Whatcom County Report Finds 57% of Businesses Hurt by Declining Canadian Visitors
Updated
Updated · Global News · Aug 20
Whatcom County Report Finds 57% of Businesses Hurt by Declining Canadian Visitors
2 articles · Updated · Global News · Aug 20
Summary
A new Western Washington University-Chamber survey found 57% of Whatcom County businesses say fewer Canadian visitors are damaging them, and 37% have already changed operations in response.
Food and beverage businesses reported the sharpest pain: 91% said the decline is damaging and 64% fear for survival; retail followed at 85% damaged and 60% concerned about survival.
Canadian demand remains central to the area’s economy, with 63% of respondents strongly agreeing and 26% agreeing that Canadian visitors affect their Bellingham business.
Border-crossing data showed B.C. vehicles heading south generally fell from 2024 to 2026, with gains in April through June 2026 before declining again in July.
Newer firms appear especially exposed, with 67% of businesses open less than 10 years worried about survival, while 73% of business changes made were long-term or permanent.