Canadian Snowbirds Consider Alternatives to Florida Amid Political Tensions

Fort Lauderdale, Florida — The annual migration of hundreds of thousands of Canadian “snowbirds” aiming to escape freezing temperatures in their homeland may see a decline this year. Many Canadians are opting to forgo their traditional trips south due to increasing tensions with the United States.

Richard Clavet, a motel and apartment rental owner in Fort Lauderdale, noted that fewer Canadians are booking stays. “There’s some resistance. There’s always someone who calls in [from Canada] and says, ‘No, no more US! Before we were friends, and now enemies,’” he explained.

This shift is linked to the political climate following Donald Trump‘s actions, including imposing tariffs and making disparaging remarks about Canada. According to the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada, only 26% of Canadians plan to take a US vacation this winter, a significant drop from 41% last year. Furthermore, only 10% of Canadians aged 61 and older plan to visit the U.S., down from one in three.

Clavet mentioned that his motel is seeing lower bookings, and despite lowering rates, many customers are canceling deposits outright. “In the summer, it hurt us financially because they also didn’t book for the following year,” Clavet said.

The political situation is reflected in a survey, which found over half of Canadians owning homes in the U.S. are considering selling this year, with 62% citing politics as their primary concern. Compounding these issues, experts warn of new immigration measures imposed by the Trump administration that have raised concerns among potential travelers.

Ryan Rachkovsky, director of research at the Canadian Snowbird Association, stated that uncertainty regarding registration policies for Canadians visiting the U.S. has created anxiety. He remarked, “There is so much inconsistency right now, based on the border officer that you get.”

Despite these challenges, Rachkovsky believes that while short-term travelers may stay away, the majority of snowbirds with homes in the U.S. will still make the trip. “Economic and political headwinds are making the snowbird lifestyle more difficult,” he added.

Experts warn that a significant decline in snowbird visitors could have dire consequences for southern U.S. states like Florida, where the snowbird economy generates an estimated $20.5 billion annually. Valorie Crooks from Simon Fraser University emphasized that changes in visitor numbers can impact services, including healthcare systems that rely on seasonal workers.

Clavet remains optimistic, suggesting that even as fewer Canadian snowbirds initially travel to Florida, many will eventually choose to return. “Florida is safe and clean, there’s plenty to do,” he said, expressing confidence in the return of Canadian visitors.