Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) at Western Washington University and Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce published survey results on October 1, 2026 outlining how Whatcom County businesses are altering operations to endure ongoing reductions in Canadian travel.
Southbound British Columbia-plated vehicle crossings fell approximately 36% in 2025 compared to 2024, followed by an additional decline between January and August 2026 that totaled roughly 580,000 fewer crossings compared to the same period in 2024. Border trips briefly rose between April and June 2026, but not enough to overcome the overall downturn. Data collected by the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Program indicated those who continue to cross reflected a shift in travel purposes from shopping and gas purchases toward recreation and family visits.
A follow-up survey fielded from March to May 2026 recorded responses from 62 business operators, with 41 open for 10 or more years. The authors stated the survey reflects descriptive sentiment from a non-random sample rather than a statistical representation of the county business community.
According to survey results, 88% of respondents indicated their business relies on or benefits from Canadian customers, while nearly 80% reported ongoing financial damage from lower visitation. About half of respondents reported concern regarding the survival of their business.
Reported impacts by geographic location and sector are as follow.
Segment Classification Avg. Damage
(Scale 1–5)Avg. Survival Fear
(Scale 1–4)Operational Status / Adjustments Blaine Municipality 4.5 2.5 54% already implemented Point Roberts Municipality 4.2 2.3 45% planning adjustments Bellingham Municipality 4.3 2.2 39% executed adjustments Ferndale Municipality 3.5 1.5 Data not reported Lynden Municipality 3.0 0.5 Data not reported Restaurant Industry Sector 4.6 2.8 Data not reported Retail Industry Sector 4.5 2.5 Data not reported Activity, Service & Entertainment Industry Sector 3.8 1.6 Data not reported
In follow-up interviews conducted in August and September 2026, business operators detailed the following adaptations made to address the persistent loss of cross-border customers.
- TSB Shipping Plus reduced worker hours, placing more staff on part-time schedules due to fewer Canadian package pickups
- NW Explorations LLC closed its yacht charter operations in Canada in late 2025 to consolidate resources in Bellingham and expanded marketing across the southern and eastern United States, Europe, and Australia
- Bellingham SeaFeast redirected promotions toward the Puget Sound region, California, and Las Vegas after Canadian attendance dropped from 16% in 2024 to between 2% and 3% in 2025
- Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. expanded advertising in Birch Bay and Bellingham to target regional residents
- Spark Museum of Electrical Invention maintained US advertising along the I-5 corridor after Canadian attendance fell from 15% in 2024 to 8% in 2025
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