In addition to Florida’s relaxed lifestyle and miles of clean beaches, Canadians in Florida appreciate the overall safety, compared to Mexico or the Dominican Republic, as well as the quality of infrastructure (roads, airports, hospitals) and, despite some new administrative rules, the ease of access by plane or car.
Here is a random selection of other important points of interest for tourists from the North who want to make the most of their stay in Florida.
Fresh, summery food
Not only does Florida grow its own citrus fruits, vegetables, and other fruits, including strawberries and watermelons, it also has an abundance of fish and seafood and is famous for its Everglades crabs (the season ends on May 1). So tourists and snowbirds can say goodbye to rich winter vegetable soups and hello to light, fresh salads. Especially since it’s such a pleasure to eat outside in the sun, with your toes airing in sandals.
Food and cooking festivals
From February 19 to 22, the South Beach Wine & Food Festival offers seaside activities, evening events, and large tasting tents (www.sobewff.org).
From January 19 to 25, the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (www.vlfoodwine.com) will offer the same atmosphere with live demonstrations featuring celebrities such as Chef Richard Blais.
For strawberries, head to the South Florida Strawberry Festival from January 17 to 19 at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton (www.soflostrawberryfestival.com). And for chocolate lovers, enjoy the Festival Of Chocolate at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables on January 24 and 25 (www.fairchildgarden.org).
For seafood lovers, the Port St. Lucie Seafood Festival from January 24 to 25 (www.portsaintlucieseafoodfestival.com) is a great event, as is the Space Coast Food and Wine Festival in Melbourne on January 31 (www.spacecoastfoodandwine.com).
On the west coast, the Punta Gorda Seafood and Music Festival™ at Laishley Park will take place from January 16 to 18; the Coquina Beach Seafood & Music Festival™ in Bradenton Beach from January 23 to 25; and the Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival™ at Centennial Park on January 30 and February 1 (www.paragonfestivals.com).
Boat shows
They are also a delight for vacationers, whether they are shopping for a new boat or just dreaming. The Miami show will be held February 11-15; the Palm Beach show March 25-29, 2026.
Outdoor living
What a joy it is to put on your sunglasses, take off your sweaters and socks, and soak up some vitamin D in the sun! Walking or cycling with the fresh air on your face is also a great pleasure, and there is no shortage of bike paths along the beaches and in the nature parks. Many people also take advantage of the good weather to do yoga in the morning at sunrise.
Ball sports
Florida has the most golf courses in the country (around 1,200). This gentle, social sport allows you to enjoy the sunny climate. And for tennis, pickleball, and paddle tennis enthusiasts, there are many courts, often free of charge.
Water activities
Boating and jet skiing are classic activities. Paddleboards and canoes allow you to explore the rivers at a more leisurely pace, as well as the growing number of underwater discovery trails, which are also perfect for divers and snorkelers.
The most famous trails are the Florida Reef Tract, the only living coral reef in the continental United States and the third largest in the world; Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Reef, just 100 meters from the water’s edge, accessible from the beach entrance at Datura Ave; the Shipwreck Snorkel Trail, an artificial wreck, perfect for beginners with masks and fins; For experienced divers, check out the historic SS Copenhagen, a British steamship that sank in the 1900s and lies at a depth of 8 meters. At Hollywood Beach, mermaids are buried underwater as part of a project combining art and marine conservation.
Also worth mentioning is Wahoo Bay in Pompano Beach, a water park combining ecology, education, and water sports.
Nighttime activities
Canoe trips allow you to enjoy moonrises or discover bioluminescence. This natural phenomenon is caused by microorganisms that produce and emit an electric blue light. You can see it at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, Sebastian Inlet near Vero Beach, or in the Keys. The best time to see it is from May to October.
Dog beaches
There are many dog beaches, and they are very popular. The best known in Fort Lauderdale are Beach Park, Canine Beach, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (dogs must be on a leash). The dog beach at Dania Beach is also popular, as are Bark Beach in Boca Raton and the dog beach in Jupiter.
Outdoor cultural activities
Visiting a lighthouse, botanical garden, or marine conservation center are great educational family activities.
Concerts at Mizner Park in Boca Raton and Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach are always a hit.
Street festivals are also popular, such as the Avenue of the Arts Festival (AOTA Fest) from January 21 to 25, which transforms Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk neighborhood into an open-air art gallery, or Ignite Broward, from February 13 to 22, which showcases technological works free of charge. And from February 7 to March 29, the Florida Renaissance Festival (weekends only) will be held in Deerfield Beach.
Cruises and theme parks
Vacationers also love Florida because it is a prime departure point for cruises from PortMiami, Port Everglades, and Port Canaveral. They also enjoy rocket launches, a magnificent free show, and Orlando’s amusement parks. Check out our article on the new Epic Universe park.
Breweries
There is no shortage of craft beers. They will be celebrated on January 24 at the Boca Beer Wine & Spirits Fest at Mizner Park (www.myboca.us).
Sports
Going to see their favorite ice hockey teams (the Canadiens or the defending champions, the Florida Panthers) is a family outing that is very popular with Canadians on vacation. The Miami Heat, Marlins, and Dolphins are great teams to cheer on, and tennis tournaments (Delray Open from February 13 to 22, Miami Open from March 15 to 29), Formula E (January 31, affordable prices), and Formula 1 (May 1-3) are all sporting events worth seeing.
For horse riding and polo fans, the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington is an important event (until March 29). You can also attend a rodeo at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie, or in Okeechobee (www.okeechobeecattlemens.com).
Shopping
It’s still popular and offers a wide selection of brands! Savvy snowbirds favor outlet malls such as Sawgrass Mills (Sunrise), Dolphin Mall (Miami), and Tanger Outlets (West Palm Beach).
