Minnesota Mayor Seeks to Bring Canadians Back: 'We Miss You Guys'

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey recently posted a heartfelt video on Instagram, expressing the city's longing for visitors from Canada. In the video, Frey addressed Canadian tourists, saying, 'We miss you guys, we don't think of you as the 51st state.' Frey highlighted Minneapolis as a city with a strong theatre scene and ample parkland, inviting Canadians to visit and 'have each other's company.'

Frey's plea for Canadian tourists to come back comes as the city experiences a decline in visitors, likely due to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Statistics Canada reported a 23.5% decrease in Canadian residents traveling to the U.S. in 2025, with leisure and vacation trips falling even more sharply. Despite Frey's optimistic invitation, some Canadians seem hesitant to return, with users commenting on his post expressing reservations about visiting the U.S.

The article also notes that other U.S. destinations, such as Florida, have seen a decline in Canadian visitors. Minneapolis, with its strong theatre scene and extensive park system, may offer a more appealing alternative for Canadian tourists seeking a visit to the U.S. in 2026 and beyond.