Bellingham, Wash. businesses say continued decline in Canadian visitors damaging

Businesses in Bellingham, Washington, are sounding the alarm over the significant negative impact of dwindling Canadian visitor numbers. The Bellingham Chamber of Commerce has painted a bleak picture, with the food and beverage sector hit hardest. Ninety-one percent of these businesses report the decline is damaging, and 64% are worried about their survival.

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The food and beverage sector is affected the most by fewer visitors, with 91 per cent saying the decline is damaging and 64 per cent are concerned about survival.

Retail businesses are also feeling the pinch, with 85% stating the drop in Canadian shoppers is damaging and 60% concerned about staying afloat. Tourism and visitor services, along with other community services, report 67% and 70% damage, respectively. An overwhelming majority of Bellingham businesses, 63%, strongly agree that Canadian visitors affect their operations, with another 26% agreeing.

Overall, 57% of businesses find the decline damaging, and 37% have made changes in response. Notably, 73% of these changes are long-term or permanent. For businesses established less than 10 years ago, 67% expressed worry about their survival.

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Eighty-five per cent of retail businesses say the decline is damaging and 60 per cent are concerned about survival.

Data from Cascade Gateway Border Data Warehouse shows a steady decline in southbound vehicle crossings from British Columbia into the U.S. between 2024 and 2026. While there were slight upticks in April, May, and June of 2026, crossings fell again in July, underscoring the ongoing trend.

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When asked if Canadian visitors affect their Bellingham business, 63 per cent said they strongly agree and 26 per cent said agree.