Montana excited to see Albertans as PCR testing requirements end

The state of Montana is ready to welcome back Albertans as the traveling requirement of needing a negative PCR COVID-19 test to re-enter Canada will be lifted Friday, April 1.

It has been difficult for Canadians to cross the border to the United States as it has generally come with a $200 COVID testing requirement to get back home.

That resulted in neighbouring states seeing fewer tourists coming from Canada.

Great Falls Montana Tourism is excited about the lifting of restrictions as travellers from Alberta have traditionally had a positive impact on their local economy and businesses.

“The Canadian dollar is a strong component in our local economy that when it dips, it really causes ripple effects in our community because Canadians don’t travel as often,” said Rebecca Engum, Executive Director for Great Falls Montana Tourism.

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She adds they worked to diversify their marketing efforts, so they are not relying on Canadian travellers, but says Canadians still make up 15 to 20 per cent of their overnight stays.

Now that travelling is trending up again, she says Great Falls has been receiving a lot of new requests and inquiries from first-time visitors about things to do in Montana. Engum says she was somewhat surprised by explaining they usually welcome repeat visitors.

Engum says a lot of outdoor activities, like kayaking or hiking trails, are waiting for travellers.

There are also indoor tourist spots reopening and she is looking forward to seeing what the response from travellers will be since COVID-19 is still present.