Traffic declines on International Selkirk Loop

On June 6, officials from the International Selkirk Loop — a tourism nonprofit promoting U.S. and Canadian communities around the Selkirk Mountains — sent a letter to lawmakers in both countries stating the economic risks of declining international traffic to a region deeply reliant on cross-border visitors. 

“Our region thrives on the friendships and economic ties that span both sides of the border,” said Carla Ahern, chair of the International Selkirk Loop Board of Directors. “For generations, our communities have welcomed visitors from both nations, fostering not just economic prosperity but also the deep sense of kinship that has defined U.S.-Canada relations for over 200 years.” 

The most recent U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows vehicle crossings from Canada into Idaho dropped 37% in April compared to last year. February saw the first dip in Canadian travelers through Idaho ports of entry since COVID-19, even though tariffs did not start until March. 

“It appears we will have a challenging summer,” said Tom Turpin, CEO of the Kootenai River Inn and Casino. “From mid-June to mid-September, we typically run at 92 to 95 percent occupancy. But we are seeing a sharp decline in southbound Canadian traffic. It’s showing in our hotel occupancy.” 

A copy of the ISL Board of Directors open letter has been sent to key Congressional and Senate representatives in Idaho and Washington state, as well as to the member of Parliament representing the West Kootenays region of British Columbia. 

The letter highlights the significant role tourism plays in sustaining local economies, particularly in rural areas where cross-border visitors support restaurants, lodging, outdoor recreation, and small businesses. The board is urging policymakers to come to a swift and beneficial resolution for small business owners who depend on border-crossing tourism. 

A few such businesses are Good Grief Store near Eastport and Jake’s Landing near Porthill. Both are much closer to the Canadian border than to Bonners Ferry. 

“For us, 99% of our customers are Canadian so the border is extremely critical to us, but everybody in the county gets affected,” said Lars Jacobson, owner of Jake’s Landing. “Our regulars are getting taxed and tariffed, so our business is taking a hit not unlike COVID." 

In May, Bonners Ferry city officials rejected a directive from the Idaho Attorney General’s Office to remove the Canadian flag from government property, instead declaring a 365-day special occasion. 

The city’s declaration states that Bonners Ferry is Idaho’s closest incorporated municipality to Canada, Main Street is on the International Selkirk Loop and Bonners Ferry reserves the right to self-govern. 

The decision circulated throughout Canada, in publications such as the Globe and Mail, which is among the most read news outlets in all of Canada. 

Local officials also spoke on a British Columbia radio station shortly after reraising the flag to encourage Canadians to continue visiting Bonners Ferry. 

“We tell a lot of our Canadian customers we’re all part of the same valley,” said Landen Jacobson, Lars’ son, of Jake’s Landing. “We might have this line that divides us as nations, but we’re all the same.”