Fewer Canadian snowbirds are spending winters in the United States this season, with southwest Florida reporting a 7.3 per cent drop in visitors from Canada over the 12 months ending in September, according to the Lee County Visitor and Convention Bureau.
The retreat reflects a mix of political unease, higher costs and storm-related expenses that are reshaping where Canadians choose to spend the winter months.
What snowbirds say is driving the change
- Political concerns and rhetoric tied to the Trump administration, including fears about immigration enforcement
- An unfavourable Canadian dollar, which raises the cost of property ownership and travel in the U.S.
- Rising homeowner association fees and insurance premiums after back-to-back 2024 hurricanes
- Practical concerns about crossing the U.S. border, including reports of arrests and a Canadian death in custody
- A cooling property market after a COVID-era boom
We were here before Trump was elected, and we’ll be here when he’s gone.
Donald Lamadeleine, 83, Quebec resident
Some snowbirds view politics as decisive. Lamadeleine and his wife Suzanne St. Pierre returned to their RV park near Fort Myers this winter despite disquiet over U.S. policy. Others are less willing to make the trip.
Impact on the local market and travel patterns
Local realtors in southwest Florida say the cooling of Canadian demand is affecting home prices and sales. Billee Silva, a realtor in the region, says prices have fallen to levels not seen since 2019 and that the market has shifted back toward buyers.
I have had some buyers back out because of the political climate, They have decided instead of going to southwest Florida that they’ll go where they feel it’s a little more politically friendly, so they’re going to the Caribbean or Mexico.
Billee Silva, local realtor
Silva also cites higher homeowner association fees, rising insurance costs after consecutive hurricanes, and the weaker Canadian dollar as reasons for reduced demand. During the pandemic many Canadians bought second homes in Florida because of looser restrictions, but the market has cooled.
Broader numbers and alternatives
The Canadian Snowbird Association reports a roughly 12 per cent decline in Canadians travelling to all U.S. destinations this season compared with last year. Statistics Canada figures show Canadian travel to the United States fell 26.3 per cent in October from a year earlier, while travel to Canada by U.S. residents rose three per cent.
Some are very adamant that they’re not going to travel to the U.S. anymore because of this administration, the rhetoric and the policies. The cost of having a vacation property in the U.S. has gone up.
Evan Rachkovsky, Canadian Snowbird Association spokesperson
Some Canadians who still want warm weather this winter are choosing destinations outside the continental U.S., or altering itineraries to avoid extended stays. Travel companies that run RV caravans through the U.S. to Mexico report cancellations because customers do not want to cross the United States.
As far as this winter is concerned, it’s about 50-50: People that are scared to cross into the U.S., and people that simply do not want to spend a penny there because of Trump.
Paul Beddows, Caravanas de Mexico
Even where Canadians do return, many adjust their social habits. John Kraft, 88, said he is in Florida this winter but is keeping political conversation off the table with local friends.
I am in Florida again enjoying the weather, and not discussing politics with my American friends.
John Kraft, 88, Canadian visitor
What officials and industry are doing
The Snowbird Association had been lobbying for a special retiree visa to extend how long Canadians can stay in the U.S., but it is now focused on removing a new registration requirement for Canadian travellers. On the supply side, some travel and air services are expanding routes to limit friction. Porter Airlines added seasonal direct flights to Fort Myers in late 2024, which the Lee County bureau says has partially offset declines in tourism.
For many Canadian travellers, decisions this winter reflect a mix of practical concerns and political preferences. That combination is reshaping traditional snowbird routes and the markets that once benefited from them.
