Canadian shoppers visiting Washington's Whatcom County saw a significant decline in cross-border spending between 2019 and 2025. A study published by Vancouver Sun found that the number of Canadian visitors dropped from 1.8 million in 2019 to 510,000 in 2025. The report highlights a sharp decrease in tourism and retail activity across the border.
The decline is attributed to a combination of factors including border restrictions, changing consumer behavior, and economic conditions. The study also noted that local businesses in Whatcom County reported lower sales and reduced foot traffic during the same period. The data reflects a broader trend of reduced cross-border travel and spending in the region.
The drop in Canadian visitors has raised concerns among local authorities and business owners. Whatcom County has long relied on cross-border tourism as a key economic driver. The decline has prompted discussions about the need for new strategies to attract visitors and stimulate local commerce. The report calls for further analysis to understand the long-term impact of these changes on the regional economy.
