New York Joins Michigan, Washington, Vermont, Vermont, North Dakota, and Others in Facing Major Declines in Canadian Tourism and Cross Border Traffic This Year: Everything You Need to Know

Published on December 9, 2025

New York, alongside Michigan, Washington, Vermont, North Dakota, and other states, is facing significant declines in Canadian tourism and cross-border traffic this year. Regions like Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Detroit, and Blaine, which have historically relied on Canadian day-trippers and shoppers, are seeing a sharp drop in visitors. In 2025, border crossings have decreased by as much as 20-33% in some areas, severely impacting local economies dependent on Canadian tourism. Retail, hospitality, and casino sectors are bearing the brunt of this loss, as Canadian tourists were once a key revenue source. States are now looking to diversify their visitor base and find new markets to mitigate these losses, though recovery is expected to be gradual. This article explores the reasons behind the declines and how affected states are responding to these tourism challenges.

New York: Severe Canadian Land Decline

New York state has seen a significant decline in Canadian tourism, particularly affecting areas like Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands. These regions have long been dependent on Canadian day trips and short stays, especially for shopping and visiting local attractions. In the first three quarters of 2025, border crossings have decreased by 20-25% year-over-year. This drop has heavily impacted retail and hospitality sectors near the northern border. Retailers, restaurants, and hotels are reporting losses due to the absence of Canadian visitors, who were a major source of revenue. The state’s tourism industry is working to diversify its visitor base to mitigate this loss, but recovery is expected to be gradual.

Michigan: Critical Land Crossing Drop

Michigan has experienced a sharp drop in cross-border traffic, especially at the Detroit/Windsor and Port Huron crossings. These routes are vital for retail, casinos, and tourism in Detroit and nearby border towns. The first half of 2025 saw a decline in border crossings by 21-23%, severely affecting local economies that rely on Canadian visitors. In Detroit, casinos that once attracted Canadian gamblers are reporting lower revenue, and retail stores are experiencing fewer shoppers. The decrease in tourism also impacts the hospitality industry, with hotels seeing reduced occupancy. The state is focused on finding ways to attract more visitors from other markets as it works through this cross-border tourism slump.

Washington: Loss of Canadian “Shopper” Traffic

Washington state, particularly border towns like Blaine, is facing a dramatic drop in Canadian shopper traffic. Vancouver-area residents were once regular weekend shoppers at local stores and malls, but border entries in the first half of 2025 have plummeted almost 33%. This marks a significant collapse in cross-border consumerism, which has traditionally been a key revenue source for the state’s retail industry. The decline has led to a noticeable downturn in business for stores, restaurants, and gas stations near the Canadian border. Additionally, Washington is seeing less tourism from its key Asian markets, further adding to the state’s challenges. The local economy is looking for ways to mitigate the effects of these losses.

Maine: Loss of Maritime Canada Tourism

Maine’s tourism economy is heavily dependent on visitors from maritime Canada, especially from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. However, a sharp decline in these visitors has severely impacted Maine’s coastal and national park tourism, which has not been fully compensated by domestic travelers. Hotel occupancy rates have notably dropped, reflecting the loss of Canadian visitors who were once key to Maine’s tourism sector. Local economies in towns that rely on Canadian tourists for shopping, dining, and lodging are facing significant challenges. Unlike other New England states, which have seen stronger domestic tourism, Maine is struggling to recover the lost Canadian market. The state’s tourism authorities are exploring strategies to attract more visitors from within the U.S. and other international markets.

Vermont: Decline in Canadian Day Trips

Vermont, known for its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities, is feeling the impact of a decline in Canadian day trips, especially from Quebec. The first half of 2025 has seen a significant decrease in border crossings, with Canadian visitors, who were once frequent tourists in towns like Stowe and Burlington, down by approximately 20-22%. This loss is particularly evident in the state’s retail and hospitality sectors, where many businesses rely on Canadian shoppers and tourists. Local ski resorts, especially in winter, have also been hit hard, with fewer visitors from across the border. Vermont is now looking to draw more domestic visitors and find alternative international markets to offset these losses.

North Dakota: Decrease in Cross-Border Trade and Tourism

North Dakota, particularly its western regions, is experiencing a decline in cross-border traffic from Canada, which has impacted local tourism and business. Border crossings at entry points like Pembina and Portal have seen significant drops, contributing to a slowdown in retail sales, casino traffic, and tourism. The state’s tourism industry, which has long relied on Canadian visitors for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing, has felt the pinch in 2025. In addition to the drop in leisure tourism, local businesses that catered to cross-border shoppers are also struggling. The state is focusing on attracting more regional U.S. visitors to compensate for the loss of Canadian traffic but is facing challenges in recovering these key markets.

New York joins Michigan, Washington, Vermont, North Dakota, and others in facing major declines in Canadian tourism and cross-border traffic this year. These states are grappling with reduced visitor numbers, impacting local economies.

Conclusion

New York joins Michigan, Washington, Vermont, North Dakota, and others in facing major declines in Canadian tourism and cross-border traffic this year. This significant drop in visitors is affecting key sectors such as retail, hospitality, and casinos, which have long relied on Canadian tourism. States are now working to mitigate these losses by diversifying their visitor base and exploring new markets, though recovery is expected to take time. As these regions adapt to the changing tourism landscape, their ability to attract visitors from other areas will be crucial to sustaining local economies.