Palm Springs, CA

A wave of frustration and disappointment is sweeping through the Canadian snowbird community in response to the U.S. administration’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on various Canadian goods. Many seasonal visitors, who have long been a staple in the Coachella Valley during the winter months, are now reconsidering their travel plans or canceling them altogether.

The online discussion forum on Reddit started by user: “justforfun75 regarding Palm Springs recently saw an influx of Canadians expressing their anger, disappointment, and decisions to either sell their properties or stop visiting entirely. Some long-time visitors say they are now looking at alternative destinations, such as Spain, Mexico, and Thailand, instead of returning to Palm Springs.

One user, spectacular_coitus, shared, “There are no plans to return, and I am seriously considering selling my property in Palm Desert… I have never seen Canada so patriotic and committed to a cause. If your business relies on tourism, I would be calling your elected officials daily.”

This sentiment was echoed by many others, including rickshaw99, who noted, “Several of my Canadian friends and family have canceled Palm Springs. Instead, they are traveling their great country or choosing Mexico or Europe. As predicted, Trump is crashing the economy.”

Canadians who frequent the area and contribute heavily to the local economy have expressed deep frustration with the U.S. government’s actions, feeling that they are being unfairly targeted. Euro_verbudget stated, “We love Palm Springs but left on March 1st with a heavy heart. We decided that we won’t be spending our hard-earned money in a hostile country.”

Even those without property in the Coachella Valley are making the choice to avoid the U.S. altogether. Ostlygroovy vented their frustration, writing, “We come down every year but don’t have our own property. We easily canceled our trip next week… I’m extremely angry. Angry at the U.S. I know it’s not pragmatic, but I’m pissed at Americans… This is going to hurt Americans too, and I’m more than okay with that.”

Businesses in Palm Springs that cater to Canadian tourists may soon feel the economic impact of these decisions. Local business owners and residents are urging their representatives to consider the consequences of alienating international visitors who have long provided a financial boost to the region.

The long-term effects of these tariffs on tourism remain to be seen, but if the sentiments shared by many Canadians are any indication, the Coachella Valley may soon experience a significant decline in its seasonal visitors from its best friends from the north.