Canadian snowbirds return to U.S. Despite trade tensions
Toronto – As another Canadian winter approaches, many Canadians are considering warmer destinations, and a recent trend suggests a return to traditional winter getaways in the United States.
Realtor Richard Chin, of the Toronto area, exemplifies this, currently enjoying a Caribbean cruise with plans to spend time in Florida. Despite ongoing political tensions between Canada and the U.S., Chin remains undeterred, stating, “For me, it’s not really an issue. I do try to keep the politics out of it.”
Following the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods in 2025, some Canadians opted to boycott U.S. travel, impacting winter travel plans. A survey conducted by Snowbird Advisor in October 2025 revealed that the percentage of Canadian snowbirds intending to spend their winters in the U.S. dropped from 82 per cent to 70 per cent.
However, recent data indicates a shift. Statistics Canada reported approximately 1.9 million return trips from the U.S. by Canadian residents in September, a 6.8 per cent increase compared to September 2025. This marks the sixth consecutive month of year-over-year growth.
“We need to remember the majority of snowbirds still go to the U.S.,” notes Stephen Fine of SnowbirdAdvisor.ca. He attributes this continued popularity to several factors, including property ownership, the convenience of driving, and established community ties. “The first one is many snowbirds own properties in their winter destination… Many also want their own vehicle during a stay lasting months… Then there are the relationships built over successive winters.”
Travel expert Barry Choi acknowledges the return of some snowbirds to Florida, particularly for those who already own property there, avoiding the added expense of alternative accommodations. While flights to Florida are often cheaper than those to Europe, Fine cautions against solely focusing on exchange rates, as destinations like Mexico and southern Spain can offer more affordable living costs.
Fine anticipates a clearer picture of this year’s snowbird season by the end of November or early December. He expects the results to be similar to last year, with a possible slight increase or decrease. For now, intentions are still being translated into actual travel plans.
Source
“Are Canadian snowbirds flocking back during the U.S. trade war? Here’s what data says”
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