Published on August 8, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Western NY unifies with Vermont, Maine, Washington, and Michigan as they all see a Canadian tourism slump, leaving the US to dust in 2025. Western NY has long been a welcoming gateway for Canadian visitors. Vermont has charmed travellers with its scenic mountains and cultural towns. Maine has offered rugged coastlines and seaside escapes. Washington has attracted Canadian shoppers and explorers across the Pacific Northwest. Michigan has lured visitors with its lakes, sports, and cities. Yet now, all these regions are seeing the same troubling pattern.
The Canadian tourism slump is not just a seasonal dip. It is a deep, ongoing change. Western NY, Vermont, Maine, Washington, and Michigan are feeling its economic weight. Hotels are quieter. Restaurants are serving fewer cross-border guests. Retailers are missing familiar accents. The US tourism industry, especially near the border, is watching with concern as this shared downturn leaves a visible gap in revenues.

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This slump is tied to politics, currency shifts, and changing travel choices. It is also linked to a growing preference among Canadians to explore destinations within their own country or in other parts of the world. As Western NY unifies with Vermont, Maine, Washington, and Michigan in facing this challenge, local leaders are seeking ways to attract visitors back.
The question now is whether this united response can reverse the trend or whether Canadian tourism will keep slipping away, leaving more of the US tourism sector to dust.

A Big Change in Cross-Border Travel

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In 2025, something unusual is happening along the U.S.–Canada border. Canadian visitors, once a steady and reliable part of the tourism economy, are no longer coming in the same numbers. The drop is steep and widespread. From Niagara Falls in New York to border towns in Washington State, the fall in Canadian travel is reshaping local economies. Businesses, hotels, and attractions that once relied on Canadian spending are feeling the loss.
The numbers show a clear trend. Many regions have seen double-digit declines in border crossings compared to 2024. This is not just a seasonal dip. It is a sustained downturn affecting the entire year.

Western and Upstate New York: From Buffalo to the Adirondacks

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Western New York has long been a favourite for Canadian visitors. Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and the surrounding areas benefit greatly from cross-border shopping, dining, and day trips. But in 2025, the story has changed.
Data shows that land crossings into the Buffalo–Niagara region have dropped sharply. In May 2025, traffic across key bridges like the Peace Bridge and Rainbow Bridge was down between 22% and 29% compared to the same month in 2024. Overall, there have been about a quarter fewer border entries through New York State this year.
This downturn extends beyond the west. In the Adirondacks and North Country, Canadian interest in local tourism websites has fallen by as much as 50%. Businesses in these areas are reporting weaker bookings and slower summer traffic. For places where Canadian spending accounts for a big share of local revenue, this drop is alarming.

Northern New England: Vermont and Maine

Vermont’s economy depends heavily on Canadian visitors, especially during ski season and summer holidays. From January to May 2025, Vermont recorded around 581,000 Canadian crossings—a drop of 23% compared to the year before. The state has responded with special outreach campaigns to bring Canadians back, but the impact of the downturn is still being felt.
Maine is also seeing a decline. In May and June 2025, the state had about 85,000 to 90,000 fewer international entries than the same period in 2024, most of them from Canada. The CAT ferry, which connects Nova Scotia to Bar Harbor, carried about 20% fewer travellers this year. Border towns that depend on day trips for dining and shopping are reporting a noticeable slowdown.

Pacific Northwest: Washington State’s Border Towns

In Washington State, the link between the Canadian market and the local economy is clear. Whatcom County, home to Blaine and Bellingham, relies on visitors from British Columbia for everything from fuel sales to retail shopping. But border data shows that Canada-to-U.S. crossings at Blaine fell by 35% in May 2025 compared to 2024.
The slide continued into summer. In July, crossings were down by about 29% year-on-year. Local shop owners say they “really miss having our Canadians around.” The drop has cut into profits for businesses on both sides of the border.

Michigan: Detroit and Port Huron

Michigan is another state feeling the loss. The Detroit–Windsor and Port Huron–Sarnia crossings are major entry points for Canadian tourists heading into the Midwest. Early 2025 figures show a clear decline. In March, statewide border entries were down by 11%, with car travel alone falling by 18%. At the Port Huron Blue Water Bridge, February saw only 53,000 passenger vehicles cross from Canada, compared to 66,000 a year earlier—a drop of about 20%.
Detroit’s tourism industry is also noticing the difference. Forward flight bookings from Canada are weaker than usual, and local businesses report fewer Canadian customers at sports events, concerts, and restaurants.

North Dakota: Grand Forks and Fargo

North Dakota may not be the first place people think of for Canadian tourism, but it is a popular cross-border shopping and events destination for visitors from Manitoba. In 2025, that flow has slowed. Tourism offices in cities like Grand Forks and Fargo report fewer Canadian vehicles and a drop in spending. Hotel and retail businesses that once relied on a steady stream of cross-border customers are now facing quieter weekends and leaner profit margins.

Montana: Gateway to the Rockies

In Montana, border crossings are down in several key areas. At Roosville, a major entry point from British Columbia, crossings fell by about 25% in spring 2025. This decline has been matched by drops in hotel bookings and Canadian credit card spending in the Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake regions.
Further east, Sweetgrass on the I-15 corridor saw about 20% fewer entries in April compared to the year before. For towns that depend on summer travellers heading to the national parks, this is an early warning sign of a challenging season.

Big Destinations Away from the Border: Las Vegas and Florida

The Canadian tourism downturn is not only a border-region issue. It is also affecting major U.S. destinations further south. Las Vegas, a favourite for Canadian winter getaways and convention travel, has seen its Canadian visitor numbers drop by about 15% in the first half of 2025. June data from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport shows Canada-origin air arrivals down by about a third.
Florida is also seeing fewer Canadians, especially among seasonal “snowbirds” and winter holidaymakers. Local tourism offices report cancellations and softer booking levels compared to previous years. While the drop is smaller than at the border, it still matters because Canada is one of Florida’s top international markets.

Why Are Canadians Staying Away?

Several factors are driving this decline. The biggest is political tension between the two countries. In recent years, tariffs have been placed on Canadian products entering the U.S., and Canada has responded with its own measures. Many Canadians see these trade disputes as a reason to spend their money elsewhere.
Some travellers are taking part in an informal boycott of U.S. destinations. Others are simply choosing to holiday within Canada or visit countries in Europe, the Caribbean, or Asia instead. A weaker Canadian dollar, higher visa and border fees, and stricter immigration checks have added to the deterrents.

The Economic Impact

The effect of this drop in Canadian tourism is serious. In Western New York alone, the fall in hotel stays has led to a 7% drop in lodging tax revenue. Attractions like the Aquarium of Niagara have seen double-digit declines in attendance. Retailers, restaurants, and cultural venues all report weaker sales.
In Michigan, Washington, and Montana, businesses near the border are reporting similar losses. Even in big tourist cities like Las Vegas and Orlando, the absence of Canadian spending is noticeable. Economists warn that a national drop in Canadian tourism could cost the U.S. billions in lost revenue and tens of thousands of jobs.

How Regions Are Responding

Tourism boards and local governments are trying to win back Canadian visitors. In Buffalo, ad campaigns are running on Canadian websites and billboards, with messages like “Buffalo Loves Canada.” Vermont and Maine are promoting special offers for Canadian travellers. Washington State’s Whatcom County is highlighting shopping discounts and local events to attract B.C. residents.
Some regions are also working with federal agencies to improve border wait times and streamline entry procedures. The hope is that a warmer welcome will encourage Canadians to return.

A Region That Depends on Tourism

Western New York is a part of the United States that thrives on tourism. It is home to Niagara Falls, cultural landmarks in Buffalo, and historic sites across the region. Tourists come for nature, history, shopping, and food. Many visitors are from Canada. They cross the border for short trips, overnight stays, or longer holidays. These trips keep hotels, restaurants, and attractions busy.
From 2023 to 2024, tourism in Western New York grew strongly. Visitor spending went up, hotels earned more, and attractions saw record crowds. But in early 2025, the story started to change. While some visitor numbers stayed steady, a steep drop in Canadian tourists has created a new challenge.

How 2023 Set the Stage

The year 2023 was a strong one for Western New York tourism. The Greater Niagara region, which includes Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties, saw $3.76 billion in visitor spending. This supported over 48,000 jobs. Erie County alone recorded $2.42 billion in tourism revenue, while Niagara County reached $1.08 billion.
Hotels in Erie County performed well. Occupancy averaged 62.1%. The average daily rate (ADR) was $133.95, and revenue per available room (RevPAR) stood at $83.18. These figures showed a healthy market. Niagara Falls State Park recorded almost 9.5 million visits, making it the most visited state park in New York. Buffalo’s cultural sites, such as the Martin House, also saw higher attendance.

2024: The Peak of Growth

In 2024, Western New York tourism hit even higher levels. Erie County hotels earned $329.3 million in revenue, up 6.4% from 2023. Occupancy rose slightly to 62.6%. ADR increased to $143.07, and RevPAR climbed to $89.58. These numbers showed hotels were able to charge higher rates while keeping rooms filled.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport served 5.03 million passengers, a 7.6% increase. Attractions continued to shine. Niagara Falls State Park saw more than 9.5 million visits. Buffalo AKG Art Museum, which reopened in June 2023, welcomed about 325,000 visitors in its first year. The Martin House drew over 40,000 visitors.
Events like the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse boosted tourism across the region. Statewide, New York parks set a record with 88.3 million visits. For Western New York, 2024 was a year of strong demand and positive growth.

2025: A Shift in the Trend

In early 2025, the trend started to change. By March, Erie County hotel occupancy had dropped to 49.2% year-to-date, compared to higher rates in 2024. Revenue per available room fell to $64.63. Average daily rate was $131.36, lower than in 2024 but still close to 2023 levels.
Airport traffic in Buffalo was slightly higher, with 1.05 million passengers in the first three months, up 2.9% from 2024. But the most notable change was at the border. Canadian cross-border travel into Western New York fell sharply. In March 2025, bridge crossings were down 16.8% compared to the same month in 2024. By May, overall New York–Canada bridge traffic was down around 25%. The Peace Bridge saw a 22% drop, and the Rainbow Bridge fell by 29%.

Why the Canadian Market Matters

Canadian visitors are a vital part of Western New York’s tourism economy. They come for day trips, weekend getaways, shopping sprees, and events. Their spending supports hotels, attractions, and small businesses. When Canadian visits drop, it has an immediate effect on revenue.
The fall in Canadian travel is linked to several factors. Political tensions, new tariffs, a weaker Canadian dollar, and higher travel costs have all played a role. Some Canadians are choosing to holiday at home or travel to other countries instead of visiting the U.S. The result is fewer bookings for hotels, fewer tickets sold at attractions, and quieter shops.

Attractions Still Drawing Visitors

Even with fewer Canadians, Western New York’s attractions remain strong. Niagara Falls State Park is still a top draw. Buffalo AKG Art Museum continues to attract visitors with its exhibitions and modernised space. The Martin House remains popular with architecture fans.
Cultural and nature-based tourism is a strength for the region. These attractions give Western New York an edge in appealing to a wide range of travellers. But without the steady flow of Canadian tourists, maintaining high attendance will require more targeted marketing.

Comparing the Three Years

When we look at 2023, 2024, and early 2025 together, a clear pattern emerges.

• 2023: Recovery and stability after pandemic impacts. Visitor spending was strong, and hotel performance was healthy.
• 2024: Growth across all key measures—higher hotel rates, more visitors, and record attraction numbers.
• 2025: Early-year slowdown in occupancy and revenue, driven largely by a drop in Canadian visitors. Attractions remain appealing, but cross-border travel declines are affecting overall performance.

The Canadian slump is the key difference between 2024’s peak and 2025’s softer start.

The Hotel Sector’s Challenge

For hotels, 2025 is proving more difficult. Lower occupancy means fewer rooms sold, even if average daily rates stay close to past levels. This puts pressure on revenue per available room. Hotels may have to adjust rates or offer promotions to attract guests.
Events and conferences can help fill rooms, but the loss of short-lead Canadian bookings is being felt. Many Canadian visitors book at the last minute, often for weekends or special shopping trips. Without them, there are more empty rooms.

The Wider Economic Impact

Tourism is not just about hotels and attractions. It supports restaurants, shops, transportation services, and event venues. In 2023, visitor spending in Greater Niagara generated $218 million in local taxes and $184 million in state taxes. A slowdown in tourism can reduce this income, affecting public budgets as well as private businesses.
For small businesses in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and surrounding towns, the Canadian market can make the difference between a busy season and a slow one. The current decline in cross-border travel is already being felt in local shops, especially those near the bridges.

Steps to Address the Decline

Local tourism leaders are responding. Visit Buffalo Niagara and other groups are promoting the region to Canadian audiences through advertising and special offers. Campaigns highlight shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Some promotions offer discounts to visitors with Canadian ID.
Improving the border crossing experience is also important. Faster processing times and a friendly welcome can encourage more trips. At the same time, marketing in U.S. cities within a short flight of Buffalo can help offset the loss of Canadian visitors.

The Importance of Year-Round Appeal

To keep tourism strong, Western New York must continue to build year-round attractions. Events, festivals, and exhibitions can draw visitors in every season. In winter, indoor attractions and cultural experiences can help fill the gap left by outdoor tourism. In summer, natural sites like Niagara Falls and the Erie Canal remain key draws.
By offering a mix of experiences, the region can appeal to both domestic and international travellers. This diversity will be important if Canadian travel remains unpredictable.

Can Tourism Recover?

There is reason for hope. Many Canadians have fond memories of visiting the U.S., and cross-border tourism has historically bounced back after political or economic disruptions. If trade tensions ease and exchange rates stabilise, travel numbers could start to recover.
However, the longer the decline lasts, the harder it will be for some businesses to survive. Small shops, restaurants, and seasonal attractions are especially vulnerable. A sustained loss of Canadian visitors could change the character of border towns and tourist hubs.

Steps Needed to Turn the Tide

To reverse the decline, the U.S. and Canada need to work together. Key actions could include:

1. Resolving trade disputes to remove political barriers.
2. Offering targeted discounts or incentives for Canadian travellers.
3. Improving communication about safety, friendliness, and ease of travel.
4. Supporting businesses in border regions with marketing funds and relief measures.
5. Listening to travellers’ concerns and acting on them.

By taking these steps, regions can rebuild trust and show Canadians they are welcome and valued.
The drop in Canadian visitors to the U.S. in 2025 is widespread and significant. It affects border communities from New York to Washington, and even major tourism markets like Las Vegas and Florida. The reasons range from politics and economics to personal choice.
The challenge for the U.S. is to respond quickly and positively. By addressing the causes and making travel more appealing, there is a chance to bring Canadians back. Until then, many U.S. regions will continue to feel the economic chill from a cooling cross-border relationship.

Canadian Tourists Are Leaving Western New York Behind

Western New York is facing a big problem. Tourists from Canada are not coming as they used to. For many years, cities like Buffalo and Niagara Falls relied heavily on Canadian visitors. These tourists would come across the border to shop, dine, and enjoy American attractions. But in 2025, the numbers are falling fast. This drop is not small. It is deep and painful.
Local shops, hotels, and events are feeling the loss. Business owners are worried. Tourism experts are raising alarms. The big question is—why is this happening, and what does it mean for the region’s future?

Canadians Were Once Key to WNY’s Tourism Economy

Canadian travellers were some of the most important visitors in Western New York. In fact, they made up nearly 40% of all tourists in Buffalo. In other areas like Syracuse, they contributed 15% of all tourist spending.
These numbers brought billions of dollars to the local economy. In 2024, Canadians made over 20 million visits to the United States. They spent over $20 billion during these trips. That helped create and support around 140,000 jobs across the country. Much of that activity benefited towns and cities near the border.
But all of that is changing in 2025.

The Numbers Are Dropping Fast and Hard

The fall in Canadian visits is not just a feeling. The data proves it. In every month from February to June 2025, the number of Canadians crossing into the U.S. dropped sharply. Some months lost over 200,000 visitors compared to 2024.
In total, there were about 975,000 fewer border crossings in the first half of 2025 than there were during the same time the year before. This is a shocking number. Some months saw drops as high as 21%.
And it’s not just cars at the border. Air travel between Canada and the U.S. is down by 20%, and leisure travel has fallen by 40%. It is clear that Canadians are choosing not to visit America—especially not Western New York.

Why Are Canadians Staying Away?

There are several big reasons for this drop in travel. The biggest is politics. Trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have made many Canadians upset. The United States placed new tariffs on Canadian products. In return, many Canadians have said they will not spend money in the U.S.
This has led to what some call a “silent boycott”. It is not official. But many Canadians are now choosing to vacation in other places or stay at home. They want to support their own country or visit places where they feel more welcome.
Other reasons include:

• A weaker Canadian dollar
• Higher border crossing fees
• Stricter immigration rules
• Fear of being treated badly while visiting

All of these concerns are making Canadians think twice before planning a trip to New York or other U.S. states.

The Local Economy Is Hurting

The drop in Canadian visitors is hurting real businesses. Let’s look at some examples in Western New York.
In Niagara Falls, hotel bookings are down. Hotel tax revenues dropped by almost 7%. That’s millions of dollars lost in just one year. Local businesses say they’ve lost a large part of their summer income.
The Aquarium of Niagara saw 18% fewer visitors in July. That means fewer tickets sold, fewer donations, and fewer gift shop purchases.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Restaurants, small shops, and tour companies across the region are reporting slow business. Some are even thinking about closing down.

What Does It Mean for Tourism Jobs?

When tourists stop coming, jobs are lost. Many people in Western New York work in tourism. This includes:

• Hotel workers
• Restaurant staff
• Tour guides
• Retail assistants
• Event organisers

These workers rely on visitors to keep their jobs. A fall in Canadian tourists means layoffs, fewer working hours, and more financial stress for local families. If this trend continues, thousands of jobs could be lost in New York state alone.

Could This Cost America Billions?

Yes. This is not just a Western New York problem. Across the United States, the drop in Canadian tourism is expected to cost up to $8.5 billion in lost spending by the end of 2025.
Even a 10% drop in Canadian travel could lead to the loss of 14,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in economic damage.
This is serious. Western New York is on the front line of this crisis. But other regions will feel the effects too.

How Is WNY Responding?

Local leaders and tourism groups are trying to fix the problem. One big step is marketing directly to Canadian travellers. Buffalo and other cities are running special ad campaigns. These include:

• Welcome messages in French
• Ads on Canadian websites like Expedia
• “Buffalo Loves Canada” promotions

Tourism boards are also offering discounts to Canadian visitors. Some restaurants and hotels are giving special deals to those with Canadian ID.
Local chambers of commerce are working hard to rebuild trust. They are reminding Canadians that Western New York is still friendly, fun, and full of things to do.

Politicians Are Now Paying Attention

New York leaders like Senator Chuck Schumer have stepped in. He is speaking out about the damage caused by the U.S.–Canada trade war. He says the tariffs are hurting small businesses and choking border tourism.
He wants the government to end the tariffs and rebuild the relationship with Canada. He is also calling for more support for Western New York’s tourism industry.
Without political help, local action might not be enough.

Can Tourism Bounce Back?

It is possible. Canadians still love to travel. Many have good memories of visiting Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and the Finger Lakes. If political tensions ease and the U.S. shows more warmth to visitors, things may turn around.
But time is running out. If the decline continues, many businesses may not survive. That would make it harder to rebuild when travellers do return.

What Needs to Be Done?

To fix the crisis, Western New York and the U.S. government must work together. Here are some ideas:

1. End the trade fight with Canada quickly.
2. Offer incentives for Canadians to visit again.
3. Promote kindness and welcome at the border.
4. Help small businesses that are struggling now.
5. Listen to tourists’ concerns and take real action.

If these steps are taken, Canadian visitors may start coming back. And Western New York’s tourism industry could thrive once more.

Final Thoughts

Western New York’s tourism is facing one of its worst declines in recent memory. The drop in Canadian visitors is deep and dangerous. This is not just a travel issue—it’s an economic emergency.
But the region is not giving up. Businesses are adjusting. Leaders are speaking out. Communities are staying hopeful.
With the right help and the right message, Western New York could bounce back stronger. The friendship between Canada and the U.S. has been tested. Now it’s time to rebuild it—with open arms, shared goals, and a lot of goodwill.

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Tags: Buffalo Niagara tourism drop, Canadian tourism decline 2025, Maine border crossings, U.S.–Canada border travel, Vermont Canadian visitors

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