“We’re expecting things to balance out,” said Diodati in a recent interview with CTV News. “We’ve lost some American travelers, but we’ve gained Canadians, Europeans, South Americans—even visitors from Mexico.” That shift is keeping Niagara Falls firmly on the travel map.

Why Fewer Americans Are Crossing the Border

The ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war has nudged many Americans to rethink their travel plans. As a result, Niagara—typically bustling with U.S. tourists—is seeing a 10% to 15% drop in that segment. Historically, Americans make up 25% of annual visitors and bring in nearly 40% of the region’s revenue.

Despite that dip, Diodati isn’t too concerned. With cross-border traffic and airport data as key indicators, the city still expects strong year-end numbers. Niagara typically welcomes 14 million visitors each year, and the diversified crowd is keeping that benchmark within reach.

Canadian and Global Tourists Step In

Local businesses are noticing the shift firsthand—and many are thriving because of it. Evergreen Thrift Store, run by Niagara local Nick Cupolo, has seen a 15% rise in revenue compared to July last year.

“This year’s been busier, month to month,” Cupolo said. He also mentioned a new wave of customers—evacuees fleeing wildfires in Northern Manitoba and Ontario. “People arrived with just one suitcase. Being able to provide affordable clothing helped them, and helped us too.”

Local Loyalty Drives Wine Sales

For some, the decision to visit Niagara has also become a statement. At Restaurant Pearl Morissette, recently crowned Canada’s Best Restaurant by “Canada’s 100 Best,” co-owner Daniel Hadida observed a sharp change in consumer behavior.

“Guests are outspoken—they don’t want American wines,” said Hadida. “They’re choosing to support local producers, and we’ve seen a real impact.”

The winery, located near Jordan Station, has experienced increased wine sales as guests seek to align their choices with their values.

American Diners Still Find Value—And Tables

Interestingly, the restaurant has also seen a rise in American diners. Thanks to a strong U.S. dollar, many find luxury dining in Canada more affordable.

“Earlier, we had one U.S. table a night. Now, it’s sometimes 25% of the dining room,” said Hadida. “They see the value here.”

Even as overall U.S. foot traffic dips, unique experiences like Pearl Morissette continue to attract cross-border visitors.

Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more insights on Canada’s shifting travel trends and

The post Why Niagara Falls Is Trending in Canadian Tourism first appeared on Maple News Wire.

B.C. Day travel is in full swing, and officials are bracing for one of the busiest weekends of the year. With ferry traffic swelling and airport crowds building, travelers are being urged to plan ahead, expect delays, and travel with patience.

As the long weekend kicks off, both B.C. Ferries and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are operating at maximum capacity, while police and ICBC caution drivers about fatigue, speeding, and safety risks on the roads.

Ferry Demand Surges Amid Aging Fleet Challenges

B.C. Ferries expects up to a 10% increase in passengers and 5% more vehicles this weekend compared to regular summer days. Every vessel in its 37-ship fleet is in service, including the 61-year-old Queen of New Westminster.

That vessel alone has seen 10 technical issues just this past month—from engine leaks to power interruptions. While none caused cancellations, each demanded urgent fixes.

Officials acknowledge the fleet is aging and struggling to meet growing demand. Four new ships are in the pipeline, but with travel projected to rise 15% in the coming years, upgrades may still fall short.

Sailing delays have already been reported, as crews work overtime to load more vehicles. Reservations are full on most major routes, and walk-on or off-peak travel is strongly recommended for those without bookings.

YVR Sees Record-High Passenger Volume

Meanwhile, Vancouver International Airport is preparing for its busiest weekend of the summer. Between August 1 and 4, over 359,000 travelers are expected to pass through YVR—a 7.4% jump from last year.

Friday alone could see nearly 92,000 people, with Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and San Francisco topping the destination list.

Though YVR is scaling operations, staffing shortages at Nav Canada have caused periodic air traffic delays. Earlier this summer, a similar shortage led to over 200 flight delays during the Canada Day weekend.

Border Crossings Backed Up Despite Traffic Drop

At land borders, wait times at Peace Arch and Pacific Highway topped one hour Friday afternoon. Surprisingly, this comes as southbound travel into the U.S. has dropped by 43% year-over-year.

This decline began in February when former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed higher tariffs on Canadian goods. As of this Friday, a new executive order has raised tariffs from 25% to 35%, likely affecting cross-border travel even further.

Despite lower traffic, delays remain. Reginald Raju of the Peace Arch Duty Free Shop said reduced staffing at U.S. border checkpoints is stretching wait times. “There are fewer patrol guards and open lanes,” he noted, adding that business remains down about 30% compared to previous years.

Still, a modest uptick in Canadian customers—possibly due to cruise season and school holidays—offers some optimism.

RCMP and ICBC Urge Road Safety

With highways expected to be packed, ICBC is sounding the alarm on fatigue-related crashes, which spike in July and August.

“Hot weather can drain you quickly,” said road safety manager Kathleen Nadalin. “Check how you feel before getting behind the wheel.”

Statistically, the B.C. Day weekend sees more than 2,000 crashes, resulting in over 560 injuries and two deaths, with nearly 400 injuries in the Lower Mainland alone.

To help reduce those numbers, RCMP and Highway Patrol officers are setting up roadside safety checks all weekend long.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin urged drivers to slow down and make smart choices. “We’d rather tow your car than deliver tragic news to your family,” he said.

What Travellers Can Do Now

If you’re heading out this weekend, here’s what officials suggest:

• Book ferry and flight tickets in advance or consider off-peak travel

• Walk-on ferry passengers may face shorter waits than vehicles

• Use alternate border crossings or travel during less busy hours

• Rest before long drives, and stay hydrated to avoid fatigue

• Stay updated on real-time traffic, ferry sailings, and airport conditions

Stay safe, travel smart, and stay tuned to Maple Wire for more live updates.

The post B.C. Day Travel: Ferries, Flights Face Heavy Traffic first appeared on Maple News Wire.

Canadian Travel to U.S. Falls Nearly 32% in May 2025

Sharp Drop Signals Changing Travel Preferences
Statistics Canada has reported a substantial 31.9% year-over-year decline in Canadian residents returning from the United States in May 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly drop, suggesting a sustained shift in Canadian travel patterns influenced by ongoing political tensions and changing consumer priorities.

Why Travel to the U.S. Is Declining

Political Rhetoric and Trade Friction Drive Boycott
Relations between Canada and the United States have soured in recent months due to the ongoing trade war and controversial remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump. Recent comments from U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, labeling Canadians as “mean” and “nasty,” further fueled public backlash. Canadian Premier David Eby responded by encouraging citizens to continue their cautious approach to cross-border spending, reinforcing the growing trend of a U.S. travel boycott.

Domestic and European Travel on the Rise

Canadians Looking Closer to Home and Across the Atlantic
While travel to the U.S. declined, trips to other international destinations rose. Statistics Canada recorded an 8.9% increase in return trips from overseas, and a 9.3% rise in Canadians returning from countries outside North America. Travel industry data supports this shift, with airports reporting higher demand for European destinations and a surge in domestic tourism.

Economic Patriotism and Policy Shifts

Canada Strong Pass Encourages Local Exploration
In response to the economic effects of the trade dispute, the federal government introduced the Canada Strong Pass. This initiative provides Canadians with free or discounted access to national parks, museums, galleries, and Via Rail, encouraging domestic travel. Prime Minister Mark Carney described the program as a show of unity and national pride, launched “at a time when our economy is under attack from President Trump.”

Impact on U.S.-Canada Tourism Exchange

Both Sides Feeling the Effects
The travel chill is mutual: visits by U.S. residents to Canada dropped 5.6% in May 2025, marking the fourth straight monthly decline. Some American lawmakers visiting Ottawa this month acknowledged the downturn, with one senator stating bluntly, “We miss you.” The cooling travel exchange signals a larger diplomatic chill that could affect tourism revenues on both sides of the border.

What Lies Ahead for Canadian Travel?

Sustained Shift or Temporary Reaction?
While it remains unclear whether this downward trend in U.S. travel will extend into 2026, the numbers suggest a deepening sentiment among Canadians to reevaluate their international destinations. For now, patriotism, politics, and consumer choice are reshaping how and where Canadians choose to travel.

For more national news and in-depth analysis, visit maplenewswire.ca.

The post Canadian Travel to U.S. Drops Sharply Amid Tensions first appeared on Maple News Wire.