Episode 79: Moving North: Why Canadians and Americans Are Heading Back to Canada

In this episode of the Snowbirds Expat Radio Podcast, host Gerry Scott welcomes back returning guest Aaron Dawes, a cross-border personal tax expert with Smythe.

While previous conversations focused on Canadians heading south, this discussion flips the script. With shifting economic, political, and lifestyle factors, more Canadians—and Americans—are now moving north, returning to or relocating to Canada despite weather, cost, and lifestyle tradeoffs.

Aaron explains what’s driving this trend and what individuals need to consider before making the move, especially when it comes to cross-border tax exposure.

In this conversation, Gerry and Aaron discuss:

• Why more Canadians are returning home from the U.S.

• What’s motivating Americans to relocate to Canada

• How lifestyle, stability, and long-term planning factor into relocation decisions

• The tax implications of moving between the U.S. and Canada

• Why cross-border tax planning is critical before you move

• Common mistakes people make when changing tax residency

• How working with a specialist can prevent costly surprises

With decades of experience handling U.S.–Canada personal tax matters, Aaron offers practical insights for snowbirds, expats, and globally mobile families navigating an increasingly complex cross-border landscape.

If you’re considering a move—or a move back—this episode highlights why planning ahead matters more than ever.

Spending time in the U.S.? Take the guesswork out of tracking your days. Download the Snowbirds U.S. Day Tracker app to monitor your stays, stay compliant, and avoid costly surprises at the border.

Connect with Aaron Dawes