The number of overnight travelers from Canada to the U.S. is at the highest level since the early 1970s, according a recent report from Statistics Canada, the nation’s national statistics service.

The increase in traffic has been attributed to a strong Canadian dollar and a recent change to the nation’s duty-free rules that has quadrupled the amount of merchandise Canadian travelers are allowed bring home from the U.S.

Just how vital are Canadian shoppers for businesses in Bellingham and Whatcom County?

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