Beyond Florida: Where Canadian Snowbirds Are Heading This Winter
September 25, 2026
For generations, “heading south for the winter” has meant one thing for many Canadian snowbirds: Florida, Arizona or another warm-weather destination in the United States. But as Canadians plan their winter 2026–27 escapes, the snowbird map is becoming much more diverse.
The shift accelerated in 2025. Statistics Canada reported that Canadian residents made 7.1 million fewer visits to the United States in 2025 than in 2024, while domestic travel increased by 5.0 million visits and overseas travel rose by 1.3 million. Statistics Canada noted that Canadian travel sentiment shifted sharply following the change in the U.S. administration and the introduction of America First policies. In other words, Canadians did not simply stop travelling; they redirected much of it elsewhere.
The shift was especially noticeable in leisure travel. Canadian leisure visits to the U.S. fell 21.5% in 2025, while leisure travel to overseas destinations increased 12.2%. Travel to Europe rose 13.6%, and travel to Asia increased 16.7%.
The U.S. is not disappearing from Canadian travel plans. Statistics Canada’s July 2026 data showed Canadian return trips from the U.S. rising compared with the unusually low levels of July 2025. Even so, those trips remained 25.6% below July 2024 levels. For snowbirds who have property, family ties or long-established routines in Florida, Arizona, California or Texas, the U.S. will continue to be an important winter destination. But more Canadians are clearly considering alternatives.
Mexico is becoming the natural alternative
Mexico appears to be one of the clearest beneficiaries of changing Canadian travel patterns. We can confirm that we see a steady amount of currency exchange requests for Mexican Pesos across our five branches. Mexico remains a favourite among Canadians for its affordability and proximity to more distant destinations. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Mexico was the most-visited overseas country for Canadian residents, attracting 673,000 visits from October through December, which was 185,000 more than during the same period a year earlier.
For snowbirds, Mexico offers many of the qualities that made the southern U.S. attractive: warm weather, established Canadian communities, direct flights from major Canadian cities and plenty of options for longer stays. Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Mazatlán and communities around Lake Chapala are already familiar destinations for Canadians.
Broader travel-intention research points in the same direction. Allianz Global Assistance Canada found that Mexico and the Caribbean were the leading international winter choice in its winter travel research. Its 2026 Vacation Confidence Index found that 24% of Canadians surveyed selected Mexico or the Caribbean as their preferred destination, while planned travel to the U.S. had declined from the previous year.
The Caribbean remains a strong winter draw
The Caribbean is another region positioned to attract Canadians looking for an alternative to a traditional U.S. snowbird stay.
The Dominican Republic was Canada’s third-most-visited overseas country in the fourth quarter of 2025, with 231,000 visits. Cuba, Jamaica and other Caribbean destinations also remain familiar winter choices, particularly for travellers who prefer resort-style stays or want to divide the winter between several shorter trips. Travel-insurance data also suggests the shift is broader than one destination. In early 2026, Allianz reported that policy sales for travel to the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe increased by 20% to 50% year over year, while U.S.-related policy sales declined.
Portugal and Spain offer a different snowbird experience
Not every snowbird is looking for tropical heat.
Portugal and Spain are increasingly part of the conversation for Canadians who are comfortable travelling farther in exchange for a different type of extended winter stay. Southern Portugal, particularly the Algarve, offers a milder winter climate, coastal communities and easy access to the rest of Europe. Spain’s southern and Mediterranean regions offer similar appeal.
Snowbird Advisor’s travel-intention research found that the number of Canadian snowbirds choosing international destinations had almost doubled from the previous season.
Europe is also benefiting from the broader shift in Canadian travel. Statistics Canada recorded a 13.6% increase in Canadian visits to Europe in 2025. For retirees interested in culture, dining, walkable communities and extended apartment stays, southern Europe is becoming a credible alternative to spending several months in the U.S. Off-season stays avoid crowded locations and offer a more relaxed experience.
Costa Rica and Central America are gaining attention
Costa Rica has long attracted Canadian vacationers, but it is increasingly appearing on snowbird destination lists as well.
Its warm winter climate and range of beach, mountain and inland communities can appeal to travellers looking for a more active extended stay. Other Central American destinations, including Panama and Belize, are also part of the expanding range of options Canadians are considering.
These destinations may require more planning than a familiar drive to Arizona or a flight to Florida, but that barrier seems lower than it once was. Canadians are becoming increasingly comfortable looking farther afield when deciding where to spend several weeks, or several months away from winter.
A changing destination means changing currency needs
For snowbirds, choosing a new destination also changes the financial side of travel.
A Canadian spending the winter in Florida primarily needs U.S. dollars. A winter that includes Mexico, Portugal, Costa Rica, or the Caribbean may involve Mexican pesos, Euros, Costa Rican colones, or other local currencies, as well as different approaches to paying rent, property expenses, and everyday costs.
That makes currency planning an important part of preparing for a longer trip. Rather than waiting until arrival, travellers can consider how much foreign cash to carry, how to pay larger expenses, and whether they will need to exchange funds more than once during the winter.
VBCE offers cash exchange for more than 80 currencies, along with options for customers with recurring foreign-exchange and international-transfer needs through VBCE Online. For snowbirds spending an extended period abroad, planning currency requirements before departure can make managing expenses simpler and worry-free once the trip begins.
The Canadian snowbird map is expanding
The biggest story heading into winter 2026–27 may not be that Canadians have stopped going to the United States. It is that they appear increasingly willing to consider a much wider range of destinations. Florida and Arizona will continue to have loyal Canadian snowbird communities. But Mexico is strengthening its position, the Caribbean remains highly attractive, and destinations such as Portugal, Spain and Costa Rica are moving further into the snowbird conversation.
For Canadian snowbirds, that means more choice than ever and a little more planning. Wherever winter takes you, understanding the local currency and arranging your foreign exchange before you leave can help you focus on the part that matters most: enjoying the warmer months away.
Learn more about our currency exchange services for Snowbirds HERE