Canadian Tourists Pull Back From Jersey Shore Visits Amid Ongoing Political Tensions
As political tensions between the US and Canada persist throughout President Donald Trump’s second term, tourism officials on New Jersey’s Jersey Shore are seeing a drop in Canadian visitors. Local tourism authorities say the pattern started last year and is continuing this summer, causing anxiety for businesses that rely on Canadian tourists.
Cape May County businesses saw the difference quickly following Trump’s new term. Travel agencies reported an upsurge in Canadian travelers canceling arrangements by phone. Many callers expressed unhappiness with U.S. political developments, especially immigration policy and trade disputes with China.
Trump’s outspoken criticism of Canadian leadership and suggestion that Canada could become the 51st state raised awareness of the subject. The administration also placed a 25% levy on Canadian goods. These political events have influenced how some Canadians feel about visiting the US, say tourism officials.
The impact is most obvious at The Wildwoods, a major Jersey Shore destination on Five Mile Island. Top tourism officials said Canadians have been the region’s most devoted summer visitors. Canadians made up 10% of Wildwoods visitors in the past. Current estimates indicate a considerable decline in share.
Ben Rose, head of marketing and public relations for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, said Canadians made up 5–6% of island visitors last year. The numbers are unlikely to rise again, say officials.
Rose said that while some Canadians are returning this season, most are still not booking Jersey Shore visits. Tourism experts expect the pattern to continue for years until relations improve or tourism sentiment changes.
Businesses that relied on Canadian tourists over summer have struggled. Bruce Hamlin, owner of popular Wildwoods hotels like Paradise Ocean Resort and Crusader Oceanfront Resort, suffered major financial losses due to canceled bookings.
Hamlin said his hotels had 260 Canadian guest cancellations in April last year. Estimated revenue loss from cancellations was $94,000. Although foreign passengers replaced some of those openings, Canadian business still dropped.
Hamlin reported that Canadian hotel bookings dropped 65–70% from previous seasons. He says the same pattern is continuing this year.
Campgrounds in Cape May County are also affected. Campgrounds have long been a cost-effective vacation choice for families seeking seaside accommodations within driving distance. Canadian visits have also decreased, according to New Jersey Campground Owners Association executive director Joan DelVescio.
To reconnect with Canadian vacationers, tourism organizations and campground operators are marketing more. Some companies are intending to promote their destinations directly to Canadians and attend tourism events like a recreational vehicle expo to rekindle enthusiasm.
The Jersey Shore also confronts increased competition from international resorts courting Canadian tourists. Tourist officials say Mexico is offering Canadian-specific vacation packages, making it easier for them to travel abroad.
Despite the drop in Canadian visits, local leaders expect foreign tourism will revive. Governor Mikie Sherrill says New Jersey welcomes international visitors. Her government has stressed the importance of tourism and international travel to New Jersey.
State officials see future global events as opportunities to recruit foreign visitors. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to draw tourists from Canada and other nations.
However, the White House has downplayed tourism slowdown concerns. Administration officials say the president’s actions strengthen the nation and make communities and tourists safer.
Canadian families have summered in the Jersey Shore for decades. Until 1995, the Cape May County Department of Tourism had an official tourism office in Montreal due to the strong link. After that agency closed, the county promoted the Jersey Shore to Canadians through marketing partnerships and consultants.
Canadian vacationers are most noticeable in late July, when Quebec building projects cease and families go during summer breaks. That has historically been a high time for Canadian visitors to New Jersey.
Some Canadians are still visiting the Jersey Shore, but tourist organizers say numbers are much below prior levels. Political and international events can affect travel plans for local hotels, campgrounds, and small businesses.
Tourism experts believe Canadian visitors are declining, not only in New Jersey. Canadian travel to the US declined substantially last year, according to nationwide data. Canadian tourists entering the U.S. were expected to be 35.6 percent to 43% lower in August 2025 than in 2024.
Jersey Shore municipalities aim to entice visitors from other locations while rebuilding their relationship with Canadian holidaymakers.
Sources
NJ Advance Media
Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority
New Jersey Campground Owners Association
Tourism Economics
Office of the Governor of New Jersey
The White House Press Office
