TORONTO — Gen Z could end up leading a modest rebound in Canadian travel to the U.S. this winter, while the traditional snowbird generation remains largely on the sidelines.

According to The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada’s (THIA) 2026-27 Winter Smart Traveller Survey, just 8% of Boomers say they are likely to visit the U.S. this winter, down from 10% last year and 31% before 2025. By comparison, 52% of Gen Z Canadians are likely to head south, up from 44% last year.

Overall, 30% of Canadians say they are likely to travel to the U.S. this winter, compared to 26% last year. However, interest remains below the 41% recorded in previous years.

The survey also points to differences in how younger and older Canadians plan their winter getaways. Nearly half of Gen Z travellers (47%) expect to take a one-week trip, while 23% plan to take two or more separate week-long trips. Just 6% of Boomers anticipate taking multiple week-long trips. Those Boomers who are travelling are more likely to opt for a longer getaway, with 27% planning a trip lasting more than a week but less than a month.

Political tensions between Canada and the U.S. remain a major consideration for travellers, ranking as the top potential barrier to travelling outside their home province for 37% of Canadians. Economic and financial concerns follow at 31%, ahead of rising airfares (28%) and exchange rates (27%).

Despite these concerns, the U.S. has narrowly reclaimed the top spot as Canadians’ primary winter destination, at 15%. Travel within Canada follows at 14%, while the Caribbean ranks third at 10%.

As previously reported by Travelweek, October 2026 marked the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year growth in cross-border Canada-to-U.S. travel, with 1.9 million Canadian-resident return trips from the United States either by car or air. 

“As the way Canadians travel continues to evolve, the way we think about protecting ourselves when we travel needs to evolve with it,” says Will McAleer, THIA spokesperson. “Whether you’re taking several shorter trips across the border, heading to the Caribbean with family or planning a longer winter getaway, it’s important to understand how your travel health insurance applies to the type, length and frequency of trips you’re taking. Reviewing your coverage, including any limitations or exclusions, should be an essential part of planning before you leave home.”