A closer look at a “Palm Springs Loves Canada” banner in the City of Palm Springs, California. The banner campaign is aimed at showing support for Canadian visitors amid a steep decline in U.S. tourism.
Palm Springs Loves Canada campaign urges Canadian tourists not to boycott popular California hot spot over Trump’s tariff threats
An estimated 300,000 Canadians visit the Palm Springs region each year, but recent travel statistics suggest those numbers are taking a hit amid tariff threats to Canada from U.S. President Donald Trump.
A closer look at a “Palm Springs Loves Canada” banner in the City of Palm Springs, California. The banner campaign is aimed at showing support for Canadian visitors amid a steep decline in U.S. tourism.
It’s been described as the jewel of California’s desert oasis, where guests can enjoy year-round sunshine and palm trees swaying in perfect rhythm.
With its desert climate and minimal rainfall, Palm Springs is a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds.
An estimated 300,000 Canadians visit the Palm Springs region each year, but recent travel statistics suggest those numbers are taking a hit amid tariff threats to Canada from U.S. President Donald Trump.
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A worker installs a “Palm Springs Loves Canada” sign on a downtown street.
City of Palm Springs photo
According to , there has been drop in Canadian flight bookings to the U.S. of more than 70 per cent, which has put a damper on many tourist activities.
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Palm Springs’ city government has responded with a new “Palm Springs Loves Canada” banner campaign, aimed at undoing the damage.
“The City of Palm Springs loves our Canadian friends and neighbors,” the city posted on . “These new banners downtown are just a reminder that you are welcome and appreciated in our City and that will never change!”
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Local TV station reported the new banners along North Palm Canyon Drive, installed over the weekend of April 5, are part of a citywide initiative to assure Canadian tourists they are welcome in the desert community.
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People on both sides of the Canada-U.S. are reacting to the banner campaign on social media.
Palm Springs is trying to win back Canadian snowbirds with a new “Palm Springs Loves Canada” campaign. 🇨🇦💖🇺🇸
About 300,000 Canadians visit each year, but Trump-era tensions and tariffs have some cancelling trips and vowing not to spend a dime.
— 604 Now | Vancouver (@604Now)
Responding to the City of Palm Spring’s Facebook post, Diana Oxendale, a Victoria, B.C., resident who vacations in Palm Springs, said Canadians appreciate the banners.
“We have always felt welcomed here, so we sincerely appreciate the gesture,” said Oxendale. “But not so sure how it will feel crossing the border in the future, even though we would never commit any crimes, or overstay our time here as guests in your country. Things are starting to feel very arbitrary, punitive, and cruel, which is making many of us apprehensive.”
“This is sad. I miss our friends to the north,” Portland, Oregon, resident Stephanie Patterson posted to X.
My town of Palm Springs, CA sending a message to our Canadian neighbors.
— Eric Gonzaba (@EGonzaba)
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Mark Renaud, a former deputy mayor and councillor in Tillsonburg, Ont., said Americans have taken Canadians and their relationship with the U.S. for granted.
Canadian snowbirds love Palm Springs. But Trump is making them say: Sorry! We're leaving
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair)
“Your loss,” Renaud said. “California is one of my ‘go-to’ places and sadly no more.”
Actress Morgan Fairchild also weighed in on the issue, posting to X: “Canadian snowbirds love Palm Springs. But Trump is making them say: Sorry! We’re leaving.”
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Mike Pearson is a reporter with Metroland, primarily covering
Haldimand County and Glanbrook. Reach him at mipearson@torstar.ca.
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