The impact that tariffs with Canada might have on tourists coming across the border to visit Maine likely will have more to do with people’s feelings than with actual costs.
The 25 percent tariffs just imposed on Canadian goods by the administration of President Donald Trump, and the retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada, are not expected to have any direct effect on the cost of a restaurant meal or a hotel room. Canadians who drive across the border — as most do — on their way to visit Bar Harbor or Old Orchard Beach will see the same prices on restaurant menus or hotel bills that an American will.
But the mood of resentment that has spread in both directions across the border since Trump took office might put a damper on such traffic. Trump has made comments about making Canada America’s 51st state, and Canadians have booed when the American anthem has been played at professional basketball and hockey games.
Already, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau explicitly said, when announcing retaliatory 25 percent tariffs on imports from the United States, that Canadians will avoid traveling to their southern neighbor because of the soured relationship.
“Canadians are hurt. Canadians are angry,” Trudeau said. “We’re going to choose not to go on vacation in Florida or Old Orchard Beach or wherever.”
Tony Cameron, executive director of the Maine Tourism Association, said that national pride already appears to be affecting tourism between the two countries, though he said he has only gotten anecdotal feedback so far from Maine businesses. The association is currently conducting a survey to develop more concrete information on the issue, he said.
“We’re seeing reports of higher cancellations and slower bookings from Canada,” he said.
The exchange rate between both nations’ currencies — which has depreciated the value of the Canadian dollar more as trade rhetoric has heated up — also is likely a significant factor in Canadians’ decisions to stay home, according to Cameron.
Bo Jennings, president of the Chamber of Commerce in Bar Harbor, said that booking rates among its membership have remained at rates comparable to 2024. Since Jan. 15, local lodging businesses have registered only one less booking from a Canadian customer than they did during the same time period a year ago.
The bigger anticipated local impact, Jennings said, will be on the town’s elementary school construction project, which is expected to buy its steel structural components from Canada.
“It will be interesting to see if Prime Minister Trudeau’s plea to Canadians to not visit Maine has any effect. Or, will Canadians ignore his call, and visit Vacationland as they have for generations?” Jennings said.
Cameron said that despite the rhetoric, he is confident Canadians will be well-received by Maine business if they make the trip.
“We’ve had a longstanding good relationship with Canada and we want to be welcoming to Canadians who come,” he said.