Minneapolis Mayor Invited Canadians to Visit City

Mayor Jacob Frey launched a campaign to boost tourism as Canadian visits to the United States have declined significantly.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Canada

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stone bridge over a river with city architecture, representing an inviting urban destination. — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is launching a new tourism campaign to attract Canadian visitors as cross-border travel numbers decline. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has extended an open invitation to Canadian residents to visit his city. This push comes as Canadian travel to the United States has seen a sharp decline following recent political tensions and trade disputes.

Why it matters

The initiative seeks to counteract a cooling trend in cross-border travel that has impacted tourism sectors across the U.S. By emphasizing local attractions, city officials hope to stabilize visitor numbers.

Minneapolis boasts over 5,000 acres of parkland and offers tax exemptions on clothing and shoe purchases. In contrast to domestic travel, Canadian trips to overseas destinations increased by 10.2 per cent.

The players

Jacob Frey

He is the mayor of Minneapolis and has served in the position since 2017.

The details

Mayor Jacob Frey posted a video on Instagram to promote the city's theater scene and outdoor access to potential Canadian travelers. The city is highlighting its specific economic advantages, such as no sales tax on apparel, to differentiate itself from other U.S. destinations.

Jacob Frey has served as mayor of Minneapolis since 2017.
Canadian residents made 23.1 million trips to the U.S. during 2025.
Political tensions between the U.S. and Canada intensified throughout 2025.
Protests and the shooting of two U.S. citizens occurred in January 2026.

Travel Outlook

The push by Minneapolis represents an attempt to navigate the current shift in cross-border travel that has persisted since 2025. This effort counters broader seasonal tourism fluctuations by targeting a specific demographic that has increasingly favored overseas destinations.

Travelers visiting from Canada can benefit from Minnesota's lack of sales tax on clothing and shoes to maximize their shopping budgets. Visitors should verify current border policies and travel advisories before finalizing their trip itineraries.

The takeaway

The city is leveraging its unique tax policies and public amenities to attract international guests despite broader travel headwinds. Potential visitors can utilize the city's extensive park system and tax-free shopping to optimize their travel costs.