Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has put Canada on the defensive with false claims that it wants to become the 51st state and on-and-off tariff threats. The aggressive policy has led to a marked downturn in Canadian tourists crossing the border for holidays.
Vehicle traffic across the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge between Ontario and New York dropped 31 percent in April compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. Car crossings at the Champlain-St. Bernard de Lacolle Border Crossing from Quebec into New York were down 31 percent in March, the North Country Chamber of Commerce reported.
A Leger study in May found over 70 percent of Canadians are less likely to visit the US in 2025, up from 59 percent in February. Of those, 64 percent cited tariffs and 61 percent political tensions as reasons.
In response, US border states have launched a charm offensive. The North Country Chamber of Commerce introduced 'cross-border specials' including free bike rentals in Plattsburgh, a $36 pizza and wings deal, and discounts on hockey merchandise. Vermont's Jay Peak Resort accepts Canadian dollars at par, and the Vermont Brewers Association is doing the same for its summer festival.
North Dakota reported a 26 percent drop in Canadian visitation, representing an estimated $17.8 million in lost spending. The state's tourism board continues advertising in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, saying: 'We eagerly anticipate welcoming our Canadian friends back.' Michigan's Pure Michigan vice president Kelly Wolgamott said: 'We are closely monitoring traveler sentiment and trends.'
