Border towns in Washington state are facing challenges as fewer British Columbians are traveling across the border in 2025. Data from the Whatcom Council of Governments reveals a significant 35% decrease in southbound border crossings for B.C. vehicles compared to the previous year. This decline in Canadian traffic has had a noticeable impact on businesses in towns like Blaine, where local establishments are experiencing closures and reduced foot traffic.
Several factors have contributed to the decrease in Canadians traveling south, including the unfavorable exchange rate with the U.S. dollar and the absence of a consumer carbon tax, which makes gas prices more attractive in Canada. Blaine Mayor Mary Lou Steward believes that a major reason for the decline is the erosion of trust between Canadians and Americans, stemming from the tariff war and annexation threats made by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Steward acknowledges that rebuilding this trust will take time, suggesting that diversifying the local economy should have been a priority earlier. Despite the challenges, she and other residents continue to encourage Canadians to visit, emphasizing the shared values and mutual benefits of cross-border interactions.
Immigration lawyer Len Saunders notes a significant drop in cross-border travel by Canadians and attributes it to the negative rhetoric and actions by the U.S. federal government, which have exacerbated the situation. Despite minimal issues at border crossings, attitudes toward travel have hardened, leading to a further decline in Canadian visitors.
Experts, like Laurie Trautman from Western Washington University, express concern over the long-term implications of the reduced border traffic, considering the deep ties and relationships between British Columbia and Washington state. While physical border crossings may have decreased, the importance of maintaining strong regional relations remains crucial for both communities.
