Despite the ongoing trade war and political tensions, many Canadian snowbirds are still flying south for the winter, defying the initial boycott calls. A year ago, many Canadian snowbirds vowed to boycott travel to the United States due to a weak Canadian dollar, new travel rules, and political tensions. However, preliminary figures show that Canadians are booking Florida stays for November and December nearly a month earlier than in 2024, paying 70% more on average. This trend is evident in provinces that are boycotting U.S. travel the hardest. Despite lingering unease, retirees are prioritizing sunshine over politics. Larry Vanderveen, 59, from Calgary, expresses a common sentiment: 'If we wait four years for a potential U.S. administration change before we start snowbirding in the U.S., we feel like we’d be shortchanging ourselves.'
The impact of the trade war and new travel requirements on snowbirds is still being assessed. Stephen Fine, president of Snowbird Advisor, notes, 'This is the first season where we’ll really see what the impact is, between the tariffs, the rhetoric around the 51st state, and the new requirements to register in the U.S.' As of April 11, Canadians staying in the U.S. for 30 days or more are required to register with the U.S. government unless exempt. While the rule initially caused confusion, travelers feel less anxious heading into this season, as many have already navigated the process.
The decision to travel south often depends on the traveler's ties to the U.S. Snowbirds who rent for the season have more flexibility, and about 30-40% of snowbirds own property. Canadian travel to the U.S. remains down, with a 32.4% drop in trips from Canada to the U.S. in July 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. Some U.S. RV park owners initially saw hesitation from Canadian customers, but Dorothy Brown, who manages two Florida RV camps, reports a steady stream of returning guests and a few new ones.
Canadian travel companies are adapting to the changing landscape. Shane Devenish, president of the Canadian Recreation Vehicle Association, notes that RV travel became popular during the pandemic as a way to explore while maintaining personal space. A 2023 study found that 14% of Canadian households owned an RV, with boomers making up about 40% of that market. Nancy Schreiber, property manager at Paradise Island RV Resort in Oakland Park, Fla., observes a high turnover in her clientele, with Canadians making up about 65% of her guests between November and April. This year, many RV spots are being bought by Canadians.
For many snowbirds, the social ties and sense of community built down south outweigh political discomfort. Tim Wilkin, 73, from Kingston, emphasizes the close friendships and winter camp-like atmosphere in Florida. Gordon Jones, 78, from Virden, Man., also decided to return to South Padre Island, Tex., despite the political tensions, citing his pro-Canadian stance and the respect he's received from friends in Texas.
