Border Towns Struggle as Canadian Tourists Boycott US Amid Political Tensions

Niagara region sees sharp decline in Canadian spending due to Trump-era tariffs and rhetoric

Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:34am

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The Niagara region along the US-Canada border is facing a significant economic downturn as Canadian tourists have dramatically reduced spending in response to political disputes with the previous US administration. Businesses in border towns like Lewiston, New York have seen revenue declines of 20-30%, forcing them to cut back on expenses. To adapt, the regional tourism agency Destination Niagara is shifting its focus to attract more American visitors from other states, a strategic pivot away from its historically reliable Canadian market.

Why it matters

The reliance of border communities on cross-border trade and tourism makes them particularly vulnerable to shifts in international relations. The decline in Canadian visitors is impacting not just retail, but also hotels, restaurants, and even local tax revenues and sports attendance. This underscores the need for these towns to diversify their tourism offerings and reduce dependence on a single market.

The details

Angered by Donald Trump's tariffs and rhetoric - including threats of annexation and concerns over border detentions - Canadians have significantly reduced spending in US border towns like Lewiston. This has led to a 30% drop in revenue for bakery owner Aimee Loughran's business, Just Desserts, forcing her to cut back on expenses. The impact extends beyond bakeries, with co-owner Judy of Antique to Chic reporting a 20% sales decline last year.

  • In 2025, there was a 21% drop in Canadian entries into New York state, with over 3 million fewer visits than the previous year.
  • Over the past year, Canadians have significantly reduced spending in US border towns like Lewiston in response to political disputes.

The players

Aimee Loughran

The owner of Just Desserts bakery in Lewiston, New York, who has seen a 30% drop in revenue due to the decline in Canadian tourists.

Judy

The co-owner of Antique to Chic in Lewiston, New York, who reports a 20% sales decline last year due to the reduced Canadian spending.

John Percy

The chief executive of Destination Niagara, the regional tourism agency that is shifting its focus to attract more American tourists from other states to offset the decline in Canadian visitors.

Frank Strangio

A local hotelier who notes fewer Canadian fans are attending Buffalo Bills games, leading to reduced staffing during the off-season.

Kathleen Stefik

A Trump voter in the Niagara region who acknowledges the damage caused by the rhetoric, even while supporting some of the policies.

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What they’re saying

“Our dollars are so limited. We have to concentrate on trying to bring visitors in.”

— John Percy, Chief Executive, Destination Niagara

“Canadians don't want to come here any more.”

— Aimee Loughran, Bakery Owner, Just Desserts

What’s next

The city of Niagara Falls is planning a $200 million events center, hoping to attract sports tournaments and events that can withstand political strain. However, the long-term effects of the boycott remain uncertain.

The takeaway

The situation in Niagara underscores the vulnerability of border communities to political tensions. The reliance on cross-border trade and tourism makes these towns particularly susceptible to shifts in international relations. The future will likely require a diversified tourism strategy, focusing on attracting visitors from a wider range of locations and developing attractions that are less dependent on exchange rates and political goodwill.