A growing number of Canadian snowbirds are rethinking their annual escape to the United States this winter, opting instead to stay home or head to destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, or southern Europe, according to a new national survey.
The 2025 Winter Smart Traveller Survey from the Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) found that only 26 per cent of Canadians plan to visit the U.S. this winter — a 37 per cent drop from last year. Among baby boomers, traditionally the largest snowbird demographic, the decline is even sharper: just 10 per cent of Canadians aged 61 and older say they’re likely to winter in the U.S., a 66 per cent decrease from 2024.
“We’ve certainly seen a move by some to get away from ownership or long-term rentals in the U.S. in favour of the Caribbean and Mexico,” said Will McAleer, THIA’s executive director.
Economic and Political Concerns Driving the Shift
The survey highlights a mix of financial and political reasons behind the migration shift.
- 41% of respondents cited rising travel costs as a deterrent.
- 40% expressed concern over political tensions with the U.S.
- 29% pointed to the unfavourable exchange rate, and
- 20% said they were simply worried about personal safety.
The pullback comes as the U.S. introduces new entry requirements for longer stays. Starting soon, Canadians staying more than 30 days will need to register, provide fingerprints, have their photo taken, and pay a $30 processing fee.
“Having your photo taken and your fingerprints done feels really wrong to us,” said travel expert Barry Choi, “but there are really a lot of countries that have been doing this for the past decade.”
Snowbirds Seeking Alternatives
Choi noted that while some families will still head to American favourites like Disney World, Las Vegas, or California’s theme parks, many others will look elsewhere for winter getaways. Some Canadians, he said, may choose to “keep a lower profile and not post on social media” while in the U.S.
For those with property south of the border, however, staying away may not be realistic. “If someone is a snowbird and they have a home in Florida or Arizona, well of course they are going to go,” Choi added.
Meanwhile, European destinations such as Portugal and Spain are emerging as popular alternatives, alongside Mexico and the Caribbean — though rising airfare and accommodation costs could still impact demand.
McAleer said that if U.S. destinations respond with discounted travel packages, some Canadians might reconsider.
“If some U.S. destinations start to go on sale, maybe that easy trip over the border still prevails,” he said.
For now, though, it appears that economic pressures, political unease, and stricter entry rules are prompting many Canadian retirees to rethink their traditional winter migration south.