Despite heightened political rhetoric and new border measures, a formidable flock of Canadian snowbirds continues its annual migration to warmer U.S. destinations. While some are choosing to stay home or travel elsewhere, hundreds of thousands are still heading south for the winter, according to the Canadian Snowbirds Association (CSA).
The Unbeatable Weather Draw
For many, the decision ultimately comes down to climate. "You just can't beat the weather," stated Miles Zimbaluk, CEO of Canada to USA Inc. and a cross-border real estate advisor. A Saskatchewan native who moved to Phoenix, Arizona, eleven years ago, Zimbaluk believes the draw of sun and warmth will always trump political considerations for many Canadians. "As long as it's going to be minus 20 or 30 in Canada, I think the Canadians are going to keep coming, no matter what the political environment," he said in an interview published January 7, 2026.
This sentiment is echoed by snowbirds like Leslie and Michael Burns from Collingwood, Ontario. The retired couple has wintered in Tavernier, Florida, since 2010, integrating into the local community. "We stay in a residential neighbourhood and do our best to blend in," Leslie Burns reported, enjoying recent temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius under clear skies.
Navigating Political Tensions on the Ground
The season has unfolded against a backdrop of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and increased border scrutiny, which have prompted some Canadians to reconsider their travel plans. The CSA estimates that in recent years, about one million Canadian snowbirds have migrated south. This season, however, director of research and communications Evan Rachkovsky notes that approximately 10 to 15 percent have opted out of their usual U.S. trips.
For those who do go, discretion is a common theme. The editor of the CSA's Bird Talk magazine suggested in the latest winter issue that "many of them are doing it quietly." This observation came in response to a Toronto couple facing pressure from neighbours and family not to use their Florida vacation home. The magazine advised readers to ignore amplified media rhetoric and "do what is right for you, your family and your conscience."
Leslie Burns describes a disconnect between national political tensions and daily life. While patriotic, she and her husband avoid discussions of religion or politics. In response to online calls for a boycott of the "hostile" U.S., she argued that "the fear/hostility mongering is home spun and at ground level all is calm." The couple, holders of Nexus trusted-traveller cards for seven years, reported no unusual issues crossing the border in early December.
A Shift, But Not a Stampede
The data confirms a nuanced picture. While tens of thousands of Canadian winter escapees are indeed choosing alternative destinations or staying in Canada, the majority tradition persists. The enduring appeal of sunbelt states like Florida and Arizona continues to anchor the snowbird lifestyle for a vast number of retirees.
The trend highlights a complex calculation for Canadians: weighing personal comfort, established routines, and property investments against evolving political and cross-border landscapes. For now, the call of "Windex-blue" skies and warm temperatures remains a powerful force, guiding hundreds of thousands southward each winter, whether loudly or quietly.
