Canadian Snowbirds Abandon US Winter Plans Amid Trump’s Policies

UPDATE: The annual migration of Canadian “snowbirds” to warmer U.S. states like Florida is facing a dramatic decline as new reports confirm that many are abandoning their winter plans due to Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs and strict immigration rules. With only 26% of Canadians intending to vacation in the U.S. this winter—down from 41% last year—this shift could severely impact the $20.5 billion influx of spending traditionally brought by snowbirds.

The Canadian Snowbird Association warns that fear and confusion surrounding Trump’s policies have led many Canadians to reconsider their travel plans. Richard Clavet, a motel owner in Fort Lauderdale, stated, “There’s some resistance. Many Canadians are saying, ‘No, no more U.S.!’” Clavet reported a significant drop in bookings and noted that financial struggles are mounting as many prospective snowbirds are opting to stay home.

Recent research shows that only 10% of Canadians aged 61 and older plan to visit the U.S. this winter, a stark contrast to the one in three who intended to travel last year. The impact is already visible: Canada’s tourism sector is thriving, generating CA$59 billion ($42 billion) from May to August—an increase of 6% compared to 2014—as many choose to vacation domestically instead.

Business owners in U.S. states popular with snowbirds, such as Florida, Texas, and Arizona, are feeling the sting. Clavet revealed that more than 54% of Canadians with homes in the U.S. are considering selling within the next year, primarily due to political tensions. “It’s not just about travel costs; political tensions matter,” he added.

As new immigration measures come into effect in December, requiring all non-American visitors to be photographed upon entry and exit, uncertainty grows. Ryan Rachkovsky, Director of Research at the Canadian Snowbird Association, highlighted inconsistent enforcement at border crossings, making many Canadians uneasy about traveling to the U.S.

Rachkovsky emphasized the potential long-term implications for travel, stating, “While some Canadians will still make the trip, many are uncomfortable with the political climate.” Analysts warn that a significant drop in snowbird visits could devastate economies in states heavily reliant on this demographic for revenue.

The U.S. Travel Association has already cautioned that even a 10% drop in travel could lead to two million fewer visits and a loss of $2.1 billion in spending, severely affecting local businesses. Valorie Crooks from Simon Fraser University noted the ripple effect across industries, stating, “Businesses must recalibrate their projections, which impacts everything from manufacturing to tourism.”

In light of these developments, experts suggest that snowbirds may start looking toward alternatives like Mexico, which is becoming increasingly attractive. Clavet, however, remains optimistic about Florida’s enduring appeal, asserting, “Florida is safe and clean. When it gets cold, real snowbirds will still come here.”

The implications of these shifts are profound, not just for the individuals involved, but for entire communities reliant on the economic benefits brought by Canadian snowbirds. As this situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on how political and economic landscapes will shape the future of cross-border travel.

Next Steps: Keep an eye on travel trends as the winter season approaches, particularly on how new immigration policies will affect Canadian visitors. The situation remains fluid, and businesses are bracing for what could be a challenging winter ahead.