𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐇𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐂, 𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊, 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐍𝐒

                                         

Winter Texan couple

The best I can tell, it was January 24, 2025 when Donald Trump first mentioned his imperialistic desire for the U.S. to acquire Canada as the 51st state.  By that date, thousands of Canadians were living as Winter Texans in the RGV, residing in rental homes, recreational vehicles and trailers, most located in RV or trailer parks in the valley.  For many years, Winter Texans have been on an October 1 to April 1 routine, although that

timeframe has shortened a bit in recent years.

Tourism in the Rio Grande Valley, especially from Canadian Winter Texans, continues to play a vital role in the region’s economy. However, recent years have seen a noticeable decline in Canadian visitors, with research and anecdotal evidence suggesting that political factors and ongoing border challenges have influenced this trend.

In recent months, with relations between the two longtime allies cooling a bit after Trump's disrespectful tone, many Canadians have expressed frustration with U.S. political rhetoric and policies, which has contributed to a sense of being unwelcome, with the lingering effects of that frustration appearing to be shaping travel behavior now.  Canadian tour operators have seen continued hesitation among their clients when it comes to booking trips to the U.S. 

At the same time, Canadian travelers also face increased scrutiny and longer wait times at border crossings. The added unpredictability has made travel less appealing, particularly for older Winter Texans who prefer ease and routine. This has led many to reconsider their annual trips south, despite the longstanding tradition and strong ties many have to the RGV.

                               

Recent figures and community observations suggest a continuing decline in Canadian Winter Texans. While earlier surveys helped track past numbers, current insights rely heavily on local feedback from RV parks, business owners, and seasonal residents who note fewer familiar Canadian faces each year. The absence is more than anecdotal, it’s reflected in emptier RV lots, reduced attendance at community events, and slower seasons for local businesses.

Economically, this matters. Canadian Winter Texans contribute significantly to the local economy, spending on healthcare, dining, accommodations, and leisure. Their seasonal presence is deeply woven into the RGV’s winter rhythm, and their reduced numbers have made a visible impact across sectors.

Nationwide trends support these local concerns. In early 2025, land border crossings from Canada into the U.S. dropped noticeably from the year before. Canadian airlines responded with major cuts to U.S.-bound flights due to diminished demand. Air Canada suspended routes to several Florida destinations and dropped service to Jacksonville. WestJet cut over 20 U.S. routes, while Flair Airlines and Air Transat scaled back cross-border capacity by more than 20%. These decisions are attributed not just to weakened interest but also to continuing logistical issues, including immigration requirements and prolonged customs processing.

For the RGV, these developments pose a serious challenge. Unlike large tourist hubs that draw crowds regardless of political climate, the Valley has built its winter tourism economy on personal relationships and long-term loyalty. Many Canadian visitors return to the same communities year after year, and their absence is felt not only in lost revenue but in the daily life of towns that rely on them.

Although current data doesn’t conclusively tie all recent declines to any one cause, the combination of political aftershocks, tighter border controls, and shifting traveler sentiment appears to have significantly influenced Canadian travel behavior. The Rio Grande Valley must now adapt to these new realities and work to rebuild confidence among its Winter Texan community, especially its valued Canadian guests.