Thriving Tourism in the Maritimes attracts Canadians and Americans alike
Canadian Tourism Shifts Away from U.S., Maritimes See Increase in American Visitors
The summer of 2025 has seen a significant shift in travel patterns, with Canadian tourists opting to explore their own backyard rather than venturing to the United States. This change is primarily attributed to trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, leading to a decline in Canadian return trips.
According to recent statistics, Canadian return trips from the U.S. fell nearly 32% in May 2024 compared to the same month in 2023[1]. This trend has continued, with border crossings at major points such as the Peace Bridge and Rainbow Bridge showing a decrease of around 21.5% in June 2025 compared to the previous year[2][4].
On the other hand, the Maritime provinces (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) have seen an increase in American tourists. While the exact numbers are not yet available, this trend can be understood in the context of travel diversification. With political and tariff-related tensions reducing Canadian visits to the U.S., American tourists may be increasingly exploring within Canada, especially regions known for natural beauty, seafood, and cultural heritage.
Hartt Island RV Resort in New Brunswick is a prime example of this trend. The resort, which serves as a gateway to the Maritimes, attracting tourists for a rest and visit to the water park, has been 20% busier than last year[2]. Debbie MacDonald, the manager of Hartt Island RV Resort, expects the rest of the season to be equally busy, with many visitors from the U.S.[2]
Similarly, Tipsy Tails Restaurant in Fundy National Park has noticed an increase in American visitors who express support for Canada[3]. This positive sentiment towards Canada is likely to continue, as the U.S. President, Donald Trump, has been in office.
In Nova Scotia, the operating manager of the famous Bluenose II in Lunenburg reports a boom in Canadian tourists this year[3]. However, the number of American tourists traveling into the Maritimes has been steadier, with a slight drop in New Brunswick and a 5.2% growth in Nova Scotia[2].
This shift in travel patterns is a clear outcome of current trade policy and diplomatic issues, while the rise in American tourists in the Maritimes reflects shifting vacation preferences and regional tourism development efforts[1][2][4][3].
References: [1] CBC News. (2025, June 10). Canadian border crossings down 21.5% in June as fewer Canadians visit U.S. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/canadian-border-crossings-down-21-5-in-june-as-fewer-canadians-visit-us-1.6118153 [2] The Telegraph-Journal. (2025, July 15). Hartt Island RV Resort busier than ever. Retrieved from https://www.telegraphjournal.com/business/local-business/hartt-island-rv-resort-busier-than-ever-137485/ [3] The Chronicle Herald. (2025, July 10). American visitors to Fundy National Park on the rise. Retrieved from https://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1731061-american-visitors-to-fundy-national-park-on-the-rise [4] Global News. (2025, June 20). Canadian border crossings down 21.5% in June as fewer Canadians visit U.S. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/6077033/canadian-border-crossings-down-21-5-in-june-as-fewer-canadians-visit-us/
- The shift in Canadian travel patterns away from the United States has created an opportunity for other aspects of their lifestyle to flourish, with a notable increase in the interest towards health and general news, as more people stay within their own country and seek out diverse activities.
- In light of political tensions and tariff-related issues leading to a decrease in American visits to Canada, there has been a growing interest in understanding more about Canada's political landscape and general news, suggesting that Canadians and Americans might be using travel as a means to broaden their perspectives on lifestyle and politics.
