Some snowbirds refuse to change course
Quarantine restrictions off in sunbelt
EDMONTON • Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada's estimated 300,000-375,000 snowbirds are contemplating how they're going to spend their winter. The diehards are committed to their southbound plans, looking for alternatives to land-crossing border closures or delaying their departures. Others are finding new, milder places closer to home.
For many in eastern Canada, Florida beaches, condos and villas are the prime destination. In the western parts of Canada, retirees and others able to spare a few months away head to Arizona or California. These states also have some of the highest COVID-19 caseloads in the U.S.
“There is a small group that are dedicated to go down this year, and they are planning to go no matter what,” said Stephen Fine, the president of snowbirdadvisor.ca.
“There are also a number of people who have already decided that they are not going to go this season.”
Most are waiting to see what happens in the coming months, Fine said. Normally, the migration would have already begun.
“That's the biggest thing we're seeing right now, people are unsure,” he said.
In the United States, where more than 200,000 people have died from COVID-19, the border is closed to non-essential vehicle traffic until Oct. 21. So, the only real option for snowbirds to get to their rentals, time share or winter home is to fly.
Some states have quarantine restrictions, such as Hawaii. But according to the Canadian Snowbirds Association, the most popular destinations for Canadians do not.
“Currently, the three most popular sunbelt states for Canadian snowbirds — Arizona, California and Florida — do not require international travellers to quarantine for a 14-day period,” says the association's website.
Then there's the matter of travel insurance. Some travel insurers, such as Medipac, a company endorsed by the association, are now providing coverage during the pandemic. “It's a concern for people everywhere,” Fine said.
“Make s ure you understand your policy inside and out, because there's a lot of misinformation circulating now,” said Fine, who also sells travel insurance for snowbirds.
There are a few Canadian options for those deciding to winter closer to home, and that's providing an opportunity for some destinations. “We have heard about an increase in people planning to do that — (go) to various B.C. destinations,” Fine said.
Victoria, B.C., is expecting a solid tourism business this winter. Or pretty good for a pandemic. Paul Nursey, CEO of Tourism Victoria, said the destination isn't expecting a “gold rush” or abnormal influx, but similar to previous years. Tourism Victoria is planning a promotional campaign to attract potential snowbirds to fly west instead of heading south.
“It is an opportunity for us, and we are starting to see signs that we are seeing that business materialize,” Nursey said.
It helps, he said, that there are services like kitchenettes in many hotels, so they're prepared for visitors who are planning to stay a while.
“It's going to be a ray of light,” Nursey said. “We expect to see some recovery next summer, so it's really important to us.”
Osoyoos, in southern British Columbia, may not be warm, but is certainly milder than other parts of the country. “Snowbird specials” are popping up at hotels and resorts. Already, a Facebook group dedicated to Osoyoos snowbirds has attracted people who, having spent years wintering in the United States or Central America, are giving B.C. a shot.
Snowbirds face other unique challenges. People who usually take their RV south for the winter now are facing the possibility they will need to find rental accommodations or some other alternative.
Wherever they end up, their wings will be clipped. “People who do go are going to hunker down in their winter destination and stay there,” Fine said.