Top 10 Places for Snowbirds From Canada: Where to Winter and How to Get Your Car There

Choosing among the top places for snowbirds is half the fun of planning a winter escape from Canada. Arizona’s deserts, Florida’s beaches and California’s sunshine all offer warm weather, golf, culture and big winter events. The other half is getting your car there. Instead of driving thousands of kilometres through snow, many Canadian snowbirds now ship their vehicle and fly. Here are our top 10 winter destinations, with tips on getting your car to each one.

Top 10 places for snowbirds

1. Scottsdale, Arizona: A Desert Oasis with Cultural Riches

Scottsdale is known for its sunny climate, lively arts scene and upscale resorts, making it ideal for snowbirds who want both relaxation and culture. Luxury golf courses, contemporary galleries and desert scenery fill the winter calendar.

What to do:

• Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
• The Arizona Canal Trail, for walking or cycling with desert views

Winter highlights:

• Scottsdale International Film Festival (usually December)
• Scottsdale Arts Festival (usually March)

Getting your car there: about 10 to 14 days from Ontario, or 4 to 8 days from BC. See snowbird car shipping from Ontario to Arizona.

2. Naples, Florida: The Perfect Gulf Coast Retreat

On Florida’s Gulf Coast, Naples is known for its white-sand beaches, luxury feel and excellent shopping. It suits snowbirds looking for a quiet place to relax, with plenty of social and cultural life.

What to do:

• Naples Pier, for sunset walks or fishing
• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, for beaches and trails

Winter highlights:

• Naples International Film Festival (usually December)
• Naples Winter Wine Festival (usually late January)

Getting your car there: about 7 to 10 days from Ontario or Quebec. See snowbird car shipping from Canada to Florida.

3. Palm Springs, California: A Desert Paradise

Palm Springs blends mid-century modern architecture, great weather and excellent dining and shopping. It’s busy year-round, but most popular with snowbirds in the cooler months.

What to do:

• The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mount San Jacinto
• Hiking in the Indian Canyons

Winter highlights:

• Palm Springs International Film Festival (usually January)
• Modernism Week (usually February)

Getting your car there: about 3 to 6 days from BC, or 8 to 12 days from Ontario. See our California car shipping page.

4. Tucson, Arizona: For the Active Snowbird

Tucson combines desert beauty, mountain views and a relaxed southwestern feel. It’s a great fit for snowbirds who enjoy hiking, history and wellness.

What to do:

• Hiking among the cacti in Saguaro National Park
• The Pima Air & Space Museum, one of the world’s largest aircraft collections

Winter highlights:

• Tucson Gem & Mineral Show (usually February)
• Tucson Rodeo (usually February)

Getting your car there: about 10 to 14 days from Ontario, or 4 to 8 days from BC. See snowbird car shipping from Ontario to Arizona.

5. Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Sunshine and Fun

Fort Lauderdale offers beaches, canals, upscale dining and lively nightlife, for snowbirds who want a city with plenty going on.

What to do:

• Dining, shopping and galleries on Las Olas Boulevard
• Fort Lauderdale Beach, for water sports or relaxing

Winter highlights:

• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (usually late October or early November, as the season begins)

Getting your car there: about 7 to 10 days from Ontario or Quebec. See snowbird car shipping from Canada to Florida.

6. Sedona, Arizona: Peaceful and Picturesque

Sedona’s red rock formations and calm atmosphere make it a peaceful choice for snowbirds who want quiet, outdoor activities and local culture.

What to do:

• Hiking to Cathedral Rock
• The Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into the red rocks

Winter highlights:

• Sedona International Film Festival (usually late February)
• Sedona Yoga Festival (usually March)

Getting your car there: about 10 to 14 days from Ontario, or 4 to 8 days from BC. See snowbird car shipping from Ontario to Arizona.

7. San Diego, California: Sun, Sea and City Life

San Diego combines mild winter weather, beaches and city life, with something for everyone.

What to do:

• Balboa Park, with its museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo
• La Jolla Cove, for snorkeling, kayaking or watching the sea lions

Winter highlights:

• Whale-watching season along the coast (usually December to April)

Getting your car there: about 3 to 6 days from BC, or 8 to 12 days from Ontario. See our California car shipping page.

8. Boca Raton, Florida: Elegance by the Sea

Boca Raton, on Florida’s Gold Coast, is known for its beaches, luxury resorts and refined shopping, offering a relaxed and elegant winter base.

What to do:

• Dining, boutiques and galleries in Mizner Park
• Red Reef Park, for swimming, picnics and snorkeling

Winter highlights:

• Boca Raton Bowl college football (usually December)
• Rotating exhibitions at the Boca Raton Museum of Art

Getting your car there: about 7 to 10 days from Ontario or Quebec. See snowbird car shipping from Canada to Florida.

9. Key West, Florida: Island Escape with a Unique Vibe

Key West, the southernmost point in the continental US, offers turquoise water, historic charm and a laid-back island feel.

What to do:

• Duval Street’s bars, cafes and seafood restaurants
• The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

Winter highlights:

• Key West Food and Wine Festival (usually late January)

Getting your car there: about 8 to 12 days from Ontario, since it’s at the very end of the Florida Keys. See snowbird car shipping from Canada to Florida.

10. Las Vegas, Nevada: The Entertainment Capital

Las Vegas offers world-class shows, dining and shopping, plus desert scenery just outside the city, for snowbirds who like a mix of luxury and excitement.

What to do:

• The Las Vegas Strip, with its hotels and entertainment
• Red Rock Canyon, for hiking, biking and scenic drives

Winter highlights:

• National Finals Rodeo (usually December)
• New Year’s Eve on the Strip

Getting your car there: about 4 to 7 days from BC or Alberta, or 8 to 12 days from Ontario.

Getting your car to your winter destination

You have three main options:

• Ship your car and fly: a carrier picks the car up at your home in Canada, takes it across the border, and delivers it to your winter address. You arrive rested, and the car is waiting.
• Drive one way, ship the other: enjoy the road trip once, then fly home while we ship the car back.
• Drive both ways: the traditional option, but it means two long trips a year, winter roads and extra wear on your car.

Destination	From Ontario or Quebec	From BC or Alberta
Florida	7–10 days	10–14 days
Arizona	10–14 days	4–8 days
California	8–12 days	3–6 days
Las Vegas	8–12 days	4–7 days

Typical door-to-door transit times. Actual times depend on exact addresses, season and weather.

For prices, see our snowbird auto transport cost guide. For the full process, read our snowbird car transport guide or learn about our snowbird auto shipping service.

Border rules for Canadian snowbirds

• One-year rule: US Customs allows nonresidents to bring a vehicle in duty-free for personal use for up to one year. It can’t be sold in the US.
• Documents: keep the original registration or title in the glove box, plus proof of insurance that covers you in the US and proof that you’ll return to Canada.
• Personal items: remove everything from a shipped car. Pack belongings in your luggage instead.
• Coming home: a Canadian car returning in spring pays no duty, GST or RIV.

See what US Customs requires from Canadian snowbirds and our snowbird vehicle transport checklist.

When to book

Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead. Southbound demand peaks from mid-October through December, and the trip home peaks from March to May, so book your return by early March. See the best time to book snowbird car shipping and why snowbirds choose auto transport.

Plan your snowbird season with US Canada Auto Transport

Wherever you spend the winter, we’ll make sure your car is waiting when you arrive, so you can enjoy the sun, the events and the activities without the long drive. Get a free quote to start planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top places for snowbirds?

Popular choices for Canadian snowbirds include Scottsdale, Tucson and Sedona in Arizona; Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and Key West in Florida; Palm Springs and San Diego in California; and Las Vegas, Nevada.

How do Canadian snowbirds get their car to their winter destination?

Many drive, but more and more ship their car and fly. A cross-border carrier picks the car up at home, takes it across the border, and delivers it to the winter address, then brings it back in spring.

How long does it take to ship a car from Canada to Florida or Arizona?

Most shipments to southern states take 7 to 14 days. Ontario to northern Florida can arrive in under a week, while Ontario to Arizona usually takes 10 to 14 days. From BC, Arizona and California are typically 4 to 8 days.

How long can my Canadian car stay in the US?

US Customs allows nonresidents to bring a vehicle in duty-free for personal use for up to one year. It can’t be sold in the US and must leave within that time.

When should I book snowbird car shipping?

Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead. The busiest southbound period is mid-October through December, and the return trip north peaks from March to May.

Can I pack my luggage in the car?

No. Remove all personal belongings before pickup. Items left inside aren’t covered by transport insurance and can cause problems at customs.

Do I pay duty when my car comes back to Canada?

No. A Canadian-registered car returning home after the winter isn’t an import, so there’s no duty, GST, or RIV.