Canadian Visits to Michigan Drop 10% in 2025 Amid Trade Tensions

Tourism bureaus pause advertising in Canada as Trump administration's rhetoric and trade war impact border crossings.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The number of inbound passengers at Michigan's four major connections from Ontario, Canada, fell about 10.2% in 2025, from around 9.8 million visitors in 2024 to 8.8 million. Tourism leaders have attributed the drop to the Trump administration's hostile relations and launch of a trade war, which has caused Michigan tourism bureaus to pause advertising spending in Canada.

Why it matters

The decline in Canadian visitors has had a significant economic impact on Michigan communities, especially those near the border, with chain stores closing and small businesses struggling. The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada have created uncertainty for the future of cross-border tourism and commerce.

The details

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol data show the number of inbound passengers at Michigan's four major connections from Ontario, Canada, fell about 10.2% in 2025. The decline was particularly acute outside Detroit, with crossings in Sault Ste. Marie and Port Huron each experiencing a roughly 18% drop in visitors. Tourism leaders have attributed the drop to the Trump administration's hostile relations and launch of a trade war, which has caused Michigan tourism bureaus to pause advertising spending in Canada.

  • The number of inbound passengers at Michigan's four major connections from Ontario, Canada, fell about 10.2% in 2025, from around 9.8 million visitors in 2024 to 8.8 million.
  • On Monday, President Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, until the U.S. is 'fully compensated' by Canada 'for everything we have given them.'

The players

Linda Hoath

Executive director of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in Sault Ste. Marie.

Claude Molinari

President and CEO of Visit Detroit.

Michael Hensley

President of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in Port Huron.

Tim Hygh

Founder and CEO of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.

Jim Powell

Executive director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau.

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What they’re saying

“All the rhetoric, it's just got to stop.”

— Linda Hoath, Executive director of the Sault Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (Crain's Grand Rapids)

“It raises the temperature even more. We were thinking in the next couple of months we could start to normalize some of our marketing to Canada, but now, based on these latest remarks, we feel like that's probably going to push it back a couple of months.”

— Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit (Crain's Grand Rapids)

“We adjusted our marketing initiatives and deployed tactics that focused on attracting domestic travelers, specifically in the Midwest (last year). For 2026, we are easing back into the space, still with a heavy focus on potential travelers from the Midwest. But we want travelers from Canada to know that if they choose to visit Michigan's Thumbcoast, we are here with open arms, ready to welcome you.”

— Michael Hensley, President of the Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (Crain's Grand Rapids)

What’s next

Tourism leaders are still evaluating whether to resume advertising in Canada as the peak tourist season looms, with some pivoting to target European countries or other U.S. states while relations remain rocky with Canada.

The takeaway

The decline in Canadian visitors to Michigan has had a significant economic impact on communities near the border, highlighting the broader tensions between the U.S. and Canada under the Trump administration. As tourism bureaus pause advertising in Canada, they are exploring alternative strategies to attract domestic and international travelers, though the future of cross-border tourism remains uncertain.