Welcome to Fort Myers - Islands, beaches and neighborhoods.

Positioned on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, Fort Myers has a way of leaving a lasting and wonderful impression on those who visit, making it one of the most popular destinations for Canadian snowbirds.

Some areas may look different right now, but the warmth of our welcome and the way our community makes people feel hasn’t changed a bit.

When you visit, you can expect warm weather, plentiful ways to enjoy the outdoors, unique neighborhoods, islands and an abundance of nature and wildlife.

You can enjoy fresh seafood, served up in casual, beachy places and fine dining spots alike. Our local craft breweries provide opportunities to taste new flavors and meet new friends.

These are just a few reasons why Canadian snowbirds are passionate about the area and continue to have memorable experiences here year after year.

Local Snowbird Community

Snowbirds can find four large recreation centers and several community centers throughout the Fort Myers area, offering lots of activities for all ages!

Getting Here

Flying

Canadian snowbirds can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers from several gateways in Canada:

• Air Canada offers year-round non-stop service from Toronto.
• WestJet offers year-round non-stop service from Toronto and seasonal flights from Ottawa.
• Porter Airlines provides seasonal daily non-stop flights from Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal

Driving

Snowbirds from Eastern Canada can easily drive to Forth Myers using the major north/south routes of  I-79 & I-77 S, I-75 S or I-95 S. The drive takes about 24 hours from Ontario and Quebec.

Weather – October to April

One of the primary reasons snowbirds flock to Fort Myers is our enviable weather. With an average temperature of around 75°F (24°C) during the winter months, it's no wonder this coastal city is a popular destination. Say goodbye to snow shovels and winter coats and hello to shorts, flip-flops, and plenty of vitamin D.

Fall is a wonderful time when temperatures from September to November average 80 degrees and it’s a quieter time in destination.

Tropical storms and hurricane are possible from June 1 to November 30.

In the winter, snowbirds can enjoy daytime temps in the high 70s to low 80s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s to low 60s. Winter is the dry season, so expect mostly sunny days.

During March and April, our Spring months, daily highs are from 80 to 85 degrees. Evening lows are often in the low 60s.

Terrain and Landscape

Fort Myers islands, beaches & neighborhoods - located in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico - offers visitors with more than 100 barrier islands to explore, 190 miles of kayaking through protected mangrove areas, 50 miles of white sand and shell strewn beaches and more than 100,000 acres of conservation land with walking paths that are ideal for all ages.

Accommodations & Where to Stay

Cottages, resorts, campgrounds, hotels and condo and apartment rentals. Here are just some of the places to stay in and around Fort Myers:

Whether you’re looking for short or long-term vacation rental properties, beach-style luxury homes, multi-family homes, condos of all sizes or RV parks and campgrounds – the Fort Myers area has something for everyone.

While many hotels and home rentals on Fort Myers Beach will need more time to renovate or rebuild, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina and DiamondHead Beach Resort are open and ready to welcome visitors. The new Margaritaville Beach Resort, opened in December 2023, features 254 rooms and Fins Up! Beach Club.

Cape Coral and North Fort Myers are divided by the Caloosahatchee River and known for their friendly, residential neighborhoods as well as the parks and attractions they offer. Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals dotted with beautiful waterfront homes that make it a big boating destination - and a very popular spot for Canadian snowbirds to rent vacation homes. The city has five marinas, and some have fishing or yacht charters, as well as boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. You will also find the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. 

For extended stay options, the new 122-room, Woodspring Suites located on Colonial Blvd opened. 

With their lovely shell-strewn beaches, Sanibel and Captiva islands are nature retreats for beach lovers and outdoor adventures. On Captiva Island, you’ll find the landmark Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa and its Old Captiva House restaurant open for business. The Sanibel Island Beach Resort is the first large coastal resort on the island to open all of its guest rooms, a total of 98. Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel Island is currently accepting reservations for stays beginning in fall 2024.

Attractions & Sights

There are so many attractions for snowbirds to visit throughout the Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods of Fort Myers.

The highlight of any visit is a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, one of Florida’s most iconic historical attractions. Stroll through more than 20 acres of botanical gardens, the 15,000 square-foot air-conditioned museum where you’ll see many of Edison’s 1,093 inventions, Edison’s laboratory, and view early model Ford automobiles.

Enjoy time with visiting friends and family and make wonderful memories exploring such places as The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, where you can see more than 300 rescued animals, including flamingos and peacocks. When the grandchildren come to visit, won’t want to miss the miniature train ride, mini putt and playground at Lakes Park. If you have science-minded youngsters they will want to visit the IMAG History & Science Centre in Fort Myers and why not end the day having fun at Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral. This is the perfect place to cool off from hot Florida days with the entire family in Southwest Florida’s biggest and best waterpark, featuring a sprawling lazy river.

While in Cape Coral plan a couple hours at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, where you can stroll along a boardwalk next to the mangroves that line the Caloosahatchee River. Wildlife watching isn’t just in our wilderness areas - you may also spot pint-sized burrowing owls throughout Cape Coral’s neighborhoods and community parks. In fact, the city has more than 1,000 nesting pairs of this rare species.

In North Fort Myers, you’ll want to pick up some old-fashioned Florida souvenirs at the Shell Factory and Nature Park. Just a few miles away , you can explore some of the 27.4 kilometers of hiking and equestrian trails through pristine woods, marshes and prairie at the Prairie Pines Preserve. These 2,654 acres of preserve is home to wildlife such as the wood stork, red-headed woodpeckers and marsh rabbits. Also, head east to visit  ECHO Global Farm and learn about sustainable farming.

Food & Dining

Fort Myers has everything under the sun from waterfront seafood dining to upscale wine bars and international plates — so snowbirds will find something to satisfy every appetite. Here are a few local dishes and drinks to seek out during your time here. 

From October through May, stone crab season is a time that all locals excitedly anticipate every year. You can order stone crab claws with drawn butter, in salads or as part of seafood platters in restaurants and seafood markets across Southwest Florida. Look forward to enjoying these juicy, meaty claws that are harvested sustainably. After harvesting the claws, the crabs are returned to the sea where they regenerate.

When you dine out in Fort Myers, you’ll likely be delighted by a dish that you’ll want to recreate the moment you get back home: beach bread! Imagine a thick slice of French bread slathered in garlic butter and layered with multiple kinds of cheese, onions and tomatoes and baked to perfection. Restaurants throughout the region put their own spin on it — sometimes throwing on olives, bacon, or spicy jalapeños — but everyone agrees that this local favorite is an essential part of their dish.

When it first opened in 2012, Fort Myers Brewing Co. paved the way for Southwest Florida’s craft brewing industry, and its legacy continues to run strong. Within this brewery and in other bars and restaurants around the region, you’ll spot the famed High 5 IPA — a hoppy, citrus-forward beer served from Fort Myers Brewing Co.’s signature green can.

Culture and Entertainment

Canadian snowbirds who are interested in delving deeper into the Fort Myers area by exploring its arts & culture scene will want to browse colorful galleries or enjoy a show at one of the many performing arts venues.

Stroll through the Fort Myers Historic River District, where a new project highlights the city’s history through more than 50 murals by 40 artists. Explore art exhibitions and a rooftop sculpture garden at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Check out Alliance for the Arts, a creative hub with rotating art exhibits, and meet local artists every month at the Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk.

Visitors with an interest in theatre and music should plan a visit to the Florida Repertory Theatre located in the heart of downtown Fort Myers’ River District. The Florida Rep produces comedies, dramas, new plays, and musicals in the Historic Arcade Theatre and ArtStage Studio Theatre.

The Southwest Florida Symphony, in its 62nd year, boasts a roster of 70 world-class musicians that create an incredible orchestra with performances throughout the year.

Snowbirds won’t want to miss an incredible show at Florida’s premier dinner theatre, Broadway Palm.  In its 32^nd season, shows planned for this upcoming winter season include The Mousetrap, Chicago, Annie, Crazy for You and many others.

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall features the largest stage in Southwest Florida and is home to national touring Broadway musicals such as: The Phantom of the Opera, Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, Jersey Boys, and The Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes. The 2024-25 season will include: Jersey Boys, Funny Girl, Come From Away, Les Miserables, The Neil Diamond Musical and so many great concerts

Visit Arts & Entertainment for a full list of all the events happening in our area!

If you love history, don’t miss Mound House, a Fort Myers Beach Museum housed in the islands’ oldest standing structure - a 1920’s-era home that sits atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa Indian shell mound. Though most folks come by car, you can arrive at this lovely bayside location by boat if you wish.

Festivals & Events

Snowbirds will find lots of local festivals to attend during the winter months.  Here are just a few examples:

• January - 40^th Annual Cape Coral Art Festival and Marketplace
• February - ArtFest Fort Myers will once again enliven the Fort Myers waterfront. Enjoy exceptional art by over 200 selected artists, lively entertainment, delicious food, and fun children’s art activities. 
• February - Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade - The parade brings the entire Southwest Florida community out in celebration of the life and achievements of our local winter resident, Thomas Edison. Named as the largest night parade in the Southwest year after year, featuring national participants, local marching bands, floats and more! 
• February/March - Spring Training with Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins
• March - 88th Annual Sanibel Shell Festival
• March  - Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Fest -The Fort Myers area has a long history in the shrimping industry, which was kicked off by the discovery of “pink gold” Gulf shrimp in the mid-20th century. San Carlos Island, tucked between the mainland and Fort Myers Beach, was an active hub for shrimping boats, and every year the locals gathered to celebrate this prized seafood. The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival has endured over the years, highlighted by a 2-mile-long parade and festive shrimp boil supplied by the fleet that arrives at Shrimp Boat Lane on Fort Myers Beach. 
• September - Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is a 10-day music festival in Southwest Florida featuring performances by the greatest BMI singer-songwriters from Nashville and nationwide. Music enthusiasts and fans of all ages gather to enjoy the soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics that come to life during this festival. With performances taking place at various venues across Lee County, including Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Captiva Island, attendees have the opportunity to experience the magic of songwriting amidst the stunning backdrop of Florida's Gulf Coast.
• November - 34^th annual American Sand Sculpting Championship

Sporting Events

Sports fans will have plenty to keep them busy in the area with basketball, hockey and MLB spring training.

Basketball fans will want to plan their stay around the Fort Myers Tip-off, a two-day college basketball tournament held in Fort Myers at Suncoast Credit Union Arena November 25-27, 2024.

Florida Gulf Coast University is home to FGCU Eagles basketball and other Division 1 collegiate sports and is best remembered for its 2013 “Dunk City” Sweet 16 run in the NCAA Basketball Tournament.

Florida SouthWestern State College, home of the Buccaneers, is home to the City of Palms Classic, a six-day event that is one of the most competitive high school basketball tournaments in the nation.

Hertz Arena is home to the East Coast Hockey League’s Florida Everglades.

For snowbirds interested in the Senior Games that will be held from January till March 2025 check out the Lee County Parks & Recreation for more details on the event schedule that includes table tennis, pickleball, tennis, billiards, basketball and archery.

If you are a sports fan, you won’t want to miss MLB Spring training in Fort Myers, where the Minnesota Twins play at the Lee County Sports Complex/Hammond Stadium and the Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park at Fenway South.

The Fort Myers area is also home to the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament that takes place in the Spring.

Shopping

Snowbirds looking for a little retail therapy have plenty of shopping opportunities in Southwest Florida. From classic malls and outlets to open-air lifestyle centers and specialty boutiques, the area has it all.

Located in Estero, between Fort Myers and Naples, Coconut Point mall is a picturesque outdoor mall featuring more than 110 stores as well as restaurants surrounding several acres of lakes with a boardwalk. Stay and watch a show at the 16-screen movie theatre when you’re done shopping and just want to relax.

For great discounts at brand name and designer stores, you can’t beat the outdoor shopping at Miromar Outlets. Easy to spot, just off of Interstate 75, you’ll find everything you’re looking for, as well as lots of restaurants and activities for visiting grandchildren.

A long-time favorite go-to for fashion, beauty, and meeting up with friends for dinner or a movie is Bell Tower. Located in Fort Myers, off of Daniels Parkway & US 41, it’s the perfect spot for spending the day.

You’ll also want to explore the downtown Fort Myers River district, home to unique galleries and boutique shopping - as well as great restaurants.

Fitness and Outdoor Recreation

Southwest Florida offers an amazing diversity of ecosystems, including coastal waters, estuaries and bays, freshwater wetlands, pine flatwoods and upland oak hammocks. Snowbirds can hike, paddle, and go wildlife watching on their own, or seek the help of knowledgeable local guides - either way you’ll find that spending time in our beautiful parks and preserves will be a highlight of your time here.

In fact, more than 100,000 acres have been designated as conservation land to support wildlife and sustain the natural environment. Visit lush parks like Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers and Cape Coral’s Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. Stop in at little gems such as Manatee Park in Fort Myers, or take a dolphin and wildlife cruise with a local tour company. Marvel at the abundance of birds in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. The refuge is open for fishing, birding, biking, hiking and non-motorized boating. While there you will also find Tarpon Bay Explorers, a great option for visitors who want to explore this wild and beautiful area on a tram tour, nature cruise or kayak trip.

Sanibel offers miles of shared-use paths that can help you explore the island by bike or on foot - look to Billy’s Bike Shop to rent bicycles to help you get around.

Snowbirds will also want to experience island hopping to one of the hundred secluded barrier islands, many of which are only accessible by boat. Take one of several charters leaving from Sanibel and Captiva Island, book a private tour, or rent a boat with Captain Brian. As you explore Pine Island Sound, you may spot a group of playful dolphins or a friendly manatee. Visit the famous Cabbage Key Inn for lunch with Captiva Cruises, book a fishing charter or stroll the botanical garden trail on picturesque Useppa. Each Island has a distinct personality ready to be discovered. 

Paddle sports enthusiasts of all ages will want to explore the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, which includes more than 190-miles of kayaking trails throughout the destination.

For a day of pampering, book a massage and other rejuvenating treatments at Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs - and don’t miss yoga on the lawn.

Our entire area is rich in both quantity and quality golf courses, built on stunning landscapes that are up to par with innovative architects' high standards. With your choice of almost 50 courses, tee time can be any time for professional and amateur players. More than 90 years ago , one of America’s most famous players, Donald Ross, set the bar high when he created the Fort Myers Country Club.  Other local courses have endless accolades of their own - from the critically acclaimed Eastwood Golf Course to Jack Nicklaus’s Old Corkscrew Golf Club, which is the only course in the country with his signature design. Check out our curated Golf Guide for the area in collaboration with Matador Network: A Golf Guide to Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods.

There are also public courses like Coral Oaks Golf Club, as well as Topgolf Fort Myers and Popspoke Fort Myers, a miniature golf experience created by Tiger Woods and his TGR Design team.

Fort Myers is a great destination for pickleball lovers! With 13 pickleball courts located throughout Fort Myers alone, players of all levels can enjoy the game. Many courts boast amenities such as restrooms, pro shops, on-site training, water fountains and lighted surfaces for an enhanced experience. There are also two great pickleball locations on Sanibel and Captiva Island!

Snowbirds can also find four large recreation centers and several community centers throughout the Fort Myers area. You’ll find lots of activities for all ages! 

Lifelong Learning

There are a variety of lifelong learning opportunities that are ideal for snowbirds throughout the destination with adult enrichment courses for all interests - from family crochet, cake decorating, and conversational Spanish to dance fitness courses, photography, and new computer tips and tricks - there is no limit to the topics to be explored. Here are just a few options in varying neighborhoods:

• Shell Point Academy of Lifelong Learning
• Lee County School District - Adult and Career Education
• Florida Gulf Coast University/FGCU Academy
• The Community House /Sanibel Community Association
• Alliance for the Arts

Health Care and Medical Facilities

Should the need arise while spending the winter with us, snowbirds will be well taken care of on the health and medical front.

Fort Myers - Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods – also known as Lee County - is home to six hospitals as well as several walk-in medical centers that serve the community.

Two of the top hospitals include Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital. You can find additional information here.

Local Excursions

If you’re looking to enjoy one of the most memorable – one could even say magical – experiences, explore the islands north of Captiva. One option is driving from the mainland across the Boca Grande Causeway to Boca Grande. If you arrive by boat, you can get a glimpse of the secluded beaches of North Captiva Island and Cayo Costa State Park. Visit the historic town of Boca Grande at the south end of Gasparilla Island to find white-sand beaches, pastel-coloured vacation homes, fiery bougainvillea, and an aura of quiet wealth.

It’s here that the grande dame Gasparilla Inn & Club has reigned since 1911. Nearby you’ll find the downtown area, where a restored historic railway depot houses the Keylime Bistro and Loose Caboose Ice Cream & Candy Shop. You will also want to head south to get glimpses of both the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse.

While staying in the Fort Myers area, snowbirds can easily visit other areas of Florida such as:

• Orlando - 320 km (approx. 3 hours drive time)
• Miami - 250 km (approx. 2.5 hours drive time)
• Tampa - 210 km (approx. 2 hours drive time), and
• The Florida Keys.

Take a day-trip and travel from Fort Myers beach to Key West while relaxing in one of the air-conditioned cabins or in the sun and soft ocean breezes from the sun deck while sipping a tropical drink aboard the Key West Express. 

For another day trip option, one can experience the Everglades via an airboat ride! Everglades Day Safari “blends natural beauty and adventure” providing an up-close wildlife experience through Big Cypress National Preserve. The freshwater swamplands cover over 729,000 acres and are home to an assortment of flora and fauna. With round-trip transportation from Fort Myers, one should not miss this adventure.

Deals & Offers for Canadians

Snowbirds can take advantage of the Sun Saver Passport, a collection of mobile-exclusive discounts for visitors to enjoy throughout the Fort Myers area. This digital savings pass provides instant access to a variety of deals and experiences from area attractions, restaurants and more across four categories - Dine, Play, Shop and Sip! There is no app to download, and sign-up is simple and 100 percent free. Visit Sun Saver Passport - Visit Fort Myers - Restaurant & Attraction Deals SW FL

You might also want to start exploring Cape Coral using the latest pass to earn discounts and rewards. Experience Sun Splash Family Waterpark’s 14 acres of water and fun! Grab friends or family and take a tour of the award-winning run distillery - Wicked Dolphin, and visit landmarks like Big John - the well-known 28-foot-tall statue that has towered over downtown since 1969. With Conquer the Cape Coral Quest, each participating location has a four-digit code somewhere on the property. Answer twenty riddles to be entered to win the grand prize.

LGBTQ

Southwest Florida is a year-round LGBTQ friendly tourist destination.

In June 2023, Visuality Florida and Pride SWFL opened the first-ever LGBTQ+ community center in downtown Fort Myers. The 1,500 square foot space includes a library, conference room, two offices, two programming rooms, and multiple co-working stations. The new LGBTQ+ community center is the first ever in the Fort Myers area.

See why Canadian snowbirds love Fort Myers:

Check out our new digital visitor guide that features maps, things to see and do, videos and great information on all our islands, beaches and neighborhoods.