Bob Bloomer decided to forgo his annual Florida trip this year due to concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance towards Canada. The retiree from Cobourg, Ont., typically enjoys visiting Orlando each March, where a significant portion of the resort’s visitors hail from Ontario. Bloomer and his wife have made this trip a family tradition for the past two decades, but the current political climate led them to cancel this year’s plans.
President Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian goods and annexing Canada have unsettled many Canadian snowbirds who flock to the U.S. during the winter months. This uncertainty has prompted some travelers to cancel their trips, while others are reconsidering future visits. The potential impact of these decisions has raised concerns among Florida hoteliers and organizations representing snowbirds.
Richard Clavet, the owner of Richard’s Motel in Hollywood, Fla., expressed bewilderment over Canadian guests canceling their bookings in response to Trump’s tariff threats. Despite being a Trump supporter himself, Clavet emphasized the strong ties between Canadians and his establishment, labeling the cancellations as “craziness.” He noted instances where guests opted to vacation in Cuba or Mexico instead, signaling a shift in travel patterns among Canadian snowbirds.
Rudy Buttignol, president of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, highlighted that many snowbirds are reassessing their travel plans in light of Trump’s rhetoric. While short-term travelers have been quicker to cancel, snowbirds with deeper connections to the U.S. are also evaluating their options. Rising costs in Florida, coupled with political uncertainties, have led some Canadians to consider selling their properties in the Sunshine State.
Alexandra DuPont, a real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale, noted a surge in Canadian property listings and a lack of Canadian buyers, attributing this trend to political concerns. The current climate has prompted snowbirds like Johanne Ouellette from Ottawa to contemplate the future of their winter stays in the U.S. Meanwhile, Bloomer opted for a different destination this year, choosing to vacation in the Dominican Republic instead of Florida due to Trump’s presidency.
