ALSO IN THIS ISSUE SUMMER CRUISES on Canada’s Waterways MANAGING EXCESS WEIGHT Health THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSIFICATION Finance OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION | SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE 135 Publication mail agreement no: 40063603
CSA Wireless Member Benefit NEW www.snowbirds.org/csa-wireless 1-855-516-7669 RogersPreferred@fvwireless.com To get started 1 with Auto-Pay , when you bring your own device. for only /mo. 29 $ Starter Plan Get 10GB of 5G mobile data (CAN. only)* /mo. 100GB HERO Get a CAN/US/MEX mobile plan with 100GB* with Auto-Pay . for only 1 50 $ Introducing Canada’s official snowbird wireless program. Offer subject to change without notice, available for eligible Rogers Preferred Program members new to Rogers mobile. Membership verification is required. Taxes extra. ± Where applicable provincial 9-1-1 fees are billed monthly. Sent/received premium texts (alerts, messages related to content and promotions), sent international text/picture/video messages and sent/received text/picture/video messages (as applicable) while roaming outside the U.S. and Mexico are not included and charged at applicable rates. *Plan includes non-shareable high-speed data up to speeds of 1 Gbps and allotment indicated in your plan on the Rogers network, extended coverage areas within Canada, and Roam Like Home destinations (see rogers.com/roamlikehome). Once you have reached the high-speed data allotment of your plan, you will continue to have access to data services with no overage beyond the high-speed data allotment at a reduced speed of up to 512 kilobits per second (for both upload and download) until the end of your current billing cycle. Applications such as email, web browsing, apps, and audio/video streaming will continue to function at a reduced speed which will likely impact your experience. 5G/5G+network access requires a compatible device and a 5G SIM card in a covered area (see rogers.com/coverage). In all cases, usage is subject to the Rogers Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. 1. $10/mo. Auto-Pay Discount available with eligible plans (must be set up on account and remain active to get discount). Discount will end if you move to an ineligible plan or cancel Automatic Payments. If you remove Automatic Payments and re-add it to your account you will get the same discount tied to the wireless plan you subscribed to. Rogers & Design and related brand names and logos are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate used under license. © 2025 Rogers Communications. Designed for the snowbird lifestyle. Designed to keep you connected across North America. Designed to save members money! CSA Wireless Member Benefit NEW www.snowbirds.org/csa-wireless 1-855-516-7669 RogersPreferred@fvwireless.com To get started 1 with Auto-Pay , when you bring your own device. for only /mo. $ Starter Plan Get 10GB of 5G mobile data (CAN. only)* /mo. 100GB HERO Get a CAN/US/MEX mobile plan with 100GB* for only 1 Introducing Canada’s official snowbird wireless program. Offer subject to change without notice, available for eligible Rogers Preferred Program members new to Rogers mobile. Membership verification is required. Taxes extra. ± Where applicable provincial 9-1-1 fees are billed monthly. Sent/received premium texts (alerts, messages related to content and promotions), sent international text/picture/video messages and sent/received text/picture/video messages (as applicable) while roaming outside the U.S. and Mexico are not included and charged at applicable rates. *Plan includes non-shareable high-speed data up to speeds of 1 Gbps and allotment indicated in your plan on the Rogers network, extended coverage areas within Canada, and Roam Like Home destinations (see rogers.com/roamlikehome). Once you have reached the high-speed data allotment of your plan, you will continue to have access to data services with no overage beyond the high-speed data allotment at a reduced speed of up to 512 kilobits per second (for both upload and download) until the end of your current billing cycle. Applications such as email, web browsing, apps, and audio/video streaming will continue to function at a reduced speed which will likely impact your experience. 5G/5G+network access requires a compatible device and a 5G SIM card in a covered area (see rogers.com/coverage). In all cases, usage is subject to the Rogers Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy. 1. $10/mo. Auto-Pay Discount available with eligible plans (must be set up on account and remain active to get discount). Discount will end if you move to an ineligible plan or cancel Automatic Payments. If you remove Automatic Payments and re-add it to your account you will get the same discount tied to the wireless plan you subscribed to. Rogers & Design and related brand names and logos are trademarks of Rogers Communications Inc. or an affiliate used under license. © 2025 Rogers Communications. Designed for the snowbird lifestyle. Designed to keep you connected across North America. Designed to save members money!
Editor’s Message CSANews© is published four times a year and is Copyright SUMMER 2025 by Medipac International Communications Inc., 180 Lesmill Road, Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5. 416.441.7000. Subscription Price: $9.95 Canada; $20.00 U.S. and foreign. Single copy: $3.95. Prices include tax. Published by Medipac International Communications Inc. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and are not necessarily those of the CSA, Medipac International Communications Inc. or its affiliates, their Directors, Officers, or other employees or agents. Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement No: 40063603. ISSN No: 1195-2393 James Dolan Milan Korcok Dr. Robert MacMillan Shari McIntyre David McPherson Robert Wiersema Judith Adam Gabrielle Bauer Alan Breznick Donna Carter Michael Coren Jennifer Cox Garry McDonald Johanne Blain James Carl Simpson Ted Popel Marjorie Heisler Karen Huestis Bud Conroy Ronald Brown Debra Ann MacLean Kimberley Tetzlaff Michael MacKenzie Wallace Weylie President First Vice-President Second Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Past-President Director Director Director Director Executive Director Legal Counsel CSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Editor CSA Editor President Art Director Director of Operations Marketing Coordinator Marketing & Events Specialist J. Ross Quigley Garry McDonald Christopher Davidge Peter Prusa Paula McGovern Stefanye Zee Fran Castricone SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE 135 CONTRIBUTING EDITORS We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada. Merv Magus Cover photo: iStock.com/courtneyk Illustrator The Dog Days of Summer have arrived! Overwhelming heat and very hot weather are just the tonic for winter blues. (Do snowbirds actually have winter blues?) Right now, Canada is under what they are referring to as a “Heat Dome.” This means a very high-pressure area that does not move very much. It traps heat beneath that dome and the radiation from the sun basically “cooks” us. Very little wind occurs and the skies are usually cloud-free. Perfect weather, eh? Well, not quite. This heat wave is dangerous. The high temperatures play havoc with people who have breathing issues and, as we age, these are more and more common. Heat prostration is also common and is described as a condition marked by dizziness, nausea and weakness caused by depletion of body fluids and electrolytes. Even more dangerous is heat stroke. These are both very serious issues and you must do everything possible to avoid them. We all know what to do – stay out of the sun, drink lots of water, try to stay in air-conditioned rooms, perhaps even go to the library or a museum. Additional common-sense steps include wearing light clothes and a large-brimmed hat (not a baseball cap) and putting on sunscreen. Don’t be lazy, just do it. Most people do not like spraying their body with “stuff” – men in particular. And now comes the really big problem with our Dog Days of Summer – skin cancer! I have always been lazy about sunscreen and have now paid the price. Last year, the doctors diagnosed me with skin cancer on the left side of my nose. This is probably due to driving as the sun pours in on…my left side. The good news was that an MOH’s procedure was available and totally cured me. Guess who is now diligent with sunscreen. Sincerely, J. Ross Quigley Editor The dog days or dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the “Dog Star”), which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. They are now taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. (from Wikipedia) CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 3
Snowbird Events Canadian Snowbird Association President Garry McDonald With a special presentation from FREE SNOWBIRD SHOW Sponsored by For additional information or to volunteer, call the CSA at 1.800.265.3200 or visit snowbirdextravaganza.com/canada Join us for a FREE concert to celebrate the snowbird lifestyle! Entertainment includes singersongwriter Amy Sky, comedian Derek Edwards and world music artist Pavlo; this event also includes a special presentation by Canadian Snowbird Association President Garry McDonald. Tickets are required for these FREE* events and are now available through each theatre’s box office. Tickets may be available on the day of the event, but these events have been known to “sell out” in the past, so we recommend that you reserve early! *Service charges may apply to telephone and online orders. Amy Sky Derek Edwards Pavlo 4 | www.snowbirds.org
Snowbird Events • SEP • 22 Mon SARNIA ONTARIO Imperial Theatre 168 Christina St. N. Box Office: (519) 344-7469 imperialtheatre.net • SEP • 23 Tues ORILLIA ONTARIO Orillia Opera House 1 West Street N Box Office: (705) 326-8011 orilliaoperahouse.ca • SEP • 24 Wed PARRY SOUND ONTARIO Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts 2 Bay St. Box Office: (705) 746-4466 or 1-877-746-4466 stockeycentre.com • SEP • 25 Thur OWEN SOUND ONTARIO The Roxy Theatre 251 9th St. E. Box Office: (519) 371-2833 roxytheatre.ca • SEP • 30 Tues MONCTON NEW BRUNSWICK Capitol Theatre 811 Main St. Box Office: (506) 856-4379 capitol.nb.ca • OCT • 1 Wed SUMMERSIDE P.E.I. Harbourfront Theatre 124 Heather Moyse Dr. Box Office: (902) 888-2500 or 1-800-708-6505 harbourfronttheatre.com • OCT • 2 Thur DARTMOUTH NOVA SCOTIA Alderney Landing Theatre 2 Ochterloney St. Box Office: (902) 461-8401 tixr.com/groups/alderneylanding All events from 7-10 p.m. (doors to lobby open at 6 p.m.) Schedule subject to change. CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 5
Table of Contents SUMMER 2025 | ISSUE 135 OFFICIAL NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE CANADIAN SNOWBIRD ASSOCIATION Travel is a moveable feast. But how do we keep it digestible? by Milan Korcok ALL ABOARD! Summer cruises on Canada’s countless waterways offer endless variety. by Donna Carter Features 22 16 26 Diversification The why, what and how of putting your eggs in different baskets during volatile times. by James Dolan Travel Finance 6 | www.snowbirds.org
Table of Contents 40 Book Review by Robert Wiersema 42 Golf by David McPherson 44 CSA Online by Alan Breznick 46 Gardening by Judith Adam 48 Food & Drink by Shari McIntyre 50 Fun & Games 51 Grins & Giggles 52 CSA Application 53 CSA Benefits 54 Fast Facts 3 Editor’s Message 4 Snowbird Events 8 Bird Talk 10 Snowbird Alert 12 President’s Message 13 Government Relations Report 14 Insurance by J. Ross Quigley 15 Opinion by Michael Coren 36 Health Pulse 38 Longevity by Jennifer Cox 39 Fitness by Jennifer Cox Will Canadians Turn Their Backs on Florida’s Housing “Buyer’s Market”? By Milan Korcok 32 34 Managing Excess Weight Maintaining normal weight and keeping physically fit should be a priority for all of us, to preserve our health and longevity. by Dr. Robert MacMillan Health Departments Real Estate CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 7
Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, My wife and I have Nexus cards. How do the rules regarding crossing the border affect us with Nexus cards? We will be driving to Florida in the fall. Just want to make sure that we have our information right. Irving Ston Hare Bay, NL Ed.: The rules are the same for Canadian visitors who plan to stay in the United States for 30 days or longer, whether you have a Nexus card or not. When you cross the border by land, ask the Customs and Border Protection officer to issue an I-94 for you and your spouse. Then, during your first 30 days in the U.S., go online and verify that it has been issued. Print a copy of each I-94 record and keep it with your passports. Dear Bird Talk, I am aware that the CSA has been trying for years to have snowbirds’ stay extended to eight months. I have looked into it and it seems like it’s dead before it hits the U.S senate. Are you still actively working on this, or is it a pipe dream at this point? You would think they would love our income being spent for tourism. Even if most didn’t spend eight months there, the advantage is we don’t have to count every single day and worry we may be one day over, I hope it’s still a possibility and soon; who knows how many more years most have to travel. Karen Strickland Fort Erie, ON Ed.: The CSA is actively lobbying to have the Snowbird Visa passed by the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. The proposed legislation has the support of representatives of Southern “snowbird” states, as well as support from representatives of Northern border states. It is indeed a long process, but it is a worthy cause. Dear Bird Talk, We are selling our Florida home. Can we bring back used items like clothes, open bottles of liquor, furniture, pictures, garden tools…basically anything we have owned in the years we have been snowbirds, or would we have to sell it off in the U.S.? Wendy Mannello Sault Ste Marie, ON Ed.: You should make a detailed list of the items you are bringing back to Canada with a depreciated Canadian-dollar value attributed to each item, so that you can present the list to the CBSA officer upon your return. The alcohol would fall under the permitted limits for Canadians who have been out of the country for 48 hours or longer. Two 750 ml bottles of wine, 1.14 litres of alcohol or 24 cans of beer. Otherwise, you will have to pay duty. It may be best to leave the liquor behind. Dear Bird Talk, Why are there only events in Ontario? Doesn’t CSA realize there are active members in other parts of Canada? Makes me want to reconsider renewing my membership. Graham Kinmond Airdrie, AB Ed.: In 2023, the CSA sponsored and appeared at events in Kelowna, B.C., Sherwood Park, AB and Calgary, AB. This year, we are visiting Moncton, N.B., Dartmouth, N.S. and Summerside, P.E.I. Canada is a big country, but we do our best to get around. Dear Bird Talk, I need information re: I-94 form for Canadians travelling via land border on a B2 visa. The U.S. CBP website says Canadian tourists crossing the border on a B1 or B2 visa – which includes virtually all snowbirds – do not need to apply for a provisional I-94. This suggests that either you can ask for an electronic I-94 at the time of crossing the border or that it is not even necessary to do so. All of the comments I have read so far are very unclear and ambiguous. Please clarify! Cliff Morham Kingsville, ON Ed.: You can apply for a provisional I-94 within seven days before your anticipated border crossing by land. The fee is $6.00 USD. It does not guarantee admittance into the United States and the fee is non-refundable. Or, when you cross the border by land and ask for permission to visit the United States for 30 days or longer, you can ask the Customs and Border Protection officer to issue an I-94 for you. This registration will most likely be electronic, so we recommend that you go to the Department of Homeland Security website afterwards, verify that your I-94 has been issued and print off a copy to keep with your passport. Dear Bird Talk, Has there been any clarity on Canadians returning to Canada from the U.S. with goods purchased in the U.S.? While we do have a duty-free limit, will we be charged the tariff imposed on goods brought in from the U.S.? Susan Parwicki Collingwood, ON Ed.: In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian-made goods, Canada has imposed a 25% counter tariff on certain U.S. products brought into Canada. The CBSA is collecting the tariffs on behalf of the Government of Canada in the form of a surtax. This means that you may need to pay a surtax (as well as any applicable duties and taxes) on some of the goods which you have purchased and are bringing back with you from the U.S. The lists of these products can be found on the Department of Finance website. The surtax only applies on the value of the goods which exceeds your personal exemption. 8 | www.snowbirds.org
Bird Talk Featuring the letters & concerns of our members SEND YOUR LETTERS TO Bird Talk, c/o CSANews 180 Lesmill Road Toronto, Ontario M3B 2T5 Online at www.snowbirds.org/bird-talk or by e-mail: csawriteus@snowbirds.org Bird Talk Dear Bird Talk, You stated in the information section on the I-94 requirements that, “If your latest I-94 appears, there is no further action required on your part” – end of quote. My latest I-94 was issued in 2025 January 01. It clearly states –Admit Until Date: 2025 June 30. Please provide information as to the actual requirements. Stu Johnson Brooks, AB Ed.: Your I-94 was issued and you were permitted to remain in the United States for six months. If you were planning to remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, you should print a copy of the electronic record and keep a copy with your passport. The next time you visit the United States and intend to stay for 30 days or longer, you will have to repeat the process. Dear Bird Talk, I fill in an IRS 8840 form every year, but have never filled in the Form 1040-NR. Am I required to send in a Form 1040-NR? We do not file U.S. income tax. Margaret Webb Calgary, AB Ed.: You are submitting an 8840 Form because you meet the requirements of fulfilling the substantial presence test. Form 1040-NR is an income tax return for non-residents of the U.S. Unless you have a reason to file this form (for example, you sold real property in the United States), it is not necessary to complete. Dear Bird Talk, When I entered my passport number, the site told me I have no information. My wife travels the same times and places and she has a valid I-94 and history. I did have a renewed passport in August 2024. What can I do to obtain my I-94? Michael Foster Penticton, BC Ed.: When entering your information on the DHS I-94 retrieval website, ensure that you’re entering your name, date of birth, document number and country of citizenship as they appear in the travel document used when you entered the United States. If more than one last or first name is listed in your passport, please be sure that you are entering both names as they appear in your passport. If you still cannot retrieve your latest I-94 or travel history, or if there are errors with either, you can contact the nearest deferred inspection site when you reach your destination in the United States. If the deferred inspection site is unable to assist you, you can complete the USCIS general registration form (G325-R) to ensure that you are properly registered and compliant with the new requirement. A list of locations can be found here: www.cbp.gov/contact/ports/ deferred-inspection-sites CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 9
Snowbird Alert Fraud prevention: eight things that your bank would never ask you Financial scams and fraud come in many different forms. Sometimes, they arrive in the form of a text message, email or phone call, and often are designed to look as if they’re coming from your bank. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, a common type of financial fraud involves scammers posing as bank employees in order to trick their victims into disclosing banking or personal information. Countless Canadians have seen these fraudulent messages. Sometimes, they’re as simple as a text or email which says that the potential victim’s bank account has been frozen, with a link to a fake website on which the user is asked to enter personal information to “unlock” their account. Other times, these scams involve the fraudster phoning a potential victim and pretending to be a bank employee who needs their help as part of a fraud investigation. Ultimately, the goal of many of these scams is to steal the victim’s personal or banking information to gain access to their accounts, or to get the victim to wire money or purchase gift cards and send the funds to the fraudster. Strict rules around legitimate banking communications While your bank does require you to disclose certain personal information to confirm your identity and provide you with services, there are strict rules governing what they can ask you to disclose, and how they’re allowed to do it. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to learn what your bank would never do or ask you to do. Your bank would never: 1. Call you to ask for personal information. 2. Ask you to keep a secret or be dishonest. 3. Threaten to cancel your services or ask to remotely access your device. 4. Try to rush you into doing something. 5. Ask you to help with an investigation. 6. Ask you to purchase gift cards or cryptocurrency. 7. Ask you to transfer money as part of an investigation. 8. Request access to your computer. How to help protect yourself from scams Here are some other tips to help you stay safe from fraudsters: ▶ Get educated. Understand your responsibilities as an accountholder or cardholder. This information is provided by your bank. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre can also help you learn more about common fraud scams. ▶ Enable two-factor authentication. Investigate the security settings of your email provider, social media platforms and banking apps, and enable two-factor authentication wherever available. This offers a higher level of security for your online profiles. ▶ Stay informed. Take advantage of bank services that can help warn you of problems. For example, if you’re a TD customer, their fraud alerts service can send you text messages notifying you if suspicious activity is detected on your credit card or access card, as long as a current mobile phone number is on file. www.newscanada.com 10 | www.snowbirds.org
Snowbirds have unique needs that we understand. Protect your Canadian home and auto with an insurance plan designed for your lifestyle. We’ll be with you all year long. Call us for a quote today 1-800-267-8000 Heading South this Winter? Endorsed by the Canadian Snowbird Association. Underwritten by INTACT insurance company.
President’s Message Garry McDonald CSA President On April 29, the bipartisan Canadian Snowbird Visa Act was reintroduced in the United States House of Representatives by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ). This bill, if enacted, will extend the duration for which retired Canadian citizens aged 50 and older may stay in the U.S. from 182 to 240 days annually. To qualify for the extended stay under this act, Canadians must be at least 50 years old, own or lease a U.S. residence and maintain a permanent residence in Canada. Importantly, the act prohibits participants from working for U.S. employers and from accessing American public assistance programs. Backed by 17 bipartisan co-sponsors, this legislation includes key safeguards such as a clause ensuring that Canadian retirees using this proposed visa classification maintain their non-resident tax status. Although the bill is still under committee review, a companion bill is expected to be introduced in the U.S. Senate soon. This September, we’ll launch the 2025 Snowbird Lifestyle Presentations tour, beginning in Ontario with stops in Sarnia, Orillia, Parry Sound and Owen Sound. The tour will then continue through Atlantic Canada, featuring events in Moncton, N.B., Summerside, P.E.I. and Dartmouth, N.S. This year, we have a new lineup of entertainers including singer-songwriter Amy Sky, comedian Derek Edwards and world music artist Pavlo. As CSA president, I will also be presenting an update regarding the association’s ongoing advocacy efforts and offering insights into the current state of snowbird travel. Please note that tickets are required for these free events and are now available through each theatre’s box office. As these events are known to “sell out,” I would recommend reserving your tickets early. The full schedule, including contact information for each box office, can be found on page 5 of this issue of CSANews. We hope to see you there! By now, you have likely received your CSA renewal package. I would like to remind members that, if they haven’t already renewed their membership, they can easily and quickly do so online at www.snowbirds.org/join-csa. To those who have already renewed, thank you. Your continued support is what makes our work possible – from advocating for the rights and interests of travelling Canadians to delivering valuable services and up-to-date travel information. Recent changes – such as the introduction of the new registration requirement in the United States – are a reminder that travel regulations can shift rapidly. During times such as these, it’s essential to have a trusted organization that advocates on your behalf and keeps you informed with timely updates. Rescinding this new requirement remains a top priority for the CSA. To support these advocacy efforts, please consider contributing to our Special Action Fund, which directly funds our work in Canada and abroad. Alongside our advocacy and informational updates, the CSA offers important member benefits, including a currency exchange program that delivers competitive rates for converting Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars while travelling. We also provide customized auto and home insurance plans designed specifically for snowbirds, ensuring that you have appropriate coverage during your extended time away from Canada. For more details about these and other member benefits, please visit our official website. I would also like to remind you that CSA board members are available to speak at community events, club meetings or social gatherings in Canada throughout the summer. These sessions provide an overview of the latest developments in global travel regulations and updates about CSA advocacy work that protects your rights worldwide. They also include a question-and-answer session tailored to your concerns as travellers. Whether you’re heading to the U.S., Mexico, Europe or beyond, our board members can help ensure that you travel with confidence and clarity. We ask that a minimum of 25 attendees be present, along with access to a suitable presentation space and either a projection screen or a blank wall for displaying visuals. If you are interested in booking a CSA board member to speak at your event, please contact us at csastaff@snowbirds.org. Wishing you a safe and wonderful summer. 12 | www.snowbirds.org
Government Relations Report Johanne Blain First Vice-President As I reported in my last column, effective April 2025, the United States government began requiring all Canadian snowbirds entering the United States for 30 days or longer – who have not been issued a Form I-94 – to register with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For snowbirds who fly into the United States, an electronic I-94 is automatically issued and, therefore, they are already deemed registered with the U.S. federal government and further registration with USCIS is not required. For snowbirds who drive, an I-94 may or may not be issued upon entry to the United States. The CSA head office has been fielding numerous calls and emails this spring asking about what the entry process will look like for this upcoming travel season with the new registration requirement now in effect, particularly for those snowbirds who travel to the United States by car. Those travelling to the U.S. by vehicle have options. Up to seven days prior to their arrival at a land port of entry, snowbirds can apply for a provisional I-94 for US$6 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. When approved for entry, an electronic Form I-94 will be issued and can be accessed from the same website. Alternatively, snowbirds entering the United States can request an I-94 at the port of entry. It should be noted that obtaining a provisional I-94 or requesting one at a port of entry may result in further scrutiny at the border crossing, since Canadian tourists to the United States historically have not required an I-94. If questioned, advise the customs officer of the new requirement for a lawful record of admission. Once you have been admitted to the United States, check to ensure that you were issued an I-94 by visiting i94.cbp.dhs.gov and selecting “Get most recent I-94.” Print out a copy of the I-94 from your latest entry and carry it with you as you travel throughout the United States. This is proof of your legal admission to the United States and registration with the federal government. For travellers who did not receive an electronic I-94, to ensure that you are compliant with the new registration requirement, visit my.uscis.gov to set up a USCIS account and complete USCIS Form G-325R. After you file USCIS Form G325-R, you will receive a receipt from USCIS. You are required to print the receipt and carry it with you as proof of legal registration. At this time, there is no cost to file the form with USCIS and Canadian citizens continue to be exempt from the biometric requirement. Representatives from the Canadian Snowbird Association continue to lobby against this registration requirement and are working to have it rescinded. Updates regarding our efforts will be provided to members through our email advisories – just one of the many benefits of being a CSA member. Travel rules and regulations are not just changing for travel to the United States. In January of this year, it became a requirement for Canadian travellers visiting or transiting through the United Kingdom to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is an online travel screening which currently costs £16 (about $30 CAD) and can be obtained through the UK government website www.gov.uk/eta. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, and lets you travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to six months. Similarly, Canadians visiting most countries in Europe will soon need to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) before they depart. Like the UK ETA, this is not a visa but a pre-travel clearance which will apply to travel to 30 European nations including France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Once operational, the ETIAS will be completed online here, travel-europe.europa.eu/ etias_en, and will cost travellers €7 (about $10 CAD). An ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires and will allow Canadian travellers to stay for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism purposes. You’ll need an ETIAS even if you’re just connecting through a European airport. With the official launch date currently expected in the last quarter of 2026, the CSA will keep members apprised of the latest developments regarding this upcoming requirement. Once it is in effect, you will not be able to board a flight to Europe without it. Gilles and I wish you a safe and happy summer. CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 13
J. Ross Quigley CEO Medipac International Inc. Insurance Our Early Bird Travel Insurance was available even earlier, due to a possible postal strike. Thankfully, that occurrence seems to have become less likely as the major union has now settled and it is expected that the other union will not be far behind. Hundreds of small businesses – and large ones too – can breathe a sigh of relief. Literally hundreds of millions of dollars have been saved and the Canadian economy should now prosper. The initial response to our Early Bird offer was excellent. The number of snowbirds buying early was about three times greater than in previous years. People, obviously, did not want to miss out on the fantastic deals. I believe that this is also an indication that snowbirds are still travelling and are making their plans for the great migration to warm places. As a fairly seasoned traveller, I have been to Portugal, and Spain, and Mexico, and Greece, and several Caribbean islands and I would not trade Florida or Arizona or Texas for any of them. I enjoyed every one of these locations, but spending five or six months in any of them does not appeal for lots of reasons. I turned 80 this year – so yes, my insurance rates are going up. That’s part of the journey. But one thing I won’t do is travel without Medipac. I’ve been with them for more than 30 years now. No claims in the past 10, which means that I get the full Loyalty Credit and Claim-Free Discount – 20%! And buying Early Bird gets me another 5% off. The best part, though, is that I can lock in 2024 rates for all of my travel through to June 2026. Every bit helps. The insurance application may be a bit tedious but, when Medipac knows your health status, we can offer comprehensive coverage and be better prepared to support you in an emergency. We ask more questions up front because preparation matters – especially when it comes to care and claims. Some other providers ask fewer questions and may not collect enough information in advance, making it easier to deny claims later on – something which we hear happens far too often. That’s why we take the time to get it right before you travel. Quite a difference in philosophies. Have a wonderful summer. It will be a scorcher, but you know how to stay safe. I hope to see you in the sunny South. 14 | www.snowbirds.org
Opinion with Michael Coren Cynicism is so easy these days, especially in the world of politics and religion, but it would have taken a hard heart to not have been moved earlier this year by the sight of the obviously nervous, emotional, surely overwhelmed Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost on the Vatican balcony accepting the papacy as Leo XIV. And, as we relax a little during the summer, it’s good to know that at least one of the world’s leaders has a good head on his shoulders and will work towards something that is noble and bettering. He was made a cardinal by the late Pope Francis two years ago, and the 69-year-old Chicago-born priest is the former leader of the Augustinian order and a renowned and multilingual diplomat, serving for many years in Peru. He also presided over one of the most radical reforms made by Francis, when three women were added to the voting bloc that decides which bishop nominations are forwarded to the pope. It may seem a small edit by secular standards but, within the Roman Catholic church, this was profound. That he’s an American is a surprise, with Rome being traditionally opposed to the idea of a pontiff from the U.S., even though the Italian newspaper La Repubblica described him as “the least American of the Americans.” It’s impossible to know what was behind the conclave’s decision but, in this time of Trump and his antics, and a superpower gone mad, an American pope – in some ways a counterweight – who speaks of peace and justice is exquisite. It’s also far from unimportant that the man can deliver his thoughts in perfect English, which hasn’t been the case with the papacy for many centuries. His choice of name is also significant. The last pope who used it was Leo XIII, an intellectual whose 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum championed the rights of workers to fair wages, safe working conditions and union membership. The church, he insisted, had to be relevant and politically involved. That was a transformative act. The new Pope is very much in that tradition of social and economic justice, and it’s one of the reasons why Francis advanced him and made it known that the American had papal blessing. In fact, while Cardinal Prevost had a relatively low public profile, he was highly regarded by those with power and influence, including many of those who formed the conclave. His record is not all positive, and Prevost has been criticized by clergy-abuse survivors regarding his handling of allegations during his leadership in the Augustinian order and in Peru. It’s a criticism that could also be made of Pope Francis, but it’s highly likely that we’ll now see constructive and vital changes in this area, particularly as it could well be a relatively long pontificate. Leo XIII was elected in 1878 and served until his death in 1903! That possibility will not be pleasing to some in the church. Politically and theologically conservative Catholics gritted their teeth during Francis’ time and hoped and prayed that his successor would be more conservative. They’ll be extremely disappointed with the new choice and, while they’re a minority within the church, they tend to have money and influence, especially in the U.S. Think of Vice-President JD Vance and you’ll understand the problem and the divide. The American Pope Leo is arguably more aware of all of this than was the Argentinian Pope Francis, and that’s for the good. If the church’s reformist agenda is to continue, the Vatican can’t waste time looking in some reactionary mirror and worrying about various criticisms and complaints. What the Catholic right wing will do, whether some of them will leave the Roman Catholic church for a breakaway sect or even eastern Orthodoxy is, in the long run, immaterial. Christian or not, Catholic or not, this new reign is one of possibilities and promise. A good man, a considerate man, a prayerful man is now the Bishop of Rome, shaping the life of a church of 1.4 billion people – and so many beyond. With the threat of nuclear war, the triumph of the bully and the thug in international relations and a horribly widespread feeling of despair, Leo XIV assumes the throne of Peter at a crucial and fragile time. God give him the strength to speak immutable love and to stand against the dark waves of hatred. It won’t be easy, it’ll be exhausting and tough, but God bless him. CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 15
With millions of freshwater lakes, rivers and several canals, together with oceans on three sides, the country harbours an impressive abundance of exciting summer cruises. With water everywhere, there’s no shortage of choices among cruise destinations, itineraries and vessels. A remarkable variety of boat tours is offered on everything from large ships to smaller intimate ones, as well as vintage paddlewheelers, rigid inflatables, replica steamships, sailing yachts and everything in between; in fact, the “in between” includes exciting tours involving watercraft as simple as canoes and kayaks. In the end, it’s not the mode of transportation that ultimately counts, rather it’s the experience of exploring the wonders of Canada, both on the water and during onshore excursions. From the island of Newfoundland to British Columbia and the Northwest Territories, summer cruise options are vast and varied, with the following presented as a mere sampler – so, anchors aweigh!! ALL ABOARD! Summer cruises on Canada’s countless waterways offer endless variety By Donna Carter 16 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Prince Edward Island The country’s smallest province is by no means diminished by its size. At slightly more than 200 km long, it’s a true gem in Canada’s crown filled to capacity with things to see and do. Cruise companies featuring P.E.I. in their Atlantic Canada itineraries typically include a port call at the historic island capital of Charlottetown, acknowledged as the Birthplace of Confederation for hosting the first meeting leading to the establishment of the nation. This postcard-pretty city is a hot spot for arts, culture, culinary experiences, historic walking tours and outdoor markets. Beyond the city, the island’s engaging landscape is punctuated by beaches, sand dunes, red sandstone cliffs and green rolling hills. This island that hums with Celtic music is known worldwide as the fictional home of Anne of Green Gables made famous in the book by P.E.I. author, L.M. Montgomery. The Green Gables Heritage Site is one of the island’s most-visited attractions among the plethora of others, such as historic wooden lighthouses, mussel farms, fishing villages and P.E.I. wineries. Island activities galore, including golf on premier courses, hiking and biking on Confederation Trail, deep-sea fishing and excursions hosted by local chefs, artisans, farmers and musicians who enjoy what they do and want to share it. Newfoundland Nicknamed “The Rock” for its ruggedly beautiful shoreline studded with dramatic rock cliffs, the country’s easternmost province bears a unique cultural identity shaped by distinctive dialects, traditions and music, specific to nowhere else in Canada. Also unmatched is its “down home” brand of Newfoundland hospitality, a feature that has earned the Atlantic province its reputation as the friendliest in the country. What awaits cruising visitors to this welcoming island is a treasure trove of unparalleled scenery and spellbinding activities. Several sail itineraries – including circumnavigation of the island’s 9,600-km coast – reveal the heart and soul of pure Newfoundland: quaint coves, deep fjords, provincial parks, ancient Viking sites, small fishing villages, remote lighthouses and the charming provincial capital of St. John’s. The Rock is renowned for whale-watching, iceberg viewing, deep-sea fishing and birdwatching trips to its famous Atlantic puffin colonies. Overall, those who “come from away” are exposed to the stuff of which memories are made – including the island tradition called a “Screech-in,” a welcoming ceremony that involves kissing a cod followed by knocking back a swig of rum. It’s a quirky, lighthearted custom that forever installs visitors who participate into “honorary Newfoundlanders.” CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 17 Travel
Rideau Canal Stretching from Ottawa to Kingston, this Ontario waterway is a 202-km engineering masterpiece built and completed by the British in 1832. Employing gate-opening mechanisms in 45 historic locks, the canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that accommodates summer cruises ranging from a few hours to five days aboard a variety of vessels including specialized ships with complete liveaboard service. The trip is a scenic journey through eastern Ontario lakes and rivers with stops at charming villages such as picturesque Merrickville, dubbed “the Jewel of the Rideau.” Throughout the majority of cruises, professional guides provide commentary and historical context. With the Rideau Canal trips beginning in the country’s capital and ending in the historic “Limestone City” of Kingston – or travelled in reverse – sightseeing at both ends is a bonus. Among a plethora of Ottawa attractions are the Parliament Buildings, National Gallery and the Canadian War Museum. Kingston is the gateway to the Thousand Islands and one of the city’s major attractions is Old Fort Henry, an 18th-century military fortification designated a National Historic Site. Hudson Bay Summer cruising on this second-largest bay in the world provides a unique opportunity to explore a fascinating and remote region on the southern ridge of the Arctic Ocean. Once the bay’s winter ice is gone, boat tours are able to access isolated areas and Arctic islands that are otherwise inaccessible for several months of the year. Sheltered from storms that blow over the Arctic, this inland sea’s vast expanse of salt water and surrounding northern landscape are a paradise for wildlife – caribou, walruses, seals, moose and, last but not least, polar bears. In fact, the bay’s western shore town of Churchill, Manitoba is regularly referred to as the polar bear capital of the world where summer polar bear tours are an annual attraction. Also popular are tours to the bay’s Seal River Estuary where thousands of beluga whales gather to feed, calve and escape preying killer whales. The bay’s numerous shore excursions include visits to Inuit villages, tundra hikes and the chance to experience the traditional Arctic activity of dog mushing. With sections of the bay’s coast bordering on parts of Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nunavut, a variety of engaging tours are offered from various locations along the extended shoreline. 18 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Lake Superior One of the world’s largest freshwater bodies and the largest of the Great Lakes, its picturesque north shore features deep bays flanked by high cliffs, a rocky shoreline and thick forests. With a deep history in maritime shipping and fur trading, the lake today enjoys a reputation for memorable summer cruising. Boat excursions are offered aboard a mix of vessels from cruise ships to sailboats, catamarans, small boats and inflatables. Trip durations range from a few hours to multi-day tours. This lake of many islands features historic lighthouses, national parks, cultural heritage experiences, fishing and unique birdwatching. Among Superior’s must-see sites is the famous Sleeping Giant in the port town of Thunder Bay. This natural wonder is a land formation resembling a giant man laying in slumber who, according to Ojibwe legend, is identified as the spirit of deep water. Georgian Bay When Samuel de Champlain discovered the bay in 1615, he called it “la mer douce” (the sweet/calm/fresh sea). Famous for its more than 30,000 islands, rugged vistas and historic past, Georgian Bay is a northeastern arm of Lake Huron, one of the five Great Lakes of North America that make up the largest freshwater system on Earth. In the early days, the bay named for King George IV was a significant hub for fur trading and logging. Today, it’s a paradise for cruising – a destination so distinctively beautiful that it inspired renowned Canadian Group of Seven artists such as Tom Thomson and A.J. Casson to render paintings of its windswept white pines and granite-sculpted shorelines. Several companies offer various cruises that range from a few hours to a week, with many of them incorporating onshore excursions to one or more of the bay’s many islands. Such excursions include exploring iconic caves, visiting historic lighthouses, nature walks, hiking trails and Indigenous cultural attractions. CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 19 Travel
Haida Gwaii Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is an isolated archipelago of more than 200 islands lying off of British Columbia’s northwest coast. This ancestral territory of the Haida nation is known as the Canadian Galapagos for its unique and diverse ecosystems and wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. The islands embody a breathtaking landscape that is rugged, rocky and forested. Numerous summer tours to various islands employ a variety of watercraft ranging from small boats to sailing vessels. Such tours run the gamut from wildlife viewing to whale-watching, as well as Haida cultural village visits and bathing in hot springs on Hotspring Island. There is everything from short sightseeing trips to multi-day expeditions involving land and sea. Among the many options are tours designed to explore island rainforests and ancient villages, and the chance to connect with Haida knowledge-keepers. Overall, a summer tour to Haida Gwaii is a holistic journey that combines cultural learning with the exploration of natural wonders and an appreciation for Haida’s rich heritage and way of life. Northwest Territories The waterways of Canada’s Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) have always been a part of northern life and exploring the region by boat is a tradition, as well as a memorable experience. Legendary lakes and renowned rivers frame a remote landscape of forests, mountains and Arctic tundra, together with the islands of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. The N.W.T. are a part of the country embodying a wonderland of surprises unlike anywhere else in Canada. A host of cruise options include departing from Inuvik on a tour through the Mackenzie River Delta into the Arctic Ocean. Other tours include sailing on Great Slave Lake and various cultural journeys to authentic Indigenous villages. The intrepid traveller can opt for a multi-day Nahanni River expedition that includes navigating some of the country’s deepest river canyons and huge waterfalls in a terrain with geological features so unique that the river and surrounding area have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the N.W.T., hunting and fishing excursions abound, together with iconic wildlife viewing of bison, muskox, Arctic fox, caribou, grizzly bears and more. Overall, there are scores of summer boat tour options launched from large waterfront centres such as Yellowknife and Fort Smith, as well as an abundance of operators in smaller communities across the region. Depending on the type of tour, watercraft range in size from canoes to inflatables, sailboats and small ships. 20 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
Cruise Planning Canada’s summer sailing season typically runs from late May to early autumn, but dates vary according to climate differences across the country. For example, the season for boat tours in Newfoundland will naturally be different from those in the middle of the country. Those booking a cruise early often enjoy discounted pricing and the selection of preferred accommodations. Also, the pre-cruise booking of onshore excursions eliminates the disappointment of finding the most popular options already filled. The same early booking of onboard “specialty” restaurants applies. Among several simple, but important matters to consider before departure is travel insurance and making sure that any prescription medications are current. Equally important is understanding what’s required in terms of travel documents. Many cruises, particularly those offered by the big ships, traditionally require a valid passport or other forms of identification and proof of citizenship. If the cruise itinerary includes foreign destinations, it’s important to determine if visas might be necessary. On any cruise, large or small, it’s wise to carry emergency contact information. British Columbia The majority of summer cruises along the coast of Canada’s westernmost province depart from Vancouver and sail north. A variety of trip itineraries explore the immense beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Heading north through the sheltered waters of the heavily travelled Inside Passage between the B.C. mainland and Vancouver Island, the route weaves through picturesque islands, fjords and bays. From there, it continues north to the Alaska panhandle and, depending on cruise itineraries, port stops often include the U.S. cities of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan where there are abundant opportunities for onshore excursions: glacier tours, dogsledding, gold panning, wilderness zip-lining and ice-field helicopter tours. Overall, the trip is renowned for stunning scenery including glaciers, mountains and wildlife. There is also a handful of small-ship expeditions that exclusively explore the Inside Passage only. More intimate and more flexible than the big-ship cruises, their itineraries focus primarily on whale-watching, wildlife viewing and exploring glaciers and rainforests. A bonus of many B.C. West Coast cruises is the convenience of them beginning and ending in Vancouver. Stay Local This Winter with Pathfinder Camp Resorts Full-service RV sites Premium amenities Warm snowbird community Close to shops & attractions Mild winter experience Surrounded by nature Skip the border. Enjoy peaceful, seasonal winter RV stays with everything you need, right here in beautiful BC. Apply now for Winter 2025-26 Call 1-866-267-3678 www.PathfinderCampResorts.com Choose your desired location Agassiz-Harrison Fort Langley Parksville CSANews | SUMMER 2025 | 21 Travel
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