15 April 25 
Cross Border News Navigating life as an American in Canada comes with its share of complexities, from cross-border taxes to wealth management. At Beacon Hill Wealth Management, we’re committed to helping our clients and community tackle these challenges with clarity and confidence. Our private Facebook group, Americans Living in Canada, is a vibrant hub where over 10,000 members connect, share experiences, and offer support. One recent post in the group has taken off, sparking a lively discussion that’s captured the attention of our community: “Who has stopped travelling to the US, and why?”
This single post has become a focal point, amassing over 200 comments, hundreds of likes, and dozens of replies within days. It’s one of the most engaged discussions in our group’s history, reflecting the diverse perspectives and personal stories of Americans living north of the border. The conversation taps into a broader dialogue about U.S.-Canada travel, a topic that’s been making headlines due to recent tensions between the two countries, as reported by outlets like CBC News and Reuters. Here, we dive into the heart of this discussion, sharing insights from our members and inviting you to join our community to be part of these meaningful conversations.
The post’s popularity is no surprise given the current climate. With over 300 interactions, including likes, comments, and shares, it’s clear that travel to the U.S. is a pressing concern for many Americans in Canada. The discussion has drawn a wide range of responses, from those who continue to cross the border to those who’ve paused their trips for various reasons. The sheer volume of engagement—over 50 comments within the first 24 hours—shows how deeply this topic resonates.
Recent media coverage has highlighted similar trends. For example, Global News reported on shifting travel patterns due to policy changes and economic factors, while CTV News explored how border policies are affecting cross-border movement. Our group’s discussion offers a personal, ground-level perspective on these issues, with members sharing candid stories that bring the headlines to life.
The reasons for pausing U.S. travel are as varied as our members themselves. One member shared, “I won’t go because I fear my Canadian husband will be detained for no reason and I don’t want to risk his safety.” This comment, which garnered 31 likes, sparked a wave of supportive replies, including one that simply said, “same,” and another noting, “my husband say the same.” These responses, each receiving multiple likes, highlight a common concern about the safety of non-U.S. citizen family members at the border.
Another member expressed a desire to limit economic contributions to the U.S., stating, “I also refuse to contribute any more than necessary to that economy during this reign of terror.” This sentiment resonated with others, as one commenter replied, “I’m hoping most Canadians will do the same,” earning 10 likes for their show of solidarity. These quotes reflect the emotional weight of the decision to avoid U.S. travel, driven by personal and principled considerations.
Not all members have stopped traveling, however. One shared, “I haven’t stopped going. I have family across the border and won’t let politics come between my family and me.” This comment, which received 32 likes and 34 replies, underscores the importance of family ties for many in our community. Another member echoed this, saying, “I still go to see my kids and grandkids. Nothing will stop me from that.” These perspectives highlight the balancing act many face between personal connections and external factors.
Other members cited practical concerns, with one stating, “The border process has gotten so unpredictable. I don’t want to deal with the hassle.” Another added, “I used to visit for work, but now I’m sticking to virtual meetings to avoid complications.” These comments, each with over a dozen likes, reflect the logistical challenges that influence travel decisions.
Several comments focused on logistical and safety concerns at the border. One member noted, “I’m worried about the hassle at the border with my Canadian spouse. It’s just not worth the stress right now.” Another shared, “I used to go for shopping or quick trips, but the uncertainty about entry requirements has me holding off.” These comments, each with over a dozen likes, point to the practical challenges of cross-border travel, especially for those with mixed-citizenship families.
Another member expressed, “I’m concerned about how my Canadian partner would be treated at the border. It’s made us rethink our plans.” This sentiment was echoed by another who said, “The thought of unexpected delays or issues at the border is enough to make me stay put.” These quotes, drawn from the thread’s many replies, show how uncertainty shapes members’ choices.
The media has also covered these issues, with BBC News discussing how border policies have tightened in recent years, creating uncertainty for travelers. Our members’ stories align with these reports, offering real-world examples of how policy changes impact daily decisions. One member summed it up: “It’s not just about me—it’s about making sure my family feels safe crossing the border.”
What makes this discussion so powerful is the sense of community it fosters. Members aren’t just sharing opinions—they’re offering support and validation. One commenter responded to a post about safety concerns with, “I hear you. We’re in the same boat,” while another added, “Thanks for sharing this. It helps to know others feel the same way.” These replies, though brief, carry weight, as they build a sense of connection among members navigating similar challenges.
The post has also prompted practical advice. One member suggested, “If you’re worried about border issues, make sure all your documents are up to date and carry proof of ties to Canada.” Another shared, “I’ve found calling the border agency ahead of time helps clarify what to expect.” These tips, each receiving multiple likes, show how our group serves as a resource for practical solutions as well as emotional support.
One member reflected on the group’s value, saying, “This discussion has been eye-opening. It’s great to see so many perspectives in one place.” Another added, “I didn’t realize how many others were grappling with this until I read through the comments.” These quotes highlight the group’s role as a space for learning and connection.
The “Who has stopped travelling to the US, and why?” post is just one example of the rich conversations happening in our Americans Living in Canada Facebook group. With thousands of active members, our community is a goldmine of insights on everything from cross-border taxes to adjusting to life in Canada. Whether you’re grappling with FBAR filings, wondering what to do with your Roth IRA, or curious about others’ experiences, you’ll find answers and camaraderie here.
Our group is more than a forum—it’s a place to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of being an American in Canada. As one member put it, “This group has been a lifesaver. I didn’t realize how many others were dealing with the same things.” Another added, “I love how open everyone is. It’s like having a bunch of friends who get it.” These sentiments, shared in other group posts, capture the spirit of our community.
At Beacon Hill Wealth Management, we’re here to support you beyond the Facebook group. Our blog offers in-depth articles on topics like managing U.S. IRAs in Canada and filing Form T1135. Our YouTube channel, hosted by Phil Hogan, CPA, CA, features videos that break down complex tax and investment issues in an easy-to-understand way. For personalized guidance, book a free consultation with our team to discuss your specific needs.
We’ve also created a free guide to help Americans navigate tax, investment, and retirement questions when moving to Canada. You can access it at beaconhillwm.ca/guide. As one member said after reading it, “This guide answered so many questions I didn’t even know I had!”
The travel discussion is just one of many that make our Americans Living in Canada group so special. Whether you’re a recent arrival or a long-time resident, your voice matters. Join us to share your story, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the cross-border life. As one member put it, “I joined this group on a whim, and now it’s my go-to for everything from tax advice to just feeling less alone.”
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this dynamic community. Visit our group to request to join, explore our resources at beaconhillwm.ca, or reach out to Phil directly at phil@beaconhillwm.ca. We can’t wait to welcome you!
This commentary reflects the personal opinions, viewpoints and analyses of the Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. partner providing such comments, and should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. or performance returns of any Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Nothing in this commentary constitutes investment advice, performance data or any recommendation that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. Beacon Hill Wealth Management Ltd. manages its clients’ accounts using a variety of investment techniques and strategies, which are not necessarily discussed in the commentary. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Any discussion about taxation is for educational purposes only and should not be viewed as professional advice. Consult your tax professional for tax advice on your particular situation.
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