bay, Osoyoos, and Tofino offer intimate, culture-rich experiences.
• Choose queer-friendly providers: From airlines to hotels, look for LGBTQ-affirming businesses. Many Canadian operators proudly display inclusivity certifications.
• Stay connected: Use HomoCulture’s guides and social platforms to discover local queer spaces, nightlife, and Pride itineraries.
• Travel smart: Canada is one of the safest destinations, but as with any Pride travel, keep essentials secure and plan transit routes ahead of time.

The Clear Choice for Gay Travelers in 2025

The travel shift of 2025 is clear. As ICE raids, tariffs, border searches, and anti-LGBTQ policies create fear and uncertainty in the U.S., Canada has stepped into the spotlight as the safer, more vibrant Pride destination. For gay men planning their next getaway, the choice is not just about politics—it’s abou t joy, community, and the freedom to celebrate without compromise.

From Toronto’s global parade to Osoyoos’ wine-country Pride and Tofino’s surf-side celebration, Canada is outpacing the U.S. as the go-to destination for Pride travel. It’s a reminder that safety and celebration go hand in hand—and that the best Pride experiences are waiting north of the border.