Where are wealthy Canadian snowbirds going? Nine hotspots
From Mexico to Italy to Fiji, these destinations offer sun, sand, golf and – perhaps more important – things to do
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Affluent Canadians dreaming of a bit of personal paradise have plenty of options in 2024. Sparkling waters, stunning scenery and dazzling golf greens are enough to make snowbirds out of any of us who are still deep in winter’s grip.
Outside of the United States – still the first choice among Canadians – Mexico is the top international destination. Other popular spots are Texas, South Carolina, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, Costa Rica and Panama, says Stephen Fine, president of Snowbirdadvisor.ca, which provides online resources for those who escape to warmer climates especially during winter.
According to the company’s survey of 4,500 members in 2023, newer travellers are more adventurous in exploring international destinations, going as far away as Australia. The younger demographic is also more likely to move around; they will often rent in multiple locations before buying as they get older and settling in communities where they’ve made friends.
On the real estate front, about 35 per cent of snowbirds own property.
But snowbirds need things to do, says Fine. “They’re going somewhere to live for a month, three months or more. Over 50 per cent want a beach, and 46 per cent of Canadian snowbirds are interested in golf, but top restaurants, cultural attractions, festivals and events are important, too.”
That makes Europe increasingly attractive. Rent or buy, the international luxury real estate market beckons with lively local culture, fine cuisine, arts and glamour.
“Italy’s welcoming atmosphere and relatively easy accessibility make it a favourite for travellers from North America,” says Diletta Giorgolo, head of residential at Italy Sotheby’s International Realty. “We’ve seen a good number of Canadians renting properties in the last few years, especially in the areas of Rome and Tuscany. There’s also lots of interest in Sardinia, Capri and Puglia.”
Whether you want a personal retreat from the cold, a great spot for the family vacay or a smart real estate investment, these trending locations are hot.
For the culture bug: Mexico City
The oldest capital city in the Americas, Mexico City offers a wealth of spectacular art, concert halls and archaeological museums, as well as non-stop cultural activities throughout the year and acclaimed restaurants and world-class shopping.
What makes it so attractive to Canadians right now is the lifestyle, not to mention better weather, says Laura de la Torre de Skipsey, real estate professional for Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty. Domestic help and chauffeur service are also readily available at reasonable prices.
“Condesa and Roma Norte are very attractive places for investment opportunities right now, as is the Polanco area, because of their international vibe along with their proximity to the financial area,” she says. “Mexico City is a gateway for all Latin American business, well-situated for travel to any point.”
The real estate: A townhouse in the heart of the Condesa neighbourhood will cost about US$3 million, while nearby Polanco is more expensive, at about US$5 million for a two-story penthouse within walking distance of Lincoln Park, boutiques, restaurants and bars.
Buying property is easy for Canadians, advises de la Torre de Skipsey, as all they need is a permit extended by the secretary of Relaciones Exteriores, or the Foreign Affairs secretary.
For the sun worshipper: South Padre Island, Texas
Located off the southern tip of Texas, South Padre Island is the only tropical destination in the state. With 34 miles of white sand beach, this barrier island is popular with Canadian snowbirds. Residents enjoy 300 days of sunshine annually along with year-round balmy weather.
In addition to water sports and year-round bay fishing, visitors can enjoy prime birdwatching with guided walks through the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. And if you’ve taken up pickleball, you’re likely to find other Canucks on the local court.
You can “cook your catch” at several popular spots or hang out at Clayton’s Beach Bar, the largest beach bar in Texas. But then everything is bigger in Texas, perhaps even your catch.
The real estate: An architect-designed beachfront townhome with 15 bedrooms and 15 full baths goes for US$5.25 million.
For jet-setters: Sardinia, Capri and Puglia
Think grand villas perched on cliffs and yachts bobbing in the turquoise waters off the Amalfi coast.
“Capri is the emblem of ‘la dolce vita,’ with spectacular sea views and top hotels, while the island of Sardinia is all about yachting and beach lifestyle, golf and white sandy beaches,” says Giorgolo of Sotheby’s.
“Then Puglia offers beautiful countryside and great food from the region’s abundant fresh produce. Some international buyers have recently renovated ancient masseria [farmhouses] – very off-the-beaten-track with a very local touch.”
Among the celebrities who have snapped up luxury properties are Helen Mirren and Meryl Streep, who own houses near Lecce in the heel of Italy’s boot.
“Whether you are seeking a retreat by the lake, a penthouse at the heart of Milan’s fashion district, a villa on the Italian Riviera or an estate in the Tuscan hills, owning property in Italy is a truly enriching and captivating experience,” says Giorgolo. “English is commonly spoken everywhere. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership in Italy,” subject to national reciprocity agreements.
The real estate: A luxury masseria in Puglia’s Melendugno, Strada Provinciale, typically goes for more than US$2.1 million.
For the golfer: Palm Beach Island, West Palm Beach, Wellington in Florida
Canadians have been going to Florida for so long that it’s often referred to as Canada’s 11th province. With 1,350 miles of coastline (excluding the barrier islands) and 1,100 golf courses, that’s not surprising. Florida’s proximity to home is another point in its favour, Fine says, as is its healthcare system.
“It depends on the individual. But if you’re older or have pre-existing health conditions, you want to go somewhere where you know the healthcare system is sophisticated,” he says.
Some parts of Florida are more popular than others.
“Palm Beach Island and West Palm Beach are great places to invest, as there has been a huge influx of new businesses and office openings. Plus the quality of life is second to none,” says Andrew Thomka-Gazdik of Sotheby’s International Realty, Palm Beach Brokerage.
Among the most desirable locations are downtown West Palm Beach and the El Cid and SoSo neighbourhoods, he says. “Additionally, Currie Park is undergoing a revitalization, and the recent opening of The Park municipal golf course is anchoring the redevelopment of the south end of the city.”
Wellington, just west of West Palm Beach, is known as a winter equestrian capital, perfect for the Canadian horse lover. Thomka-Gazdik notes there are some magnificent estates and farms for the avid equestrian to enjoy, as well as gated communities with lots of amenities. The Aero Club boasts a community runway for aviation enthusiasts, and the Wanderers Club and Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club are ideal for golfers.
The real estate: In West Palm Beach, a new condo will cost about US$2.5 million, as will a house that may need some work. On Palm Beach Island, a renovated condo starts at around US$3 million, and a house around US$6.5 million.
For the romantic escapist: Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji
With a maximum of 32 guests at this luxurious adults-only island resort, the white sand beaches will never be crowded. It’s situated on the breathtaking Beqa Lagoon, famous for its dive sites, soft corals and marine life.
Visitors can dive with sharks, explore a wreck or swim through caves. Water temperatures can be as high as 28 degrees C from November to February, so off-beach snorkelling is rather like floating in a warm bath, only with Nemo.
“It’s very romantic and tiny, but a great beach for the client who wants to get away from it all,” says Laura Collins, an advisor with Vision Travel in Port Hope, Ont.
While the island itself is mostly all about water sports – including whitewater rafting and world-class fishing – most visitors also spend a day or two in the city of Nadi to experience Fiji culture or explore the capital city of Suva, where they can visit the Fiji Museum and learn of the country’s cannibalistic past.
“It is tropical, so it’s very hot and can get more rain, but winter is when Canadians like to go,” she says, “However, showers tend to be short, so it’s still fabulous.”
Private villas and bungalows at the Royal Davui Island Resort are furnished with a combination of modern and traditional Fijian decor plus personal plunge pools.
The real estate: Beachfront homes in Fiji begin at around US$1.5 million. Foreigners wishing to purchase real estate in Fiji must obtain a non-citizen (real estate) licence issued by the Fijian government. This licence permits you to purchase the property for your use but does not permit you to rent or lease it.
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