Tourist Dollars Migrating North

Not long ago, Canadian tourists were the mainstay of North Idaho hotels, restaurants and retail shops.

But because of a currency exchange rate that has deflated the Canadian dollar, the tables now are turned.

Tourism dollars are staying in British Columbia and Alberta, where Canadians get more for their money.

Worse yet for North Idaho’s high-powered service trade, local consumers from Washington and Idaho are heading north to the provinces to take advantage of the strong American dollar.

The result: A stagnant hospitality market that has merchants and state officials searching for new customers.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo