bc.-beach-named-among-world’s-top-50-in-new-ranking
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B.C. beach named among world’s top 50 in new ranking

ByBhagyashree Chatterjee

The Western Family Summer Guide is here to make summer fun and easy! Whether you’re having a BBQ, going on a picnic or road trip, planning a backyard dinner, or throwing an ice cream party, we’ve got everything you need to make this summer the best one yet. Turns out, one of the world’s best beaches isn’t in the tropics, it’s right here in B.C. Chesterman Beach in Tofino just landed at #16 on Big 7 Travel’s freshly released list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World for 2025, and it was the only Canadian beach to earn a spot. EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock This isn’t Chesterman’s first time in the spotlight. It’s been recognized in one of our recent pieces on dog‑friendly summer getaways and has earned global praise in Lonely Planet. While it’s not Blue Flag certified (a designation awarded to beaches meeting strict environmental and safety standards), it continues to attract international praise. With over 2.7 kilometres of white sand connecting North and South Chesterman, the beach is a dream for surfers, dog walkers, storm watchers, and anyone in search of salt air and solitude. SL-Photography/Shutterstock At low tide, a natural sandspit known as a tombolo reveals itself, linking the shore to nearby Frank Island, a local favourite for scenic strolls (though visitors should note the island itself is privately owned). According to the City of Tofino’s website, Chesterman is easy to access by foot or bike via the Multi-Use Path (MUP), or by car, with pay parking and facilities available at Lynn Road (North) and Chesterman Beach Road (South). Public washrooms, showers, and even designated beach fire zones (subject to seasonal restrictions) make it a year-round crowd-pleaser. Big 7 Travel’s annual beach ranking is based on past media acclaim, social media buzz, and editorial insight. This year’s top picks span far beyond Canada’s coastline, from secluded island coves to tropical showstoppers. Here’s a look at the 2025 top five: 1. Whitehaven Beach, Australia Tanya Puntti/Shutterstock Situated on Whitsunday Island in Queensland, this 7  km strip is famous for its brilliant-white sand made of over 98 per cent pure silica, which stays cool even under the hot sun, part of a protected national park within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. 2. Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles ByDroneVideos/Shutterstock Sometimes called the world’s most photographed beach, this stunning coastline on La Digue features dramatic granite boulders, powder-white sand, and crystal-clear turquoise water, protected by coral reefs. Access is via the L’Union Estate, which charges a nominal fee. 3. Ksamil Beach, Albania S.Tatiana/Shutterstock Dubbed the “Maldives of Europe,” Ksamil Beach is celebrated for its calm, crystal-clear waters and small island islets, making it ideal for a relaxing swim or an espresso by the sea. It’s one of the fastest-rising tourism gems on the Albanian Riviera, drawing global attention. 4. Reethi Beach, Maldives Uryutova Elena/Shutterstock Accessible only via seaplane or speedboat, this private island resort in Baa Atoll is known for its coral reefs, overwater villas, and commitment to sustainability. Reethi Beach Resort is located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is recognized for its efforts in sustainable tourism. 5. Plage de Notre Dame, France D.Bond/Shutterstock Tucked away on Porquerolles Island off the southern French coast, this secluded Mediterranean beach features calm, clear water and a gentle, pine-lined shoreline, ideal for a tranquil day in nature, away from tourist crowds. Have you visited Chesterman Beach in Tofino? Let us know in the comments. Want to stay on top of all things Vancouver? Follow us on X

snowbirds-leave-the-us.:-where-will-they-fly-to-now?
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Snowbirds Leave the U.S.: Where Will They Fly to Now?

BySharon Jung

Canadians account for the largest group of international tourists in the United States, and 40% of all foreign visitors to Florida alone. In 2024, they spent an estimated $20.5 billion USD stateside, which is why, according to the U.S. Travel Association, even a 10% drop in Canadian visitors could result in a loss of $2.1 billion in spending and 14,000 jobs. But the annual spending and visitation are rapidly changing, and it’s no longer just about boycotting American products or avoiding U.S. politics. The deepening rift between Canada and the United States—driven by policy shifts, travel restrictions, and economic uncertainty—has many snowbirds rethinking their winter plans. Increasingly, they’re packing up, selling off their U.S. real estate, and looking to invest further south for their seasonal migrations. What Is a Snowbird? Commonly associated with Canadians, “snowbirds” are retirees over the age of 65 who spend many months (approximately up to 6 months) out of the year in warmer climates, typically during the harsh winter months. They may rent or, more often, own a property, such as a vacation home, to stay in. Why Are Snowbirds Leaving the U.S.? For decades, Canadian snowbirds have flocked to the United States to escape the winter months and have become the largest group of foreign investors in U.S. real estate. Approximately 1 million Canadians are reported to own vacation properties in the country, with the most in Florida (27%), California (11%), and Arizona (11%). Other popular states include Texas, Hawaii, Louisiana, South Carolina, and New Mexico, reflecting the widespread appeal of warm-weather destinations. The Canadian Snowbird Visa Act was initially proposed in June 2019, allowing snowbirds over the age of 50 to extend their visitation from 182 days (nearly 6 months) to 240 days (8 months) per year. However, this bipartisan bill has yet to be passed by the American Congress. Meanwhile, Canadians and foreign visitors to the United States had to wait for the proposed Trump administration’s travel policy, which was officially enacted on April 11, 2025. While Canadian nonimmigrants may be exempted from registering their fingerprints at the border, they must still report to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if their intended visit is over 30 days, under this new policy. The antagonism around the visa policy, combined with increasing scrutiny and bureaucratic hurdles, has made long-term planning uncertain for many retirees. Beyond visa hurdles, the Canada-U.S. tax treaty that helped avoid double taxation for many snowbirds may not be enough incentive for them to invest, as the ongoing tariff war raises questions about the long-term viability of U.S. real estate. The political climate has even worsened with controversial rhetoric, including suggestions of America annexing Canada, which has offended many Canadians and further chilled cross-border sentiment. Unsurprisingly, more and more snowbirds are opting to sell their American properties to fly back home or invest elsewhere. This trend is now visibly disrupting real estate markets in snowbird-heavy regions like Florida and Arizona, which are experiencing a sharp increase in home listings from Canadian owners. Where Will Snowbirds Venture Next?