As summer approaches, many Fernie and Elk Valley residents are preparing for cross-border travel and road trips south through the Roosville Port of Entry, the 24-hour border crossing that links southeastern British Columbia to northern Montana. While most travellers report smooth and friendly experiences at the crossing, new data reveals a significant drop in overall traffic, reflecting broader changes in cross-border tourism patterns.
According to Statistics Canada, Canadian-resident return trips by automobile from the U.S. dropped by 31.9% in March 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. The sharp decline has been attributed to a mix of factors, including economic uncertainty, political tensions, high fuel prices, and a Canadian dollar that continues to lag behind its American counterpart.
The downturn is being felt in U.S. border communities such as Whitefish, Montana, where Canadian visitors have long made up a substantial share of the tourism economy. Business owners in Whitefish report a noticeable decline in traffic at restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets—a trend that began during the pandemic and has been worsened by recent trade disputes and ongoing caution around cross-border travel.
While negative press and political rhetoric have created some unease, many locals in the Kootenays report positive and routine experiences at Roosville. The port remains a key travel corridor for both leisure and practical trips south of the border.
Travellers crossing at Roosville are reminded to arrive prepared. A valid Canadian passport is required for entry into the United States, and visitors should be ready to declare goods such as food, alcohol, and tobacco. Cannabis, even when legally purchased in Canada, must not be brought across the border due to federal U.S. laws.
U.S. Customs officers may ask questions about travel plans, accommodation, and duration of stay. Secondary inspections, while sometimes unnerving, are a normal part of border operations and do not necessarily indicate any wrongdoing.
Despite declining numbers, the Roosville border remains open and friendly to well-prepared, respectful travellers. For those planning trips to Whitefish, Eureka, or beyond, the key is to be informed, honest, and courteous—values that go a long way at the border.
