As Canadians wait for updates on the status of so-called reciprocal tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump on April 2, industries on both sides of the border are bracing for impact.
One thing that appears certain, however, is that more Canadians are foregoing trips to the U.S. in favour of Canadian 鈥渟taycations.鈥
shows travellers heading to the U.S. from Canada by car in February dropped by more than 500,000 year over year, from 2.7 million to 2.2 million.
Banner year for tourism
A U.S.-initiated trade war coupled with a weak Canadian dollar has Niagara Falls tourism operators preparing for a banner year in 2025.
Mory DiMaurizio, chief operating officer of Niagara City Cruises in Canada, said prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian tourists made up under 10 per cent of passengers on its Voyage to the Falls and evening fireworks boat cruises.
Last year, Niagara City Cruises welcomed about 2.4 million passengers. While Americans accounted for the most passenger trips at about 35 per cent, Canadian passengers represented about 32 per cent of all travellers, with international customers accounting for the rest.
鈥淐anadians definitely are indicating that they will be doing staycations or spending more of their leisure dollars here in Canada,鈥 said DiMaurizio. 鈥淚t鈥檚 great. It just plays into a favourable position for tourism.鈥
Low Canadian dollar
With the Canadian dollar hovering near 70 cents U.S., DiMaurizio expects to see even more Americans flocking to the Canadian falls this year.
鈥淲e鈥檙e kind of in a perfect storm this year,鈥 DiMaurizio said. 鈥淐anadians are staying home because of the whole concept of wanting to stay at home and exchange rate is extremely favourable for U.S. citizens. So, if history repeats itself, they鈥檙e going to be coming over in droves.鈥
Sail to the base of the falls
On May 15, Niagara City Cruises will celebrate a decade of sailing to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The boat tour welcomes visitors aboard its state-of-the-art catamarans, including the Niagara Thunder and the Niagara Wonder.
The Falls Fireworks Cruise is a 40-minute nighttime excursion featuring fireworks over the brink of Niagara Falls.
Niagara City Cruises photoThe main offering, the Voyage to the Falls boat tour, is a 20-minute excursion that starts at the dock in the Niagara Gorge. Passengers can cruise past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls before viewing the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Guests can feel the roar of the water, and the mist of the falls.
There鈥檚 also a Falls Fireworks Cruise, a 40-minute nighttime excursion featuring fireworks over the brink of Niagara Falls.
Celebrity appearances
You never know who might show up for a boat tour. Prior to the pandemic, actor Adam Sandler and his family took part in a boat tour and connected with fans. Other celebrity sightings have included TV personality Rick Mercer, model Kate Moss and Our Lady Peace frontman Raine Maida, among聽.
How to book a tour
DiMaurizio said nature is the only thing holding back this year鈥檚 opening day. While Niagara City Cruises has sometimes offered cruises in March, this year鈥檚 season is still a few weeks away due to the ice boom in Lake Erie. DiMaurizio hopes to begin this year鈥檚 cruise season by Easter weekend, weather permitting.
For now, passengers can begin booking trips from May 1 through November at .
Customers looking for overnight accommodations can visit to find the best hotel rates for their Niagara Falls trip.
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