Summer slump continues for B.C. border crossings to Washington
Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, but recent B.C. border data shows that British Columbians are continuing to avoid visits to Washington state.
The Whatcom Council of Governments’ 2025 Changes in Border Volume data shows that in July 2025, the volume of southbound vehicles from B.C. to Washington state dropped by 28 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
It’s the sixth month in a row of a decline in crossings, though there is a slight uptick from June 2025.
In the previous month, southbound B.C. vehicle travel over the Washington border saw a 43 per cent dip compared to June 2024.
Whatcom Council of Governments
The Whatcom Council of Governments’ data comprises vehicle volume from the Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden, and Sumas ports of entry.
The slowdown of B.C. to Washington state can be linked to U.S President Donald Trump and his turbulent trade decisions regarding Canada, as well as his repeated threats against Canadian sovereignty.
Daniel Avram/Shutterstock
The Canada-United States tariffs spat is already costing Canadian families quite a bit in taxes, according to a new report. And B.C. industries like film and television, and the housing market, are feeling the impacts.
Destination BC, the province’s crown corporation that supports tourism in the province, is also encouraging British Columbians to travel locally this summer.
It launched its Make The Trip Home campaign this spring to encourage multi-day summer vacations within the province, especially to a new destination or one they hadn’t considered before.
“Whether it’s catching up with neighbours they’ve yet to meet or roaming the backyard they haven’t fully seen, British Columbians are invited to ‘live the wonder’ and plan a summer journey that deepens their relationship with this place we call home,” said Destination BC online.
EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock
Destination BC also shared that the province is seeing an increase in domestic air bookings for this summer compared to the same period last year, as well as a slight increase in hotel occupancy.
“B.C. is seeing strong momentum in 2025, fueled by a renewed pride of place and an increase in domestic travel,” Destination BC told Daily Hive. “The outlook for the rest of 2025 and into 2026 is strong.
“The general mood across B.C.’s tourism industry is one of cautious optimism. Travel patterns have shifted significantly this year, and the impacts are highly localized, varying by community, business type, and season. Some destinations have seen a rise in shoulder season visitation, while others have experienced a softening in US travel, offset by a notable increase in Canadian visitors.”
Gastown Steam Clock on Water Street. (Shutterstock)
There are plenty of reasons to travel within B.C. this summer, from award-winning accommodations to a hidden gem, Vancouver Island beach being voted one of the best in North America, and a picturesque national park reserve being named one of the best to visit in Canada this summer.
We’ve also put together a list of places to go in B.C. if you’ve cancelled your U.S. travel plans.
Have you opted to travel within B.C. instead of the U.S. this summer? Let us know in the comments or get in touch at vancouver@dailyhive.com.
With files from Simran Singh
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