Cross-border traffic from British Columbia to Washington state has continued to decrease as summer ends and fall begins. In October, southbound traffic dropped by 37% compared to the same month last year at the four border crossings near Metro Vancouver. According to data from the B.C. Transportation Ministry and Washington state’s Department of Transportation, 121,064 vehicles with B.C. license plates crossed into Washington in October, down from 192,346 in October 2022.

September also saw a significant decline, with a 40% drop in southbound visitors compared to the previous year. August, which typically marks the end of the peak vacation season, recorded a 39% decrease. This trend marks the seventh, eighth, and ninth consecutive months of reduced crossings from B.C. into the U.S. through land entry points near Metro Vancouver.

These figures indicate a shift from what seemed to be a slight rebound in travel during the summer. In July, the number of B.C. vehicles traveling south reached its highest level since February, when tariff issues first emerged. However, even July's numbers represented a 27% decrease compared to July 2022.

Despite the overall decline in border crossings, some businesses in Washington state report a steady influx of Canadian visitors. Mark Andrew, general manager of the Semiahmoo Resort, Golf and Spa in Blaine, Washington, noted consistent interest from Canadian travelers. He did not provide specific visitor statistics but expressed optimism about the return of cross-border leisure travel.

Andrew highlighted initiatives like the Open Arms to Canada campaign, which offered special promotions to attract Canadian visitors. He stated, "Our 25% savings on the best available rate, paired with the current exchange rate, makes a Semiahmoo stay a more enticing option for our neighbors to the north that are open to traveling to the U.S." He encouraged travelers to book early to secure their preferred dates, indicating strong interest in the promotional offer.