High tea in Toronto spotlights The Palm Beaches for Canadian market

“I think everyone's being optimistic that this year will be fine. Canadians, if they like Florida, they're gonna go regardless of the political climate.”

That’s Paul Larcher, account director for Discover The Palm Beaches at an event Wednesday (Sept. 10) produced by VoX International. 

Statistics Canada reports that in August, the number of Canadians returning from the United States was down 25.4% from 2024 while the number of Canadians returning from the US by vehicle dropped by 33.9% from the previous year. 

Despite the downturn, Larcher is hoping for the best when it comes to the upcoming travel season and Canadians choosing The Palm Beaches for a warm winter getaway. 

“The Palm Beaches has a very loyal following,” he added.

Golden Age High Tea at the Fairmont

Still, Discover The Palm Beaches is keeping the destination top of mind with Canadian travel advisors, hosting a Golden Age High Tea reception Wednesday evening at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal Hotel. 

Larcher was inspired by both the location of the reception and the location he was promoting. 

“When I saw this room, I thought it just instantly reminded me of some of the grand hotels that are in Palm Beach and especially Palm Beach Island. And I just thought a high tea would be something really fun to do, something different,” Larcher told PAX.

A unique Florida option

While warm scones, multiflavoured macarons, sweet and savoury tarts, mini sandwiches and, of course, tea were being served, Larcher explained why travel advisors should encourage their clients to consider The Palm Beaches. 

“If they're looking for somewhere in Florida and if they've been to Miami, if they've been to Lauderdale, if they've been to Fort Myers, Tampa, etc, it's different, it's a very unique destination. It's unlike anywhere else,” he said. 

While Canadian travel was down last winter, Larcher is hoping for a bounce back this year. 

“We want to show the Canadian industry that we're still committed to the market and that we’re welcoming,” he said.

Often referred to as “America’s First Resort Destination,” The Palm Beaches spans 39 cities from Tequesta and Jupiter down to Boca Raton. 

Industrialist Henry Morrison Flagler built a railroad that brought vacationing Americans from the north down to Florida in the late 1800s, leading to the creation of many hotels, golf courses and eventually attractions like museums and theatres. 

Air Canada flies to the destination seasonally and last year Porter Airlines joined in with a new route connecting Toronto Pearson with West Palm Beach.

“We get huge repeat visitation,” Larcher told PAX. 

“Just because there’s so much to do and it’s so different. It’s the gentler side of Florida as we call it.” 

While The Palm Beaches may not have the same amusement park offerings as other parts of Florida, Larcher says it's not without its own draws. 

“We don't have the big theme parks like Orlando and Kissimmee do, but we've got numerous, numerous things. We've got the largest water park in Southeast Florida. We've got a science center and aquarium.”

And of course, for those who want to tee off, The Palm Beaches has more than 140 courses from which to choose, making it “the golf capital of Florida” and an ideal spot for bachelor weekends. 

While Canadians may not think of the destination as top of mind when it comes to family travel, Larcher says it’s worth reconsidering. 

“There's a million things for families to do, it’s a great place to go…people don’t think of it as a family destination but it’s perfect for multigenerational families.” 

Larcher points to some accommodations that offer two- or three-bedroom condos for rent, making it easy for several family members to stay together.

New and refreshed hotels

And speaking of accommodations, The Palm Beaches has some new and renovated offerings for Canadians this winter. 

The newly opened Belgrove Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach focuses on health and wellness with 150 rooms and its own golf course. 

Palm House, a new boutique offering in Palm Beach, has 79 rooms. 

The former Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach has undergone a renovation and is now The Vineta Hotel with 41 rooms — it’s set to reopen sometime this Fall. 

Delta by Marriott has undergone a facelift and has reopened with 199 rooms. 

Meanwhile, the largest of the new/renovated properties, The Nora Hotel with 201 rooms, is set to open in West Palm Beach in the Fall of 2026.

A warm welcome for Canadians

For any Canadians still hesitant about choosing The Palm Beaches due to the current political climate, Larcher emphasized the destination’s inclusive atmosphere. 

“The Palm Beaches, they are kind of apolitical,” he said, adding, “in The Palm Beaches everyone is very welcome and accepted.” Especially travellers from Canada. 

“We're the largest international market,” Larcher says of Canadians. “So yeah, we're very important.”

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