Americas northeastern regions entice visitors with special offers exclusive to Canadians, as transatlantic travel suffers a downturn in popularity
Cannot Resist The Charm: U.S. Communities Court Canadians Amid International Tensions
From maple syrup and scenic vistas to friendly banter in French, the combination of Canadian and American cultures has long been the lifeblood of the North Country region along the U.S.-Canadian border. Yet for many in this picturesque southern district, the vibrant exchange of customs, languages, and tourism has taken a hit in recent months.
"I ain't never seen a summer without Canadians bumbling around," lamented Kristy Kennedy, a lifelong resident of the area and now vice president of marketing and business development for the North Country Chamber of Commerce.
The reason behind this conspicuous absence, according to Kennedy, is a dense cloud of polterminations hanging over North America, causing Canadians to reconsider their annual pilgrimage. The result? A sparse emptiness in hotels, campgrounds, marinas, and golf resorts usually bustling with our northern neighbors' laughter and enthusiasm.
"It's more than just a decline; it's freakin' devastating," expressed Paul Dame, proprietor of Bluff Point Golf Resort in Plattsburg, New York. In a candid conversation with the CBC, he revealed losses exceeding 30% this spring. Dame and fellow business owners along the border are now staring down the barrel of potential economic pain, as their leisure travel market is unsurprisingly dominated by Canadians.
This is not a situation exclusive to the North Country. Border towns in Vermont are also feeling the bite, with many businesses seeing a disheartening drop in revenue. At the Kingdom Trails Association of East Burke, Vermont, Canadian visitors have halved since last spring, leading to ripples of financial impact extending to nearby shops, restaurants, and accommodations.
Nor is it a problem confined to one type of enterprise. Up at Jay Peak Resort, a few miles south of the international border, President Steve Wright has seen similar consequences. Cancellations began after talk of Canada becoming the 51st state, and the situation has only worsened since.
"Ain't nobody gonna fully understand the fallout if we don't get this turned around," Wright warned during a June 11 forum on tariff impacts organized by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján and Catherine Cortez Masto. Wright, who stressed that about 50% of Jay Peak's traffic is Canadian, especially during the summer, warned of potential job losses if the situation doesn't improve.
To counter these losses, businesses across the northern U.S. are rolling out the red carpet for Canadian visitors. The North Country Chamber of Commerce launched a "Cross-Border Specials" campaign on June 1, inviting members to welcome Canadians with special offers and discounts.
Some businesses are getting creative with their Canadian-only deals. Adirondack ElliptiGO, an elliptical bicycle rental company in Plattsburg, New York, is giving away free, all-day rentals to anyone flashing a Canadian ID. The owner, Donald Moore, is even partnering with the nearby Cabana Beach Bar, offering vouchers for thirsty Canadians to enjoy some drinks and soak their toes in the sand.
Other businesses are getting in on the act too. Vermont's Vermont Brewers Festival, which brings together the state's 77 breweries, is offering at-par pricing for Canadian visitors, while the posh Kennebunkport Resort Collection in Maine boasts an "O Canada" discount of up to 15% — complete with a free bottle of bubbly.
And it's not just businesses taking action. Maine Governor Janet Mills recently unveiled new signs reading "Bienvenue Canadiens" along interstates and at ports of entry, and similar, bilingual signage is popping up across the Adirondacks region.
It's a small step, but many hope it will be enough to help reestablish Canada's bond with its southern neighbor. As Kennedy put it, "I just wanna invite 'em down." Let's hope the devious charm of the U.S. is enough to lure our Canadian amigos back in droves.
Enrichment Data:
Overall:International tensions between the U.S. and Canada have resulted in a significant drop in Canadian tourism to the northern U.S.states. Here's a breakdown of the impact and efforts to revitalize tourism:
Impact of Tensions on Tourism:
- Decrease in Travel: Canadians traveling to the U.S. decreased by 38.1% in May 2025 compared to the previous year, as a result of new tariffs, stricter immigration policies, and strained border relations[1][3].
- Economic Impact: A 10% decline in Canadian tourism could lead to $2.1 billion in lost revenue and the loss of 140,000 American jobs[1]. This is already apparent in border towns, with places like Bellingham, Washington experiencing a steep drop in vehicle crossings[1].
** actions taken to boost Canadian tourism:**
- Promotional Campaigns: California launched promotional campaigns in April 2025 to counter the negative image created by the tensions[3]. These marketing efforts aimed to highlight California as a welcoming destination, disconnected from political tensions, and an "ultimate playground" for Canadians seeking to escape current events[3].
- Local Initiatives: U.S. cities and states are actively working to attract Canadian travelers by showcasing local attractions and emphasizing their welcoming demeanor. However, these efforts have yet to halt the decline in Canadian tourism[1].
- Addressing Border Issues: Efforts to ease fears of stricter border control measures and increased scrutiny may help restore Canadian confidence. However, significant changes are required to address the current geopolitical climate effectively[3].
- The dwindling number of Canadians participating in leisure travel, primarily due to the escalating political tensions, has led to an abrupt decline in the lifestyle sector across United States border towns, significantly impacting the local economy.
- As a response to the economic turbulence, various U.S. businesses and administrations have initiated campaigns and special offers to lure Canadians back, while local officials have installed bilingual signs to establish a warm and inviting atmosphere, hoping to reaffirm the bond and restore the general-news buzz of cross-border exchange.
