The picturesque state of Maine has long been a beloved summer getaway for Canadians, particularly those from Quebec, drawing visitors for decades. In Old Orchard Beach, a charming resort town, Canadians represent over one-third of the tourism economy, making them crucial to local businesses.

However, as U.S.-Canadian relations fray over heightened trade tensions and President Trump's controversial remarks about Canadian sovereignty, Maine's hotel owners are feeling the pinch. Many are now canceling their much-anticipated vacations, creating a ripple effect that threatens to devastate local establishments that depend heavily on Canadian tourism.

At the Point View Inn, a family-run hotel celebrating its 50th anniversary, owner Sterling Morse expressed his growing concerns. The hotel's welcoming note, “Welcome! Bienvenue!” resonates with the French-speaking clientele that flock to the beach each summer. But as President Trump began to suggest actions like annexing Canada, Morse felt a wave of worry wash over him. The cancellation calls soon followed. "It was pretty bleak," he told Global News, revealing that nearly all of his summer bookings had been either paused or completely canceled.

Mike Halle, the owner of the Paradise Park Resort and president of the local Chamber of Commerce, echoed these sentiments, reporting over 100 cancellations—a staggering 250% increase compared to typical figures for this time of year. Halle noted that Canadian visitors account for 30 to 40 percent of revenue for seasonal businesses like his, signaling a significant impact on the local economy.

The situation has even attracted political attention. In response to rising tariffs and trade tensions, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged Canadians during a press conference to support their local economy instead of traveling to places like Florida or Old Orchard Beach. “A small part of me died when I heard that,” said Morse, reflecting on Trudeau's mention of his beloved hometown.

With hopes waning, many hotel owners feel powerless in the face of political decisions. JJ Mokarzel, owner of the On The Beach Hotel, lamented, "It's sad when the people at the top affect the people at the bottom, because we really are powerless."

Yet not all hope is lost. Morse shared that after a viral interview with CNN, he experienced a sudden influx of reservations from both Canadians and Americans, eager to support his business. “We’re friends, families, neighbors, you know? You can’t break that,” he remarked, emphasizing the bonds formed over generations.

The response among potential Canadian tourists is varied. For some, like Robert Mailloux from the Montreal area, the fallout has led to a boycott of American travel. "I boycott everything that’s American now," he declared, vowing not to visit Maine for the first time in 35 years. Meanwhile, his wife, Joanne Lacoste, remains torn, considering a trip to support their favorite hotel and its owners during this trying time.

Others, like Nicole Guerin from Sainte-Catherine, hold deep-seated ties to Old Orchard Beach. “We went as a family every summer,” she reminisced, underscoring her commitment to the family-run Edgewater Hotel that she has cherished over the years. Nevertheless, she revealed her intention to prioritize investments in Quebec for this season.

As the summer season approaches, the impact on Maine's economy from these cancellations could be devastating, leaving many local businesses hanging by a thread. The picture is complex, blending political tension with personal ties, and as both Canadians and Americans watch the unfolding situation, the future of Maine's tourism hangs in the balance.