Many Canadian snowbirds are reconsidering their winter travel plans to the United States due to the current political climate. Jo-Ann Rowe, a retired resident of Toronto, has spent the last decade enjoying winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. However, after Donald Trump was re-elected in November 2024 and made comments about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, Rowe felt a shift in her relationship with the U.S.

Rowe described her time in Florida as a refuge, especially after the loss of her partner. "It was just gorgeous," she said, reflecting on the comfort her home away from home provided. Yet, the political rhetoric surrounding Canada began to sour her experience. "I thought, ‘This is not a joke. This is not funny at all,’" she recalled, feeling unappreciated by her American friends who dismissed Trump's comments.

As tensions between the two countries escalated, Rowe decided to change her travel plans. She will spend this winter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, stating, "As a Canadian, my little thing to do was change my winter vacation as a snowbird."

The trend is not isolated to Rowe. A recent survey by Snowbird Advisor found that 70% of Canadian snowbirds plan to spend the winter in the U.S., a 12% decrease from the previous year. This decline is attributed to rising political tensions and economic factors, including the low Canadian dollar.

Jacqueline and Carey Ellingson, who previously owned a home in Yuma, Arizona, have also opted for a change. They plan to spend the winter in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, citing the escalating political climate in the U.S. as a significant factor in their decision. Jacqueline noted, "Once the political climate in the U.S. escalated, we had no intentions of returning to the U.S.A., despite having so many friends that are asking for us to come back."

The impact of these decisions is being felt in popular U.S. destinations. Florida, which has long relied on Canadian snowbirds for economic support, is bracing for a decline in visitors. In 2024, Canadians made up 27% of international visitors to Florida, but statistics show a nearly 17% drop in visitor growth in the first quarter of 2025.

Josh Levy, the mayor of Hollywood, Florida, expressed concern over the potential loss of Canadian visitors. He emphasized the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries, stating, "We see our Canadian visitors at our grocery stores and in restaurants and just contributing to the local economy."

Local businesses are also preparing for a downturn. François Grenier, co-owner of Dairy Belle in Dania Beach, noted that up to 70% of his business during the snowbird season comes from Canadians. He anticipates a drop in sales this year, saying, "We’re all concerned about what’s going on right now. They will come but not everybody will come."

As the snowbird season approaches, the changing political landscape continues to influence travel decisions. Many Canadians are prioritizing their national pride and comfort over traditional winter getaways in the U.S.

The U.S. Travel Association has projected a $5.7 billion decline in international tourism spending in 2025, largely due to the decrease in Canadian visitors. The ongoing political tensions and economic factors are reshaping the travel habits of Canadian snowbirds, leading them to seek alternative destinations this winter.