On March 28th, we posted on Facebook asking Canadian cottagers who have a cottage in the U.S., and vice-versa, about their thoughts on the recent tensions and tariffs between our two countries. Are these affecting your cottaging plans for the upcoming summer? Are you concerned about crossing the border? We received more than 200 likes and 1,000 comments! In true Canadian fashion, almost all of the comments were respectful and civil. Here’s what you had to say:
Thoughts from Canadians
“Many Canadians have been cancelling vacation plans to the U.S. I’m one of them.”—E-C Davidson
“We are Canadian but had a cottage in the U.S. and sold it a couple of years ago. I am so glad we don’t have to go back there.”—Joyce Busher
“Our family has owned a wonderful place in upstate New York for over thirty years. We travel across the border many times annually and have never experienced any major issues. Our friend base there is split between American and Canadian families. Our neighbours are mostly American, and I can’t express how wonderful they are. Through COVID, they inspected our home weekly and kept tabs on the property without ever asking for a thing. Since the new administration has taken power in the U.S., these friends have apologized over and over to us for the conduct of their government. We know not to antagonize anyone politically or insult their political views and just enjoy the wonderful friendships we have. We are hoping that cooler heads will prevail, and our cross-border lifestyle can continue without hate, fear, or finality.”—John Robertson
“We have an American friend who owns a cottage near us. Her family has owned their place for three generations, as has my family. We feel she is an honorary Canadian.”—Rose Ann Davidson
“We have so many wonderful customers who live in the U.S. and cottage here in Bancroft during the summer. We look forward to seeing them and will welcome them with our Canadian hospitality when they arrive.”—West Wind Gallery & Gifts
“We live in Canada, near the U.S. border, and over the years have enjoyed numerous visits to the U.S. However, now that the U.S. voted for President Trump and his politics, I don’t feel welcome at all in the U.S., and will not be returning. Any MAGA hats I see will not be welcome and will be singled out. If you don’t respect us, don’t expect any respect in return .”—Randy Stewart
“I think enough of us Canadians know who has made these problems. I hope Americans are treated well here this summer.”—Debbie Martin
“I’m a Canadian, and I hope you go to your cottage this summer. Canadians know the majority of Americans don’t agree with their leader. I’m sure your family and friends will welcome you.”—Joanne Hebert
Thoughts from Americans
“We are from Kansas and planning to vacation in Canada this year so we can support Canada! We will spend our money in Canada and not the U.S. for our six-week vacation. The U.S. is wrong in what they are doing! Stay strong, Canada.”—Alan Bergkamp
“We have a cottage in Ontario, and I sure hope that Canadians don’t assume that all Americans are MAGA supporters. Our family certainly is not!”—Terri Crouch Ritterhoff
“I am a U.S. citizen vacationing in Canada this summer to support the Canadian economy. I am far from a MAGA supporter, as I protest against the orange man and did not vote for him. I am hoping the people in Canada will not hold it against me that I am American. I am in full support of your country.”—Cathy Whitney
“This all shall pass. We love coming up to our cottage in the Rideau Lakes. I live in the U.S. and have been going up to Ontario for 63 years. I’m counting the days until we leave to go up to our island! We love our Canadian friends, we will not talk politics (we never do), both of our governments are having problems, but life goes on. Every day is a gift, and I can’t waste one day arguing about politics! I hope everyone has a wonderful spring and summer.”—Donna Swartz Purcell
“We are Americans with a cottage on Georgian Bay. We have had dear Canadian friends for generations with lots of exchange despite the border. We expect absolutely no changes in those feelings and alliances. We do invite discussion as to what we can do to create a mutually beneficial exchange. Honestly, politics is a secondary concern compared to the basic health, environmental, and educational issues we tend to discuss.”—Katherine Freygang
“We’re Americans who have owned a small island on the Canadian side of Rainy Lake, Ont., east of Fort Frances, since 1988. We live in Grand Marais, Minn., along the shore of Lake Superior and close to border, and travel to the Thunder Bay, Ont.-area in the winter to ski, shop, and eat. We love and respect Canada and Canadians and have been treated uniformly with friendliness during our recent trips. Our island on Rainy Lake is our little piece of paradise, and we plan to keep experiencing it until they have to pry our cold fingers off the rocks. We’re angered by our government’s statements and actions regarding Canada.”—Craig Hunter
“We are from Rochester, New York, and have owned our cottage on Big Rideau Lake since 2000. We cannot wait to open next month, and plan to spend as much time there as we can through October. Being boat-access, we are not able to go year round. We are horrified by what is happening in the U.S. and even more horrified at MAGA Americans that we know go there as well. Horribly disrespectful to cheer on something so offensive to your ‘friends.’ We have truly beloved Canadian friends and neighbours who know we are not the slightest bit okay with what is happening. The U.S. has descended into an authoritarian government. I fear for my grandchildren. Knowing they can have the freedom and joy of the cottage is a bright light to stay focused on. I am seriously planning on flying my U.S. flag upside down under the Canadian flag.”—Kathryn Adams Orbanek
“It’s beneficial for an American to have a cottage in Canada, but not the other way around. The Canadian dollar is just too low!”—Julie Hiebert
Don’t make it political, eh?
“We have great cottage neighbours that are from the U.S. We can’t wait to see them again. Just don’t talk about politics. I would be sad if they sold.”—Kathie Bolt-Walten
“As a Canadian with a cottage on a lake in Ontario, where we have many American cottage owners and visitors, I sure hope that Americans have enough wits and self-awareness about them to leave their MAGA caps and opinions at home. This is my happy place, and any MAGA presence will spoil the mood.”—Kathy Killeen Bobyn
“We should not be going after the people; it’s the government that’s the problem.”—Rob Kaspar
“Come on up. Display elbows up shirts and things. We don’t hate you, just your government. And, please, always fly our flag on top of yours. We have always been too polite to tell you that, but it’s very annoying when Americans come here and fly their flag on top of ours. We would never do that in America.”—Charmaine McCabe
“If you are an American cottaging in Canada and happen to be a MAGA supporter, I suggest you leave your MAGA gear and attitude back in the U.S. You are guests in our country; act accordingly.”—Rio Calcagno
“It’s not so much the individual American, as it is the President. Get rid of the President, and we may go back to being friends again.”—James Brown
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Related Story This American cottager has a long history in Canada, a country she loves
Related Story Point Roberts, Wash.: A quirky enclave across the border from Vancouver
Related Story Proposed tariffs could make things more expensive for cottagers. Here’s how