Canadian border crossings plunge in 2025, tourism industry concerned
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) – Even as United States Border Patrol focuses on keeping people from crossing the border illegally, a sharp decrease in legal visitors has North Country businesses fearing for the future.
According to a survey by the North Country Chamber of Commerce back in March, 66% of businesses surveyed have already experienced a dip in Canadian bookings. Nearly 37% of those businesses said that Canadian visitors are more than a quarter of their customers.
Canada updates guidance for traveling to United States
Michael S. Cashman, Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, attributed the decline to recent tariffs by the federal government. 'I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact tariffs are having on our region. The sharp decline in Canadian visitors is hurting families, small businesses, hotels, marinas, golf courses, restaurants, and workers who depend on cross-border tourism to make a living.
'Beyond the economic toll, these tariffs are eroding the cultural ties that have connected our communities for generations. This isn't about politics it's about real people and the survival of our border region.'
Some businesses also cited the weaker Canadian dollar as a reason for fewer visitors early this year, though the exchange rate has returned to more typical levels since early April.
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According to Department of Transportation data, a little over 200,000 people in personal vehicles crossed at the Rouses Point port of entry in March and April of this year. This is down from just over 300,000 in the same two months last year. Similar numbers are seen across the lake in Vermont, where at Highgate Springs, personal vehicle crossings dropped from over 157,000 to just over 110,000.
Crossings by bus, train, and on foot also dropped year-to-year, with pedestrian crossings seeing the most drastic fall of over 85 percent. The number of train containers carrying cargo across the border was the only number to hold steady so far in 2025.
'Canadian visitors are a vital part of our local economy,' said Kristy Kennedy, vice president of the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau. 'We'll keep pushing for policies that support cross-border travel and will be working with our partners to adapt as needed.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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