Older travellers made their way through an airport while pulling their luggage. The Travel
Political strain between Canada and the United States grew this year after tariff threats from the Trump administration. Many Canadians cancelled trips south and supported the online #BoycottUSA campaign. Yet, in an unexpected turn, Canadians are now sending a warm message to Americans through a new nationwide program that highlights hospitality instead of division.
Introducing the OpenHome Program
Canada launched a new initiative called OpenHome this week. The program invites American visitors to book dinners inside real Canadian homes. Destination Canada created the idea to help travellers experience local culture in a more personal way. Instead of urging tourists to visit only major attractions, the program encourages them to sit at the tables of everyday residents.
“There is always room for one more at our table; that's who we are as Canadians. With OpenHome, we're inviting Americans to join us and share stories in the warmth of our homes,” said Gloria Loree, Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Chief Marketing Officer at Destination Canada.
The hosts represent a wide range of backgrounds. Guests can dine in homes from Montréal to Nanaimo. They can try dishes made by a food writer in Toronto or join innkeepers serving classic meals in the Yukon.
Where Visitors Can Dine
OpenHome features hosts in several regions:
- Mississauga
- Markham
- Montréal and Vaudreuil-Dorion
- Calgary
- Halifax
- Nanaimo
- Vancouver
- Toronto
- St. John’s
- Whitehorse and Marsh Lake
Each home offers a unique menu and atmosphere. Seats remain limited, and bookings stay open until February 28, 2026.
Canadians Step Back From U.S. Trips
While Canada opens its doors to Americans, many Canadians continue to avoid travel across the border. A new winter travel survey showed that 40% of Canadians cite political tensions as their main reason for skipping U.S. visits. Another 41% pointed to rising travel costs.
Snowbirds feel the pressure most. Florida home insurance prices have climbed sharply, and the weaker Canadian dollar makes long stays more expensive. Some travellers also report confusion at U.S. border crossings. The Canadian Snowbird Association said many members face mixed messages about fingerprinting and photographing at land borders.
Because of these issues, many Canadians plan to stay closer to home this winter.
A Record Tourism Season at Home
Domestic travel soared in 2025. A recent study showed Canada welcomed nearly $59 billion in tourism revenue from May to August. This marked the country’s most profitable summer on record. The Canada Strong Pass encouraged local adventures, helping boost spending. Overseas visitors also increased their travel to Canada, but revenue from U.S. travellers fell by 1.7%.
Even so, Canada continues to welcome American guests. OpenHome signals a desire to rebuild personal connections, one shared meal at a time.
