States Canadians Quietly Skip

Let’s be honest—Canadians don’t “hate” any US states. But when planning a trip, some places quietly get left off the list. Not always because they’re bad… but because of reputation, cost, safety concerns, or just a general “hmm… maybe not this time.”

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#25. Delaware

Delaware suffers from a serious identity problem. Ask a Canadian what’s there, and you’ll likely get a shrug. It’s not unsafe—it’s just so under-the-radar that people assume there’s nothing to do… which might not be fair, but it happens.

Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons

#24. Kansas

Kansas isn’t dangerous—it’s just very empty in places. Canadians used to scenic variety might find long stretches of road with not much going on. It’s less fear and more “Are we still driving through the same field?”

Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons

#23. Mississippi

Mississippi has rich culture, but it also carries a reputation for being less developed in some areas. For travelers unfamiliar with the region, that uncertainty can make them hesitate—especially when flashier Southern states are nearby.

Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons

#22. Arkansas

Arkansas has beautiful nature, but it sometimes gets labeled as “hard to navigate” for tourists. Fewer major cities and attractions can make Canadians feel like they might not get the most out of a trip.

EurekaSpringsAR, Wikimedia Commons

#21. West Virginia

Stunning, yes—but also known for being very rural and isolated in parts. For Canadians used to well-connected cities, that sense of remoteness can feel a little intimidating.

Princetonnative, Wikimedia Commons

#20. Alabama

Alabama has a lot to offer, but it’s sometimes associated with a slower pace and fewer tourist hubs. Canadians looking for big attractions may worry they’ll run out of things to do.

Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons

#19. North Dakota

This one feels a bit too familiar. Flat landscapes, cold winters, and quiet towns don’t exactly scream “vacation upgrade” for Canadians already used to similar scenery.

Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant), Wikimedia Commons

#18. South Dakota

Mount Rushmore draws attention—but once that’s checked off, some travelers aren’t sure what comes next. It can feel like a one-stop destination rather than a full trip.

WeaponizingArchitecture, Wikimedia Commons

#17. Nebraska

Nebraska often gets the “drive-through state” reputation. It’s not unsafe—it’s just not exciting enough to compete with more famous destinations.

Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, Wikimedia Commons

#16. Oklahoma

Oklahoma sometimes flies under the radar in a way that makes travelers uncertain. It’s not that it’s avoided—it’s just rarely the first choice when there are bigger-name states nearby.

Steven C. Price, Wikimedia Commons

#15. New Mexico

New Mexico is beautiful—but its desert landscapes and extreme heat can catch Canadians off guard. The unfamiliar environment can make some travelers hesitate.

dconvertini, Wikimedia Commons

#14. Nevada (Outside Las Vegas)

Vegas? Packed. The rest of Nevada? A lot of open desert. Canadians leaving the Strip sometimes feel like they’ve accidentally stepped into a completely different world—with not much in between.

Famartin, Wikimedia Commons

#13. Wyoming

Wyoming is stunning—but also very remote. For travelers used to easy access to amenities, the wide-open isolation can feel less relaxing and more “survival mode.”

Vasiliymeshko, Wikimedia Commons

#12. Idaho

Idaho has a quiet reputation—which can work against it. Canadians often skip it simply because they don’t know what to expect, and uncertainty isn’t always appealing when planning a trip.

Robbymilo, Wikimedia Commons

#11. Kentucky

Kentucky has its highlights, but it’s sometimes seen as a niche destination. If you’re not into horse racing or bourbon, Canadians may wonder what else there is to build a trip around.

Tamanoeconomico, Wikimedia Commons

#10. Indiana

Indiana isn’t known for being unsafe—but it does get labeled as “nothing stands out.” When planning a vacation, “fine” usually isn’t enough to win people over.

Daniel Schwen, Wikimedia Commons

#9. Connecticut

Nice, but expensive—and often overshadowed. Canadians heading to the Northeast tend to go straight for New York or Boston instead.

Kenneth C. Zirkel, Wikimedia Commons

#8. Rhode Island

It’s charming, but tiny. Canadians sometimes worry they’ll “run out of things to do” quickly, especially if they’re used to larger destinations.

Will Hart from Fullerton, U.S.A. - flickr.com/photos/cthulhuwho1 - cthulhuwho1.com - youtube.com/user/CthulhuWho1, Wikimedia Commons

#7. New Jersey

New Jersey battles a reputation problem. Fair or not, many Canadians associate it with traffic, congestion, and industrial areas—so they skip it for New York instead.

Adithyavr, Wikimedia Commons

#6. Maryland

Maryland has a lot going for it, but it’s often overshadowed by Washington, D.C. Tourists tend to choose the bigger name, leaving Maryland overlooked.

APK, Wikimedia Commons

#5. Hawaii

Hawaii is not avoided because people don’t want to go—it’s avoided because it’s expensive. Flights, hotels, food… it adds up fast. Canadians often choose closer tropical destinations for half the price.

Zetong Li, Unsplash

#4. Alaska

Alaska is breathtaking—but for Canadians, it can feel like more of the same. Add in high travel costs and remote locations, and many decide to explore similar scenery closer to home.

Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons

#3. California

California’s biggest issue? Price—and perception. Canadians hear about high costs, traffic, and safety concerns in certain cities, which can make them second-guess the trip, even if they’re still tempted.

Quintin Soloviev, Wikimedia Commons

#2. New York

New York City is iconic—but also intense. Crowds, prices, and stories about safety can make some Canadians hesitate. It’s the kind of place people want to see… but mentally prepare for first.

Dllu, Wikimedia Commons

#1. Florida

Florida is popular—but also chaotic. Crowds, extreme heat, unpredictable weather, and the occasional headline can make some Canadians think twice. It’s less “avoid” and more “do we really want to deal with all that right now?”

Oliver Echeverria, Wikimedia Commons

Why These States Get Skipped

Most of the time, it comes down to perception. Cost, safety concerns, reputation, or just not knowing what to expect can push travelers toward more familiar options. With so many choices, even good places can get overlooked.

Vlada Karpovich, Pexels

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Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10