International Peace Garden CEO Tim Chapman said a visit to the garden could actually alleviate some frustrations.

“Sometimes the best way you can maybe combat feelings that some are feeling right now is to still go to a beautiful setting where, again, regardless of what’s being said politically, it’s an incredible show of support to each other,” he said. “Most Americans and Canadians still really value the fact that we’ve been such good friends for so long.”

Chapman sent a message to supporters earlier this month, following tariffs imposed Feb. 1 but now delayed to March 4. The letter acknowledged that “political strife between the countries is stirring a variety of sentiments” and encouraged them to “reach out and ask us how we can work through this together.”

“We’re not overly concerned at the moment,” Chapman said more recently. “The reason that we sent out a letter to our members was because I had received a few emails from Canadians, expressing frustration with the political rhetoric the last month or so regarding tariffs.”

Stephanie Schoenrock

Some had indicated they would not be visiting this year.

Chapman said after responding to those individuals and getting letters of support following his message to members, the outlook has become more encouraging.

“There’s little we can do at times when leaders are saying certain things, but the garden has always been a pretty incredible, apolitical, nonpartisan place, where folks can still gather and appreciate the cooperation and friendship of our two countries,” Chapman said.

Stephanie Schoenrock, executive director at Visit Minot, said her organization has received email from frustrated Canadians, but it also has heard from Canadians who still plan to come because they find value in Minot’s shopping and entertainment.

She added it is too early to tell how tariffs and other international issues will shake out by summer. Overall Canadian traffic could be less, given the value of the Canadian dollar at only 70% of the American dollar. The last time a gap of that extent existed was between 1998 and 2002, she said.

Schoenrock said Visit Minot counters the exchange rate issue by directing Canadian visitors to businesses that provide discounts and by focusing on the value Canadians get in spending money in MInot. The cost of attending the zoo, discovery center or other entertainment often is less, even with the exchange rate, she said.

North Dakota State Fair General Manager Craig Rudland said his conversations with Canadian friends indicates they still plan to come to the fair.

There are some, too, who are more reluctant, but until tickets go on sale, it will be difficult to measure the impact, he said. His sense, though, is the fair will see many of its Canadian visitors return.

“We offer a great deal to people, with the cost of our grandstand (shows) and even just coming and enjoying the fair. We surely welcome them down here,” he said.

The Peace Garden is looking at ways to attract Canadians given the economic and political times.

“We have been thinking about ways to make sure folks still feel welcome and that it’s affordable, so we didn’t change our rates from 2024, and we’re also trying something new. This year, in August, we’ll have a day where Americans can get in for half off admission, and another day when Canadians can,” Chapman said, noting the different days are to ensure the ability to accommodate visitor numbers.

Chapman said the situation is reminiscent of the pandemic.

“We had to be on our toes a little bit, and we got through that, as tough as it was,” he said. “But it does give us some confidence with the current situation that we can find ways to continue being affordable and accessible to folks.”