Florida is heading into 2026 with renewed momentum, offering Canadian travellers even more reasons to escape winter and explore the Sunshine State. With expanded air access, new attractions, resort openings, and a lineup of world-class sporting and cultural events, Florida is set to deliver a year of fresh experiences for families, sports fans, and sun-seekers alike.

Global Spotlight: FIFA World Cup Comes to Miami
Miami will take centre stage as one of the official host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, welcoming fans from around the globe. From June 15 to July 18, Hard Rock Stadium – temporarily renamed Miami Stadium for the tournament – will host seven matches, including group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, a quarterfinal, and the third-place playoff. Beyond the matches, visitors can expect vibrant fan zones, cultural programming, and the city’s renowned dining, nightlife, and beaches.

New Family Attractions in Central Florida
Families planning a Florida getaway will find exciting new reasons to visit Central Florida in 2026. LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in Winter Haven will debut Galacticoaster, the park’s first indoor roller coaster, opening in early 2026. Designed with families in mind, the attraction takes riders through a LEGO® galaxy filled with customizable spacecraft, immersive theming, and high-energy fun – perfect for multi-generational travel.

Expanded Flight Access Makes Travel Easier
Getting to Florida continues to become more convenient for Canadians connecting through key U.S. hubs. Beginning June 2026, Breeze Airways will introduce nonstop service to Key West from Tampa and Orlando, with additional routes launching later in the year.

New and Noteworthy Hotel Openings
Florida’s accommodation scene continues to evolve in 2026 with several standout hotel openings. Olde Naples Hotel, part of the Opal Collection, will debut in winter 2026, blending classic Gulf Coast charm with modern luxury just steps from Naples Beach and the historic district. In Central Florida, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando is set to open with more than 400 rooms and condos featuring character-themed suites inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Dora, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles—ideal for Canadian families.

Along the Gulf Coast, The Luce will open in early 2026, offering a 200-room beachfront escape on nine acres of private coastline with bungalow-style studio suites and direct beach access. In South Florida, Delano Miami Beach will return in winter 2026, reimagined with stylish suites and multiple dining and bar concepts, including the iconic Rose Bar. Together, these openings further expand Florida’s diverse and evolving hotel landscape.

New Attractions and Local Experiences
New attractions are already welcoming visitors across the state. In Kissimmee, the Mystery Fun House Arcade delivers all-ages fun by blending retro gaming, simulators, bowling, themed dining, and interactive entertainment under one roof. Along the Gulf Coast, Slipaway Food Truck Park and Marina offers a laid-back waterfront experience, featuring rotating food trucks, live music, shaded seating, and marina access for boaters.

A Big Year for Sports and Special Celebrations
Florida’s 2026 sports calendar is packed with headline-making events. Daytona Beach will host the iconic Rolex 24 At DAYTONA from January 22–25, featuring 24 hours of endurance racing, fan experiences, and live entertainment. NASCAR will return all three national series to Homestead-Miami Speedway, while Florida will also make history by hosting outdoor NHL games for the first time, bringing hockey excitement to both Miami and Tampa.

Beyond sports, Florida will participate in celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary, with statewide heritage events, exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year. On the Gulf Coast, Venice will celebrate its 100th anniversary, highlighting its historic charm, walkable downtown, and access to cycling and paddling trails.

Improved Transportation Across the State
Rail travel within Florida continues to expand with Brightline’s planned extension to Stuart in Martin County, expected to open in late 2026. The new stop will improve access to the Treasure Coast while strengthening rail connections between Central, South, and Southeast Florida.

With new attractions, improved access, major global events, and year-round sunshine, Florida is ready to welcome Canadians in 2026 with unforgettable travel experiences across the state.

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About VISIT FLORIDA
VISIT FLORIDA is Florida’s official tourism marketing corporation and travel planning resource for visitors across the globe. As Florida's No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming a record-setting 142.9 million visitors in 2024, an increase of 1.6% from 2023. In 2023, the Florida tourism industry generated $127.7 billion in economic impact and supported 2.1 million Florida jobs, making tourism a key economic engine benefiting Florida families. The Florida Legislature’s independent Office of Economic and Demographic Research calculates VISIT FLORIDA’s ROI as delivering $3.3 in return to the state for every public dollar invested, making VISIT FLORIDA one of the best performing investments in state history. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs, and works with travel industry partners throughout the state. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, go to VISITFLORIDA.org and follow us on our industry social media channels: LinkedIn and X @FloridaTourism. For travel inspiration and information follow @VISITFLORIDA on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit VISITFLORIDA.com. For media resources, visit VISITFLORIDAMedia.com.

Media Contact:
Anja Brokjans
Director PR, VoX International
VISIT FLORIDA – Canada
Anja@voxinternational.com