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Canadian Snowbirds Reconsider U.S. Travel Amid Rising Costs

10/23/2025

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Canadian snowbirds are reconsidering U.S. travel for the upcoming winter season as only 10% of Boomers plan U.S. trips, down 66% from last year.
44% of Gen Z are still interested, reflecting a notable generational gap.
Rising travel costs, political tensions, and safety concerns influence these decisions.
Air Canada is cautiously restarting marketing for U.S. destinations, aiming for a mixed response.

History

Historical Context

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the U.S.-Canada border closure in March 2020, drastically reducing cross-border travel by 90%. This closure, alongside the Safe Third Country Agreement's limitations, shifted travel behavior, with only 10% of Baby Boomers planning U.S. trips today. The Roxham Road crossing, a key asylum route since 2004, was permanently closed in March 2023, reflecting ongoing immigration policy challenges.

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Story summary

Canadian snowbirds are reconsidering U.S. travel for the upcoming winter season as only 10% of Boomers plan U.S. trips, down 66% from last year.
44% of Gen Z are still interested, reflecting a notable generational gap.
Rising travel costs, political tensions, and safety concerns influence these decisions.
Air Canada is cautiously restarting marketing for U.S. destinations, aiming for a mixed response.

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