Impact of U.S.-Canada Relations on Cross-Border Tourism

The relationship between the United States and Canada has significantly impacted tourism, particularly in border towns like Lewiston, New York. Aimee Loughran, owner of Just Desserts bakery, reported a 30% drop in revenues due to a decline in tourist spending, attributed to a year-long boycott by Canadians. Local businesses, including antique shops, have also experienced a downturn, with sales dropping by 20% last year. The decline in Canadian visitors has been exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-Canadian rhetoric and trade policies, which have led to a noticeable decrease in cross-border traffic.

Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicates a 16.3% decline in personal vehicle crossings in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls area, equating to a loss of 717,118 crossings last year. This downturn has resulted in boarded-up stores and reduced hotel staffing, as noted by Frank Strangio, president of the Niagara Falls Hotel and Motel Association. The economic repercussions extend beyond immediate sales losses; local officials warn that the decline in tourism affects tax revenues critical for community services.

Local leaders have expressed concern over the long-term implications of the strained U.S.-Canada relationship. Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino highlighted the need for a pivot towards sports tourism as a potential remedy, proposing a $200 million investment in a new events center. Meanwhile, New York Senator Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's tariffs, labeling them a "dagger aimed at the heart of upstate New York and at working families."

Critics argue that Trump's policies have fostered a negative perception of the U.S. among Canadians. John Percy, chief executive of Destination Niagara, noted a shift in Canadian sentiment, stating that Canadians are now hesitant to visit the U.S. due to the rhetoric suggesting they could become the "51st state." Chellie Pingree, a congresswoman from Maine, reported a drop of about one million Canadian visitors last summer, emphasizing the damage to local economies reliant on cross-border tourism.

While some reports indicate a rebound in U.S. resident trips to Canada, the overall trend shows a continued decline in Canadian visits to the U.S. Statistics Canada noted a 0.7% annual decline in international visitor spending from the U.S. in 2025, coinciding with the onset of Trump's trade war. The situation remains fluid, with varying predictions about the recovery of Canadian tourism to the U.S. in the coming seasons.

Global News

• “They’re not coming any more,” — Frank Strangio, Hotel Owner

• “Every bit of market share that we lose internationally takes us that many more years to regain,” — John Percy, Destination Niagara Chief Executive

• “What a jerk … shut up, just stop. Be a president, act like a president.” — Aimee Loughran, Bakery Owner

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, fueled by political rhetoric and trade policies, have led to a significant decline in cross-border tourism. Local economies in border towns are feeling the impact, with businesses struggling to adapt to the loss of Canadian visitors. As officials seek new strategies to revitalize tourism, the long-term effects of these strained relations remain a pressing concern.