An advertisement encouraging tourism in eastern Quebec has gone viral after showing sympathy for our American neighbours.
The video, titled “Come hug it out in the Eastern Townships,” has received over two million views as of publication since it was first published on YouTube a month ago.
Posted by Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est, a Quebec tourism association for the province’s eastern townships, the advertisement shows a man checking into a hotel in Quebec, whispering to the front desk that he doesn’t speak French.
When the attendant questions where he is from, the man whispers that he is American. She then shares a sympathetic smile with the man before pressing a button to exit her desk area and giving him a huge hug.
“Come hug it out in the Eastern Townships,” flashes across the screen.
The tourism agency also shared the video on Instagram, with the caption “What if this summer, we opened our arms wide to warmth, smiles, and genuine moments? In the Eastern Townships, hospitality isn’t something we say — it’s something you feel.”
The ad comes at a time of considerable political tension between Canada and the U.S following tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, prompting retaliatory tariffs from Prime Minister Mark Carney.
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Online, viewers have shared their feelings on the ad.
“This American in Texas would like a Canadian hug, please,” one person said on Instagram.
One person shared that after a recent trip to Canada, she’s already looking forward to her return.
“We are already talking about visiting again. Kindness lives in Canada. I cannot stress how much I appreciate our neighbors to the North,” she wrote on Instagram.
“Holy crap- do I need to move to Canada now? This was so nice!” one Facebook viewer commented.
“Great ad!!! Lots of Americans need that hug right now!” another shared.
