A sharp drop in travel from Canada to the United States is raising concerns in New Hampshire’s North Country as the Victoria Day weekend approaches on May 19. Traditionally one of the first and busiest holiday weekends of the summer, Victoria Day often brings a wave of Canadian tourists to the region. This year, however, that flow appears to be slowing down.
The decline is being linked to rising political tensions between the U.S. and Canada, including recent trade disputes and harsh rhetoric. These issues have strained relations and may be discouraging Canadians from crossing the border.
For local businesses in New England’s North Country, the stakes are high. Many rely heavily on Canadian tourists for summer revenue. With the holiday weekend just days away, shop owners, restaurants, and hotels are bracing for a potential dip in visitors.
This weekend will serve as an important test for the region. It could indicate whether Canadian tourism will rebound despite the political climate or continue to decline, potentially impacting the entire summer season.
Business owners are hoping for a strong turnout but remain uncertain. A continued downturn in cross-border travel could deal a major blow to the region’s economy at a time when many are counting on summer tourism to recover from recent challenges.
