The ongoing political tensions and trade disputes between Canada and the U.S. have sparked a significant decline in Canadian visits to the United States, prompting Air Canada to launch eleven new routes to popular Latin American and Caribbean snowbird hotspots. This move, which includes destinations in Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, is designed to cater to Canadians increasingly seeking alternatives to U.S. travel due to strained relations. With these new routes, Air Canada is not only tapping into a rising demand for warmer destinations but also giving a boost to tourism in the Caribbean and Latin America, as Canadians continue to avoid the U.S. in favor of more welcoming options.

As winter rolls in, many Canadians are making plans to escape the harsh northern cold in search of sunnier, warmer destinations. Traditionally, the United States has been a popular choice for snowbirds, with states like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California offering mild weather during the Canadian winter months. However, for a growing number of Canadians in 2025, the U.S. is no longer the top destination for their winter vacations. This shift in travel patterns comes as a result of political tensions, trade disputes, and increasingly unfriendly policies from the U.S. government. The ongoing travel boycott of the United States, spurred by former President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies, continues to impact cross-border tourism, forcing Canadians to seek alternative destinations for their annual winter escapes.

In response to these changing travel habits, Air Canada has launched an ambitious network expansion targeting Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline’s decision to focus on these regions, instead of traditional U.S. routes, is a direct response to the weakened demand for U.S. travel among Canadians. The 11 new routes launched by Air Canada for the winter of 2025 represent the airline’s largest-ever expansion to snowbird destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. These new flights are a clear indication that Canadian travelers are increasingly seeking destinations outside of the United States, and Latin America is reaping the benefits of this shift.

Air Canada’s Largest-Ever Network Expansion: Eleven New Routes to Latin American and Caribbean Snowbird Destinations

On May 5, 2025, Air Canada unveiled its largest-ever network expansion, which includes 13 new routes connecting Canada to popular destinations across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. Of these 13 routes, 11 will begin operating between December 2025 and March 2026. The new routes will offer Canadians the chance to visit warm destinations like Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Jamaica without needing to cross the U.S. border.

This decision by Air Canada to expand to Latin American and Caribbean markets rather than focusing on U.S. destinations reflects the growing trend of Canadian travelers turning away from the U.S. due to political tensions, economic challenges, and concerns over border security. Air Canada has not made any official statements linking these new routes to the Canadian boycott of U.S. travel, but the timing of the expansion suggests that the airline is responding to a noticeable shift in Canadian travel preferences.

Below are the details of Air Canada’s newest snowbird routes, connecting Canadian travelers to warm-weather destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean:

Latin American Destinations

1. Toronto (YYZ) – Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
   • Season: December 4, 2025 – March 29, 2026
   • Frequency: Three times per week
   • Details: This new route connects Toronto to Brazil’s iconic city of Rio de Janeiro, known for its vibrant culture, beaches, and world-famous Carnival celebrations. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, Rio is an excellent option for snowbirds seeking a lively winter escape.
2. Toronto (YYZ) – Cartagena (CTG)
   • Season: December 20, 2025 – April 11, 2026
   • Frequency: Saturdays only
   • Details: Cartagena is a historic port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With its colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, Cartagena has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers from around the world, including Canadians looking for a sunny getaway.
3. Montreal (YUL) – Santiago (SCL)
   • Season: December 16, 2025 – February 28, 2026
   • Frequency: Three times per week
   • Details: Santiago, Chile’s capital, offers a unique mix of modernity and natural beauty, with stunning views of the Andes Mountains. The new direct flight from Montreal will provide easy access to Chile’s diverse attractions, from the bustling city to nearby vineyards and ski resorts.
4. Montreal (YUL) – Cartagena (CTG)
   • Season: December 20, 2025 – April 11, 2026
   • Frequency: Saturdays only
   • Details: Montrealers can now fly directly to Cartagena, a city known for its vibrant mix of Caribbean and colonial influences. With its warm climate and colorful architecture, Cartagena is an appealing destination for Canadians seeking a mix of culture and relaxation.

Caribbean and Mexico Routes

1. Quebec (YQB) – Fort-de-France (FDF)
   • Season: December 7, 2025 – April 26, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: Martinique, a French Caribbean island, offers a unique blend of French and Caribbean cultures. Fort-de-France, the island’s capital, provides visitors with beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and rich cultural experiences.
2. Toronto (YYZ) – Pointe-à-Pitre (PTP)
   • Season: December 20, 2025 – April 11, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: Guadeloupe’s capital city, Pointe-à-Pitre, is known for its picturesque landscapes, clear waters, and French Caribbean charm. This new route will allow Canadians to explore the tropical beauty of the island.
3. Ottawa (YOW) – Nassau (NAS)
   • Season: December 5, 2025 – April 10, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: The Bahamas’ capital, Nassau, is an ideal tropical destination for Canadians seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. With its clear turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and rich history, Nassau is a perfect getaway.
4. Ottawa (YOW) – Montego Bay (MBJ)
   • Season: December 7, 2025 – April 12, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: Montego Bay is one of Jamaica’s top tourist destinations, offering an exciting blend of vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and all-inclusive resorts. Canadians can now enjoy direct flights to this popular Caribbean spot.
5. Halifax (YHZ) – Nassau (NAS)
   • Season: December 5, 2025 – April 10, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: Another new direct route from Halifax to Nassau brings Atlantic Canadians closer to the Bahamas, offering them the chance to explore the island’s beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage.
6. Halifax (YHZ) – Montego Bay (MBJ)
   • Season: December 4, 2025 – April 9, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: Montego Bay is a popular destination for Canadian tourists, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and all-inclusive resorts. This new flight will make it easier for East Coast Canadians to enjoy a sunny winter escape.
7. Vancouver (YVR) – Huatulco (HUX)
   • Season: December 7, 2025 – April 12, 2026
   • Frequency: Thursdays to Sundays
   • Details: Huatulco, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is famous for its pristine beaches and eco-tourism opportunities. This new route opens up a stunning destination for Canadians looking for a tranquil and beautiful getaway.

Why Canadians Are Avoiding the U.S. in 2025

While Air Canada’s new routes provide ample options for Canadians seeking winter sun, the broader question remains: Why are so many Canadians choosing to avoid the U.S. for their travels in 2025? The answer lies in a combination of political, economic, and security-related factors that have created an environment of uncertainty and discomfort for Canadian travelers.

1. Political Tensions and Trade Disputes

The relationship between Canada and the United States has been strained since the U.S. under former President Donald Trump initiated a tariff war and made inflammatory remarks about Canada, including calling it a potential “51st state.” Many Canadians felt that these comments and the overall tone of U.S. policies were disrespectful and harmful to their sovereignty. As a result, a significant portion of the Canadian population has decided to boycott U.S. travel as an act of protest.

2. Economic Considerations and Rising Costs

Another factor driving Canadians away from the U.S. is the ongoing economic challenges faced by both countries. The Canadian dollar has remained weaker compared to the U.S. dollar, making travel to the U.S. increasingly expensive for Canadians. In addition, inflation and rising living costs have put a strain on household budgets, prompting many Canadians to choose more affordable vacation destinations closer to home or in regions where the Canadian dollar stretches further.

3. Border and Security Concerns

In recent years, many Canadians have expressed concern about the increasingly stringent border security measures and the unpredictable nature of U.S. immigration enforcement. Canadian travelers, particularly those who have been outspoken about political issues, fear being detained, questioned, or scrutinized at the U.S. border. This unease has led many to avoid traveling to the U.S. altogether, choosing instead to visit destinations where they feel more welcome.

4. Shifting Travel Preferences

Finally, many Canadians are simply opting for alternative destinations that offer better value, convenience, and experiences. With increasing flight options to places like Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, Canadians now have more choices than ever before. These regions offer stunning beaches, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant local communities, all while remaining relatively close to Canada.

A Win for Latin America and the Caribbean

As Canadians continue to choose Latin America and the Caribbean over the U.S., these regions are seeing an influx of tourism that they may not have anticipated. Mexico, in particular, has benefited greatly from the shift, with a reported 11.3% increase in Canadian visitors in 2025 compared to previous years. Similarly, Jamaica has seen an uptick in Canadian visitors, with the government now targeting 600,000 Canadian tourists annually.

While some Caribbean destinations, like Cuba and the Dominican Republic, have seen a decline in Canadian tourists, the overall trend of Canadians avoiding the U.S. in favor of other destinations is reshaping the tourism landscape. This shift presents an exciting opportunity for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen their ties with Canadian travelers and position themselves as ideal alternatives for winter vacations.

Amid ongoing political tensions and a decline in Canadian visits to the U.S., Air Canada is launching eleven new routes to popular snowbird destinations in Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. This expansion is a direct response to the growing demand for alternative vacation spots as Canadians increasingly turn away from U.S. travel.

The Canadian boycott of U.S. travel in 2025 is not just a reaction to political tensions but a multifaceted phenomenon driven by economic, security, and personal considerations. As a result, Air Canada’s expansion into Latin America and the Caribbean is well-timed to capitalize on this growing trend, offering Canadians an array of new destinations that cater to their changing travel preferences. Whether it’s Mexico’s beaches, Colombia’s historic cities, or Brazil’s vibrant culture, Canadians are finding new ways to embrace winter — and the U.S. is no longer their first choice.