Vancouver, BC - March 8th, 2025 - It’s easy to take for granted the strong and friendly relationship we share with our American neighbors. Despite challenges like tariffs and political shifts, the deep economic and cultural ties between British Columbia and the United States remain strong. Cross-border travel has long been a vital part of life for many, supporting businesses and fostering connections. However, with fewer Canadians crossing the border, U.S. border towns are starting to feel the impact. By recognizing the value of this relationship, we can work together to keep our cross-border communities thriving.

The COVID-19 pandemic gave British Columbians, particularly those in Metro Vancouver, a glimpse of what life would be like without easy access to the US, as border closures disrupted travel, business, and daily routines. Canadians had no choice.

Now, in March 2025, the number of passenger vehicles with Canadian license plates crossing into the U.S. has already dropped by 29% compared to the same time last year. These are conscious decisions driven by a variety of factors, including fluctuating exchange rates, rising costs of travel, increased border security measures, and shifting shopping habits, but mostly as a response to the tariff issues.

One of the most noticeable benefits of cross-border access is cheaper gas and groceries. Many BC residents regularly, in the past, visited Washington State to fill up their tanks and shop for essentials, taking advantage of lower prices due to differences in taxation and supply management. For travellers, flights from U.S. airports like Bellingham and Seattle often came with lower fees and taxes, making them a more affordable option for domestic and international trips.

Beyond financial savings, the U.S. offers variety and unique experiences. From popular retailers like Trader Joe’s and Target to food chains such as In-N-Out Burger, many brands unavailable in Canada attract BC shoppers. Seasonal events, including the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, also bring thousands of visitors across the border each year.

Joint projects, like the Cascadia high-speed rail is expected to start planning the second stage in 2025. The plan is to connect Vancouver, BC, Seattle, and Portland in under an hour, leading to better access to jobs, affordable housing, climate initiatives, shared resources, increased tourism and economic growth for the Pacific Northwest region.

Another key advantage is the NEXUS program, which allows mostly Canadian pre-approved travelers to cross the border more efficiently. Losing access to this program would mean longer wait times and more inconvenience for frequent travelers. It is jointly run by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Applicants must create an account in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program System to proceed.

Point Roberts, a small U.S. exclave, also relies on Canadian visitors to sustain its businesses. Without this connection, places like the Saltwater Cafe, managed by Canadian Ailish Wallace, would struggle. The local Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for the H2-B visa program, which once allowed Canadian workers to help support the local economy.

An anonymous U. S. reddit contributor stated: Cascadia is a geographic, geological and regionalized local economy — we share closer values with BC than we do with Texas. You’ll obviously now be buying Canadian, but when you can’t get everything you need, cross the border and buy Bellingham local,” they said.

Cross-border access isn’t just about convenience—it’s a reminder of the long-standing friendship between Canada and the U.S. and the mutual benefits both sides enjoy. On July 20, 1871, British Columbia became the sixth province of Canada, marking 154 years of sharing a common border with the United States. Over time, this border has fostered trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, strengthening ties between communities on both sides.

#Canada US Border #Cross Border Benefits #NEXUS Access #BC to USA #US Shopping #Affordable Travel #Point Roberts #Trade and Travel #WBN News Vancouver #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788

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