Air Canada is increasing its Japan community as soon as once more, this time with a route that winter travellers have been quietly hoping for.
Beginning in December 2026, the airline will function the solely nonstop flights linking North America with Sapporo (CTS), flying 3 times weekly from Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR).
The brand new service connects Vancouver straight with Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS), opening up quicker entry to Hokkaido throughout peak winter season. Till now, travellers heading to northern Japan needed to route by Tokyo (TYO) or Osaka (KIX). This removes that further step totally.
A New Gateway to Japan’s Winter Capital
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is globally identified for its deep powder snow, world-class ski resorts, and the annual Sapporo Snow Competition. Till now, getting there from Canada concerned not less than one connection through Tokyo or Osaka. Air Canada’s new nonstop service adjustments that totally.
Flights will function onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, that includes Signature Class, Premium Financial system, and Financial system cabins. In response to Air Canada, utilizing Vancouver because the departure level cuts greater than two hours off the journey every means in comparison with typical one-stop routings, due to YVR’s geographic benefit as a trans-Pacific hub.
From a community perspective, this additionally reinforces Vancouver’s place as North America’s second-largest Pacific gateway, giving travellers entry to greater than 45 onward locations throughout Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
Schedule Particulars
The seasonal service will function from December 17, 2026, by March 26, 2027, aligning neatly with Hokkaido’s winter tourism peak.
Flight occasions are topic to vary, however seats are already out there on the market by Air Canada and journey brokers.
Why This Route Issues
The addition of Sapporo additional strengthens Air Canada’s Japan community, which already consists of year-round service to Tokyo Worldwide Airport (HND) and Narita Worldwide Airport (NRT), plus summer season seasonal flights to Osaka (KIX). With this transfer, Air Canada now gives extra nonstop locations in Japan from the North American mainland than some other provider.
For Aeroplan members, Sapporo turns into a way more sensible redemption possibility, notably for winter journeys that contain skis or snowboards.
On Air Canada worldwide flights, ski gear is included as a part of customary checked baggage allowances, besides on Primary fares, which is a small however significant perk for this market.
Conclusion
Air Canada’s new Vancouver (YVR) – Sapporo (CTS) nonstop service is a brilliant, well-timed addition that fills a long-standing hole out there.
It gives quicker entry to one in all Japan’s hottest winter locations, strengthens Vancouver’s function as a trans-Pacific hub, and offers Aeroplan members one other compelling motive to look past Tokyo.
If winter Japan has been in your checklist, December 2026 simply obtained much more fascinating.
