Nasty winters have been driving Canadians into Arizona

PHOENIX — If this year’s Canadian winter is especially challenging, Arizona could become the beneficiary.

The Canadian Farmers Almanac predicts that winter in Canada will come early this year and stay late… with icy cold and lots of snow.

“The product of Arizona is now catching on in Canada.” said Glenn Williamson, CEO and founder of the Canada Arizona Business Council. “Any time it is an extended cold snap in Canada, Canadians look for a reprieve, one way or another, and Arizona has moved to the top of that list.”

Williamson said when it’s nasty there, Canadians are attracted to Arizona with its dry heat, lower taxes and numerous outdoor activities.

He said Arizona is keeping pace with both Florida and California in recent years in the number of Canadians visiting.

“We do about 4.9 million Canadians a year going into Florida, about 1.8 million into California, and in Arizona, we have gone from about 200,000 10 years ago to a million Canadian visitors to the state of Arizona,” said Williamson.

And, he said, getting to Arizona is getting easier.

“Air Canada has increased its load capacity this coming season by 25 percent, thus increasing the amount of air seats available to come to Arizona.”

So, if the Canadian Farmer’s Almanac is correct, and it typically is about 80 to 85 percent accurate, keep an eye out for an influx of Canadians, eh?