Thousand Islands Tourism Adapts to Political and Economic Headwinds to Welcome Canadian Visitors in Summer 2025

The Thousand Islands region is bracing for potential challenges to its summer tourism season in 2025 due to political and economic factors impacting Canadian visitors. Concerns over U.S. trade tariffs, a weaker Canadian dollar, and diplomatic tensions are prompting tourism authorities to adapt their strategies. The Thousand Islands International Tourism Council is focusing on highlighting the region's natural beauty, waterfront experiences, and family-friendly activities to maintain its appeal. Campaigns now emphasize island hopping, boating, beaches, and lakeside villages while minimizing references to potentially divisive political topics. Community events like the Can-Am Festival and the opening of the Sackets Harbor Visitors Center aim to reinforce a welcoming environment. Businesses are preparing with special offers for Victoria Day. While a slight dip in border crossings has been noted, tourism officials are closely monitoring bookings and investing in recovery-oriented messaging and travel packages to inspire confidence. Efforts are also being made to diversify outreach to domestic travelers. The situation underscores the increasing influence of geopolitics on travel and the need for tourism operators to be adaptable.