Border Traffic Decline Raises Concerns

British Columbians are making fewer trips to the United States this summer, with new data showing a sharp year-over-year drop at key border crossings. The Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) in Bellingham, Washington, reports a 29% decrease in Canadian vehicle entries at the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway checkpoints in July 2025.

Travel Trends Mirror Broader Downturn

According to BPRI director Laurie Trautman, cross-border traffic had already fallen by almost 30% in February before plunging by up to 50% in April. Last month’s figures equate to roughly 5,000 fewer Canadian vehicles than in July 2024, with an estimated two to three passengers per car. Such declines have been rare over the past three decades, seen previously only during major disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic or the post-9/11 border closures.

Trade Dispute at the Core

Analysts point to an ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States as a key factor discouraging leisure travel. The International Trade Administration reports that foreign travel to the U.S. is down nationwide, while the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts a $12.5-billion loss in international visitor spending this year.

Local Businesses Feel the Absence

Border towns in Washington, especially those that traditionally cater to Canadian visitors, are feeling the shift. In Birch Bay, however, the impact has been less severe. The coastal community is experiencing steady foot traffic from domestic tourists, according to the local Chamber of Commerce. Event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti describes it as a rise in “U.S. regional business,” with visitors arriving from Washington and neighbouring states.

A Sweet Shop’s View from the Frontline

The C Shop, a family-run confectionery operating in Birch Bay since 1971, has long relied on Canadian customers. Owner Keith Alesse says the number of B.C. licence plates in his parking lot has dropped noticeably this year. “We really miss having our Canadians around,” he says. Despite the decline, the shop’s revenue has only slipped about 2% compared with last year, thanks to strong domestic tourism.

Hope for a Return to Normal

While some Washington businesses are managing to offset the loss of Canadian visitors, many remain eager for cross-border travel to recover. Alesse and other business owners hope for a swift resolution to trade tensions, believing that familiar summer patterns will resume once relations improve. Until then, B.C. travellers may remain a rare sight on the other side of the line.

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Vermont Unveils Travel Incentives Amid Canadian Tourism Decline

In a bid to reverse a sharp drop in Canadian tourism, Vermont’s Department of Tourism and Marketing is partnering with local businesses to offer exclusive discounts and deals to Canadian visitors. The initiative comes as the state reports a 23% decrease in border crossings from Canada between January and May 2025 compared to the same period last year.

Political and Economic Factors Drive Travel Drop

Tourism officials say the downturn in Canadian visitors is largely due to growing political tension following President Trump’s inflammatory remarks and trade policies toward Canada. Many Canadians have chosen to boycott travel to the U.S., with some citing Trump’s call to annex Canada and recent tariffs as reasons. Additionally, a weaker Canadian dollar and rising travel costs have made U.S. trips less appealing.

Local Businesses Step In with Offers

Under the new program, participating Vermont businesses—including outdoor adventure companies, farmers markets, and tourist attractions—will provide special deals to Canadian citizens. These offers will be listed on a dedicated landing page hosted by the tourism department. Canadians can redeem the discounts by simply showing a valid ID at participating locations.

A Regional Focus and Community Response

Interest in the program has been strongest in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, a region where nearly 30% of annual visitors come from Canada, compared to just 5% statewide. Tourism Commissioner Heather Pelham says the program is designed to make Canadians feel welcome and appreciated—not just as consumers, but as valued neighbors. The rollout is expected in mid-August, though the program name is still being finalized.

Efforts to Show Solidarity With Canadians

Beyond the discount initiative, Vermont communities are taking symbolic steps to express support for Canadians. In Burlington, the city council recently renamed its main street “Rue Canada” in a gesture meant to distance local values from those of the current U.S. administration. While the move was covered by Canadian media, reactions were mixed. Some Canadians appreciated the sentiment, while others dismissed it as superficial.

Looking Ahead with Optimism and Caution

Despite the uncertain political climate, Pelham believes the new initiative could help repair Vermont’s tourism relationship with Canada. She acknowledges that some Canadians are willing to overlook national tensions in favour of personal travel experiences. “This is about building bridges,” she said. “We want to make sure our Canadian friends know they’re still welcome here.”

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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.

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Interprovincial Alcohol Sales Agreement Reached

Canadians will soon be able to purchase alcohol directly from producers in other provinces, thanks to a new agreement reached by nine provinces and one territory. Announced Tuesday after federal, provincial, and territorial ministers met in Quebec City, the initiative is set to take effect by May 2026. The agreement excludes only Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Yukon, at this time.

Consumer Access to Expand by Spring 2026

The policy shift aims to modernize alcohol sales and reduce long-standing trade barriers. Once implemented, consumers will be allowed to order wine, beer, and spirits directly from producers across provincial lines for personal use. The move is expected to benefit small and mid-sized alcohol producers seeking broader national exposure and to give consumers greater access to regional specialty products.

Implementation Details Still Pending

While the target date is May 2026, several key elements — including taxation, shipping logistics, and provincial oversight — must still be finalized. “We hope that Quebecers and Canadians will be able to benefit from this as soon as possible,” said Quebec’s Junior Economy Minister Christopher Skeete. “But you understand that this has never been done before, and so we want to make sure that we get it right.”

Part of a Broader Push for Economic Integration

This alcohol agreement is just one part of a broader movement to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. Ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding to improve labour mobility and standardize trucking regulations. These efforts reflect a growing push to create a more seamless Canadian internal market.

Federal Support for Free Trade Within Canada

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized that the recent efforts are part of a historic shift. “This meeting is part of a series of conversations, actions, and legislation… which has created a more united Canadian economy than at any time since Confederation,” she said. Last month, Ottawa passed legislation recognizing provincial certifications at the federal level and eliminating additional trade restrictions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

Collaborative Infrastructure Efforts Continue

Beyond alcohol and labour mobility, provinces are also working together on infrastructure. On Monday, Ontario and Alberta signed an agreement to develop shared energy and transportation corridors, including a potential rail line to Ontario’s Ring of Fire mineral region. These developments highlight a growing momentum among provinces to collaborate economically and reduce internal barriers.

Outlook: A More Connected National Market

As provinces finalize the alcohol sales agreement and work through logistics, Canadians can expect a more connected, consumer-friendly marketplace by 2026. For producers and consumers alike, the changes signal a shift toward a more integrated and open Canadian economy — one bottle at a time.

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With the Victoria Day long weekend approaching, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) anticipates increased traffic at land crossings from the U.S. into Canada. While overall border traffic is down, holiday weekends often bring surges. Here’s how to breeze through your border crossing with minimal delays.

Early Bird Gets the Shorter Wait

CBSA’s top advice? Cross into Canada early in the morning when traffic is typically lighter. If early travel isn’t possible, check real-time wait times online for 28 of the busiest border crossings to find the quickest route.

Peace Bridge Tops Delay List-but Most Crossings Are Clear

As of Thursday afternoon, the Peace Bridge between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, reported the longest wait at 13 minutes. Most other crossings showed no delays. Keep in mind, occasional waits often mean officers are conducting important security checks, such as drug or firearm seizures or screening high-risk individuals.

Use Tech to Your Advantage: CanBorder App & Online Tools

The CanBorder app, available on Apple and Android devices, offers up-to-date wait times and crossing info. For those heading south into the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides similar online tools showing current and average wait times at various checkpoints.

What Happened at the BC Border Screening?

Earlier this month, some travelers returning from the U.S. faced extra screenings at a British Columbia checkpoint. This was part of a routine security agreement between CBSA and U.S. Customs. Though it caused delays, the checkpoint was removed after the weekend. Immigration experts confirm such inspections are legal under U.S. federal law.

Prepare Your Documents for a Speedy Crossing

To avoid delays, have your passport, NEXUS card, or other travel documents ready before you reach the window. Be honest and prepared to declare any goods purchased in the U.S., especially those exceeding personal exemption limits.

Know Your Limits: What You Can and Cannot Bring

Keep receipts handy and know the value of your purchases in Canadian dollars. Familiarize yourself with prohibited items-firearms, narcotics, weapons, and cannabis are strictly forbidden in vehicles crossing the border.

Insight:
A little preparation and smart timing can save you hours at the border this long weekend. Check wait times, travel early, and have your paperwork ready to ensure a smooth, stress-free journey back into Canada.

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