Southbound B.C.-Washington border crossings plummet 49% as trade war deepens
Labour Day saw just 1,465 southbound trips across four crossings — down from 2,900 last year and 4,385 in 2024. Washington State businesses are reeling.
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Southbound traffic from British Columbia to Washington State has cratered. On Labour Day 2026, just 1,465 vehicles with B.C. plates crossed at Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas — down 49% from 2,900 on Labour Day 2025 and 67% from 4,385 in 2024. The Aldergrove-Lynden crossing alone saw 197 trips this year versus 347 in 2025 and 719 in 2024, a 72% drop over two years.
Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. collapsed, triggering a 50% U.S. levy on roughly US $20 billion in Canadian exports and Canadian counter-tariffs. The impact is hitting Washington State businesses hard. A survey of 62 businesses near the B.C. border by the Border Policy Research Institute and Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce found 68% agreed or strongly agreed the drop in Canadian visits was hurting them. More than half worried they may have to close.
Dining establishments reported the steepest pain: 91% rated the decline as damaging, and 64% said they were concerned about survival. Retail outlets tracked similarly, with 85% calling the drop damaging and 60% worried about staying open. One unnamed respondent said: "We really depend on our neighbors to the North for our survival." Another noted: "The Canadian tourism decrease has been one of the most quantifiable and impactful issues for my business."
How much has the tariff war cost Washington State businesses in total revenue?
Will Canada and the U.S. resolve trade negotiations before winter travel season?
Are B.C. residents choosing other U.S. destinations, or staying home entirely?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much did southbound traffic drop on Labour Day 2026?
Southbound vehicle trips across Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden, and Sumas crossings fell to 1,465 on Labour Day 2026, a 49% decrease from 2,900 on Labour Day 2025.
What percentage of surveyed Washington businesses said the drop in Canadian visits was hurting them?
A survey of 62 businesses near the B.C. border by the Border Policy Research Institute and Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce found 68% agreed or strongly agreed the decline in Canadian visits was damaging their operations.
How concerned are dining establishments about survival?
Among dining establishments surveyed, 64% expressed concern they may have to close due to the decline in Canadian visitors, and 91% rated the drop as damaging to their business.
