Some P.E.I. tourism operators say tensions with U.S. boosting visitor numbers

July has already been a good start for those in the tourism industry, according to some businesses on Prince Edward Island, with the movement to support Canadian businesses amid trade tensions with the U.S. being cited as a big reason why.

Island tourism is off to a good start this year, say 2 business owners

Ryan McKellop · CBC News · Posted: Jul 08, 2025 4:12 PM EDT | Last Updated: 9 hours ago

P.E.I. tourism operators say summer season off to a good start

8 hours ago

1:52

It's been a good start to the 2025 season for some Island tourism operators. They say numbers are up and believe increased Canadian pride could be behind it. CBC's Sheehan Desjardins has that story.

Matthew Cassidy is the president of Coach Atlantic, which does multi-day tours around the Maritimes, as well as tours around the Island. He said this year off to a strong start.

"We're really optimistic about this season, June was exactly what you would hope for June to be, the bookings are strong for the rest of the season," he said.

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One reason why the numbers are looking good so far is the push to support Canadian business amid tensions with the United States.

"When you have some conversations with our guests and conversations with our customers about why they're here and where they're from, there's definitely stories about, 'Oh, we were going to go to Cape Cod for this week, but we decided to come to Charlottetown and the Maritimes for the trip instead,'" he said.

A man in a dark blue collared shirt talks to a reporter, behind him shots from around P.E.I. can be seen. — Matthew Cassidy, president of Coach Atlantic, says if current business stays on track, 2025 will be a record year for the company. (Sheehan Desjardins/CBC)

"I think it will be very interesting at the end of the year to see how much of a difference that Canada-strong movement had, but early signs and early stories are there."

Cassidy said the cruise market from American visitors is also strong.

"Americans are still very well welcomed here, and they're enjoying themselves while they're here. So it's a bit of… getting the best of both worlds here," said Cassidy.

A man in a brown jacket and a black collared shirt stands in front of the water, a green and yellow boat with solar panels on the roof can be seen to the left of the picture. — Steve Arnold, director of operations for Ride Solar, says business has nearly doubled so far this year. (Sheehan Desjardins/CBC)

Steve Arnold, the director of operations for Ride Solar, said business has roughly doubled so far this year.

Ride Solar has been operating in P.E.I. and Halifax since 2015. It's services include a party bike and North America's largest solar-powered boat.

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"We are a newer business, so it could be that were just trending upward, but I think the situation between Canada and the United States and the whole elbows up and Canada-strong thing is definitely helping us out with regards to more Canadians staying in Canada," he said.

Arnold also owns Canada's Rotating House in North Rustico, P.E.I. He said bookings are usually full each year — excluding peak-pandemic years — and this year is no exception.

"We're seeing lots of people coming from the U.S. and across Canada, so it's a lot of fun too, and so between the two, it keeps me busy," he said.