Monday, July 21, 2025
Warren County is the most recent to add itself to the list of Clallam, Whatcom, Collier and Upstate counties with sharp drops in Canadian tourist traffic at its 2025 summer peak in US, as political tensions, a weak Canadian dollar and increasing cross-border travel fatigue drive off northern visitors for U.S. summer trips. Formerly dependable summer Cottages hot spots throughout the country are seeing drastic decreases in the number of visitors, spending, and overnight stays, with some counties experiencing decreases of between 30 and 55% in Canadian-fueled tourism revenues. Domestic travel to flow, in some locations, may be relatively steady, but the disappearance of Canadian visitors — particularly along the border and in long-favored seasonal markets — has spurred growing concern for business owners, tourism boards and local governments.

Warren County Reports Drop in Canadian Arrivals and Spending

By July 2025, tourism officials in Warren County, known for the popular Lake George getaway, reported a 5% decline in spending by international visitors compared to last summer. While local dining revenues have remained stable, the broader travel economy has seen subtle but noticeable declines. According to County Administrator John Taflan, Canadian travelers—once a core summer demographic—now make up just 2–3% of total visitors, a sharp drop from decades past when they dominated the region’s tourism.

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County officials note that the drop isn’t dramatic year-over-year—just 1 to 2 percentage points lower than 2024—but in a destination that depends on seasonal peaks, even small dips have big consequences.

Clallam County, WA: Ferry Traffic Down, Lodging Hit Hard

On the opposite coast, Clallam County in Washington State—which relies heavily on Canadian foot traffic via the Victoria-Port Angeles ferry routes—is experiencing an even steeper decline. As of July 2025:

• Vehicle crossings are down 15%
• Foot traffic has dropped by 13%
• Lodging tax revenues and event inquiries have also fallen sharply

Ferry services have even reduced daily trips to match lowered demand. Businesses surrounding Olympic National Park are cutting back on seasonal hires as they prepare for a leaner summer.

Whatcom County, WA: Point Roberts in Deep Trouble

Nearby Whatcom County, home to the isolated enclave of Point Roberts, has seen devastating economic effects. With a local economy almost entirely dependent on Canadian traffic, many businesses report:

• Sales down 30–55%
• Seasonal operations delayed or canceled
• Housing market impacts, as many Canadian-owned homes sit empty

Point Roberts once enjoyed steady cross-border tourism from Vancouver residents, but ongoing political unease, tightened border scrutiny, and financial concerns have discouraged visits.

Collier County, FL: Southern Tourism Feeling the Strain

In Collier County, Florida, which includes Naples and Marco Island, the impact began surfacing as early as February 2025. Officials noted:

• Meanwhile, the number of Canadian travelers has fallen by 23% year-over-year during the same summer period.
• Continued softness in summer hotel bookings from Canadian tour operators
• A broader slowdown in seasonal rentals and beachside business

Though Florida is typically less reliant on Canadian auto traffic than northern states, the financial pinch is still being felt in one of the Sunshine State’s most luxurious travel corridors.

Upstate New York Border Counties: Land Crossings Collapse

Several Upstate New York counties—including Clinton, Jefferson, and Franklin—have reported steep declines in land border crossings through ports such as Champlain, Ogdensburg, and Thousand Islands. Data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that:

• Land crossings are down 25% compared to May 2024
• Tourism businesses near the border, including wineries, lodges, and gas stations, report significantly fewer Canadian clients
• Regional hotel occupancy rates remain flat or slightly down despite high domestic demand

These counties, heavily dependent on weekend and short-term Canadian travel, have not yet seen a recovery despite promotional efforts and travel packages.

The Broader Trend: Why Are Canadians Staying Away?

Multiple counties have cited the same core factors behind the decline:

• Political tensions and policy changes, including visa scrutiny and tariff-related boycotts
• A weak Canadian dollar, making U.S. trips significantly more expensive
• Cross-border travel fatigue, with increasing wait times and stricter checks discouraging spontaneous trips
• Domestic alternatives, as Canadians choose to vacation within Canada or travel to Mexico and Europe instead

In many cases, Canadian news outlets and travel influencers have even advised against U.S. travel this summer, amplifying the trend.
Warren County has joined Clallam, Whatcom, Collier, and Upstate counties in suffering major losses in Canadian tourism during the 2025 summer peak, driven by a weak Canadian dollar, political tensions, and rising border restrictions. The sharp decline in cross-border travel is hitting local economies hard, especially in regions once heavily dependent on Canadian visitors.

A Worrying Summer for Border Tourism

From the lakeside charm of Warren County, N.Y., to the scenic coasts of Clallam and Whatcom, Wash., and the sunny resorts of Collier County, Fla., the slump in Canadian tourism is no longer anecdotal — it’s a quantifiable, coast-to-coast economic problem. With county and border towns recording declines as small as 5% and as large as 55%, a ripple effect is being felt in small businesses, seasonal employment and local tax revenues.
Despite constant marketing campaigns and public proclamations welcoming Canadians back, that message isn’t breaking through the static of political tension and economic obstacles. And as the high point of the travel season passes its midpoint, these counties are gearing up for what they feel might be their most grueling summer in years without their northern neighbors.

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Tags: Clallam, Collier, Tourism news, Travel News, Upstate, Warren, Whatcom

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