To the editor:

As a Canadian living in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, I have had the privilege of visiting many communities in the North Country over the past three decades. From a young age, I have been struck by the region’s incredible charm and the friendliness of its residents. However, many Canadian tourists and visitors remain unaware of what to expect from this wonderful area.

For residents of downstate New York, cities like Watertown, Ogdensburg or Malone might seem distant, located in the northernmost part of their state. However, for Canadians living in major urban centers, these North Country cities are conveniently close, making day trips an easy option. Despite being part of the “North Country,” these cities could also be considered “Canada South,” given their proximity to Canadian urban areas. While Albany and New York City are several hours away, Ottawa, the Canadian federal capital with a population of one million, is just a one-hour drive from Ogdensburg and two hours from Watertown.

Attracting Canadian tourists to the North Country can be challenging due to the current unfavourable exchange rate of the Canadian dollar against the American dollar even if things like gasoline are still cheaper in the United States than in Canada. However, what Canadians might lose in currency exchange can be offset by the unique experiences the North Country offers.

Shopping is a significant draw for Canadian visitors staying overnight. The North Country features popular American stores that carry products unavailable in Canada. Plattsburgh near Montreal and Watertown, the nearest American city to Ottawa and Kingston, boasts major retailers such as Target and Hobby Lobby, which are not found in Canada. The same could be said with some restaurant chains. It would be a savvy business move for these stores, as well as local lodgings and restaurants, to offer discounts to Canadians. Based on my experience, when seeking American products not available in Ottawa, Canadians often travel to Watertown or Syracuse. Watertown, being closer, provides a more cost-effective and convenient shopping destination compared to the larger Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse, especially in these times when the Canadian economy is in a cost-of-living crisis.

Another often overlooked aspect of the North Country is its rich cultural heritage. St. Lawrence County, for instance, has a significant Amish community. Considering that Canadian tour groups travel long distances to Pennsylvania for Amish tours and products, marketing St. Lawrence County as a similar but more accessible destination could be highly effective. This offers a comparable experience at a fraction of the cost, right in Canada’s southern backyard.

The North Country holds immense tourist potential, and the key to unlocking this prosperity lies in positioning it as Canada’s southern backyard. While I am confident that local efforts to promote the region are commendable, there is always room for greater initiatives to highlight the unique appeal of the North Country to Canadian visitors.

Mathieu Vaillancourt

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada