B.C. resident pens 'love letter' to Bellingham amid cross-border tensions
While there has been a sharp decline in B.C. residents visiting Washington state (or other parts of the U.S.) over the past few months, one local has penned a heartfelt letter to Bellingham, reminding locals of a once-strong cross-border bond.
The letter was published in the Bellingham subreddit last week, and the author noted that they are from Abbotsford.
“Dear Bellingham, I love you. In the way that a neighbour is supposed to love a neighbour. Mister Rogers taught a lot of us that exact sentiment when we were children, so why are we seemingly abandoning it today as adults?” began the author.
City of Bellingham
“I know, things have been quite rocky between our two countries, but you can take it from this proud PNWer [Pacific North Wester], that I don’t blame you. We all know where the blame really goes, but let’s not talk about that. He.., I mean IT’s too depressing. (I can’t be the only one who sees CNN reporting on something “you know who” does or says, puts it back in their pocket and goes, ‘Ok, so what’s for dinner?’),” they continued.
The letter writer added that their love for Bellingham began in college when they had to write an essay about the Cascadia region, and their professor suggested visiting the Fairhaven neighbourhood.
“So I did, and I can honestly say there is no more beautiful a place outside my home than Fairhaven,” they wrote.
“I loved every second of those moments. I was even debating on spending a few days there by myself in August, but with the state of affairs, and ICE in Bellingham, even just for a while, I just can’t. I’m sorry.”
The author noted that they’ve visited plenty of larger cities on the West Coast, including L.A. and Seattle, but they much prefer the small-town feel of Bellingham over those bigger metropolitan areas.
They also shared some encouraging words despite current diplomatic tensions, which are directly linked to U.S. President Donald Trump and his turbulent trade decisions regarding Canada, as well as his repeated threats against Canadian sovereignty.
“As an aside — don’t think we hate you, or that our country is against you, because we booed your anthem and maybe you booed ours,” the author explained.
“We hate the reason that we’re told to hate you; the reason we don’t visit you as often anymore.”
They ended the letter by repeating their fondness for the small Washington state city.
“Anyways, I love you, I really do. I don’t dislike much of anything about your city, let alone your entire country. I know I’m just one lowly Canadian, but I just wanted you to know that you have a friend up here, and you can feel free to visit anytime,” they wrote.
“When the hot, ashen smoke has cleared, I’ll come revisit your city again, even if I have to wait three and a half years. It’ll be worth it.”
B.C. residents show appreciation for Washington state
Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock
The post brought in a number of reactions from B.C. locals and Washingtonians alike.
“Punishing Washington state (left-leaning) for the actions of the federal leader is asinine,” said one commenter. “I’ll be visiting again on Sunday.”
Another person said that although they love Bellingham and other parts of the U.S., they “won’t be making any optional trips down south either, at least until there is a change of some sort, politically.”
One Canadian in the comments who said they live in the Metro Vancouver area said they are still visiting the U.S.
“I’m not going to let the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue prevent me from living my life and seeing the things that my partner and I would like to see in this short time we have on the planet,” they wrote.
However, they noted that they are still trying to do their part to support Canadian companies and brands.
“I am doing the whole Buy Canadian thing — for instance, we used to like Tito’s, but now we buy Iceberg Vodka from Newfoundland and Labrador instead. I’m also selective of where I spend in the USA.”
There were also some folks from the States who vocalized their appreciation for the letter writer’s kind sentiments.
“I go to Canada to spend money as often as possible, in solidarity (and as an apology for our stupid leadership),” stated a U.S. Redditor.
Another thanked the original poster for sharing their thoughts.
“I really appreciate your telling us how much you love it here and offering support,” they said.
“I find it completely reasonable not to come down here right now — I wouldn’t if I were from somewhere else.”
Cross-border travel has dropped
DaveWalker/Shutterstock
Despite this heartwarming Reddit post and commentators sharing their appreciation for Washington state, data shows that fewer British Columbians are choosing to travel across the border.
The Whatcom Council of Governments’ 2025 Changes in Border Volume data determined that in June 2025, the volume of southbound vehicles from B.C. to Washington state decreased by 43 per cent compared to the same time in 2024.
That’s a slight improvement from May 2025, when southbound B.C. vehicle travel over the Washington border saw a 47 per cent drop compared to May 2024.
Vancity’s recently released Economy & Impact report examined the impact of U.S. tariffs on B.C. consumers’ spending habits and found that residents aren’t giving up their hard-earned Canadian dollars down south.
The credit union collected the data from its members’ enviro Visa spending patterns and found that there is a growing trend among British Columbians about how and where they are choosing to spend their money.
Vancity found that in-person spending in Washington state dropped 47 per cent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same time last year.
What are your thoughts about this Redditor’s “love letter” to Washington state, and do you agree with their sentiments? Let us know in the comments below.