According to the Canadian Snowbird Association’s news magazine, most snowbirds are still heading south in the winter, but some are reconsidering their sunny destinations. Whereas Arizona, California, Florida and other hotspots have long drawn in snow-wary Canadians during the colder months, domestic options are now appealing for the certainty they offer amidst ongoing trade wars, tariffs and an ever-evolving Canada-U.S. relationship. One such domestic destination is the Okanagan’s Lakestone community, including its newest development—The Summit.
Of course, the Okanagan isn’t some newly discovered travel spot, so are Lakestone residents specifically opting for the region over U.S. counterparts? “Lately, that seems to be the trend when we’re talking to some of the most current families moving in,” says Jonathon Campbell, development manager with Macdonald Development Corp. “They either have properties down south or were considering properties down south, and a number of factors—be it the exchange rate, some of the immigration concerns and access to medical or what happens if there’s a medical issue—have factored into their decision.”
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“It’s hard to say what’s a trend and what’s becoming more permanent,” says Campbell. “But the Okanagan is stiff competition.” He says the wineries offer a taste of Napa and the golf courses rival what you might find in Phoenix or Palm Springs.
But what he thinks makes Lakestone specifically stand out to prospective buyers is its potential for community building, especially among retirees—who comprise the majority of Lakestone residents at 58 per cent and most of snowbirds in general. Located in the heart of Lake Country, the community features over 28 kilometres of built-in trails and 250 acres of protected natural space, all topped with a view of Okanagan Lake. A number of other amenities also come with ownership, including a public swim dock, swimming pool and clubhouse, fitness facility and outdoor kitchen and entertainment spaces. “Because of those amenities, you meet your neighbours,” says Campbell. “You start to build a group of friends and relationships, and that’s important when you have the time that retired people tend to have.”
“It doesn’t happen by accident—it happens largely by design, by having tennis courts, pickleball courts, our two amenity buildings. We built those amenities while the community’s been growing.”
Plus, compared to other domestic alternatives for snowbirds, he calls the Okanagan “a bit of a unique bubble” where “home prices, while high, have stayed fairly consistent.”
Ultimately, Campbell thinks it’s likely Canadians will start heading south again at some point, but for now hopes Lakestone’s newest addition will continue to draw in prospective buyers, offering 57 single-family homesites starting from $379,900.
