Decline in Canadian Tourism to North Dakota: Political and Economic Factors at Play

In 2025, North Dakota has experienced a significant decline in Canadian tourism, with border crossings for personal vehicles down approximately 30% compared to the previous year. This downturn is attributed primarily to U.S. political rhetoric and trade policies, particularly the 35% tariff imposed by the Trump administration on most imports from Canada. The North Dakota Department of Commerce estimates that Canadian visitors spent about $14.4 million less in the first half of 2025 than in the same period in 2024.

Canada Experiences Dramatic Fall in Border Crossings to North Dakota This Year Fueled by US Political Strain and Trade Conflicts Affecting Tourism and Local Growth

The strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump's controversial comments and policies. A July survey conducted by Longwoods International revealed that 63% of Canadian respondents felt that U.S. policies and political rhetoric made them less likely to travel to the U.S. Of those, 80% cited tariffs and economic policies as significant deterrents, while 71% mentioned the hostile rhetoric from U.S. officials. This sentiment reflects a broader trend where political factors are increasingly influencing travel decisions.

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The decline in Canadian tourism has had tangible economic impacts on North Dakota's tourism sector. Hotel occupancy rates and visits to major attractions, such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park, have also decreased. For instance, ticket orders from Canada for the North Dakota State Fair dropped from approximately 1,500 in 2024 to about 1,100 in 2025. Local businesses that rely on Canadian visitors, including gas stations and retail stores, are reporting significant revenue losses.

Canada Experiences Dramatic Fall in Border Crossings to North Dakota This Year Fueled by US Political Strain and Trade Conflicts Affecting Tourism and Local GrowthUS Faces New Tourism Setback as Canadian Visitor Decline, Impacting Border Communities and Major City EconomiesUS Hotels Strategize for Robust Recovery in 2026 as Geopolitical Shifts Stall Inbound Travel and Significantly Impact Room DemandNorth Dakota Monitor

Despite the overall decline, some local residents and tourism officials believe that personal connections between Canadians and North Dakotans remain strong. Craig Rudland, general manager of the Minot convention and visitors bureau, noted that many Canadians still wish to visit despite national politics. Events like the "Handshake Across the Border" at the International Peace Garden, which attracted 300 to 400 attendees, serve as reminders of the enduring friendship between the two nations.

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Tourism officials in North Dakota are actively monitoring the situation and exploring strategies to attract Canadian visitors back. Suggested measures include cross-border advertising and specially priced vacation packages. However, the timeline for recovery remains uncertain, with experts warning that prolonged geopolitical tensions could lead to a persistent decline in tourism.

US Faces New Tourism Setback as Canadian Visitor Decline, Impacting Border Communities and Major City Economies

• “We are obviously watching the Canadian travel patterns and are concerned.” — Sara Otte Coleman, Director, North Dakota Department of Commerce

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• “Politics and policies change but the people here in North Dakota are who they were two years ago or 10 years ago.” — Craig Rudland, General Manager, Minot Convention and Visitors Bureau

North Dakota Monitor

The decline in Canadian tourism to North Dakota highlights the intricate relationship between political climate and economic outcomes in the tourism sector. As local officials work to navigate these challenges, the future of cross-border travel remains uncertain, hinging on both political developments and the resilience of personal connections between the two nations.

Canada Experiences Dramatic Fall in Border Crossings to North Dakota This Year Fueled by US Political Strain and Trade Conflicts Affecting Tourism and Local Growth