09 May Adirondack region ratifies resolution reaffirming positive relationship with Canada and its citizens
The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), the destination marketing and management organization within the Adirondack region, announces that local government leaders have passed a resolution, reaffirming their continued commitment to maintaining positive relations, expressing appreciation for, and welcoming Canadian visitors to the Adirondack region.
Local governments, which govern most of the communities within the Adirondack Park, ratified the resolution celebrating the enduring bonds between the Adirondacks and its Canadian neighbors. The resolution highlighted the shared history of the Adirondack and Canada, ease of travel across the border for visitors from each country, personal connections with family and friends, mutual prosperity and cultural exchange, and, most importantly, friendship.
According to ROOST CEO Dan Kelleher, Canadian travelers continue to have a strong reaction to the impact of US government policies. “We recognize that proposed and impending policy has created unease among Canadians,” he said. “As a result, the Adirondack region is experiencing a reduction in border traffic from the local Canadian provinces. This resolution reaffirms our region’s commitment toward maintaining and supporting the area’s positive relationship with our neighbors to the north.”
Kelleher explained that the Adirondack Mountains offer a place to “unplug” and get away from the day-to-day, in a place that is familiar and welcoming. “Wilderness can be a natural remedy to the dynamic state of affairs – the Adirondack region and its communities can offer an escape,” he said. “Each year, the Adirondack region welcomes thousands of visitors from Canada; and this year, regardless of political tension, our communities remain committed to ensuring that Canadians seeking an Adirondack getaway will continue to feel welcome. We continue to hope that our Canadian friends, along with those from across the Northeast US, will come here to get away.”
ROOST has been monitoring organic traffic to its traveler-focused websites with specific regard for summer travel plans. Despite recent decreases in border traffic and anticipated lower numbers over the next few months, businesses and residents in the Adirondack region are working to provide a great experience for those who are choosing to visit the area.
Regional attractions, lodging properties, dining establishments, and villages have implemented various initiatives, package deals and discounts. Area hotels have created promotional packages for Canadian travelers, including Victoria Day packages at Keene Valley Lodge, High Peaks Resort, Traverse Lodge, The Lodge at Schroon Lake, and other Adirondack region properties. Bike ADK, a local bike tour operator, is offering discounts on its Civic Holiday weekend in August and the Handlebarley group ride registration in September for participants from Canada.
While many businesses throughout the region have traditionally flown both American and Canadian flags, an increased emphasis has been made by communities, businesses, and attractions to extend an even warmer welcome. Bilingual welcome posters have been developed and distributed to area businesses to greet travelers from Quebec.
Kelleher continued, “The Adirondack region has always had an important relationship with Canada due to its proximity, shared history, and shared heritage. We travel there and they travel here, regularly – for a week, a weekend, a day trip, or even simply for a Saturday night hockey game. Many Canadian visitors are our friends, family and long-time visitors to the region – they are part of the region’s fabric.”
Approximately 10-12 million people visit the 6.2 million acre (2,509,050 hectare) Adirondack Park each year. Canada’s proximity, combined with the fact that 85% of Canadians live within 300 miles (480 kilometers) of the border, makes it easy for Canadians to travel to the states, and vice-versa. The Adirondack region is within a day’s drive for approximately 50% of the Canadian population (16,000,000 ON, 9,000,000 QC). Canadian travelers appreciate the Adirondacks just as those from the Adirondacks appreciate Canada due to a shared sense of the importance of wilderness stewardship and protection, outdoor activity and beautiful scenery – which both countries have in abundance.
The relationship between the United States and Canada, especially from a tourism perspective, is always top of mind for ROOST officials. ROOST plans to continue sharing travel information with Canadians, encourage them to visit and, as always, work to ensure that Canadians are welcome and valued visitors to the region.
According to Shaun Gillilland, chair, Essex County Board of Supervisors, “The commitment to strengthening cross-border relationships—through outreach, bilingual marketing, and community engagement—ensures that our Canadian neighbors feel welcomed and truly valued.”
Franklin County Board Chair Ed Lockwood explained that the US-Canadian relationship has always been strong, with travel across the border very common. “We want Canadians to know that they are always welcome here,” he said. “When Canadians visit the Adirondacks, they’re returning to a place that feels familiar. We always want them to feel that this region remains their home away from home.”
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