Canadians Embrace Toronto Blue Jays Despite Tariffs and Trump Rhetoric

On a crisp, sunny October afternoon, Canadian baseball fans crossed political lines for a rare and high-stakes playoff between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners.

Political tensions and shifting travel habits have kept many Canadians away from U.S. stadiums.

Still, the lure of postseason baseball drew a few determined supporters south of the border.

They weighed their principles, wallets, and personal safety every step of the way.

Canadian Fans Navigate Politics for Baseball Glory

Grant Murray, a lawyer from Vancouver, let his passion for baseball outweigh his long-standing boycott of U.S. travel.

Since the Trump administration, he’s avoided visiting the United States over political tensions, trade tariffs, and remarks suggesting Canada could be “the 51st state.”

His trip to Seattle for Game 3 of the American League Division Series was meticulously planned to stick to his beliefs.

Despite shelling out $280 for a standing-room ticket, Murray made the six-hour round trip in one day.

He skipped concessions and didn’t stay overnight.

His mission was clear—support Canada’s only Major League Baseball team without pumping extra dollars into the U.S. economy.

A Big Win on the Field

The game delivered a memorable performance for Canadian fans.

Toronto routed Seattle 13–4, narrowing the series deficit to 2–1.

The Mariners still held the upper hand, but the Blue Jays’ dominant showing became a moment of pride for supporters like Murray, who sacrificed convenience to cheer them on in person.

More Than Baseball: Values, Identity, and Travel Choices

Another devoted fan, Rhiannon McMillan, an electrician from Maple Ridge, B.C., called the playoff clash her “dream series.”

Both teams hold a special place in her heart.

Like Murray, she avoids U.S. travel for political reasons.

For her, the issues include threats to transgender rights, instability, and aggressive immigration enforcement policies.

McMillan’s avoidance of American destinations has changed her family’s vacation plans.

Instead of Disneyland, they chose Mexico—one example of how politics and social issues are shaping Canadian tourism.

Her decision to spend $300 on a ticket for this series was a calculated exception, driven by the rarity of the matchup and her loyalty to the game.

The Bigger Picture: Cross-Border Tourism in Decline

The choices of fans like Murray and McMillan reflect a larger trend.

Border crossings from Canada into Washington have dropped 36% in 2025.

Seattle tourism officials project a 26% decrease in international visitors overall, with Canadians making up most of that decline.

This downturn has hit local businesses.

• Ivar’s restaurant – Seeing fewer Canadian customers walk through the door.
• FRS Clipper ferry service – Forced to cut routes and toss out targeted promotions to lure cross-border travelers.

Business Challenges and Hopes for Reconnection

The tourism sector in Seattle is feeling the pinch from fewer Canadian visitors.

Promotional campaigns now aim to rekindle engagement, offering deals and discounts meant just for them.

But honestly, economic deals alone probably won’t erase the political and cultural hesitations behind these declines.

Baseball as a Bridge Between Nations

Still, there’s some optimism that shared passions—especially for sports—could soften divisions.

Nathan Bird, a tourism worker from Victoria, thinks events like the Blue Jays–Mariners playoff series can spark goodwill and a bit of mutual appreciation.

Baseball, after all, transcends political agendas.

It brings communities together, creates that seasonal buzz, and reminds fans of the joy in moments that go beyond borders.

Looking Ahead: Will Sports Rekindle Cross-Border Travel?

Right now, Canadian tourism to the U.S. keeps dropping. Still, big sports events might chip away at those barriers, at least a little.

Can shared cultural experiences really offset political mistrust? For fans like Murray and McMillan, the answer was yes—though only under pretty cautious, controlled circumstances.

Seattle’s tourism industry and the baseball franchises might need to lean harder into these rare unifying moments. Maybe that’s the nudge visitors need to cross the border again.

Who knows—maybe these exchanges could spark a little diplomacy at the grassroots level. It’s a reminder that people on both sides still have some common ground, even now.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Canadians set aside contempt for tariffs and Trump rhetoric for the love of the Toronto Blue Jays