Why are Canadians staying away from the US? 🇨🇦🇺🇸

Claudia from the Podcast @OverHereOverThere traveled to Port Angeles, Washington State, where you can see Canada across the water on a clear day. Victoria, British Columbia, is less than 30 kilometers away. For years, Canadians took the ferry over for events, shopping and weekend trips. Many families have relatives on both sides, and even the ferry is owned jointly by Canadians and Americans. Since 2025, that has changed.

In this episode Claudia talks with Mark Abshire, executive director of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, at the local visitor center. He tells us honestly why fewer Canadians are crossing the border and what that means for a small American town that has always felt like Victoria’s neighbor.

What do you think? If you’re Canadian, have you changed your travel plans to the US? Let us know in the comments. If you enjoy firsthand reporting from places where world politics affects everyday life, subscribe and turn on notifications.

Claudia Koestler is a Senior Editor of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Germany's largest quality newspaper, and is co-host of the 'Over Here, Over There' podcast.