rdsThe Complete Snowbird Travel Checklist
Every autumn, more than a million Canadians pack up and head south for the winter — trading snow shovels for sunshine, golf, and warm ocean breezes. But a smooth snowbird season doesn't happen by accident. The travellers who enjoy the most stress-free winters are the ones who prepare early, stay organized, and never leave their travel insurance to the last minute.
This checklist walks you through every stage of the snowbird journey — from the paperwork you need six weeks before departure, to the health and medical steps that keep you covered south of the border, to the border and customs essentials that get you across without a hitch. Travel medical insurance is the single most important item on the list: a single U.S. emergency room visit can exceed $20,000, and a multi-day hospital stay can reach $100,000 or more. Without proper coverage, one unexpected illness can wipe out years of savings.
We've organized each task by category and timeframe so you can work through it in order. High-priority items — like confirming your emergency medical coverage, declaring any pre-existing conditions, and carrying proof of insurance — should be completed well before you cross the border. Bookmark this page and check items off as you go, and you'll be spreading your wings south with total confidence.
Pre-Departure
Secure and winterize your home
1 week before departureTurn off the main water supply, drain pipes, set the thermostat to a safe minimum, arrange snow removal, and ask a trusted neighbour or service to check the property regularly.
Notify your bank and credit card companies
1 week before departureTell your financial institutions you'll be travelling abroad so they don't flag foreign transactions as fraud. Confirm your cards won't expire mid-trip.
Arrange mail forwarding and bill payments
2 weeks before departureSet up Canada Post mail holding or forwarding, and pre-authorize or schedule utility, property tax, and insurance payments so nothing lapses while you're away.
Health & Medical
Confirm your emergency medical coverage
6 weeks before departurePurchase or renew a travel medical insurance policy with at least $5M in emergency medical coverage. SoNomad offers plans up to $10m with direct hospital billing, so you never pay out-of-pocket for covered emergencies.
Declare pre-existing conditions honestly
At purchaseList every stable pre-existing condition on your health declaration. Undisclosed conditions can void your coverage at claim time. SoNomad's transparent declaration tool makes this easy and keeps your policy valid.
Refill prescriptions for your full stay
2 weeks before departureOrder enough of every regular medication to last your entire winter, plus a buffer. Keep medications in original labelled containers and carry a doctor's note for controlled substances.
Carry proof of insurance at all times
Before crossing the borderKeep a printed and digital copy of your policy documents, emergency assistance hotline number, and policy reference code with you while travelling. Store the 24/7 assistance number in your phone.
Documents
Renew your passport
3 months before departureEnsure every traveller's passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Many countries refuse entry to travellers with soon-to-expire passports.
Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration
1 month before departureIf driving south, confirm your licence and vehicle registration won't expire while you're away. Some provinces allow early renewal to avoid a mid-winter lapse.
Border & Customs
Keep receipts for all major purchases
Throughout your staySave receipts for anything you buy abroad, especially electronics, alcohol, and gifts. Present them at the border to speed up customs and prove your exemption amounts.
Know your time and dollar limits for imports
Before return tripReview the personal exemption limits for goods you bring back to Canada. Returning after 7+ days allows up to $800 CAD in duty-free goods; shorter trips have lower limits.
Returning Home
Schedule a post-trip medical check-up
2 weeks after returnBook a check-up with your Canadian doctor shortly after returning home to address any health concerns that arose during your winter away and update your medical records.