Coastal Florida accommodations target Canadian travelers during the season
Over the 2024 winter season, 3.3 million Canadians visited Florida, making the state the largest U.S. destination for Canadian travelers. In 2025, the number of Canadians arriving in the United States fell 21% between January and September, and the overall sentiment for future trips has declined, according to industry data.
The drop in tourist arrivals has affected local hospitality and service sectors. Atlantic Hotel & Spa’s sales director reported a 4.9 % revenue shortfall for the first half of 2025, noting that a loss of Canadian guests translates into lower occupancy, spa usage, restaurant sales and other ancillary services. Other hotels, restaurants, and cultural venues have observed similar impacts on their operations.
To compensate, hotel operators have sought new markets. The Atlantic’s marketing team has promoted the resort to travel agents in Brazil, securing a modest volume of bookings, while motel owners in Hollywood report a gradual recovery in expected winter reservations and anticipate a rebound for 2026. Airlines have responded by maintaining seasonal flights from Montreal and Toronto to Palm Beach International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Porter Airlines added service to Orlando following April 2025.
Visit Lauderdale’s research arm recorded a 1.1 million Canadian visitor figure for the Greater Fort Lauderdale area in 2025. Although air‑traffic declines were noted from April to September, the latest October data suggests the rate of decline is slowing, and overall U.S. international visits are projected to rise 10 % in the next period.
Canadian real‑estate investors remain a significant market for U.S. residential properties. The Canadian consul general in Miami reported approximately $2.5 billion in purchases by Canadians during 2024, with an emphasis on single‑family homes and condos in coastal communities. Developers in South Florida continue to target Canadian buyers for new residential projects, citing ongoing demand for second homes and retirement properties in the region.