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 thrice weekly from Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR).
The brand new service connects Vancouver straight with Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS), opening up sooner entry to Hokkaido throughout peak winter season. Till now, travellers heading to northern Japan needed to route by means of Tokyo (TYO) or Osaka (KIX). This removes that further step solely.
A New Gateway to Japan’s Winter Capital
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is globally recognized for its deep powder snow, world-class ski resorts, and the annual Sapporo Snow Competition. Till now, getting there from Canada concerned a minimum of one connection through Tokyo or Osaka. Air Canada’s new nonstop service adjustments that solely.
Flights will function onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, that includes Signature Class, Premium Economic system, and Economic system cabins. Based on Air Canada, utilizing Vancouver because the departure level cuts greater than two hours off the journey every approach in comparison with typical one-stop routings, because of 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 means of March 26, 2027, aligning neatly with Hokkaido’s winter tourism peak.
Flight instances are topic to alter, however seats are already out there on the market by means of 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 every other provider.
For Aeroplan members, Sapporo turns into a way more sensible redemption choice, notably for winter journeys that contain skis or snowboards.
On Air Canada worldwide flights, ski tools is included as a part of normal checked baggage allowances, besides on Fundamental 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 available in the market.
It gives sooner entry to considered one of Japan’s hottest winter locations, strengthens Vancouver’s position as a trans-Pacific hub, and provides Aeroplan members one other compelling motive to look past Tokyo.
If winter Japan has been in your record, December 2026 simply acquired much more fascinating.
