Falling number of American tourists negatively impacts merchants in Old Montreal
In the heart of Old Montreal, the usual bustle of American tourists seems to have subsided this summer, but the situation is better than initially feared. Despite the observed decrease in American tourists since U.S. President Donald Trump first announced his trade threats in February, Montreal businesses are showing resilience.
According to Statistics Canada figures, the number of American travelers entering Canada in June fell by 10.5% compared to the same period last year. This decline is noticeable to merchants like Denise Bérard, who has observed a decrease in American tourists this summer.
However, the Montreal Science Centre has managed to attract 110,000 visitors since May, up 9% compared to last year, with a clientele mainly from Quebec, Canada, and international visitors. Bonjour Montreal's owner, Laurence Mackrous, believes that Canadian travelers have saved her season.
Perle Krebs, director of marketing and distribution at the Saint-Sulpice Hotel, mentions that American clients often apologize to their employees for the current situation. Yet, the hotel maintains an occupancy rate of 91% for July, with suites booked by Canadian clients, mainly from Ontario, the Maritimes, and the West.
Despite the drop in American tourists, businesses like Maureen Dawson's shop in Old Montreal are still seeing customers. Dawson, a Vermont mother, apologizes for her president while visiting Old Montreal and invites Canadians to visit the U.S.
The impact of the decline in American tourists on Montreal businesses during summer 2020 is not quantitatively measurable from the available data. However, general trends indicate that U.S.-Canada cross-border travel sharply declined during 2025, driven by political tensions, economic pressures, and tariff disputes, which negatively affected regional tourism sectors near the U.S.-Canada border.
Despite these challenges, Montreal businesses are adapting. Denise Bérard estimates that there are 25% fewer American tourists than usual, but the city is still bustling with activity. Place Jacques-Cartier, a popular tourist spot in Old Montreal, is filled with tourists, many of whom appear to be from other Canadian provinces and Quebec.
Laurence Mackrous is meeting her numbers despite fewer Americans and an increase in Canadian and French tourists. Perle Krebs finds it stressful not to have any predictability due to last-minute reservations by Canadian clients, but she remains optimistic.
In summary, while the decline in U.S.-Canada tourism and its regional economic effects are evident, no specific data on the impact of American tourist decline on Montreal businesses during summer 2020 was found. However, the resilience of Montreal businesses suggests that they are adapting to the changing landscape.
French tourists are exploring the charming lifestyle of Old Montreal as a alternative to their homeland due to the decline in American tourists. Due to the shortage of American travelers, Canadian and French home-and-garden merchants, such as Denise Bérard and Maureen Dawson, are discovering new opportunities with an increase in their international clientele.
