Canadian Tourism Increased in New Hampshire This Summer
The state saw a rise in Canadian visitors through August 2026, though numbers remained below pre-pandemic levels.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Camping
Live Poll
Is the tourism industry in your area currently getting better or worse for the local economy?
Tourism from Canada to New Hampshire and the surrounding region showed growth this summer, with 297,000 arrivals recorded in August 2026. This marks a 6% increase over August 2025, though the total remains 23% lower than figures from August 2024.
Why it matters
The rebound suggests a shift in travel trends, although high gas prices and political tensions have continued to suppress full recovery to pre-pandemic peaks. Local businesses have utilized targeted marketing to attract these visitors despite ongoing economic and policy headwinds.
Canadian arrivals hit 186,000 in April 2026, a 13.4% increase from the previous year. Regional visitation to the White Mountains also grew by 2.7% during the summer months.
The players
Wakeda Campground
Located in Exeter, this facility features 400 sites and relies heavily on international travelers for its summer peak season.
The details
Wakeda Campground in Exeter, which features 400 sites, utilized an email marketing campaign offering discounted early reservation rates to bolster its Canadian customer base, which typically makes up 25% of its peak summer occupancy. State officials developed these tourism projections by analyzing travel patterns and economic forecasts alongside historical data.
Timeline
2024: Canadian tourism reached pre-pandemic peak levels.
April 2026: Regional border arrivals reached 186,000.
July 2026: Regional border arrivals peaked at 298,000.
August 2026: Arrivals from Canada totaled 297,000.
October 1, 2026: Wakeda Campground closes for the season.
Culture Shift
Tourism recovery is currently being measured against the 2024 pre-pandemic Canadian visitor tourism peak to determine the impact of shifting international travel behaviors. This comparison highlights the gap between current visitation growth and the established high-water mark for regional travel.
The rise in regional visitors contributes to a projected $2 billion in total fall visitor spending across New Hampshire. Residents can expect increased foot traffic in popular areas like the White Mountains as the state anticipates 3.9 million total visitors this autumn.
The takeaway
While international tourism is showing signs of moderate growth, it remains heavily influenced by fluctuating gas costs and geopolitical sentiment. Travelers should anticipate that popular destinations like the White Mountains will continue to see high demand during the upcoming vibrant foliage season.
Further reading
Learn more about local travel trends in the New Hampshire Camping section.
Live Poll
Is the tourism industry in your area currently getting better or worse for the local economy?
