In a strategic move to revitalize cross-border tourism, three prominent downtown Las Vegas hotels have unveiled a special "At Par" program that allows Canadian visitors to use their currency at equal value to the US dollar for a limited period. This initiative comes as Canadian travel to the United States has seen a notable decline, prompting hospitality businesses to create targeted incentives.
Downtown Las Vegas Properties Offer Parity Exchange
The participating establishments—Circa Resort and Casino, the D Las Vegas, and Golden Gate Hotel and Casino—have announced that their "At Par" program will remain active until August 31, 2026. During this timeframe, Canadian dollars will be accepted at face value equivalent to American currency for selected services including hotel accommodations, gaming activities, and bar purchases.
This promotional effort represents a significant departure from standard currency exchange practices, where the Canadian dollar typically trades at a discount against its US counterpart. The hotels are clearly aiming to remove financial barriers that might discourage Canadian tourists from visiting Las Vegas.
Enhanced Benefits for Canadian Gamblers
Beyond standard hotel and service transactions, the program extends particularly favorable terms to Canadian casino patrons. Visitors from Canada will have the opportunity to redeem up to $500 worth of casino play at the parity rate, providing additional incentive for gaming enthusiasts to choose these downtown properties over competing venues.
The comprehensive nature of this offer—covering accommodations, entertainment, and gaming—demonstrates a coordinated approach to attracting Canadian visitors across multiple aspects of the Las Vegas experience.
Personal Connection Inspires Business Initiative
Derek Stevens, CEO of the three participating hotels, revealed that personal connections to Canada significantly influenced the creation of this program. "I grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, right across the lake from Windsor, Ontario," Stevens explained in a recent social media presentation. "I literally could see Canada from my bedroom window."
Stevens further elaborated on his Canadian ties, noting that his father attended the University of Toronto and that he maintains family connections spanning from Toronto to Windsor and Leamington. The executive personally spent considerable time in Windsor during his late teens and early twenties, fostering what he describes as genuine affection for Canadian communities.
"I thought it was a great idea when some businesses in Detroit accepted Canadian money at par," Stevens remarked, explaining the inspiration behind his hotels' current initiative. "So if you book on our website, you book a hotel room, Canadian dollars go off as American dollars."
Addressing Declining Canadian Tourism
The "At Par" program arrives at a critical juncture for Las Vegas tourism from Canada. According to data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Canadian visits to the city decreased by nearly 25% in 2024 compared to previous years.
While tourism officials express optimism about potential recovery in 2026, they acknowledge numerous challenges facing the industry. The authority specifically cited policies implemented by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump as contributing factors to the decline in Canadian visitation.
Stevens concluded his promotional message with a heartfelt appeal: "I miss Canada. Las Vegas misses Canada. Our team misses Canada." This emotional tone underscores the genuine desire within the Las Vegas hospitality sector to rebuild connections with Canadian travelers.
Broader Context of Cross-Border Travel Trends
The Las Vegas hotels' initiative reflects broader patterns in Canadian travel behavior. Recent reports indicate that Canadian tourists have been increasingly avoiding destinations in the United States, with airlines consequently shifting their focus to international routes beyond North America.
This trend extends beyond tourism to include Canadian investment in US real estate markets, with notable decreases in property purchases in traditional hotspots like Florida. The "At Par" program represents a creative response to these shifting cross-border dynamics, attempting to make Las Vegas more financially accessible and appealing to Canadian visitors during a period of strained travel relations between the two nations.
As the summer travel season approaches, hospitality industry observers will closely monitor whether such targeted incentives can successfully reverse the downward trend in Canadian tourism to Las Vegas and other American destinations.
