Here’s How Trump’s US Tariffs Could Impact Canada’s Outdoor Industry
News about tariffs between Canada and the United States has been impossible to miss these past few weeks. It started in late January when Donald Trump announced plans for sweeping tariffs starting on February 1st. Canada responded with its own tariffs, but by February 3rd both countries agreed to hit pause for 30 days.
One week later, the US announced a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum, with no exceptions for Canada. Then, on February 13th, Trump announced plans for “reciprocal tariffs” on all trading partners, and automotive tariffs coming in April.
Deciphering what this means for you can be challenging. We dug into five ways that tariffs could impact the outdoor community in Canada.
Gear Could Get More Expensive
For Sam Waddington, February 3rd was chaos. The owner of Mt. Waddington Outdoors—a BC-based gear shop—woke up to a flurry of emails, texts and calls from brands and distributors.
“It felt a bit like the early days of COVID,” Waddington said. “Everyone was scrambling to understand what this meant and how hard it would hit us.”
Canada’s list of American products to be targeted with counter tariffs included a lot of outdoor gear from ski jackets to tents and tarps, camp stoves, fuel, knives and more. Waddington started making a long list of popular brands he was concerned about.
“Mountain Safety Research, Outdoor Research and Them-a-rest, Big Agnes, Backpackers Pantry, Leatherman, DPS skis and even Nalgene, probably the most popular water bottle we sell, are all made in the [US].”
Some of the cost increase would be passed along to customers, Waddington explained. And, while he already attempts to stock made-in-Canada products, some items, like stoves, can be hard to find locally.
With most outdoor equipment being pretty expensive to begin with, this won’t be welcome news to many adventurers who love spending time outside. Look for Canadian-made gear and “new” used gear, whether it’s online, at secondhand shops or at gear swaps hosted by many outdoor clubs and local shops. You can also fix old broken gear and share gear items with fellow adventure enthusiasts. Some communities, schools and parks even offer “gear libraries” to lend out equipment, like this one in Ottawa.
Supply Chain Disruptions Could Impact Sales and Manufacturing
Tariffs, both on goods and raw materials, are also raising concerns about supply chains. Concerns that, for many gear companies, are especially raw.
During the pandemic, increased demand coupled with supply chain disruptions created major problems for the outdoor industry. Some of that pain is still being felt by Canadian companies, like ski brand G3 and the renowned North Vancouver bike brand Rocky Mountain who both experienced post-pandemic financial challenges.
“We could face impacts on our operations like increased costs—particularly on imported raw materials and components, and exports into the US market,” said Jimmy Adams, marketing director with Chicoutimi, Quebec-based Cycles Devinci. “For most businesses relying on international supply chain and distribution, this might lead to higher retail prices or tighter margins.”
This means you might not be able to find the products and gear you want and need to get properly equipped for outdoor adventures. Consider stocking up on essentials, like backpacking meals and fuel for your camp stove, before any potential shortages.
Less Money for Outdoor Recreation
On February 3rd, before the 30-day pause on tariffs was announced, the Canadian dollar hit a 22 year low. For many, this plunge confirmed that a prolonged trade conflict could seriously impact our dollar along with guides and outfitters.
“In the short term, with so many guides’ clients being from the US, a dropping Canadian dollar would make travel to Canada more attractive,” said Kevin Dumba, Executive Director of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. “In the longer term, most economists believe that tariffs will be disruptive to the entire North American economy in general, negatively affecting adventure tourism along with several other industries.”
These longer-term effects are top of mind for Simon Hayter, owner of the Sunshine Coast-based fishing business OTB Charters. He worries that tariffs could make businesses like his, and outdoor reaction more broadly, into a luxury that many may not be able to afford.
“I think there are some in the guiding/tourism community who think that we may not be hit too hard in our industry because of the relatively high disposable income of our clientele,” Hayter explained. “At the top end of the spectrum that may be true, but I think we would still see a precipitous drop overall if working families struggle to participate in the adventure tourism economy.”
You might have already cancelled your next US vacation or are rethinking spring and summer travel plans. Explore’s online archives are free to read and home to countless inspirational stories about Canadian adventures. If you can afford it, stay in a Canadian recreation hotspot to help bolster our economy.
“Buy Local” Could Become Important for the Outdoor Industry
When tariffs were first announced, Hayter posted on OTB’s social media that they would be implementing a 25 per cent surcharge on American clients.
“We wanted to show some solidarity with Canadians in industries directly impacted by tariffs,” he said. “We felt it was important to make a public acknowledgment of the potential for real harm to people in our community.”
The decision was applauded by OTB’s clients, echoing a broader “Buy Canadian” sentiment growing across the country. It’s something that Jimmy Adams with Cycles Devinci is also paying attention to.
“We acknowledge the opportunity presented in the Canadian market as Canadian consumers react to this news with a push towards supporting local brands,” said Adams. “We see the strength of our Canadian heritage.”
Speaking of buying local—Explore Magazine is a 100 per cent Canadian outdoor media brand, based in BC and Manitoba. Our quarterly magazine is printed right here in BC’s Lower Mainland and distributed across the country. Every subscription supports Canadian writers, photographers, videographers, designers and editors.
Local Trails and Destinations Could Get Busier
Whether due to one or all of the above issues, tariffs could keep outdoor recreation more local.
“I’d expect something similar to what we saw during the pandemic,” Sam Waddington said. “People won’t be able or want to travel as far. Instead, they’ll explore their backyard or other parts of Canada.”
Across Canada, outdoor recreation areas saw a significant increase in visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Google Mobility data, pandemic visitation to BC Parks increased 150-200 per cent. In Toronto, park use nearly doubled in 2020-21. This increase has been a boon to many, but it’s also put pressure on already strained park and trail systems.
“Local trail builders are all seeing increased use,” Waddington, whose shop donates a portion of profits to local trail groups, explained. “That means more erosion, more trail work and more pressure to build. I’d be lying if I said trail builders and our parks systems didn’t already need more resources to keep up with use.”
Be prepared for trails in popular locations to be more crowded than usual this summer. If you’re looking for solitude, search for quieter, more off-the-beaten-track destinations that don’t show up on Instagram, AllTrails or Strava.
An Uncertain Future
The Canada-US tariff story doesn’t appear to be calming down. For many in the outdoor industry, this is a chance to build and invest in the community.
“Our community takes a lot of pride in the role we play in conservation and stewardship on the water,” Hayter said, responding to a question about fears around a prolonged trade conflict. “I think we owe the same level of advocacy and support to the coastal communities where we live and work.”
If you’re looking for ways to support your local outdoor community, consider joining a local non-profit for a trail building day or stewardship project. And you can help the Canadian outdoor industry in the face of US tariffs by shopping at local gear shops, booking trips with local guiding companies and buying Canadian-made outdoor equipment.
